Vespasian-Capricorn Denarius--'Real or Replica'??

This 'high grade', well-struck and centered example naturally caught my eye....and with its 'superb surfaces', it seemed 'too good to be true'. My attempts to determine its authenticity were inconclusive, so I requested easily accessible 'expert' help to determine the actual genuineness of the coin.

For 'fun' and 'educational purposes,' I'd like to solicit your opinions about this 'terrific looking' denarius. In a day or two, I will post the determinations of the 'experts' I contacted. The attributions appear to be:

AR Denarius of Vespasian, 80-81 AD
Rome Mint, 2.91 grams, 17 mm
Laureate head right; DIVVUS AUGVSTVS VESPASIANVS
S.C. inscribed on shield, supported by two Capricorns; orb with crosshatching below
RIC 357/RIC(1962)63

Of course, feel free to post your examples for comparison and/or any 'type' with Capricorn, Goats or even sheep (?).

 

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I don't see anything wrong, but don't take my word for it. It's a nice looking coin. Hopefully it's authentic.
I only have a fouree example of this design struck under Titus.

 

It's a Lipanoff forgery.

http://www.forgerynetwork.com/asset.aspx?id=WcxPsCTI60Y=

 

It looks a little iffy, but the flan looks correct. Overall design is sharp.

 

Agree with Tif, its a fake.

 

It certainly seems so---that 'Lipanoff' example appears a perfect match. Those listed on 'Forums Fakes'---the 'Toronto' group (if memory serves)--- are less a match in numerous ways, thus my initial inconclusive determination.

A rule of thumb that we are familiar with ' If there's any doubt pass it by' immediately applied here...and TIF's answer seems to confirm the 'coins' status..

Anyone disagree??

 

I wonder though if it is an "genuine" Lipanoff struck fake or a cast of a Lipanoff fake?

 

funny world, eh? ....... I wonder if it's an awesome fake, worth real-money!!?

 

What makes the Lipanoff fakes so insidious is that they used ancient methods to make their copies - striking coins with hand-engraved dies. Thus, you get the sharp edges of a strike with flow lines, and they were (or still are perhaps) quite good at mimicking high Roman style. The OP coin looks cast to me. It doesn't even look good enough to be a Lipanoff fake, so I think TIF is right: it's a fake of a fake.

Rule of thumb: if there's any doubt, there's no doubt.

 

Also, don't buy coins from Bulgaria. Just don't do it. It's simply better to avoid certain neighborhoods.

 

This particular example seems to have made its way into Roumania.....and many are doubtless here in the 'States' already.

 

I wasn't referring to you specifically, just in general.

 

I understand JA, I was merely trying to note that the infamous "Bulgarian" connection extends far beyond that both geograhically and conceptionally---especially for those new to this hobby.

 

The OP coin is a Lipanoff and looks like it was one of the struck fakes. The Toronto group operated by taking coins, some original and many fake and making casts from them so finding a cast of a Lipanoff in fake reports is not surprising.

 

Well, that didn't take very long....It seems as certain as anything can be that this denarius is a FAKE.

 

looks good to me



... just jokes, Mikey-Z ...

=> man, we all hate seeing fakes show-up within our lil' group

 

Yeah, me too...Luckily, I didn't buy it merely bid on it hoping it was real or, at worst, my modest bid would've been average for a 'nice fake'. But, the bids went to average retail instead ---for a genuine type--- and I needed confirmation of its genuineness before 'pulling the trigger'.... not wanting to end up with a replica at 'real' prices.

It's so nice having a knowledgeable group to compare notes with before making a doubtful purchase

 

Just as a warning to folks looking for Flavian denarii on ebay: I've noticed a marked increase in the last year or so of cast fakes such as the OP coin. Unless you know the series well, stick with the reputable dealers on ebay. There is just so much fake crap being offered right now!

I don't really search for coins from other eras, but I'm sure the same holds true.

 

I'd vote 'fake' on that one Steve---too good to be true and it looks more like 'English' lettering