Hi. I am not familiar with the sharp chin of this Roman Emperor. The reverse looks also interesting with a huge warrior.Please assist me to better Id this coin. Thanks a lot.
While there are quite a few variations of style from the 15 regular mints that produced this type, I believe this one is unofficial or barbarous. It is not as 'wild' style as the barbarous ones shown on my page but it does not strike me as in step with any of the mints. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/fh.html
It does look a little bit off. But don't be put off that it might be an ancient 'fake'. I think barbarous coins are awesome because it shows how people counterfeited/copied coins in ancient times, an awesome addition to any collection
At the risk of sounding like I'm jumping on the bandwagon, when I first saw your image, I thought barbarous.
I agree and point out that recently the market prices for barbarous coins seems to be keeping pace with the official. For both, it is a matter of condition and quality. Dirty, damaged and boring coins exist in both groups and are worth little while there are many people who really appreciate the charm of the barbarous imitations when they are found in pleasing style and preservation. Being barbarous does not, in itself, make a coin good or bad but is just one more factor to consider when deciding whether or not a coin is suitable for your individual collection. I do not recommend paying high prices for unofficial coins but I do not believe in writing them off as trash as is done in some circles.
A point of caution: There are modern fakes of barbarous coins. After all, when freed from the need to copy an original accurately, fakers can churn out 21st century fakes and tell you that they are old. Separating these from the 'real ancient fakes' can be a task.
Great. I shall try to look for more barbarous coins and falling horsemen among that Roman hoard. Thanks.. Charles
