Ancient? coin..need help identifying it

[GMan00001]

Found the pictured coin in some dimes I got from a local bank.

I am guessing it is an ancient (roman? maybe) coin. After trying to do some research online myself and not having any luck, I decided to give the experts a crack at helping me.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Looks like it might be a Roman Mercury Head.

Nice.


Beth

 

[Iron Patch]

Looks like a modern reproduction whatever it is.

 

[Mackaydon]

Looks like this Roman Republic Silver Sestertius. (Rome Mint indicated; 'L' behind the head is either a series letter or a value letter.) As usual, whether or not it's real, is beyond my knowledge.
http://www.coinarchives.com/a/results.php?search=Roman+Republic+Silver+Sestertius&s=0&results=100
Don....

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

I know nothing about ancient coins, but I did find the following which claims to be genuine. The website shows bucket loads of Roman coins. Check it out.

Link: http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/rsc/anonymous/i.html

SBB

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Looks like a modern reproduction whatever it is.

I know very little about ancients but this thing jumps out at you. I agree with IronPatch.

Try searching that link of ancient reproductions.

 

[Silver Searcher]

Copy of Aburius Geminus Denarius, helmeted head of Roma right, Jupiter in quadriga right, or a reverse very similar.

SS

 

[High Plains Digger]

I was going to say it looks greek to me. No, really. But Silversearcher seems to have it pegged pretty close. Only other thing he could tell us is who was swinging the hammer when it was struck.

 

[Iron Patch]

Only other thing he could tell us is who was swinging the hammer when it was struck.

More like who the Asian was that cast it.

 

[Mackaydon]

The reverse shows the Dioscuri galloping right; in exergue, ROMA . The Disocuri were Castor and Polydeuces (or Pollux), the twin sons of Leda and Zeus and the brothers of Helen of Troy ."The Dioscuri were regarded as helpers of mankind and held to be patrons of travellers and of sailors in particular, who invoked them to seek favourable winds. They characteristically intervened at the moment of crisis, aiding those who honoured or trusted them." per Wiki
Don....

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

One of the best places to look is Dr. Ilya Prokopov's but I dont know how to search. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/fakes/index.php?cat=6

 

[lazooro]

Looks like a modern reproduction whatever it is.

i disagree...coin looks genuine!

 

[lazooro]

Looks like this Roman Republic Silver Sestertius. (Rome Mint indicated but can't read the series letter.) As usual, whether or not it's real, is beyond my knowledge.
http://www.coinarchives.com/a/results.php?search=Roman+Republic+Silver+Sestertius&s=0&results=100
Don....

Silver sestertius are too light...denarius or victoriatus weight probably.

 

[lazooro]

Only other thing he could tell us is who was swinging the hammer when it was struck.

More like who the Asian was that cast it.

digging such quality would be fantastic! Usually they are much much uglier

 

[Mackaydon]

What does the coin weigh? (And yes, I'm aware the weight of similar coins fluctuated in history.)
If there were an "X" behind the head, I'd go along with it being a denarius; but an "L" or extended "V" gives me some doubt till I read the weight.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Pics can be deceiving but it looks funky to me first look. Wouldnt it help to test the metal? Is is supposed to be silver?

Here is a great link on cast and electrotype fakes maybe will help. http://www.calgarycoin.com/reference/fakes/cast.htm

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

What is that melted metal blob on the top in the second pic? Is that something you normally see on hammered ancients?

 

[Silver Searcher]

What is that melted metal blob on the top in the second pic? Is that something you normally see on hammered ancients?

Could be a spill from the cast, pretty sure the coin is a Denarius and not a Silver Sestertius, this one looks quite thick, the Silver Sestertius were thinner valued at one-quarter of a denarius, which was 4.5 grams, valued at ten grams, as apposed the Silver Sestertius valued at two , and one-half grams. But pictures can be deceiving.

SS

 

[Mackaydon]

The coin doesn't look 'clipped' so its weight (if it's real) will tell us what its denomination is.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Can you post a pic of the edge?