Questionable Byzantine Gold Coin

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Al Kowsky, Nov 11, 2019.

  1. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    Last Thursday I won the Byzantine gold Histamenon Nomisma, pictured below, from Roma E-Sale 63, lot 1134. Friday morning I took a closer look at the photo, full screen, on my computer and saw details I didn't like; soft smudgy lettering, and an almost baroque rendition of Christ's head. I found a number of illustrations of that coin type from Coin Archives and Wild Winds and my suspicions were confirmed. I then went on Forgery Network & found two illustrations of fakes that are strikingly similar to the coin I just won, pictured below the Roma lot 1134. Next I sent an e-mail to Richard Beale, expressing my concern along with the two photos from Forgery Network. He wrote back to me stating "Dear Al, That's not good. I will check the coin carefully on Monday and let you know. All the best Richard." I received an e-mail today at 1:00 pm from Roma Numismatics saying the coin has been shipped FEDEX ! I welcome all comments from CT members on this coin.

    Roma E-Sale 63, Lot 1134.jpg
    Romanus III Argyrus, AD 1028-1034, Constantinople Mint: AV Histamenon Nomisma, 22 mm, 4.47 gm, 6 h. Sear 1820

    ForgeryNetwork, SB 1820.png
    Example of a fake Sear 1820, from Forgery Network.

    Forgery SB 1820 (3).png

    Another example of a fake Sear 1820, from Forgery Network.
     
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2019
    Valentinian, ominus1, Bing and 3 others like this.
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  3. Colby J.

    Colby J. Well-Known Member

    The coloring looks off. Did you test it?
     
  4. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    I haven't received the coin yet (it was sent from London) & have no intention of signing for it when FEDEX rings to doorbell.
     
  5. Topcat7

    Topcat7 Still Learning

    I am no expert, but (to my eyes) the detail on the second example of a Fake Sear 1820 that you show is almost an exact copy of your purchase.
     
  6. pprp

    pprp Well-Known Member

    Did you pay for it already?! That's an unusually fast dispatching for their standards. I bet that the shipping dept was overzealous and Rich didn't instruct them to hold the shipment probably because he didn't think that you would pay. Don't worry he is a reasonable person and you will sort it out
     
  7. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    I used a Visa Card.
     
  8. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    I just received an e-mail from Richard Beale, & he agrees with me that the coin in question is a modern struck FAKE, & is canceling the sale of Lot 1134 :D. The coin undoubtedly fits into a family of fakes recorded by Forgery Network. Hey, even the experts can get duped on these high quality fakes :smuggrin:!
     
    I_v_a_n and Valentinian like this.
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