Hello, I have concerns of the Authenticity of these two coins. I would love some help and insight. The first coin having what appears to be Zeus on one side and an elephant on the other. I research both images. I founds some interesting coins containing elephant imagery but not this coin specifically. Any ideas of what it could be? Next is a tetradrachm. I looking through several images and wasn't able to find one where the detail work on the owl was the same. Are either of these true ancient coin?
The first one is (or is in the style of) a denarius of moneyer Caecillius Metellus Pius Scipio. Authentic? I don't know. The second is an inauthentic approximation of an Athens coin.
Your tetradachm doesn't look authentic neither does the other. Not an expert on ancients but that's my thought
Both look 'off' to me and since I stand by that old refrain...."If there's any doubt, there's no doubt", I'd consider them fakes and move on....unless they came with a 'Sears Certificate'
Oh sorry, yah I actually have no idea ... ummm, but if I were guessing ... => the first one has a chance, but unfortunately that 2nd baby is lookin' like a "no-go"
The METEL PIVS looks ugly, but is not too far from coins of that issue. It could be real, or a "reasonable" fake. Both the obverse and reverse of this coin vary a lot. See pics from NAC and Roma below. In any case, a coin that has spend some time in jewlery is usually sold at pretty steep discounts over numismatic value. If you want a tie tack, lapel pin or other bling, go for it. NAC Roma Q. Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Q. Metellus Pius Scipio AR Denarius. Africa c. 47-46. Laureate head of Jupiter r., beard and hair in ringlets / Elephant walking r. Crawford 459/1; RSC Caecilia 47. 4.04g, 16mm, 12h. Toned VF
While on the subject of elephants: Does anyone notice the similarity in style to one of the two standard elephants of the common Julius Caesar type. Most of us (certainly I) prefer the other one but this rounded piggy style elephant is familiar. Is there information on the mint location hidden in the elephant style? https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=60720 https://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=35466
I believe that is the assumption but I'm unsure that there is any definitive evidence on where. I personally see 4 main styles Crude/Pig, Fat, Normal, Hybrid - and have an example of each below. My favorite is what I call the Hybrid style, part Pig-afunt and part Normal Elephant. All certainly had to be minted in different areas and times. Crude/Pig Normal Hybrid - Pig and Normal Fat
