That's the first time I encounter such kind of design on the reverse of a Roman coin figuring the common letters SC in big size. Usually we have flowers or laurels around, or even Greek letters for officina, or figures of a small eagle and a star etc.. As for the obverse, there seems to be some unclear lettering on the mid lower part. The portrait head-left could also be identifiable, I think. The coin weighs 16.1 g. I appreciate your comments.
This might be a rare coin. It's Augustus. What you have on the obverse is the emperor with victory behind the bust, adjusting the laurel wreath. I know for a fact that these types were issued by the moneyer L. Salvius Otho, but this is the first time I've seen one of P. Lurius Agrippa. I can't look it up at the moment, though.
CNG's archive has ~17 of these, some with bust left, some with bust right. The weight of the CNG asses are less. I'm not sure what to make of that. Is it a dupondius or an as?? Is that Victory behind Augustus's head? If so, that would make it far more interesting, like this pristine example below, from CNG and shown on the link above. Its weight is much higher than yours. The weight of other coins shown on that link are much lower than yours. "Augustus. 27 BC-AD 14. Æ Sestertius (or Dupondius?) (21.63 g, 5h). “Triumphal Coinage” issue. Rome mint. P. Lurius Agrippa, moneyer. Struck 7 BC. CAESAR • AVGVST • PONT • MAX • TRIBV-NIC • POT, laureate head of Augustus left; behind, Victory, draped, touching fillet of laurel wreath with right hand and holding cornucopia in left / P • LVRIVS • AGRIPPA • III • VIR • A • A • A • F • F •, large S • C. RIC I 426; BMCRE p. 41, *; BN 618-20. Near EF, dark brown patina, a few trivial scrapes on obverse. Rare. Giuseppe Mazzini Collection, 447. Some question arises on what denomination this issue was. Based on this issue’s irregular weight, Mattingly suggested that the issue were dupondii, and part of a “triumphal coinage” issue. On the other hand, Sutherland opted to divide out the heavier types as dupondii, while the lighter counterparts became asses, a schema which is not without fault, owing to the overlapping of weight ranges for the two denominations. Giard, however, understandably avoiding any attempt to make sense of the divergence of weight, instead chose to classify these as medallions, a logical conclusion, owing to the figure of Victory crowning the head of Augustus. The year 7 BC was an important year in the reign of Augustus. Five years earlier, with the death of Augustus’ lieutenant and heir, Agrippa, the sons of his wife Livia, Tiberius and Nero Claudius Drusus, were elevated to the status of potential heirs and given command of important expansive campaigns in Pannonia and Germany, respectively. With Drusus’ untimely death in 9 BC, Tiberius became sole commander on both fronts. His military abilities proved extremely effective against the enemy and by 7 BC, following his successful prosecution of those wars, Tiberius assumed the consulship. These exceptional pieces were struck in commemoration of Tiberius’ military victories. Clearly at this point, Tiberius was poised to be Agrippa’s replacement and Augustus’ heir." It looks like it may be a nice coin, Charles. I wish the images were better.
This is the triumphal coinage of 7 BC. Only this one on CNG is a match... http://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=115253
Wow.. I feel happy and grateful to all of you. It seems this is the gift of Christmas. Do you advise me to soak it in distilled water ? I don't know what to do. As for the seller, well he's the same. He has a well- known shop near the office where I work. I bought this coin this morning together with another sweet coin for a very small and humble fraction of the estimated value shown in the link above. BTW.. the condition of mine is clearly lower than the coin shown above. I shall be posting the second coin in a few moment, after your permission. Many thanks.. Lol.
That would seem to be the gentlest and most recommended manner of 'cleaning' the loose dirt and 'debris'. I'd do so (and have numerous times) and then just lightly dry it off with a soft rag while rubbing lightly to further remove the loosen dirt. Happy Holidays 7-C !!!
I hope Santa brings you a nice camera You can also use a cut down toothbrush. Cut the bristles down by half. Gentle brushing between soaks, don't forget to change the water when it becomes cloudy.
I soaked the coin in distilled water and achieved exactly what you had advised me. The condition improved, and this is what I've got, so far.
This has the look of a fake/replica that has had dirt added. I would suggest a search of known fakes before getting too excited. The type may match the CNG wonder-coin but the style and fabric do not.
Of course, I deeply tend to believe in your opinion DS. Anyway, just for fun, Here are two professional shots by the iPhone 6 of my daughter. Thank you a lot indeed.
While it does look 'off' as Doug states, I can' offer a definitive answer to the coins genuineness----but then I almost never can unless it has 'COPY" engraved in it LOL I'm hoping it's genuine but of a strange style.....
