FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Resources => Ancient and Medieval Coin Identification Help => Topic started by: Zeeuwsepiep on December 14, 2010, 11:30:36 am

Title: Greek unidentified male bust
Post by: Zeeuwsepiep on December 14, 2010, 11:30:36 am

This coin is from a fragile material. It doesn't look bronze/copper to me but it has to be part of the mixture. I have no clues with this one. Any tips will be appreciated. The reverse btw is in very poor condition; can't even make a picture out of it.

Title: Re: Greek unidentified male bust
Post by: Mark Fox on December 14, 2010, 12:17:42 pm

Dear Zeeuwsepiep and Board,

You have a Macedonian bronze of Philip II with an uncertain monogram below the horse.  The color of the metal on many of these coins would seem to indicate a type of brass was used, but keep in mind that in classical numismatics, bronze could mean almost any alloy where copper is the predominant component.  One notable exception, of course, is a copper alloy with less than 50% silver.  This is known as "billon."

Hope this helps.


Best regards and Merry Christmas!

Mark Fox
Michigan 

Title: Re: Greek unidentified male bust
Post by: Arminius on December 14, 2010, 12:26:40 pm

right - there are parts of the legend

 :Greek_Phi: :Greek_Iota: :Greek_Lambda: :Greek_Iota: :Greek_Pi: :Greek_Pi: :Greek_Omicron: :Greek_Upsilon:

visible above the horse.
It looks the typical brass-coloured alloy of these pieces (plus dark surface encrustations).

(http://www.arminius-numismatics.com/coppermine1414/cpg1414/albums/userpics/10001/3878.jpg)

regards

Title: Re: Greek unidentified male bust
Post by: Zeeuwsepiep on December 15, 2010, 10:24:17 am

Thanks a lot gentlemen and merry Christmas to you!