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From Tragedy to Triumph: Vespasian 'Dream Coin' Part 2
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<p>[QUOTE="David Atherton, post: 3574610, member: 82616"]The first coin I shamefully did not do any homework on because of the old provenance. I wrongly assumed that the pedigree and the expert auction firm selling the piece were enough of a guarantor. I was wrong. After digging into it I realised that particular cast is fairly pervasive. One is actually pictured in the scholarly article by G. Seelentag I referenced above on the type as genuine! When I first had the coin in hand I admittedly was a bit puzzled over the fabric, most of which was covered in (what I believed then to be ancient) patina and wrote it off. After doubts were cast (no pun intended) and I got past my denial, I re-examined the piece and realised the flow lines that were visible were only the most prominent ones and fairly soft and the visible surfaces did not have the correct colour under that patina. After sitting in someone's trays for a century or more it certainly looked like an old coin, but upon closer inspection it did not look like an ancient one.</p><p><br /></p><p>My replacement on the other hand has minute flow lines, is the correct weight, has no known cast match, and the more exposed surfaces have that aged orichalcum look which the cast did not. A sharper coin overall. My second photo above actually is a better representation of the surfaces than the dealer's picture. It also literally rings true (if you have ever dropped an ancient coin on a table top you know what to listen for!). The cast had a 'heavier' sound to it. IMHO, the piece is as genuine as anything else in my collection.</p><p><br /></p><p>At any rate, I'm not sure if this is what you were asking for, but it's all I can offer.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="David Atherton, post: 3574610, member: 82616"]The first coin I shamefully did not do any homework on because of the old provenance. I wrongly assumed that the pedigree and the expert auction firm selling the piece were enough of a guarantor. I was wrong. After digging into it I realised that particular cast is fairly pervasive. One is actually pictured in the scholarly article by G. Seelentag I referenced above on the type as genuine! When I first had the coin in hand I admittedly was a bit puzzled over the fabric, most of which was covered in (what I believed then to be ancient) patina and wrote it off. After doubts were cast (no pun intended) and I got past my denial, I re-examined the piece and realised the flow lines that were visible were only the most prominent ones and fairly soft and the visible surfaces did not have the correct colour under that patina. After sitting in someone's trays for a century or more it certainly looked like an old coin, but upon closer inspection it did not look like an ancient one. My replacement on the other hand has minute flow lines, is the correct weight, has no known cast match, and the more exposed surfaces have that aged orichalcum look which the cast did not. A sharper coin overall. My second photo above actually is a better representation of the surfaces than the dealer's picture. It also literally rings true (if you have ever dropped an ancient coin on a table top you know what to listen for!). The cast had a 'heavier' sound to it. IMHO, the piece is as genuine as anything else in my collection. At any rate, I'm not sure if this is what you were asking for, but it's all I can offer.[/QUOTE]
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From Tragedy to Triumph: Vespasian 'Dream Coin' Part 2
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