Tetradrachm Philip II? - Questions

Hi - I tried to identify this coin online and think it is a Philip II Tetradrachm - though please correct me if I have it wrong.

I don't have much experience with these but I thought the coin looked good / legit however the edge has what appears to be a seam and that got me wondering. It is about 9.3g. and 22mm.

Any thoughts appreciated

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Well the coin looks real and the weight and size are about right, I wonder if the seam is the result of some type of mechanical cleaning. Usually this is the nail in the coffin but that might not be the case here.

I do suspect fake and a good one. Some of the letters look a little strange and mushy. I would like to see this in hand.

 

Yes, it is Philip II and hmm, that seam is concerning. I have dozens of Roman Egyptian tetradrachms and there are no seams on any of them.

Your coin's obverse legend reads MIOVΦIΛΙΠΠΟCKCE (bolded letters are difficult to read on your coin; the letters in bold are what they should be)

The reverse indicates regnal year 4. He was Caesar most of the year and Augustus later. The Caesar issues are more common and that is what your obverse legend says.

The devices and lettering look legitimate enough (style-wise) but the seam and overall fabric are concerning. Maybe other Alexandrian collectors will weigh in.

BTW, some references for your coin, if it is authentic, are:

Emmett 3610, year 4 (Caesar), rarity rating 1
Milne 3672

 

Without that 'seam', I would have believed it to be legit.....I'm not sure what to think.

 

It also looks mighty coppery. It should be a more subdued alloy. I've gotta go with modern fake on this one.

 

Agreed, I had a Julian/Bull with the exact look and a seam. Many thought it was right, even Curtis, but my gut said otherwise so I got a refund.

 

the only thing that bothers me about this coinsis that seam....but man, does it REALLY bother me!

 

seams suck ... that stupid seam will eventually make you hate that poor coin (let the suckers buy the seam coins)

 

Agreed, coin should be sent back so no doubt and dislike builds over time.

They're common enough for a replacement.

 

That's a casting seam if I ever saw one, and the fabric is wrong. It looks like somebody just smeared some tar over a freshly-cast coin to make it look old. I'm calling it a fake.

 

Thanks all! I actually got it in a random mixed lot so it is not that surprising at all that it is not legit. I was just fooled by the appearance and feel which didn't automatically strike me as fake.

Yes I'm happy I asked! Thanks again.