| Author |
 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,926 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
These were up for auction as an Unidentified lot. The pics were very fuzzy but I could still make out that they were common denarii of Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius and Trajan, but there was also one of the scarce usurper Clodius Albinus. No way to tell if it was a fake or not, so I bid relatively low and won. Well they came in today and it looks that they all seem OK. But any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks   A closer look: Clodius Albinus, as Caesar, AR Denarius. 195 AD. D CLOD SEPT ALBIN CAES, bare head right / COS II, Aesculapius standing left, naked to waist, feeding serpent climbing up staff.   Edited by travelcoin
10/25/2019 8:49 pm
|
|
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
Impossible to say with certainty but ...... It looks a tad bit 'sketchy' One of the oldest tricks in the ebay sellers book Salt a group of fairly common types with something to catch the eye of the intrepid sleuth ! It might be genuine But I wouldn't bet on it |
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I found a denarius of Cloius Albinus in slightly better condition on Vcoins for U.S.$72.
Look inside the radial edge split for signs of tensile metal distress. Cast coins do not show this phenomenon; the edge split is usually poorly defined instead.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
1120 Posts |
I got all four for $72- not sure what tensile metal distress is, but the splits and cracks resemble many of the coins I have. I tried to take a pick, but it's out of focus.  |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
549 Posts |
I'd say your Clodius Albinus is genuine and you should be pleased with your acumen.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
Thanks for the replies, I'm going to keep the Albinus and sell off the other three.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
By chance, I was perusing the latest ebay listings and came across, well - my coin. No doubt about it. ebay coin  my coin I've been collecting for about 5 years and this is the first (that I'm aware of) that I've actually bought a fake. I've overpaid and have been saved a few times by members of our forum from buying a fake, but overall, very lucky. I would have never guessed this coin, it's done so well. Frankly, this has put a little scare in my bones because, I actually had the coin in hand and was completely and utterly fooled.  This coin has to be struck or pressed no way a cast. The other 3 coins I'm still certain are genuine and when you add up the buy for those three it comes out to just under $23, so it's not all bad. Already sold one for $20. Still might ask for a partial refund though. RVFVS you were right  I still have a lot to learn Edited by travelcoin
11/25/2019 9:25 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1554 Posts |
Casts are not always as easy to detect as some think. Sometimes one can only be certain when a twin is found, as was the case here. If they were produced by striking with a die or by pressing, the flans would differ in shape.
Edited by Kushanshah
11/25/2019 10:06 pm
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
Quote:
If they were produced by striking with a die or by pressing, the flans would differ in shape. Kushanshah, that is true. I don't believe the seller intentionally sold as a fake, as he was very apologetic and issued a partial refund as I still want to keep the other three. Edited by travelcoin
11/26/2019 09:49 am
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
High pressure zinc alloy die casting is used for metal toy making. The technique is not new. That well may be the method used for making all four coins. It is a tough job to identify a fake, using on screen photographs, when this method of faking is used. I have to admit, even when looking at such a (silver plated) fake in hand, and if you do not take enough care, it is still possible to be fooled. This was demonstrated to me by a professional coin dealer. Now I am much more careful, when examining a coin in hand, at auction view days. Also less keen on ebay for this reason, unless you know the seller, or his professional reputation. |
|
Moderator
 United States
34424 Posts |
@TC, for sure it is troubling to find this, but I'm really glad that you were able to determine what you had for sure.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
1120 Posts |
I almost want to keep it because it's so good. It's much more convincing than some of the replicas that sell for $10-$15 bucks. I felt more confident on the ebay platform, this knocked me back a little. I always try to buy from reputable dealers and sellers, but I got lucky on a few bargain basement finds. But I guess the key word is "lucky". Quote:
... I'm really glad that you were able to determine what you had for sure. Me too, since I will add to the fake reports as this one was not in there. At least this will help the next person out. Edited by travelcoin
11/26/2019 6:55 pm
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I would keep it an an education, on how to identify high quality fakes.
You need to be familiar with them, for your own education.
That is why I maintain a reasonably large collection of 'black' coins.
We don't have the advantage that you have:- that is,
to be able to examine it, hand held, with a 10x loupe.
Always useful before deciding to buy,
unless you know the seller, or his professional reputation.
|
| |
Replies: 12 / Views: 1,926 |
|
Posted 10/26/2019 10:33 am
