Hi Roman experts, Can anyone tell me if this is a genuine roman coin? I purchased from http://npcollectables.org.uk Link to listing: https://www.npcollectables.org.uk/a1-gallery3.asp?roomID=7636&pictureID=64998 Listing title: Trajan 102 A.D Rome mint Silver Denarius Rev. Mars advancing carrying spear and trophy 19.0 mm Diameter RIC 80, S.3146 Thanks for your time!
Looks right to me, but the weight is often an important factor in determining authenticity. Denarii of Trajan should usually fall between 3.0 and 3.6 grams, although with this much wear it could go slightly below 3.0 g.
The surfaces are poor with considerable flaking worst on the reverse just left of the figure. The coin below (different legends) has more wear (bad) but more sound metal (good) and a few green deposits that some people would remove (risky) to improve the coin (or not). We each must decide which coins meet our standards and which do not.
My guess is authentic. Hard to tell from just an image, but it looks good to me. It condition looks to be caused from where it laid over the past couple of millennia. As @Fugio1 said, the weight could help in deciding it's authenticity.
@Mat @ancient coin hunter @Fugio1 @dougsmit @Bing Thanks for all the help. I really appreciate it. I bought the coin as a gift for my dad, I didn't want to spend too much so the quality isn't great but I will listen to advise and check the weight.
Welcome to Coin Talk, TIB93. I concur with the others - it looks genuine to me. As for the condition, it is a bit rough, but it has a lot going for it too - great portrait of Trajan and a nice rendition of Mars striding to battle (or to pay a visit to Venus, perhaps?). Your dad will like it, I'm guessing. Now it is time to start shopping for yourself...
I think it’s a great gift. Trajan has a great story as well, this coin was minted in between campaigns in Dacia.
