Hello dear Collectors, I recently won this denarius from the reign of Herennius Etruscus Caesar from a french ebayer with good reputation. But due to the rareness (or maybe I overestimate the rareness of this coin?) I want to be sure that this one is the real deal. So I already looked at forgerynetwork and the simple google search but didnt find a match there. This might be a good sign but maybe one of you guys will make an objection about the realness of this coin. Anyways here it is : Antoninianus - Herennius Etruscus Caesar - PIETAS AVGG - Weight: 4,12g - Diameter: 21-22,3 mm Ill make some pictures of the edge with my microscope later but I'am already grateful about every suggestion.
I have issues in spotting fakes - before collecting ancient coins I would have said I don't like the overall look of the coin but I have seen coins that are genuine, confirmed by specialists, with a similar appearance. What I can say is that the coin does not seem rare - I have checked recent auctions and found 4 examples, sold for 36, 50, 70 EUR and one with 75 CHF. All in better condition.
Herennius Etruscus isn't exactly rare, though his coins typically cost more than those of his parents, whose coins are very plentiful and inexpensive. Moreover, the coins of Decius and his family were debased to about 35% silver and were often struck with worn dies. Decius' coins are often found corroded and pitted. Your coin looks pretty typical for the coins of the issue. Nothing screams fake about this one. Here's my best Etruscus. The reverse die had seen better days and this one didn't look all that good coming off the dies at the mint.
i'm with RC..i'd say legit...kool coin man! Herinnius Etruscus(251AD) AR antoninianus, Pietas/Mercury reverse. 20mm 2.71gms
wittwolf, I agree with the other CT members, the coin isn't rare & appears genuine. Your apprehension is understandable since the coin has a pitted surface, but this condition is common with antoniniani of this period. The silver content was so low that they easily corroded during burial. I have a Syrian Tet of Herennius Etruscus that was treated with more kindness during burial, pictured below. The coinage of his brother Hostilian is scarce/rare. Antioch -Syria, Herennius Etruscus, AD 251. Billon Tetradrachm: 10.88 gm, 26 mm, 6 h, Officina 5. McAlee 1153e.
I sold my Herennius Etruscus Ant to get a Sestertius: Herennius Etruscus as Caesar Sestertius, 250/251 A.D. 28,67 mm / 15,70 gr Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C / PIETAS AVGG S C RIC 167a corr.(draped); Cohen 12; Sear 9531, Banti 1
I agree with everyone here that the coin appears to be genuine. While it is worn, flow lines are visible around the lettering and the metal of the fields appears to have aged naturally, and is not artificially distressed. Softness around the portrait and reverse is due to wear, not casting, and there are no casting bubbles or other indicators of the coin being cast. Similarly, the fields and flan are not "perfect", suggesting a pressed coin. You should be good with this one.
HERENNIUS ETRUSCUS RI Herennius Etruscus 251 CE AR Ant Apollo seated rper 260-261 CE Ant 3.74g Samasota mint Indulgentia patera scepter RIC V 5
Thanks for your answers, I'am happy that everyone agrees that the coin seems to be genuine. The rough surface was my main issue to assume the danger of it to be a fake. This closes another gap in my emperor set then
Can't say I've ever seen a fake Etruscus antoninianus; the issues as Caesar are scarce-ish but not rare. The issues as Augustus are a completely different story, however. One of the few coins that I haven't found a suitable upgrade for in 4+ years
On the authenticity, I agree with everyone else. What's special about this type is the depiction of Mercury on the reverse. Mercury is not frequently shown on Roman imperial coins. Herennius Etruscus, Roman Empire, AR antoninianus, 251 AD, Rome mint. Obv: bust of Herennius Etruscus, radiate, draped, r. Rev: PIETAS AVGG; Mercury, nude except for cloak on shoulders, standing l., holding purse and caduceus. 20mm, 3.17g. Ref: RIC IV Trajan Decius 142. Ex JB collection; ex AMCC 2, lot 201.
My only Herennius are sestertii, certainly not rare. 19.4gm, 21.7gm, 22.0gm. The heaviest sest I've seen of him was 23.7gm
Here's one - and your coin is real and not a fake. Herennius Etruscus (250-251 A.D.) AR Antoninianus, 23mm 3.0 grams Obverse: Q HER ETR MES DECIVS NOB C, Bare-headed and draped bust right Reverse: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, Herennius standing left, holding rod and spear. Translation: "Prince of the Youth" Reference: RIC 147c, RSC 26. Sear 9523
