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Author Topic: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin  (Read 792 times)

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Offline Mark L3

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Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« on: September 05, 2021, 07:18:12 pm »
Hello all,

I was hoping someone could shed a little light on a mystery coin I have in my collection.
I purchased it at a car boot sale and it was ID'd as Julia Mamaea. It appears to be silver (so I thought it may be a denarius), however I have searched all over the internet and cannot find any info on such a coin:
Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI

I have come to the following conclusions:

1. It is a hybrid
2a. It is an ancient fake
2b. It is a modern fake

If anyone can tell me whether it looks real or what it may be that would be greatly appreciated!!
Many thanks
Mark

Offline Akropolis

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2021, 08:12:17 pm »
Fouree?
I believe you have the correct reverse description..
The obverse is so bad I can only make a guess…and that is that it is Julia Mamaea or Julia
Maesa.
PeteB

Offline vrtsprb

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2021, 08:42:18 pm »

Rev: FORTVNAE REDVCI

That's attested for Severus Alexander (seems to be somewhat scarce), so a hybrid is plausible.
https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=4052171

Mamaea, RIC alleges (368), had a similar type with a FORTVNA REDVX legend but with Aequitas.
Problem is, I can't find that one online, either.

'
G/<
'

Offline vrtsprb

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2021, 08:44:04 pm »
Fouree?

Looking at the surface that does seem like a possibility.

'
G/<
'

Offline mix_val

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2021, 09:02:32 pm »
Interesting coin.  I agree with Akropolis but to me the portrait looks like Mamaea.  Too bad the obverse legend is obscured.   That same reverse type occurs for Severus Alexander denarii with legends IMP SEV ALEXANDER AVG and IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG  Forgers are known to mix reverse and obverse dies from the same reign (and even earlier ones).
Bob Crutchley
My gallery of the coins of Severus Alexander and his family
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/index.php?cat=16147

Offline Mark L3

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2021, 08:33:01 am »
Thank you for your help! On the obverse I believe it has AM above the head with the M being directly above the centre of the head (I am not 100% sure on this) and I saw that most of Mamaea's coins didn't have any inscription above the head, but to me it looks most like Mamaea's head.

If it's a Fourrée, does that mean it's an ancient forgery?? (Sorry, still slightly new to ancient numismatics).

I can post more pictures later if that would be helpful?
Thank you very much again!!
Mark :)

Offline Akropolis

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #6 on: September 06, 2021, 12:15:09 pm »
In this case, it is ancient…..if it is a fouree or not.
PeteB

Offline mix_val

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #7 on: September 06, 2021, 04:43:25 pm »
The portrait has no Stephane and is similar to the coin below of Mamaea from early in the reign of Severus Alexander
Bob Crutchley
My gallery of the coins of Severus Alexander and his family
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/index.php?cat=16147

Offline Mark L3

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #8 on: September 06, 2021, 05:11:42 pm »
Here's a couple more pictures of the Obverse.
It looks like it's more copper/bronze than silver on this side, which leads me to believe it's probably a fourree.

The portrait has no Stephane and is similar to the coin below of Mamaea from early in the reign of Severus Alexander

Is this the only Mamaea portrait where the inscription goes all the way around with no breaks?
Also, is Mamaea the only one where the hair curls that much at the bottom?

Offline mix_val

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #9 on: September 06, 2021, 08:05:19 pm »
Is this the only Mamaea portrait where the inscription goes all the way around with no breaks?
Also, is Mamaea the only one where the hair curls that much at the bottom?

Legends vary depending on the die....some will have breaks other will not.
An expert who has studied the coins of Mamaea may be able to answer so specific a question 
Bob Crutchley
My gallery of the coins of Severus Alexander and his family
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/index.php?cat=16147

Offline Mark L3

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Re: Unknown Julia (Mamaea??) coin
« Reply #10 on: September 07, 2021, 07:38:06 pm »
I've catalogued it like this, do you think this is correct? If not, any comments/information would be really appreciated! :)

Also, I was hoping someone might help me with the date?? I found that the Julia Mamaea coins were minted from 222-235, so it cannot be from before this range as the dies wouldnt have existed (unless I'm wrong). Would the Diocletian reform have an impact as to whether the coin could be in circulation? If so then I'm thinking 222-301? Any thoughts on that would be greatly appreciated!! :D

And I know it's practically impossible to know, but does anyone know where the coin may have been minted?

Thank you all for your help! I really appreciate it!!

If anyone has any further information or thoughts, please let me know
Thanks again!!
Mark

 

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