What is a mule?

[Legatus]

I have a simple question. What is a mule? I have a coin that has a reverse not published for that particular ruler and I have been told it is a mule. Are mules ancient coins or modern fakes or can they be either? The coin in question is a Philip I Antoninianus with an obv legend reading: IMPMIVLPHILIPPVSAVG - Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right. The rev legend reads: VIRTVTIAVGVSTI - Hercules standing right leaning on club set on rock. A muling of an obverse of Philip with a reverse of Gordian perhaps? Or is it a modern day fake with a mistake of the reverse? And in the interest of full disclosure, I have posed this same question on another coin forum.  I am trying to learn from the best, no matter from where that information may emanate.

[ickster]

Legatus,

You will see that your word "mule" turned blue in your post. This is an auto link to numiswiki where the definition may be found. In this case, it states:

A Roman coin that is a hybrid, meaning it has the obverse of one emperor and the reverse of another. Coins of this type are generally scarce or rare.  A modern day comparison would be the obverse (heads) of a US Penny and the reverse (tails) of a US Dime.

Hope this helps.

Erik

[areich]

As it is commonly used it's only a mule if it's ancient and official. If it's ancient and unofficial (where it is very common to find mismatched obverse and reverse), it is not called a mule but a hybrid.

[Legatus]

Thanks, I need to remember about numiswiki.  I think this is the second time I've been directed there.  Again, thanks

[maridvnvm]

Your coin is a modern fake I am afraid.

This is another one I saw a few years ago.



Here is the fake report:-

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/fakes/displayimage.php?pos=-5492

The same obverse die was used to create other fakes also muled with Gordian III reverses:-



There are other examples in the fake reports.

Regards,
Martin

[Legatus]

I had a feeling from the first that I obtained the coin.  I was told it was a mule when it was sold, but I really had very little idea of what that was.  I have it listed in my catolog as a probable fake.  I will put it on the Fakes Report later today.  Thanks for the input.  Like someone said, "if you have a feeling there may be something wrong, go with your feeling".