Hello, I long time ago I found this coin. Lately I've been wondering if it is a real Romanian coin or a replica. Anyone who could help me out?
Hi Rik, Welcome to Coin Talk !! What is that very small rectangular box below the bust on the obverse? Could that be a "maker's mark" which would indicate the coin is a reproduction? Or could it be a metal's purity mark, such as used for silver? Could you provide a larger image of that mark, please? I am not an ancient coin expert at all, but your coin looks like a "copy" coin to me. It's not meant to deceive anyone, it's meant for someone to enjoy having a copy to hold in one's hand. Do you live in Romania? Is there an ancient Romanian historical site near you? Could this coin be a souvenir of a local historical site? Other Ancient coin experts will soon give their opinion. Again Rik, Welcome and Thanks for posting.
The bottom mark looks modern. Makes me wonder...though there is a possibility the coin could be genuine and the mark modern. I've heard of some 19th century collectors having their initials stamped into ancient coins in their collection. The one thing that may suggest cast to me is the reverse pitting which sometimes is a sign of bubles during the casting process, though there is a chance stuff like that could be seen in a genuine coin with corrosion being a possibility (magnification of the coin will reveal the truth). Without a better picture I personally won't give an opinion. Would love to see edge shots, and also weight of the coin...if OP can provide that. Sorry for the non-answer...but I see both things that say "genuine" and things that raise red flags. So I don't feel comfortable saying one way or the other. If I saw that coin on sale I'd pass. There's plenty of coins out there without all these question marks and red flags .
Thanks for the responses, The small mark seems to be a number, but it is hard to read the first symbol. It looks like it is 525, but holding it in different angels makes it look like the first ''5'' could actually be a 3, 9 or even a S. I'm from the Netherlands and to my knowledge this coin has been found around the city of Venlo. There are multiple small ancient Romanian historical sites, but there is no gift shop or tourist attractions that I know off. The coin has a diameter of 33mm and is the thickness is 4mm. I dont have a scale at the moment for the coins weight, but it feels on the heavy side.
From the rim photo you provided I now have no doubt it is a modern cast. I'm sorry that it is not a genuine coin. Even if I were to give you the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the modern stamp on the front.... the way the rim and reverse look screams cast to me.
Thanks for the quick replies. It would have been nice if it was the genuine coin, but sadly enough it isn't. I 'll keep it in my coin collection nonetheless, since I still like the way it looks. Once again thanks for all the info!
