I would like opinions on authenticity

[Marcelo A]

Good evening, everyone. I was presented with this Republican denarius today, and the edge bothers me a lot. It seems to have been made by electrotype, but I am not familiar with this type of coinage reproduced by the Mint or any other institution. Is the coin genuine, or am I being too critical of it?"

[Kevin D]

It would be good to know the exact weight of the coin, in grams (x.xx grams).

If you don't have a scale that will tell you this, a jeweler might weight it for you.

[Marcelo A]

The weight is 4,4g - It seems correct

[Joe Sermarini]

If it is fake it is a electrotype (galvanocopy), which look, more or less perfect, except each side is made separately and they must be joined. It does have the look of an electrotype.

All the electrotypes I have seen have had a clear seam where the two sides were joined. I cannot be certain from the photos if that is a seam (with an attempt to cover it up) or not. It should be easier to know seeing it in hand. Does the possible seam go 100% of the way around? That would be very suspicious. You can see some of the edge seams here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/fakes/thumbnails.php?album=39

If it is an electrotype there should be more of the same. They were made at the British Museum and they made made multiple copies. I looked for other examples and did not find one and they are, I think, mostly or all, well published.

[Marcelo A]

Hello Joe, thank you for responding. I do believe it is electrotyped and not cast because I can't find any signs of casting such as bubbles or a porous surface. But what makes me cautious about this coin, besides the tonality (typical of electrotyped coins), is the edge. However, if it is indeed electrotyped, it doesn't have the MB signature or any other similar marks. I also noticed a small bronze spot just above the helmet between 11-12 o'clock. So far, I've only seen one type of electrotyped Roman Republic coin, and it looked nothing like this. I would like to hear more opinions on it. Thank you.