FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Resources => Ancient and Medieval Coin Identification Help => Topic started by: jgad on May 17, 2012, 12:59:59 pm

Title: Honorius Siliqua?
Post by: jgad on May 17, 2012, 12:59:59 pm

I purchased this coin a while back as an Honorius Siliqua.  The seller did not give a weight.

The coin is 12mm in diameter and wieghts only .66 grams.  Since it is heavily clipped I expected it to be underweight but that is extreme.   It is very thin (less than 1mm in post places).  My question is this. 

Is this coin official or an ancient copy (or worse, can it be a modern copy)?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.




- Javier

Title: Re: Honorius Siliqua?
Post by: rick2 on May 17, 2012, 01:28:06 pm

it s not a modern copy for a start

its a VIRTVS ROMANORVM type or a VICTORIA AVGGG , but i m not sure its Honorius
i thought for a minute it could be Magnus Maximus , DN MAG MA - XIMUS... but i cant find the legend break that goes with it

siliquas were all heavily clipped at the time , and were also heavily counterfeited,
its difficult to say if yours is official or a contemporary imitation as so much of the legend is missing

i ruled out a URBS ROMA type as you can see a few letters on the reverse

Title: Re: Honorius Siliqua?
Post by: justus on May 17, 2012, 01:56:10 pm

I'm sorry, Rick. But why couldn't this be a modern fake (cast) ?

best Jürgen

Title: Re: Honorius Siliqua?
Post by: rick2 on May 17, 2012, 02:42:49 pm

it seems corroded rather than cast
plus i m assuming that if someone makes a cast copy of a siliqua it will make a better one that this.

any idea on the id ?

i m still not sure its honorius

Title: Re: Honorius Siliqua?
Post by: jgad on May 17, 2012, 03:40:58 pm

Thanks for your reply Rick.  In hand I think I see "..ORI" starting about 10:00. 

Justus...what about the coin makes you think modern forgery?

- Javier

Title: Re: Honorius Siliqua?
Post by: rick2 on May 18, 2012, 05:06:37 am

what about the two letters after that ?

i can see MA , but maybe is the pic.

in that case it would be honorius , but given the state of the coin it will be impossible to determine the mint.

Title: Re: Honorius Siliqua?
Post by: justus on May 18, 2012, 06:10:10 am

Quote from: jgad on May 17, 2012, 03:40:58 pm

Justus...what about the coin makes you think modern forgery?

1.   The poor in contrast striking [minting] ?
2.   The rough, porous surface ?
3.   The very low weight and measures ?

regards Jürgen

Title: Re: Honorius Siliqua?
Post by: rick2 on May 18, 2012, 06:36:40 am

low weight could be explained by the clipping and the variability of the weight at issue
porous surface could be corrosion

the coin looks like it is worn from circulation