Finding a nice one will be harder and more expensive. Mine once had active corrosion but seems OK now.
Nice SSS @Julius Germanicus ... Worn but strong! I only have a Denarius... I just do not have many after the Republic, as I do not focus in the Empire... RI Septimus Severus 193-211 AR Denarius Genius Sacrificing
I understand that this denomination is somewhat scarce for the Severans. Here is my one sestertius of Septimius Severus. Obv. L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VII - Laureate bust right Rev. PM TR P III COS I PP, S.C. IN EX. - Fortuna standing left, holding rudder on globe and cornucopia RIC 706 weight 20.34 grams TURNS OUT TO BE FAKE. And since he's a Severan here is a Caracalla sestertius to go with it. I need to get a Geta now. Obv. My AVREL ANTONIUS PICS AVG BRIT - Laureate head right Rev. SECVRITATI PERPETVAE, S.C in ex. - Securitas enthroned r., at ease, her head propped on right hand, holding sceptre in left hand, alter at feet. RIC 512d weight 27.60 grams
Alde, I am sorry to inform you that your Septimius Severus is a modern fake made from modern dies. Here is a one stamped with the word COPY As above but some artificial patination created Now in green They artificially wear some examples and create more convincing patination Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings.
@alde the first thing I noticed about your coin is that it is very ROUND and that is never a good sign with Romans. Sorry about your coin. Any chance you can get your money back?
It should look more like mine though mine is admittedly in poor shape:- The obverse style on yours is off and should be more like shown on my Genius Sestertius Later Sestertii like my IMP X are very difficult to find in good condition
Some very nice examples have been posted here. Sestertii of Septimius Severius, or his imperial bronzes for that matter, are in my experience quite difficult to find in 'good shape'. In my collecting lifetime I have passed on a couple of very nice examples, something which I really regret now. These are currently my only two examples: Septimius Severus. As celebrating victories in Britannia.
Bad tidings indeed. Oh well, chalk another one up to live and learn. Seeing so many other examples of the same fake coin it's pretty obvious. I bought this one off ebay very early into my ancient coin collecting. I didn't keep records of who I bought them from back then and have no idea who it was. It's probably a seller I wouldn't go near now, even with my limited experience. Thanks for pointing out my poor judgment.
Many of us have "Black Collections" where we keep our fakes. Keep notes about the coin it is all educational.
Sometimes I feel like an idiot for buying fakes but I know some fool the experts too. I have 5 fake coins that I know about now and they do help to see the little things that just don't look right. Since my Vespasian sestertius was outed a few weeks ago I have only bought from well known and trusted dealers that back up what they sell. I have also been keeping a record of where I got the coin from. That seems the best course for me.
