Please tell me if this ancient is legit

ChangeInHistory · September 4, 2014 9:19PM

I bought this at the ANA pretty cheap, $38. I'm not very knowledgeable on ancients and wanted to run it past the experts here.

It's marked Silver Antoniniani AD 200-300 Obv. HD Roman Emperor, Rev. Various godesses. I was wondering if it's legit and if the attribution is correct. Thanks for any help

Sapyx · September 4, 2014 10:07PM

The attribution is technically correct, in the same sense that attributing the coin you're currently using as your icon as "American coin, 1800-2000" is technically correct. It's just not very precise and not very helpful, where more precision is possible. In this case, it is an antoninianus of emperor Gordian III, reverse Pax (goddess of peace) standing.

However, the more important question is, "is it genuine?". And I have to say, I'm worried about this one. The "fuzzy, half-melted" details and the porous surfaces make me think this is a cast replica.

determined · September 4, 2014 11:24PM

I agree. The cast appearance is concerning. Knowing its weight might help. Can you get a weight? I don't collect these so maybe another forum member can post the expected authentic weight of these.

Jinx86 · September 5, 2014 12:46AM

Most Gordan III that Ive seen have come very well struck except for central details on the Rev. Ill try to see if I cant find a few, as they are quite common pieces.

STLNATS · September 5, 2014 12:47AM

Gordian 238-244 AD antoninianus

<< <i>I'm worried about this one. The "fuzzy, half-melted" details and the porous surfaces make me think this is a cast replica. >>

Hard to tell from scans, so could be. But it appears to be somewhat worn and struck with a worn die both of which can give the fuzzy effect. And I've seen coins that were cleaned in an acid bath that have a similiar porous surface. The acid can remove impurities from the surface (especially from these debased issues which are <50% silver to begin with) leaving this sort of appearance. Didn't see it on Forum Ancient Coins' fake report after a very quick scan altho that's certainly not definitive. Weight would be helpful as well as a scan of the edge to see if there is any evidence of a seam before condemning it. Also might help to know if the seller specializes in ancients or this was just an odd coin in his case.

PS you might want to try posting it on Forum's site where there's a deep cadre of experienced collectors. Just read the rules before you post please:

FAC

Jinx86 · September 5, 2014 1:05AM

Gordian III, 238-244 AD. AR Antoninianus(5.24grams) 238-240 AD. Radiate draped bust/Jupiter standing with thunderbolt and sceptre, emperor standing at left. Near Mint

This is the only one I had in the office and is a different design, I think theres 15 or so varieties. I would say this one might even be a bit light as to the other I have at home.

bronzemat · September 5, 2014 1:07AM

^Thats nice, 5.2g is actually a bit on the heavy side. Most run in the 4.xg side.

As for the OP, I dont care for the look either. All of it screams fake.

Does it stick to a magnet?

CIVITAS · September 5, 2014 1:57AM

It does give some concern, but genuine coins can sometimes have this look if they were worn in jewerly, kept as a pocket piece, or abbrasively cleaned.

Clear photos of the edge would be helpful as well as the weight.

NiceCurrency · September 5, 2014 6:30AM

I'm throwing my hat into the counterfeit ring, everything about it looks like hell

ChangeInHistory · September 5, 2014 10:58AM

Thanks for the critiques, I obviously have a lot to learn about ancients!

I'll try and get a weight and a picture of the edges this weekend

For $38, I figured I'd roll the dice on it, not a big deal. Looks like into the counterfeit collection she goes!

Thanks again for the responses.

Nap · September 5, 2014 1:23PM

The letters that are "stretched" to the rim is a phenomenon seen on struck coins.

If this is a counterfeit it is doubtful it is a struck counterfeit. Usually counterfeit coin dies are not used to the point where they show significant die wear.

It could be a cast replica from a mold made from a real coin. It almost looks like a fouree piece. I don't think I've seen a fouree denarius or antoninianus with such die wear though, but I'm certainly no expert in Roman.

But if I had to guess, I'd say it's probably a genuine coin with somewhat porous surfaces.

Please tell me if this ancient is legit

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