Posted 01/14/2006 2:14 pm
Gold content varies greatly from issue to issue. If it has that usual yellow gold appearance, then it is probably high gold content, but if it is a bit pale, then it is probably electrum. Gold, of course, feels rather heavy for its size; just from holding it you should be able to get a feel for its density.
I have a few ancient gold coins; some, such as the Roman coins from c. 500-700, are made to an exacting standard and are good gold, while my Celtic gold coins are somewhat pale although probably still more gold than silver. I also have a Visigothic gold tremissis made (supposedly) to the Roman standard. Its weight is good, but I bet the gold isn't quite as good as the Roman coins; it's a bit pale.
When you post the image, perhaps we will be able to figure out what it is.
Heather
I have a few ancient gold coins; some, such as the Roman coins from c. 500-700, are made to an exacting standard and are good gold, while my Celtic gold coins are somewhat pale although probably still more gold than silver. I also have a Visigothic gold tremissis made (supposedly) to the Roman standard. Its weight is good, but I bet the gold isn't quite as good as the Roman coins; it's a bit pale.
When you post the image, perhaps we will be able to figure out what it is.
Heather
