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]

One thing you have to take into account, when deciding which one it might be, is the wings on the helmet.

Makes it "Mercury".

Have it checked for silver content - not sure you could go 100% by weight, as, most of the time, there is some discrepancies due to pure wear. (if real).

However, nobody would bother to make a reproduction in silver, so that would be your key.


Beth

 

[GMan00001]

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.

The weight is 3.77 grams and it is very close to the size of a US dime in diameter.

If you look at the coin, there is an "X" behind the head. It's in the pic as well, just not quite as obvious.

 

[GMan00001]

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

I can't really make out what that blob is. I can't tell if was added after the coin was made and is extra metal or what it is for sure...

 

[GMan00001]

Can you post a pic of the edge?

I'll try to get one tonight or over the weekend...

 

[Mackaydon]

I'll go with the "X", good call.

 

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

~ For Detail Comparison ~

{To eliminate scroll-roll and view all four images in same frame, change zoom to 50%}

 

[CRUSADER]

One thing you have to take into account, when deciding which one it might be, is the wings on the helmet.

Makes it "Mercury".

Have it checked for silver content - not sure you could go 100% by weight, as, most of the time, there is some discrepancies due to pure wear. (if real).

However, nobody would bother to make a reproduction in silver, so that would be your key.


Beth

I'm not making a call on this one, as its not all that clear to me either way, if I was betting, I would say 70/30 (fake/real).
My main point on this discussion is the highlighted is a very bad assumption & totally incorrect in some circumstances. They make fake gold coins out of real high Kt gold, & if valuable enough silver ones out of real silver, so don't fall into that trap.

 

[Mackaydon]

I agree; making fakes out of the real metal gives more 'credibility' to the fake and, of course, the total cost even with the added cost of either gold or silver is far less than the anticipated sales price for the fake.

 

[Dano Sverige]

One of them is fake to me as the rear horses back legs are further forward and more "stumpy" than elongated on Gman's coin.

 

[CRUSADER]

I agree; making fakes out of the real metal gives more 'credibility' to the fake and, of course, the total cost even with the added cost of either gold or silver is far less than the anticipated sales price for the fake.

I learnt the hard way (well didn't as I spotted it & got my money back), but I brought a Fake Gold Roman Coin. It was solid gold.
There are still many on ebay, so watch out, if it tests gold or silver it doesn't rule out a fake. Although, it will make it less likely at the moment with the high melt price for them to consider unless its real high value (fake rare) coin.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I noticed they even sell fake dies I guess to hammer your own fakes. Its getting so bad, there may be a day we cannot tell the difference even in person.

Testing for silver may eliminate it if its pot metal but I agree there are silver fakes.
It doesnt seem to have much detail or is that normal?

 

[Silver Searcher]

I noticed they even sell fake dies I guess to hammer your own fakes. Its getting so bad, there may be a day we cannot tell the difference even in person.

Testing for silver may eliminate it if its pot metal but I agree there are silver fakes.
It doesnt seem to have much detail or is that normal?

You are right there, I once seen a Medieval Seal with squirrel depicted, I almost bought it, because the guy only wanted £50, I new the guy that was selling, and he wouldn't take my money, because his freind had made it, I couldn't tell, and I have seen a lot

SS

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Gman is it silver or zinc/pot metal?