This is probably the coolest thing I've ever owned... Forger’s reverse die of sestertius mid 2nd century AD – AE or PB? 53.5g, 35x6mm four-tiered pyre topped by facing quadriga CONSECRATIO, SC in retrograde type of RIC 315, 1266 (Antoninus Pius); 333, 1511 (Lucius Verus); 441, 662 (Marcus Aurelius) ex Dmitry Markov New York Sale XI, unsold When a counterfeiter prepared his dies, he could either engrave them himself, in a style easily be distinguishable from official mint issues, or he could use a genuine, mint issued host coin. He would then impress this design into a piece of bronze and affix it to the iron die-shaft. This object likely represents a counterfeiter’s first attempt, a practice strike in lead.
Now THAT is cool! Ancient counterfeit coins are plentiful but how often do you find an ancient counterfeit die? Do you know if it is a contemporary countefeit or if it was made later?
It would be roughly contemporary. Definitely within 50 or so years of the original issue. I forgot to mention, in the census of ancient dies done my Cornelius Vermeule, only one sestertius die was noted.
now you guys are confusing me. Your throwing modifiers around improperly. Is the die ancient or NOT! Not does it counterfeit and ancient coin. Is the die a historical artifact? Ruben
Note my words carefully... its a counterfeiter's die, meaning it was used by a counterfeiter. Still ancient.
Wow, that is really neat. I remember you telling me about it but I never seen the pics. Nice. stainless
That is what I would and will call a bloody amazing find :bow: :bow: I have seen a few modernish ones but never ever something like that
