An interesting Achaemenid siglos

[Matteo]

Hello

I think this coin (probably a fouree) is interesting for its particular reverse.  It seems similar to Croesus' silver coins reverse, with two incuse squares. But it is also possible that this siglos has only one punch, and not two different punches like Croesus' coinage.

What do you think about it?

Thanks,
Matteo.

4.55g 15mm

ps: I suppose the correct forum was "Parthian and other Eastern coins". Sorry for the mistake.

[Matteo]

Any ideas?

I'll try to clean a bit the reverse to have a better view of the incuse squares.

[stevex6]

I would take a wee little blade and do your own banker's mark

Here was one of my examples (for the record, I'm not sure I would have the guts to try my own modern cut?)

 

[Matteo]

I would take a wee little blade and do your own banker's mark

Here was one of my examples (for the record, I'm not sure I would have the guts to try my own modern cut?)

 

Funny answer, but not a good advice...

Any ideas about this particular reverse?

[stevex6]

Ummm, did you clean the reverse yet?

My example shows a single punch (a very cool and detailed punch) ... your OP example looks like two punches, but until you clean a bit more, it's merely a guess

[Matteo]

Ummm, did you clean the reverse yet?

My example shows a single punch (a very cool and detailed punch) ... your OP example looks like two punches, but until you clean a bit more, it's merely a guess

Not yet, but I'll clean it next week. Then I'll share new and clearer images.

Thanks for your answer,
Matteo.

[Joe Sermarini]

I agree it is unofficial and thus almost certainly a fouree. Both the king and the punch are too unusual to be official. Fourees of the type are fairly common.

[cmcdon0923]

But isn't it a bit odd that the banker's mark didn't punch through the silver shell if it is a fouree?  They were usually pretty good about testing coins, as it was money out of their purse if they accepted a bad coin.

[stevex6]

It's a banker's mark (pretty sure it must have punctured into the silver below?) ... regardless, it has a certificate of authenticity from David Sear

Sadly, I recently sold this baby, so I can't go back and read what Mr. Sear wrote regarding the mark (sorry to leave ya hanging)

 

[Joe Sermarini]

But isn't it a bit odd that the banker's mark didn't punch through the silver shell if it is a fouree?  They were usually pretty good about testing coins, as it was money out of their purse if they accepted a bad coin.

Matteo's coin, which does not have a banker's mark, is the fouree. Steve P's coin, which has a banker's mark, is probably not a fouree. I have seen banker's marks and  test cuts on plated coins that were actually added by the counterfeiters who ensured the plating remained intact.

[cmcdon0923]

My apologies Joe....I mixed up the images.   

[Joe Sermarini]

No need to apologize.

[VCollector]

I have  subaeratus siglos 4.67 gr and seems few years ago I had the same siglos as yours with such type and weight