Hello, I am new to ancients and saw this coin for sale online. I am no expert, but something smells fishy. The art just seems.... cartoonish? Do you believe this is a fake? The price is right but I don't want to buy something some guy made in his garage. Thanks!
Agree. Authentic but worn as many of Marcus Aurelius coins. If you think the price is right, go for it.
I think the "cartoonish" quality is due to the degree of wear. At least the metal looks wholesome. Welcome to the dark side .
And I would add, quite a lot of Marcus Aurelius' coins have this "cartoonish" style somehow Marcus Aurelius, Denarius Rome mint, AD 170 M ANTONINVS AVG TR P XXIIII, laureate head right COS III, Fortuna standing left, holding rudder and cornucopia. 3.30 gr Ref : Cohen # 136, RCV # 4888 Q
WELCOME !!! I agree with all the others..... I have a few worn denarii of Marcus Aurelius that look almost the same as yours....a bit smooth and cartoonish. If the price appeals to you, I'd buy it.
It looks fine, and I hate to use the expression, but it's "nice for the grade." Meaning that it's uniformly worn but all the inscriptions are there and it's nicely centered.
As for cartoonish, well...MA couldn't help it that he was a bit goofy looking. You don't get to pick your genes.
Q is right about Marcus having trouble finding good help at the mint. There are some good dies but many were cut by people in the wrong line of work.
Thanks for all the responses! I was an ancient history major in college (I guess "classics" is too old fashioned for the 21st century) so ancient coins are quite interesting.
