Another question on authenticity

Hello friends,
I have another question on authenticity of Vespasian coin. I attached pictures for your judgment

Thank you

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Hello team, can anyone advise? thank you

 

Well, I haven't responded because I'm unsure. The images of the obverse and reverse are a little blurry, but..... if it's not the blurriness, I think they look somewhat soft which could be indicative of in-authenticity (read that as fake). I'm not ready to say the "F" word, but I already have doubts. Also need weight and size. And where did you buy this coin?

 

Hi Bing, thank you for your feedback, got them on good old Ebay, what bothers me, is that it looks exactly like Caracalla coin, which i posted earlier, which was determined by most of the experts here as fake, so this prompted another post with this coin. Also, i have not notices any minor cracks on the side of the coin, which usually typical for dinari, no? here edges seem to be smoothed , but again I am not an expert

 

Here are some sharper images

 

I agree with @Bing (who is way more knowledgeable than me btw) that the details look soft. Lack of flan cracks might also be suspect???

If I may offer some friendly and hopefully helpful advice. First is that size and weight are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIALLY when determining authenticity. If you don't have calipers or a scale that might be a good investment if you want to collect ancients. Both can be found pretty cheap on Amazon as I recently bought new calipers myself

For cast coins weight especially is extremely difficult for a forger to get right if they are not using the exact same material composition as the original (not impossible though).

Also when you upload photos try to post the full image to the thread itself after you upload the file. "Upload a File"-->*insert file*-->"Full Image" (button at bottom of reply next to "thumbnail")

Am I correct in assuming you are using your phone to take photos? If so one thing I've found (I'm still learning as well ) is that the pictures are blurry if you try to get the phone too close to the object because the phone autofocus is not set up for macro shots. Instead place it on something that doesn't move (a jar or similar) and set the timer so there is no blur causing vibration from hitting the button. Then crop it down. I've had the best luck with 2 or 3 light sources at about 60 degrees or natural sunlight.

 

Hi Curtisimo, excellent advise, I was planning to invest in the scale.. Thanks again, will be returning this one then. I am planning to get that micro lens for the Iphone, so i can take a better quality photos. But really appreciate your help on this one.thanks again

 

Thank you Smojo!

 

I bought this ridiculously cheap digital scale not knowing what kind of quality it would be. I've had it for a few months and am quite pleased with it for my light hobbyist use. Its readings are consistent with those provided by the pros for coins I own. I did buy a 200 g. weight for calibration, but that was only about $5 more. I think this same scale is manufactured overseas and various distributors slap their own name on it. But it's been a good budget purchase for me. Under $10!
Ascher Elite Digital Pocket Scale 200 x 0.01g
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IXHSPDK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

American Weigh Scales 200WGT Carbon Steel 200gm Calibration Weight Scale with Chrome Finish

 

My new calipers cost a little more. But I'm please with these too. iGaging IP54 Electronic Digital Caliper 0-6" Display Inch/Metric/Fractions Stainless Steel Body

I found this video of a caliper "shootout" to be helpful when buying calipers.

 

Thank you so much

 

Can these do damage to the coin- scratches and marks??

 

They can if you're not careful but just using them to take a few careful measurements should be fine. It's not the same ballgame as with modern US where a scratch only visible on magnification can cost you hundreds of dollars

Ancient coins have been been around quite a while and seen much fiercer opponents than a little old caliper

 

Fair enough Curtisimo, Question: your avatar picture, what grade is it? AU or MS??

 

Those aren't grades used in ancients except by NGC. I'm not looking to start a slab/no slab debate. Grading ancients is a whole new ball game.

Slow down a little and buy coins from trusted sellers. Get a scale and calipers and used correctly they won't hurt the coin.

 

Thanks Jwt708, on my list of tools to have. 96% of coins I purchase - are from trusted sellers, just these 4 were bought from 4 different sellers and turned out to be fakes..Learning to pinpoint fakes - one step at a time.

 

It's an NGC graded ancient. AU strike 5/5; surface 4/5

I bought it already in the slab but I most definitely bought the coin and not the slab. It's the only slabbed coin I have right now. I really don't have strong feelings about slabbing but I can see the argument for ancients being better when handled and enjoyed

I agree with jtw above that you will be better served buying from dealers of known ancient credentials. I can't recommend Vcoins enough for folks who want a little extra peace of mind!

 

Agreed, the only problem with VCOINS is that a ton of coins there have 100% markups, or even higher, compared to market prices realized via online auctions.

 

I think it's a mixed bag just like prices on eBay but there are plenty of fair priced options. After you posted the Caracalla you bought yesterday for $45 I did a Vcoins search for Caracalla and found several denarii with plenty of good eye appeal in that price range.

Plus you have to ask yourself how much your time is worth. Is it worth the extra $20 to not have to return your coins or worry that they are fake?