Need authentication help on this gold solidus
Staircoins
Posts: 2,565 ✭✭✭
Greetings all,
I picked up this little gem knowing full well that it may or may not be genuine. I'd like to attempt to authenticate it in the bezel, if possible.
The coin itself is approximately 20MM in diameter, and my very limited attribution skills tell me that it should be a Solidus of the joint reign of Constans II and Constantine IV, 654-668 AD, Constantinople.
I'd like to know whether this is likely to be a genuine piece, or if these were commonly produced as replicas for jewelry. I'd also like to know your best guesses as to likely weight & fineness (if authentic) and value, of course.
Any other comments are welcome as well.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Mike
I picked up this little gem knowing full well that it may or may not be genuine. I'd like to attempt to authenticate it in the bezel, if possible.
The coin itself is approximately 20MM in diameter, and my very limited attribution skills tell me that it should be a Solidus of the joint reign of Constans II and Constantine IV, 654-668 AD, Constantinople.
I'd like to know whether this is likely to be a genuine piece, or if these were commonly produced as replicas for jewelry. I'd also like to know your best guesses as to likely weight & fineness (if authentic) and value, of course.
Any other comments are welcome as well.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Mike
0
Comments
THIS PAGE has some examples of the coinage.
my early American coins & currency: -- http://yankeedoodlecoins.com/
That isn't necessarily true.... I wouldn't tell someone that their coin is a fake or replica based off the fact it isn't slabbed... I've seen MANY high dollar coins that weren't slabbed with some TGP's stamp of approval. Who knows, this could be the real McCoy. I am pulling for it to be real since I like seeing others come into good fortune....helps with the karma thing!
Todd
Thanks for the link, CGC. The photos there are very helpful.
Mike
<< <i>If it was real it would be in a slab. And if it was worth something it'd be in a PCGS or NGC slab. And if it was PQ it would have a CAC sticker on it. >>
Tongue in cheek, right?
my early American coins & currency: -- http://yankeedoodlecoins.com/
BTW, I think Crito's pulling your leg.
https://www.civitasgalleries.com
New coins listed monthly!
Josh Moran
CIVITAS Galleries, Ltd.
Thanks, Civitas.
(No worries about Crito. This ain't my first rodeo. )
<< <i>I've been told several times that to think otherwise is a sign of an inexperienced and immature collector (or someone with no coins worth over $100). So I'm just trying to fit in with the crowd here. Who knows, I might start collecting tangerine and chartreuse toned silver coins next too. >>
No, no, no. You've got it all wrong. Certified First Strike, PF70 Modern Commems are where the REAL value is! (... and colorized state quarters, of course.)
I decided to scrap the bezel. (It's 18 kt, and quite hefty at over 12 grams, so it will make a nice addition to my scrap pile!)
The coin weighs 4.41 grams, and is 19.1 mm wide x 20.9 mm tall. Here are new images:
Comments, anyone?
Mike
Looks very nice and authentic to me.
and I like it more without the bezel
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