This is my favorite ancient coin and I'm always on the hunt for an affordable example. I recently saw this one on vcoins. At first I thought the portrait looked off, but it might just be beaten up. The size is listed as 18mm with a weight of 3.1 grams, which sounds okay. Then I took a closer look at the reverse side. It looks like "IVLIVS" is spelled "IVILVS"! What sayeth the flock? Thanks, Joe Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
It doesn't look right. The portrait looks wrong, but perhaps it is because the coin is in such rough condition. Take a look at the coins in this thread: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/heres-a-beat-up-coin-that-im-super-stoked-about-d.286652/
I only like that type when they have holes pounded into them ... https://www.cointalk.com/threads/heres-a-beat-up-coin-that-im-super-stoked-about-d.286652/
Bing - Yes, the portrait looks off, especially around the eyes. Do you see the mispelling too, or are my eyes bad? That misspelling is very suspicious. I've looked at lots of pics of this type and have never seen another with an error like that. Stevex6 - ;-) I can hardly wait until mine arrives! It should be here the first or second week in December. Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Even then, someone paid $325 for it! The listing shows it is "Reserved" pending funds. I wonder if they noticed the misspelling? I saw this coin offered earlier on eBay and the reverse photo was flipped over so the lettering was difficult to read.
I agree with all who have condemned the coin. Style and spelling are wrong! My mediocre example below.
Thanks for your kind comments @AncientJoe and @Bing. I've never been thrilled with the surfaces on my coin; a bit too rough for my liking. Other than that... Steve is gonna have fun with that comment.
Certainly not an issue of any official Roman mint. To me it looks like a contemporary ancient forgery executed by an illiterate counterfeiter. However, the only way such a nefarious entrepreneur profited by such a time consuming exercise was to silver plate a base metal core, usually bronze, and enjoy the profit when spent. This coin is very distressed and displays a flaking edge which should be examined to check for a base copper core. A specific gravity test would also help determine the metallic purity. On the bright side, an ancient forgery has a collector value considerably above a modern example produced simply to deceive today's collectors.
Here's my example, not from the original issue but issued during the Roman Civil War with the intent of calling back to peaceful times: Based on the toning, it should have a pedigree but thus far I've been unable to locate one.
@AncientJoe Great coin. How can you tell the difference between this one and the earlier original issue?
Thanks! The difference in style is usually a good indicator for Civil War denarii. That said, they're relatively rather rare so it's difficult to find matches at times.
Terrific example @Carausius !! I have a tolerance for a bit of roughness ...and there's still time to be my 'Secret Santa', isn't there? LOL Another great coin @AncientJoe ......But from you I never expect anything less....up-grades totally out of my annual budget perhaps but always wonderful coins.
Nice coins from @AncientJoe and @Carasius! Thanks for posting them! Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
