question about Vespasian sestertius

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by tartanhill, Feb 17, 2019.

  1. tartanhill

    tartanhill Well-Known Member

    Do any CT members see any problems with this sestertius? Vespasian's ear doesn't look right to me.

    [​IMG]

    Roman Empire, Vespasian 69-79, Sestertius, Rome
    Weight 27,12 g, 34 mm.

    Grade: VF
    Literature: RIC 167

    But I like what appears to be some flaking off of patina at 5 o'clock on the reverse.
     
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  3. Roman Collector

    Roman Collector Well-Known Member

    Be careful with this issue. It's in HIGH demand and there are MANY fakes. Not saying this one is, but this is one case where you'd better know your dealer.
     
    alde, Gary R. Wilson and dougsmit like this.
  4. IdesOfMarch01

    IdesOfMarch01 Well-Known Member

    A few suggestions/observations about this particular coin and type:

    1. The coin looks generally authentic and appears to be within the normal range of size, weight, and condition for this type of coin.

    2. Does the seller offer an unconditional guarantee of authenticity? If not, why not?

    3. If the seller DOES offer an authenticity guarantee, and the price is within your budget, have you considered purchasing it and having it authenticated by a recognized authority?

    4. I'm not overly concerned about the appearance of Vespasian's ear, but it would be worth 30 - 60 minutes of your time to search ACSEARCH for "Vespasian Judaea Capta sestertius RIC 167" and see if you can find any die matches. Assuming you have a subscription to ACSEARCH, this will also give you some idea of comparable prices for Judaea Capta in similar condition to this one.

    Good luck!
     
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  5. tartanhill

    tartanhill Well-Known Member


    Thank you for your reply. This is not a seller I have dealt with before, but I will check on the extent of any guarantee. I have tried other searches looking for a die match but have been unsuccessful. Also tried the fake sites and found nothing. I do have a feeling of doubt but I can not put my finger on anything substantial as to why.
    Thanks again.
    Bob Cameron
     
  6. alde

    alde Always Learning

    It's a nice looking coin and I'm sure quite expensive. I can't tell you if it's real or not but like others have said I would only buy a coin like this from a very reputable dealer who offers a lifetime guarantee. If your have a feeling of doubt now you always will unless you have it authenticated by a third party.
     
  7. David Atherton

    David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

    I agree with @IdesOfMarch01 points.

    The two things you really have to worry about with Judaea Capta sestertii are fakes and, if genuine, tooling. This piece 'looks' OK from just the photo (style, fabric) and the weight is within range, but for something like this it really needs to be authenticated in hand.

    FWIW, I have no matches in my digital 'black cabinet'.
     
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