Hi! I bought a denarius last year online and I am wondering if it is authentic or not. Its from the reign of Antonius Pius in the 2nd century ad. It came with a catalogue number.
Thanks, I can't say anything beyond that I think it is OK, but I am sure MANY people will chime in. Welcome to CoinTalk.
The coin looks good to me, worn yes and I think at one time it was harshly cleaned as well. The coin looks to be re-toning.
wildwinds:Antoninus Pius Denarius. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P IMP II, laureate head right / TR POT XI COS IIII, Anonna standing right with corn ears in modius & rudder, left foot on prow. RSC 1016a RIC 260 also Wildwinds: *AAH* Antoninus Pius Den "Annona XX" $18.15 Jun-01-04 ancientauctionhouse.com ANCIENT AUCTION HOUSE PRESENTS GENUINE ANCIENT COIN OF *AAH* Antoninus Pius Den "Annona XX" Antoninus Pius AD 138-161 Silver Denarius Obv: ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP IMP II- Laureate head right Rev: TR POT XX COS IIII - Annona standing right, holding rudder and modius; right foot on galley prow. Rome mint: AD 156-157 = RIC III, 260, page 57 - Cohen 1016 - SEAR RCV II (2002), #4128, page 216 (VF $50 - XF $150)2.79g.
It looks completely authentic to me. Why would someone produce a fake of a common coin and not too sought after emperor, that is also very inexpensive when in such a worn condition? I think you may be quite certain that you have a coin almost two thousand years old. And minted by a very revered and praised emperor for having the longest reign of relative peace in the history of the Empire.
Ebay does have fakes, I bought two and got refunded. Especially from certain countries but you may check a couple of sites on circulating fakes before you buy a coin (after you buy as well)/ Here is a link to a good one. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?board=9.0 and another one:http://forgerynetwork.com/ and here is the list of fake coin sellers on ebay-ancients- http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=18502.0
