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Author Topic: Roman coin from pompeii  (Read 8794 times)

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tomb

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Roman coin from pompeii
« on: February 21, 2015, 02:47:39 am »

Hi can someone help me identify this coin, all I know is that it's a roman coin found at pompeii, thanks

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2015, 05:23:46 am »
Welcome on the FORVM!

Your coin looks like an As of Tiberius:

obv. TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVST IMP VIII (or similar)
       laureate head l.
rev. PONTIF MAXIM TRIBVN POTEST XXX[III?] (the correct number I can't identify)
        Winged caduceus upright, S C large, l. and r. of caduceus
 
Can you provide size and weight?

Best regards

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2015, 06:10:09 am »
it has a diameter of 2.6 centimetres, a width of 0.25 centimetres, and it weighs 13 grams.

Offline Pekka K

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2015, 06:24:55 am »

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #4 on: February 21, 2015, 04:59:58 pm »
thans

Offline OldMoney

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2015, 09:35:32 am »
Hi can someone help me identify this coin, all I know is that it's a roman coin found at pompeii, thanks

What exactly do you mean by "found at pompeii"?

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tomb

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2015, 10:16:58 pm »
I mean that I found it when I went to pompeii in one of the street after a storm

Offline OldMoney

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2015, 03:24:12 am »
So, can one naturally assume that you did the right and proper
thing and declared your find to the authorities as would be legal,
and that you did not do the illegal and immoral thing?

Is that right? When exactly was this item found?

Is the item now in the legal possession of Italian authorities?

One assumes that you did not simply pocket this coin illegally,
in doing so effectively stealing property from the site, breaking
Italian Law, and breaking the unwritten code of ethics that we
coin collectors hold so dear.

Please tell us that you did the right and proper thing, or at least
that you will do the right and proper thing.

[REMOVED BY ADMIN]

Walter Holt
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Offline Sap

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2015, 05:08:36 am »
Easy, Walter. If the OP's story is correct, then it's highly unlikely that the coin is genuine. Genuine ancient bronze coins do not come out of the ground looking like this, especially in an acidic environment like Pompeii; a coin can only look like this after considerable restoration efforts. It is therefore most likely a replica of some sort, rather than a professionally cleaned coin that somehow got dropped. It has either been placed there as some sort of children's treasure hunt, or as part of the notorious "unknown ruins" scam, or it's been broken out of the Museum gift shop set and subsequently lost.
I'll have to learn Latin someday.

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2015, 11:32:59 am »
If the OP's story is correct, then it's highly unlikely that the coin is genuine. Genuine ancient bronze coins do not come out of the ground looking like this, especially in an acidic environment like Pompeii; a coin can only look like this after considerable restoration efforts.

Sorry Sap,

I do hate to disagree with a fellow Aussie, but I feel I must.

I have had the benefit of seeing a very large number of coins
from dig sites, both formal archaeological sites, and those from
legal metal detecting areas.

I have also had the benefit of seeing hundreds of excavation
coins in the various museums and universities I have visited
during my years researching various numismatic subjects.

In particular, I have seen images of coins that were most
certainly from Pompeii, in various states of wear and corrosion
depending on where they were found. I was also shown what
were claimed to be a few of the coins themselves, though I
cannot verify this from memory alone, I will (firstly) have to try
to find and then (secondly) check my notes (I think this was on
one of my many Italian museum visits, though it was a while
ago [15+ yrs?]).

I even think that there was an article about the coins from
Pompeii some time ago, with images (The Celator?). Not sure.

IMHO, this coin appears to be genuine, the corrosion on the
surface appears real, and whilst I admittedly cannot "know"
either way, based on present information I believe this coin
to be real as claimed by the OP.

We'll have to swap notes/stories over a quiet beverage or
two next time we are both in the same city. Do you know
about the monthly ancients meetings in Sydney (ASAN)?

Walter Holt
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Offline carthago

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #10 on: March 15, 2015, 03:51:15 am »
Rule #1, be nice.  I've had to be reminded of that myself so I speak from experience.

You're comment about wanton destruction of archeological sites is absurd.  Finding a coin on the ground in the manner in which the OP said he did is about as far from wanton destruction as the coins I bought from a German auction yesterday.  No, I don't support destruction or looting of sites.  I mean really, Walter...  

As for morality, not everyone shares your view that one's morality is gauged by their willingness to throw themselves at the mercy of some capricious government thug who will confiscate the coin without compensation to rot in box of junk in some basement or better yet, prosecute you for wanton destruction of an archeological site depending on his hangover that day.

If it were me, under those exact circumstances, I'd keep that coin.  Good for him!  I bet he'll take care of it better than the corrupt Italian government official that would just as well take it from him at gunpoint.  Perhaps it will become a family heirloom, to be cherished by his grandchlldren and maybe spark the interest of some child to be a collector, or God forbid, an archeologist!  That's where I stand based on the facts as presented.  Damn right I'd keep it!   ;D

Just so you know, I'm not questioning your honesty, ethics, morality.  That's your business and not mine.  

And rule # something...relax buddy.  You're in Australia.  Life is good.  

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #11 on: March 15, 2015, 06:14:37 am »
The chances that this coin actually came from Pompeii are slim to nil.  I've been to Pompeii many times.  Coins don't just appear after a rain storm.  The story is highly suspect.

Hi Jay,
I personally know archaeologists who have worked on the site, and
coins DO still come up after rains, etc. They are still found within the
site, in a variety of contexts.

The OP story may or may not be true, but given that that is all the
information we have, I think we need good EVIDENCE, either way.

All the best,

Walter
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Walter Holt's Old Money - Ancient Coins
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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #12 on: March 15, 2015, 01:33:50 pm »
Remember the  #1 Rule - BE NICE!  Putting an insult in the form of a question does not make it not an insult. 
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Offline stlnats

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #13 on: March 15, 2015, 03:45:39 pm »
I do agree that this escalated quickly and unnecessarily, but am surprised/disappointed that the notion of "finders keepers" has any sort of acceptance/legitimacy in protected areas such as Pompeii.  I live about 45 minutes from Cahokia and would no more think of carting off a projectile point or shard of pottery (which are fairly common finds in this part of the world) I found than taking a metal detector to Pompeii (easy to rationalize since the stuff will wash up eventually).  And I am fully aware of and loathe the increasingly thuggish behavior of governments and some academics in terms of ownership of antiquities of all types, but taking this coin just doesn't seem right to me.  Must be a generational thing and perhaps I just need to spend my time chasing kids off my lawn...




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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #14 on: March 15, 2015, 10:36:27 pm »
O

Offline Meepzorp

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #15 on: March 15, 2015, 10:45:56 pm »
I hope my image as a young ,Tatooed and hot rod driving guy doesn't deter anyone here from being a friend... everyone here is usually so kind...

Hi Sky,

Tattooed???!!! :o

I never liked tattoos. I think they are ugly. I don't understand why anyone would want to do that to themselves.

I am now 47 years old, which is considered middle-aged for this forum (all things are relative). But, when I was younger, I was 2 out of those 3 things. I was a "young, hot rod driving guy". I always drove high-performance Mustangs when I was younger.

Meepzorp

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #16 on: March 15, 2015, 11:09:35 pm »
Hi folks,

I must admit that, when I first read this thread, I was shocked at what I saw. It got "real ugly, real fast". And it was over something that, in my opinion, is a "grey area" or a "borderline issue". I guess that some people are just very passionate about certain issues. Everyone, myself included, has those "hot-button issues".

Edit: Based on the advice of other Forum members, I have self-edited this post, just as others have self-edited their posts.

Meepzorp

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #17 on: March 15, 2015, 11:37:37 pm »
I would never steal an intact (unbroken) piece of pottery.

Of course, pottery is often/usually reassembled from pieces such as the one you have - and I think a complete/mostly intact krater or amphora just lying about would be a tad difficult to sneak out.  The distinction for me -and its not gray at all - is that this is a protected site, presumably under active study.  And I assume Italian law would consider taking even the smallest shard a crime, but don't know the relevant law.  But legalities aside, removing the coin (which did seem to be intact) just doesn't seem right to me.  Just MHO...

  

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #18 on: March 16, 2015, 03:29:31 am »
H

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #19 on: March 16, 2015, 08:06:55 am »
I would never steal an intact (unbroken) piece of pottery.

Of course, pottery is often/usually reassembled from pieces such as the one you have - and I think a complete/mostly intact krater or amphora just lying about would be a tad difficult to sneak out.  The distinction for me -and its not gray at all - is that this is a protected site, presumably under active study.  And I assume Italian law would consider taking even the smallest shard a crime, but don't know the relevant law.  But legalities aside, removing the coin (which did seem to be intact) just doesn't seem right to me.  Just MHO...

  

I agree.  One should not take anything from protected world heritage sites.  This isn't a random field or someone's garden.  It seems harmless but if everyone who visits there thought like you did there'd soon be nothing left.  Just like rules that prohibit people touching statues in museums.  One touch does nothing, but several hundred thousand over many years will wear it out.

Offline Matthew C5

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #20 on: March 16, 2015, 08:41:53 am »
As for the post I truly believe that is not always what you say or do, but how you say and do it.  Offence will almost certainly generate defense.

As exciting as it may be, I would have to agree on leaving items at Pompeii where they are, and reporting anything that someone else could take.  There is just far to much context to be interpreted here. Now if this was a hoard of nice coins found in a field outside of Italy, I'd be inclined to pocket at least a few before anouncing my find to the world.  It's human nature I suppose.



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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #21 on: March 16, 2015, 11:28:56 am »
This thread reminds me of two other discussion group threads, one which many will be aware of, the Capitoline museum coin-sales thread, and another on a quite different topic, the Cushion thread on the Airline Frequent Flyer forum flyertalk. The essence of the cushion thread is that British Airways international first class cabins include many luxurious fittings, and the soft furnishings have a rather tastefully covered small cushion with, I recall, a classic English embroidery pattern, with a tasteful little "speedwing" logo in the corner. About five years ago, a regular first class passenger, who probably spent over £100,000 per annum on BA, asked the forum whether it would be ok if he added this attractive little cushion, that probably cost BA £5, to his take-home bag. Last time I saw, the thread was still rumbling along, some 200 pages long by now, with opinion pretty evenly divided between those who thought that BA management would be absolutely delighted that a regular first class passenger wanted a piece of their branded soft furnishings in his home as a token of loyalty and as a reminder to him to buy another £5000 ticket soon, and those who considered it theft that should be punished no less severely than a pickpocket who steals £5 from a purse and who would get a prison sentence for that crime. In a like manner, the question raised in this thread is irresolvable, and the more discussion it generates, the more polarised the views will become. Look back in six months and see...

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #22 on: March 16, 2015, 01:36:34 pm »
Thanks Andrew, that reference made me laugh!  The viewers far-outnumber the posters and I wonder how many appreciate these posts.  Better than Coronation street or Young and the Restless....probably not, but they do keep some of us amused;)

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #23 on: March 16, 2015, 01:43:58 pm »
Not very smart to announce that you've stolen something from a world heritage site on a public forum....

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #24 on: March 16, 2015, 04:52:26 pm »
After the rain, the coins come out of the ground, just like earthworms. When I was in Athens, I found about 30 tetradrachms just lying around. I didn't even pick up the ones that were less than VF.
Andreas Reich

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
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adiuvantes populus est sibiipsi praemium

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #38 on: March 17, 2015, 12:40:20 pm »
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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #41 on: March 17, 2015, 02:52:52 pm »
I wouldn't join any club that would have me as a member!

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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
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Re: Roman coin from pompeii
« Reply #50 on: March 19, 2015, 09:43:29 am »
Coins of Ephesus
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