Doug,the edge itself just looks too rounded on one side & bevels to a point,which is a sign that it could be a dud.A genuine hammered coin doesn't bevel to a point.It is also best to weigh it with a pair of scales.The soapy appearance is also a typical sign of a dud that should raise a big red flag.It certainly raises a red flag with me,I'm afraid,but that is only my opinion. Aidan.
Aidan, I am only commenting on that one point - medieval hammered coins do not taper and bevel to a point on one side of the planchet. Ancients however, quite often do. I would be more suspect of an ancient that did not have a planchet that was thin on one side and thick on the other.
Are those file marks on the right? maybe a bit of a seam? Hard to say...I think the coin is fake from just the problems I see on the obverse though...
Drusus,it does look like a joining seam that has been filed.I think this has been cast in 2 pieces,joined,filed,& then treated to make it look old.It is very deceptive to inexperienced people,& is even deceptive enough to fool a dealer. Aidan.
Here are a few responses from the ancients experts: I think most didnt even bother to answer because it was so obvious of a fake they probably thought I should know better
It may not look pretty, but what you are looking at is a dug up piece. Depending on the mint, this piece does have some flatness to it. Your best bet, is to check the references for specific gravity. There are pretty specific guidelines. Also, a lesser method is to "feel" the coin. Most copies of denarii have a slick feel to it.