CAST COUNTERFEIT
Recent analysis of this coin has declared it as a modern invention
and a really good cast Counterfeit. Both this specimen and the one
that was in the Sotheby's Sale 7214 (12/98) are identical and therefore
are both fantasies. Some of the problems found with the coin are:
1. There are a multitude of microscopic holes that can be seen over most of the surfaces of this coin that indicate that it was produced by casting.
2. The metal "flow" line from the 'V' in VICTORI on the reverse is not natural but created from a die. This is the only indication of metal flow on this coin and it is contrived.
3. The letter formation, especially seen in the 'A's are not typical of coinage from Carthage during this time period. Also, notice all of the round raised areas at most junctions of the letters. This is also not normal for coinage of this era/mint.
4. The field surfaces of this coin is smooth. Most, if not all, coinage of this mint and period exhibits an irregular/uneven surface.
5. The Indictional A would date the coin as 597/8 which is very unlikely because there had not been an issue of gold for a second emperor (by them self) for more than 150 years.
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Denomination
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Solidus |
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Minted At
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Carthage |
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Reference Information
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W1, S-613, DOC-NA, Berk-95, MIB-NA, R-NA, BMC-NA, BN-NA |
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Weight in Grams
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4.47g |
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Diameter
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16.4 mm |
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Die Axis
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175° |
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Accepted Striking Period
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597 - 598 |
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Officinae
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A |
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Obverse Image
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Theodosius facing, draped and cuirassed wearing plumed helmet holding globus with cross on left |
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Obverse Legend
|
DNTEODO-SIVSPPANA |
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Reverse Image
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Standing Angel facing hold staff with Christogram on left and globus with cross on right |
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Reverse Legend
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VICTORI-AAVVGA, CONOB in exergue |
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Die Quality
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Fine |
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Strike
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Almost complete, with an extremely slight weakness of the nose |
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Flan Quality
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Good, 95% centered |
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Wear
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None |
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Overall Condition Rating
|
Mint State (FDC) |
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This Coin's Uniqueness
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Small spot on lower part of neck on obverse |
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Desirability
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Extremely High |
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Rarity
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Extremely Rare (2 to 5 known) (This is tied for finest of 3 known) |
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Provenance
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Purchased from Harlan Berk - June 1997 (Acknowledged this coin as a counterfeit (3/01) and refunded my money. It is always important to buy major rarities from well known dealers.) |
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1999 Approximate Value (US $)
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$65000.00 - $75000.00 (Sotheby's Sale 7214, Lot 160 brought $69300.00 similar quality) Now $0.00 |
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Inventory #
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10690-HBF9V7F0Z6Z |