Septimius Severus Denarius - Authenticity Check

Fields are quite flat too - perhaps pressed/machine struck? Perhaps your coin is fine, NST...but I share some concerns.

I know the obverse doesn't match the condemned coin at the link below (assuming that link works), but the reverse seems very close (allowing for differences in the perspective of your photo with the linked one). I note the similar lettering/spacing and, particularly, the pattern of the dots in the border above the "VIIC" at the top. Think the reverse is a match?

http://forgerynetwork.com/asset.asp...VWVJDFpWMGQ=


Edit: I just looked at the RIC 231 on the Septimius Severus page at Wildwinds, and I note a similar reverse. Assuming that coin at WW is legit and the one at ForgeryNetwork is indeed fake, it could be that modern dies were created from a kosher specimen - perhaps through spark or chemical erosion, accounting for the match.

So it may well be that my comment above, about the possible reverse match to a fake, may not be conclusive of anything. Still, the flat fields do give me some pause. The Roman experts here will, I'm sure, have more meaningful contributions.

Thanks for the response Bob!

I completely agree with your comment, especially the fields being too flat! the link you provided is quiteeee similar..

I can't believe I didn't notice it was a match with RIC231 nor did I include the reference in my initial post, I do apologize! I must of looked at the picture from RIC 231 50 times hahaha

Its got 'the look' of a modern fake, a common finish that brings out the details and appears on many forgeries (and legitimate 'reproductions'!), but seems to never appear on unquestionably ancient pieces. That gut feeling you have about it was right on the money, in my opinion - one for the black cabinet.

I would agree with the comments above, not a genuine coin.

I get the feeling the "authors" of these forgeries are taunting us with their talent
But the details are too splendid and the surfaces too fresh not to be suspicious
But what can be written in prose can also be styled in crude limericks
Its become difficult not to have doubts about all but the surest finds
Like the fellow who after he sold me around 75 tetrarchy folles and finished off by trying to sell me the bronze pot he found them in ! Of those my doubts are none !
But healthy skepticism is an essential part of collecting today
The term "rare" being the reddest flag of all to me