Byzantine Or Crusader? Help with attribution

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by jcbrown, Oct 4, 2019.

  1. jcbrown

    jcbrown Member

    I could use some help with a coin. I don't believe the attribution from the auction house is correct. I do not own any reference for Byzantine or Crusader coinage - yet. Any help would be appreciated.

    Æ Tornese, Manuel II Palaeologus (AD 1391-1425)
    Obv: St. Demetrius standing facing, holding shield and spear. (This does not sound right. That is an angel reverse, and does not have a shield or spear.)
    Rev: Nimbate bust of Manuel facing, [holding patriarchal cross].
    Dimensions: 14.6 mm Weight: 1.62 grams
     

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  3. VD76

    VD76 Well-Known Member

    The style and the fabric is very similar to the fake coins, that flooded eBay in the last few years. Crusader, Byzantine, Roman and european medieval .

    I believe that is a crude modern fake after John V follaro SB 2515 , not Manuel II tornese

    John V Palaeologus AE Follaro. Constantinople mint, 1379-1391 AD. D MH TP C P, St. Demetrius standing facing, holding spear, shield and cross on globe / Facing bust of John, holding cross-headed sceptre, dot in left field.
    AC52B2F6-81D1-45AE-8071-5D4181EDA314.jpeg
    500519EB-C11A-4493-B791-EAFC52AD85FE.jpeg
    6C089E30-0BD9-4471-8632-A2881909B609.jpeg

    Here is Manuel II Palaeologus tornese SB 2557 for comparison.

    Manuel II Palaeologus. AE Tornese. Constantinople mint.
    AV: Three-quarter legth figure of military saint.
    RV: + MANOVHL EN XW TO QW PICT around bust of Manuel.


    AFDCBA79-EF1F-4C53-8C4C-9E81818D84C6.jpeg
    15B958EE-C3FE-4C13-806D-E35E5C6DFA7E.jpeg
     
  4. Severus Alexander

    Severus Alexander find me at NumisForums

    I agree with @VD76's assessment that it's a fake. :( (Nice coins, VD76!)
     
  5. jcbrown

    jcbrown Member

    Thanks. I was leaning that way too. The style is off, the detail is too perfect for the "wear" and you can see the brush strokes/sand paper gouges where they applied the "patina" & "wear".

    Another lesson for me. Stick to what I know. I know nothing of this era of coins.
     
  6. ancient coin hunter

    ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

    I would steer clear of it. If you bought it already return it to the dealer for a full refund.
     
  7. seth77

    seth77 Well-Known Member

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