A. Severus real or fake

I’m currently looking for a good coin of Alexander Severus and I’m still not good at picking out fakes especially on eBay. I checked the fake seller list and his name wasn’t there as far as I could tell.

That being said I need help once again.

-Thanks




This is the description and seller

 

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Looks fine to me.

 

(I'm not an expert) I'd land on the real side of the analysis.

 

Why would you suspect it to be fake? Is there something in particular you're worried about it?

 

It’s because it’s on eBay and I’ve come to not trust eBay to a degree.

 

The fabric is fine, and so are the specs. I'm not crazy about the reverse though - personally I'd look for a coin with a stronger strike. Most denarii of SA aren't rare, and crisper reverses are easily found.

 

There are many good coins on ebay and this one looks ok. But usually before buying something you should do as much research as possible about what it is that you are getting. It will save you a lot of money.

 

My question as well. I see nothing to ring alarm bells.

 

Looks OK. You can see the spread marks around the lettering as the silver flowed into the dies and out, certainly it is a struck coin, not cast, and presents (IMHO) an authentic appearance.

 

I've had really good experiences with this eBay seller. I've bought two or three things from him and have been perfectly satisfied.

As for Severus Alexander in general, his coins run really hot and cold for me - some of his portraits can be bland and/or badly struck. This one looks pretty good to me - nice details on the portrait. In fact it has a kind of "Eastern" look to the eye - some experts here might know more. The reverse is a bit mushy as John Anthony notes, but personally, I think the artistry is pretty good for this era. I like it.

Keep in mind if you do win from him, the Canadian Post Office is on some kind of a strike, so shipping might be slow.

 

Thanks for sharing that, makes me feel better knowing someone on here has bought from him before.

 

Part of the reverse mush is due to the die clash. See the incuse 'shadow' of the portrait on the reverse? I see nothing wrong with the coin but agree you can get better if you pay for better. It is Rome mint as listed. Below is an Eastern denarius of different reverse.

 

is that casting bubbles on the reverse or just corrosion? I think cracks on the edge- casting doesn't do well with that. Prob genuine

 

Victors good....i got my patchyderm from him..