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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,512 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3330 Posts |
I have recently acquired a few ancients and I am going through them one by one. The area is new to me. I guess the grainy appearance is due to casting? If this were a more recent coin I would start thinking counterfeit. Any observations or comments about this coin would be appreciated. I think the ID is: Rome mint: AD 220 = RIC IVii, 243 I am noticing that the Venus image is a bit more clear and distinct then in some examples I have seen.   |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Maybe it's just the pictures but, this coin just doesn't look right to me. It could a genuine coin but someone did something to it that makes it look fake. Maybe they tried to re-silver it I can't say for sure.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3330 Posts |
Quote:
this coin just doesn't look right to me That is why I raised the question. I was looking at how grainy it appears - is that what you see? |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
946 Posts |
Also worth keeping in mind that the Denarius had a Silver content of around 50% by the time of Julia Soaemias:  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3330 Posts |
What a great chart! Thank you! I can see that the world of ancient coins is going to be a whole new world for me!
If no one objects, I may be posting a few more!
What great input from this part of CCF!
Thanks!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Post away, Pete.
Good to "see" you back on the board, Masis.
Personally I lean towards the coin being legit based on the sharply detailed legends and lack of apparent casting bubbles - but, as Echizento suggests, it may have suffered at the hands of someone in modern times. Perhaps an ill-conceived acid dunk? Having said that, perhaps it could be natural corrosion/environmental damage, I suppose.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
As Bob said the lettering in the legend looks right, but the pitting of the surface and soft details don't look right. I can't tell from the pictures if the surface looks a silver or gold color, if a gold color than someone tried to gold plate it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3330 Posts |
Quote:
I can't tell from the pictures if the surface looks a silver or gold color My apologies for the photos. The gold color you see is light reflection/refraction. The coin is a silver color. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
949 Posts |
I have seen this kind of surface on silver before, and this is a naturally occurring deterioration of the alloy due to the conditions in which it lay in the ground or, more likely, under water. I do not see it as evidence of falsification of the coin.
The flatness of the strike on one side (obv right, rev left) and the corresponding strength of the lettering opposite indicates that the hammer die was not held quite square with the plane of the coin, therefore also serving as evidence of striking rather than casting.
The styling of the bust, lettering, and treatment of the VENUS CAELESTIS reverse are all correct for Julia Soaemias. I would have no hesitation in accepting it as an authentic properly issued coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3330 Posts |
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,512 |
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Posted 01/31/2016 09:39 am
