Ancient Coin - Antoninus Pius?

I have in my collection a rare coin possibly from the Roman Empire. On the face is what I believe to be Antoninus Pius (138-ad/161ad) and on the back is a picture of a male figure that looks like Artemis holding a bow in his left hand and drawing an arrow with his right. Inscribed on the left side is the letter "L" and above that looks like the letter "C". Does anyone know any details on this coin or where I can find more information about this? I have attached a picture of the coin. Thank you in advance.

 

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It would an Egyptian tetradrachm, Milne 1705, Emmett 1362/5, but the fabric looks quite modern. It's likely a replica.

 

Hi Terry, welcome to CoinTalk ancients!

Images edited for ease of viewing:



In theory, it is a Roman Provincial tetradrachm of Antoninus Pius struck in Alexandria, Egypt. The reverse is Artemis advancing right, holding bow.

The metal doesn't look right and the obverse legend doesn't fit any known legends for year 5. The regnal year on the reverse reads "L C" which appears to be a mistake. I assume the maker meant to carve an E rather than C.

It appears to be a modern fake or fantasy. The original coin it mimics is Emmett 1362.5, rated common.

Edited: I agree with John

 

Thanks for the prompt response. After a few hours of online research, I am unable to find but only one that comes close to looking like this coin. I will look into the information that you provided me. Thanks again.

 

what were these coins made from? Replica and Original? thanks

 

http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/antoninus_pius/Milne_1705.jpg


The above is taken from Wildwinds

 

They were made from Billon - a silver/bronze based alloy.

 

Here's an example of the coin it copies. There is considerable variation in style among these. This particular example may even be the exact coin used as inspiration for your replica.

from CNG's archives:



Interestingly, the middle arm of the E on this coin's reverse is rather faint and might be mistaken for a die defect or other problem. Maybe that's why the copier thought it was a C and omitted the stroke from your copy.

 

The coins Jwt and TIF posted demonstrate that these tetradrachms were of a billon alloy that contained very little silver. They never look as silvery as your example. That's part of the problem with the fabric of your coin.

 

I have found another example from matching dies to the OP coin. More than that they share the same flan shapes. This is the strongest indication there is that either one or both are casts and I suspect both are cast fakes.



Martin

 

that's why you ask when don't know thanks for the help

 

Sorry about that Terry. Collect yourself a genuine one, if you want. Plenty of the Alexandrian tetradrachms are available at modest prices. Let us know if you need any advice.

 

Here is a reddit discussion of a cast twin of OP's coin. I knew I'd seen it before: https://www.reddit.com/r/AncientCoins/comments/1jfzqp/ancient_roman_coin_can_anyone_help_me_valuate/

 

@terry jenkins don't let this discourage you! Ancients are great.

Here's a coin I have, similar in some ways to the authentic version of yours (different ruler, different reverse)


Probus, AD 276-282
Billon, tetradrachm, 7.5g, 20mm; 11h; Alexandria, AD 276/277 (regnal year 2)
Obv.: A K M AVP PPO-BOC CEB; laureate cuirassed bust right
Rev.: LB; Dikaiosyne standing left holding scales & cornucopiae
Ref.: Geissen 3127, Dattari 5527
Dikaiosyne is a personification or spirit of justice and righteousness. Her primary sources include Orphic hymns and Philostratus.

 

oh I have books of coins from all around the world. paper money I cant even begain to under stand were its all from.thanks for the help

 

Hi folks... what you think about this coins ? fake?
greetings

 

and this 4 coins. i connect photos for
comparison

 

@okejos, you stand more chance of someone seeing this if you start a new thread from the Forums page.