Jump to content

Underweight argenteus or imitation?


Victrix

Recommended Posts

The posted weight of the coin must be a typo, & probably is 2.8 gm which is also very light. Never the less, I've never seen an argenteus with so much wear, it's a good coin to avoid 😏. Pictured below is a genuine argenteus of the same type struck in the name of Galerius, from my collection.

96Argentei1Romanpoundor3_41gm.jpg.f7771f5b791bdbb143a11fe86c88c5e7.jpg

Galerius as Caesar, AD 293-305 (struck c. 295). AR Argenteus: 3.38 gm, 18.25 mm, 12 h. 

 

  • Like 3
  • Heart Eyes 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Superb example, @Al Kowsky. Mine is a weaker strike and more worn, to boot. Definitely not About EF, the seller's grade.

image.jpeg.12adb600075e6027aab61dec69c3af2c.jpeg image.jpeg.3c65b811f2f975773403fa9a4214db1a.jpeg

AR Argentus (2.79 gm, 20.5mm, 1h) of Trier (Treveri), officina 4, 295-297 AD. RIC VI p.176 #109b.

As for the OP: I couldn't say. Would have been nice to have some or all of the seller's coin description. It can be hard to judge style without knowing the mint.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Do a vcoins search for Argenteus and sort by price.  Most of the lower priced ones are underweight 'unofficial' ones of various styles and rulers. Several different dealers are offering them.  Whether they're contemporary imitations or modern forgeries; I don't know.  I shied away from them.

Edited by Nerosmyfavorite68
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's not an imitation and it's maybe also not a typo. It's definitely in the lowest range of weights seen but there are other examples like it. So I'd say it's okay. Maybe enough are scared away that you can pick it up on the cheap.

Rasiel

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...