I have been fixated on this silver coin for weeks trying to determine which ruler(s) this represents. One is a radiate and the other seems to be laureate. I can't find anything similar in my searches. Radiate could be Gordian III (Apparently he minted a vast amount) or Valerian? Does anyone know of a good glossary of symbols used on reverses of ancient coins?
Perhaps an imitation or poor modern copy of one of the issues of Caligula that had him radiate, for example: http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear5/s1810.html#RIC_0024
My first guess would be a Provincial drachm of either Tiberius or Caligula and Divus Augustus (radiate) from an eastern city (perhaps Caesarea). Researching coins with so much missing detail might require knowing the series from previous exposure which I do not have but that is where I would start looking. I am way out of my area even guessing that much. What symbols are you seeing that you want to know? If you are talking about personifications, I have a page http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/pers.html but they are not what I would call symbols. Give examples of what you seek.
Your coin may be an attempted copy of a Caligula denarius. Whether it's an ancient counterfeit (maybe a fourree?) or a modern counterfeit is beyond my expertise. I tend to doubt it's an official minting, but I'm not even sure of that.
@dougsmit and @Bing that is clue enough, thanks, I went on wildwinds and researched, I found almost the exact match, and it is Tiberius and Divus. (see below) RPC5094. Even the LZ matches, as well as the faint larger Greek font to the right of Divus (theos sevastos = God respectable), matches. Now my question is, would one counterfeit coins in silver? Also, Doug, the link you provided (your page) is spot on, excellent, I had come across the forum now and then but it is a rich resource and I will use it. They are I guess not symbols, rather the deities and personalities on the reverse of these coins. My coin terminology has to improve. Thanks again.
... I'm pretty sure silver coins are on the counterfeiter's list *edit* Oh, I guess you're asking if they'd use bronze and then coat it with silver (either way, I still think the answer is yes) I'm fairly lousy at spotting fakes, so I can't reassure you that your coin is a winner ... but I obviously wish you luck and hope that your OP-coin runs the gauntlet and is found to be a total winner!!
Are there fake silver coins? Thousands. Is this coin fake? I do not think so but I will not say any coin is definitely genuine based only on a photo.
correction..... the punched hole in the card gives the impression its a coin on a white piece of paper and therefore very round (when seen on my iphone), now I have had another look, I dont believe its fake.
