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Replies: 10 / Views: 4,447 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
In light of my previous posting, can anyone tell me if this AR Denarius of Pertinax is real? I don't have a warm and fuzzy about it, even though I tested it and it is silver.  
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
OK, I'm going to throw in my 2 cents and say real, because it doesn't show the signs of modern casting, which would give the edge more of a rim. I could be totally wrong, though, so don't use my opinion as "official" Here's some more information on this: http://www.forgerynetwork.com/asset.../cdbgLwtyBI=
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Can't exactly put my finger on it, but there is something about this coin that makes me feel it's not right.
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
Can you upload a pic of the edge?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4253 Posts |
OK, but I'm not the greatest of photographers, but here it is. 
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4253 Posts |
Maybe this a better pic 
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Valued Member
United States
132 Posts |
OK, I'd like to add another 2 cents... Pro-Real: The edge appears to have an edge crease, or what looks like light, uneven seam closer to one side of the coin, which is caused by striking. Sometimes a seam on the edge is evidence of casting, but it would be straighter and more towards the middle of the edge. No evidence of machining or gluing. No clear signs of casting bubbles or polishing. Pro-Fake: There do not appear to be any casting bubbles on the surfaces, however, in the 2nd image, there is a small anomaly at the bottom of the coin that gives me pause. Could this be a casting bubble, or is it evidence of a sprue? Also, and more importantly, is the recessed areas of the coin, like the eye for example, appear filled in. Also, check out the edge around the figure on the reverse - notice the "bleeding" around it? This could be lighting, though. Have you weighed the coin?
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
Edited by bobbyhelmet 07/17/2011 07:14 am
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
For those who had a 'gut feeling' that the coin is not right: congratulate yourselves.
Ancient coin collectors need this defensive mechanism to protect themselves.
That 'gut feeling' almost always triggers the first step in an investigation.
I have walked away from a few ancient coins before, without having a conclusive reason for doing so. The retrospection in every case is that I feel that I did the right thing.
Pity. In some ways, you know that you must restrain yourself at coin shows from criticising a dealer's offer. When you know that your opinion may be wrong, but you may not be in a position to identify the reason with certainty. If either one of you in such a proposed deal is wrong, there is inevitably egg on face for someone.
In this case, I too, was unhappy with the texture of the metal surface on the obverse.
An then bobbyhelmet came to our rescue. He did the investigation. Well done, bobbyhelmet.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
Cheers Sel - I do like putting my Columbo rain coat on every now and then!
Knowing someones been duped always takes the shine off a successful case though.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4253 Posts |
I had my doubts all along, but had no idea where to look to be sure. Since joining this forum I have learned a lot (but a lot more needed). As SAP pointed out in a previous thread, and as bobbyhelmet just pointed out, when in doubt investigate. I teach a class on body language and detecting lies with one of the things I always emphasize is to listen to your gut feeling. There usually is a reason for the feeling even though it may be something you just can't put your finger on. Statistics show that "gut feelings" are correct 70% of the time. I need to heed my own advice. As for identifying the seller, sorry to say I cannot. I have had the coin for way too long and I do not have the receipt. Rest assured I will ID any seller I find selling fakes as original coins. I admit it hurts to know I have been taken for a fool once again!! Hopefully with the knowledge I gain from the people on this forum, I will be foolish less often. Thanks again to one and all.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 4,447 |
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