Gratian solidus transfer die fake?

[traveler]

Hello all,

I just noticed these two solidi of Gratian currently on sale. They are a double die match, and both share the same scratches or bumps on the reverse left field.

Also the obverse 12h is almost identically weakly struck.

I was thinking these are transfer die fakes? Or could it be that the reverse scratches are due to die damage?

I could not find a record in either Forum fakes reports or Forgery Network.

[traveler]

Hello all,

Sorry it looks like the obverses aren't exact die matches. The tassels of the rosette diadem are different for example. The size of the obverse inscription also appears to be subtly different, and the dot right on top of Gratian's head is also of a slightly different design.

Having said that both obverses still share extremely similar features around the circumference, except that the second coin has weaker details.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Hydatius]

You're right that the obverses aren't a match. The problem with the reverse is, I think, a deteriorating die. The damage is more advanced on the top one than on the bottom one.
Richard

[traveler]

Thanks Richard. It's good to hear they're not fakes.

[byzcoincoll]

The wear on both coins looks quite convincing, i.e. original as far as one can judge just from the photos.