I have this supposed Roman Coin that I know nothing about. I hope these pics are good enough. Is it genuine? I have my reservations, especially in this unique slab. Can anyone share some info about it? If it is real, does it have any value or is it more of a conversation piece? This might be a better image of the obverse. I can't get my phone to focus well on this for some reason.
It's a fairly common coin that commemorates the founding of Rome. You can match yours here: http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/city_commemoratives/t.html#urbsroma
Your coin is from Heraclea and the part of the mintmark I can make out is •SMH? There is a workshop in place of the question mark, with choices being A,B,Γ,Δ or Є with perhaps another • at the end. You might be able to tell with it in hand. It was struck A.D. 330-3. The VRBS ROMA coins were issued alongside several other special issues at the time, mainly CONSTANTINOPOLIS coins, because Constantine was dedicating his new city of Constantinople, so the VRBS ROMA and CONSTANTINOPOLIS were issued to mark the foundation of Constantinople and to also re-affirm Rome as the traditional center of the Empire. It's a fun series to collect since thirteen mints issued them. http://www.constantinethegreatcoins.com/comm/
nice coin. Another thread showing examples from our members: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/city-commemoratives.335036/
Yes, it is •SMHЄ• Yay, I have some reading and research to do tonight. Another exciting Friday night. Yeah, I know, kinda sad, but that's my life right now...Ha! I could definitely be doing a lot worse things. Thank you for the info, the folks here are always so helpful.
Tracy62: Be careful reading up on some of the history, you just might get bit by the ancient coin bug. That was how I got hooked every time I would find a coin metal detecting when I was in Spain. I would read as much as I could about the emperor. That was over 30 years ago , I just got back into ancient coins within the last few months and it is just as much fun now as it was then.
Thanks, yes, I will definitely be careful. It's sure a great way to learn some history I was never really aware of.
I don't know anything about the slab or company. These coins are plentiful and are popular. It's hard to see much detail on your coin in the images. Here's mine: Time of Constantine, 330-333 AD AE, follis, 17mm, 2.2g; 6h; Trier, AD 333-334 Obv.: VRBS ROMA; helmeted bust of Roma wearing imperial mantle left Rev.: She-wolf standing left, with Romulus and Remus suckling beneath, two stars above, wreath between In Ex.: TRS
