All, This one came as part of a lot. It stood out as being a bit odd and feels unusual. I haven't found another match yet but am convinced it is a cast fake. Severus Alexander denarius Obv:– IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, Laureate, draped, cuirassed, bust right Rev:– MARS VLTOR, Mars standing left, leaning on shield and holding spear; standard resting on his right arm Minted in Rome. 232 A.D. Reference:– RIC 248. RSC 166. Be careful out there. Regards, Martin
Other than it's odd reverse legend, what makes you think it cast? The portrait looks superb to me, but, hey, I get 'em wrong all the time.
I don't like the pits and everything looks mushy. This type is one that I'm interested in and it doesn't look like any of the ones I was considering buying. But I've been after ancients for less than a year...
It lacks sharpness. It feels wrong in hand. I can't see a seam but think it must be there. The surfaces are riddles with small holes which I think are casting bubbles. I think it is apressure cast. Here is a real one from my collection.
When we are considering a coin as a possible cast, there is no comfort in the style being good. There is nothing that prevents a cast maker from using a genuine coin as his master in which case the style should be good. I really am surprised at the number casts we see made from struck fakes which have bad style. I'm not thrilled with the reverse style on this one but this is not a specialty of mine so I shoul not have a strong opinion. The surfaces are wrong so I have to agree with Martin's questioning the coin.
