Most viewed - jmuona's Gallery |
Fake RIC 22a259 viewsA detail of the reverse of a genuine RIC 22 Otho on horsback denarius (left) and a modern cast made from a coin minted with same dies (right). Note the sharp detail in recessed parts of the real coin - pellets behind the horse's neck etc - all absent or mushy in the cast coin, althoug it appears to be less "worn". Also note that the forger has re-cut the emperor´s leg, the original having been in a different angle clearly still visible in the more worn authentic coin.
An extra bonus: both the original and the host of the fake (copied to the cast) show a shadow-line of Otho's forehead below the front leg as they were minted with a clashed die.jmuona
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Fake RIC 22a229 viewsHere we have a series of late Otho obverses. The one on the left (RIC 10) and in the middle (RIC 22) are authentic coins minted with the same obverse die. The one on the right is a cast copy (RIC 22) based on the same die (but not either of these coins!!). The forger has overdone the job in making the coin look better. Clearly the original one had worn hair and the added detail is not well executed. The neck has been slightly modified as well, but all in all this would fool the majority of buyers. The reverse has fatal flaws revealing the casting - please have a look at the accompanying detailed image.jmuona
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191 viewsThis "Otho" with "VÍCTORIA PR" reverse is an ingenious fabrication created by the famous forger "Tardani". He had obviously realized that there were a few VICTORIA OTHONIS dies recut from Galba's VICTORIA PR dies and created this fictitious but possible coin with copies of real dies. I used to have this coin and another with the same dies is in the Berlin coin cabinet. Both are overweight, around 3.9 gr. It took some time to find a Galba minted with this particular reverse die but finally I succeeded. The final proof is seen in this coin, there are a few regions were the die has broken, ie before the die ever could have been used for an Otho coin. The coin is quite convincing because of the dies, but the surfaces were a bit strange and the legends unusual in profile.jmuona
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Second_RIC 2156 viewsThis is the rarest Otho denarius. Seven coins, all minted with the same die-pair, are known. ANS and Paris are the only major museums to have this one. 3.27 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Third_RIC 20var152 viewsAlthough the commonest PONT MAX reverse type, RIC erraneously suggested it does not exist at all in silver. This is a beautiful coin, although Otho looks slightly too neat to my liking on this particular die. 3.61 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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First_RIC 16142 viewsThis coin, although quite worn, is dear to me. I used to think it was from the Apostolo Zeno collection. A more detailed study has shown that although very similar in strike and wear to the die-match coin in Zeno collection, this is not the same one. The die-combination is common, ie. in Otho terms. 3.04 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Second_RIC 10140 viewsThis is the second commonest Otho type. This is one of my favourite coins, the obverse die is a masterpiece in my view. 3.48 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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First_RIC 14135 viewsThis is the commonest VICTORIA type. This particular die-combination is known to me from more than 10 coins!jmuona
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RPC5359129 viewsTetradrachm, Eleutheria, no simpulum. This coin was included in a as yet unpublished study. It shows nicely the minting method used in Egypt at the time. The silver content of the metal used is low and the surface has been treated with acid to remove the copper and then restruck to solidify the silver. The same method was in use in Rome during the last month of Otho´s reign, but as the silver content was much higher, the "purified" surface cannot be observed as easily. [5.67 gr], die-axis 12.jmuona
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Third_RIC 21111 viewsThe flan is far from perfect, but both strikes are great and there is very little wear. The nicest Jupiter Otho I know of - some have nice smooth flans, but are inferior in other respects. 3.35 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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First_RIC 8101 viewsThis is a new picture of my long-time favourite. Comes from an old Italian collection the story goes - thank you Ed for that. Luckily the name is mostly off flan so I could "afford" it. As a type without comparison the commonest Otho. 3.55 gr, die-axis 7.jmuona
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Fake RIC 1099 viewsA well-made and convincing cast coin based on offical dies.
Bruxelles coin cabinet.jmuona
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First_RIC 497 viewsAnother fairly usual early Otho type. The obverse die shows a powerful and determined Otho. 3.53 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Second_RIC -94 viewsCuriously, this coin type used to be very rare earlier. Old auction catalogues show it very rarely but during the last 20 years many have appeared. Although double-struck, this coin has great surfaces and an interesting portrait.jmuona
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Second_RIC 685 viewsTogether with RIC 2, this is by far the rarest Otho type. About 10 coins are known.jmuona
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Third_RIC 2280 viewsThe Otho on horseback type is my favourite. This coin shows clashed die damage on reverse - the line following Otho's forehead and hairline can be seen right to the horse's hind feet. 3.05 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Third_RIC 1980 viewsThis splendid portrait coin of Otho I obtained from a Helios auction (ex-Lynn). I decided to part with it and the coin found a new keeper in the NYINC. I am sure she/he will be happy with it!jmuona
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Third_RIC 20var79 viewsThis is one of my dearest coins because of its pedigree. It is originally from the poet Apostolo Zeno´s collection (1668-1750). Zeno was one of the main names behind the creation of modern opera librettos. His coin collection ended up in the St. Florian Augustinian monastery close to Linz in Austria. The collection was sold in the 50s to pay for necessary repairs and it was auctioned by Dorotheum. Every time I look at this coin I get shivers thinking it lay in the cabinet while the great composer, Anton Bruckner as the organist of the monastery, played the magnificent instrument there.
2.98 gr, die-axis 6.
And now, for a while, it is in my posession. jmuona
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First_RIC 876 viewsThe slightly draped bust dies are few in number. This obverse die was used to mint at least RIC 3, RIC 4, RIC 7 and RIC 8 coins. There is no reason to believe that the draped bust coins formed a special issue.jmuona
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Second_RIC 1076 viewsThis coin was reportedly found in North Africa together with denarii of Clodius Macer and Galba. Although gorgeous in my view, it too had to find another keeper at one stage. Luckily it found someone who really cares. The reverse die is a bit worn and there is a flan crack, but the obverse is something else...jmuona
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RIC 8 replica74 viewsCast replica based on real dies, offered as a gift to ?businesspeople and including "authentication" for the replica's quality by an offical source.jmuona
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Pure_RIC32873 viewsVery rare and impressive.jmuona
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Pure_RIC32673 viewsWhat can I say...jmuona
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Fake RIC 864 viewsThese are often called "Museum replicas" and similar things are sold at museums. A copy of a real coin, cast in wrong metal and stamprd with "R" for replica. Without the "R" and the surface manipulated this can be very convincing as a heavily worn, affordable Otho.jmuona
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Third_RIC 2461 viewsThis particular coin I have sold, but I think about it every now and then. Inspite of the poor flan, it had definite appeal. The type is quite rare.jmuona
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Second_RIC 261 viewsCondition is quite bad, but I obtained this just beacuse of the extreme rarity. It was used in our silver content analysis and found a new home later on. It is fun to compare the dies!jmuona
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MallusXXXX61 viewsAs (?), a unique coin from Cilicia, Mallus. The flan is bevelled - not known from Mallus otherwise - suggesting Antiochian influence. Similar to Antiochus IV group 2 & 3 coins (sensu Butcher), which also have bevelled flans and resemble coins of Galba and Otho from Antioch. The general of the Eastern army, Vespasianus and the Syrian legate Mucianus swore allience with Otho at the time. This was done for tactical reasons most likely. 8.51 gr, max 25 mm, die-axis 12.
The coin is published in Tuukka Talvio´s Festschrift and a pdf of the article will be soon available as a Forum resource.
Another coin minted with same dies has appeared. Salem Alshdaifat has interpreted the legends partly differently, as they are less legible in that specimen. However, he has come to the same general conclusion about the attribution of the coin independently.jmuona
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Third_RIC 20var61 viewsThis coin comes with an original Spink sale card dated April, 1892. I have two PONT MAX reverse coins that can be dated fairly far back, this one 120 years. 3.29 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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First_RIC 1760 viewsBoth left facing VICTORIA types are quite rare. Several of the Victory on globe reverse dies have the legend re-engraved, the original dies having been of Galba's VICTORIA PR reverse type. 2.75 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Fake RIC 1660 viewsThis is the commonest Otho fake nowdays. Said to come from the Lipanoff studios, it pops out in different grades, metals and patinations over and over again. Unfortunately it was illustrated in ERIC I as the real thing. The obverse is cut imitating a real existing die, alhough the lettering is clearly off. The reverse is unlike the goddess on authentic coins, with what one might call a "celtic touch" Victory´s legs are in a wrong position and reveal the nature of this coin.
A thing to remember is that the person who cut these dies could easily have made a really convincing job - the "errors" are certainly intentional.
3.74 gr, max 19.5 mm, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Fake RIC 20v55 viewsA rarely seen fake with everything a little bit off, but not much. The locks in the front part of the hair are too thick and immediately reveal the nature of this one, but they might work well if the coin had considerably more wear. The face is unusal, but not impossible, this type of a muscular neck is not known for Otho, however. Ceres is quite good, although the corn-ears are too detailed. The reverse letters with long serifs is too different from that of the obverse for the coin to be genuine.
3.46 gr, max 19 mm, die-axis 12.jmuona
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Fake RIC 455 viewsA modern cast copy. Based on real dies but softness of devices condemns it immediately.
Bruxelles coin cabinet collection.jmuona
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RPCXXXX54 viewsMcAlee 319. As, obverse legend counter-clockwise, legate of Syria, C. Licinus Crassus Mucianus named on reverse. RPC knew only the clock-wise legend version. 11.78 gr, max 28 mm, die axis 12.jmuona
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Second_RIC 653 viewsVery few dies - less than 20 - are known with the left facing bust of Otho. The coins are rare and the Pax rarer than the Secvritas. This one has an unusually large flan. 3.45 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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RPC432151 viewsMcAlee 322 (c). Semis, obverse legend counter-clockwise, no dot on reverse. 7.16 gr, max 24 mm, die-axis 12.jmuona
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Fake RIC 1951 viewsA well executed cast fake, devices soft.
Bruxelles coin cabinet collection.jmuona
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Tarraco_RIC22A51 views3.41 gr., max 19 mm, die-axis 6. Not in RIC I, but added in Sutherland (1984).jmuona
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RIC 8 replica51 viewsThis box contained the three replicas: Galba, Otho, Vitellius-jmuona
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Fake RIC 2249 viewsThis is a fake dating probably to the late 19th century. The portrait is fairly good but the letters are poorly executed and the combination of long early obverse legend with late reverse is fatal. Otho on horseback is quite crudely executed and the horse is "modern". This coin is in the Bruxelles coin cabinet and I have included it to show the similarity with the corresponding aureus fake included from the Oxford university collection. Unfortunately the equipment I had with me was totally inadequate in the light available.jmuona
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Fake RIC- aureus49 viewsThis coin is stylistically quite similat to the Bruxelles collection denarius fake and shares the same mistake: long obverse legend combined with the late reverse type. Most likely both were produced in late 19th century.
The coin is in the Ashmolean collection, Oxford, UK.jmuona
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Third_RIC 1946 viewsThe AEQVITAS reverse type is quite rare. The obverse legends are mostly off the flan on this coin, but the bust is struck in high profile. 3.50 gr, die-axis 5. jmuona
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Second_RIC 1246 viewsThe left-facing Otho coins are uncommon, the SECVRITAS being the more frequent one. Very few left-facing dies are known.jmuona
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First_RIC 1646 viewsThis coin is minted with a die that has a spelling error. Instead of OTHONIS, OTHONS on the reverse. Three coins minted with this reverse die are known to me. Such errors are very rare in early Rome mint production. 3.24 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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RIC 19 Ancient counterfeit46 viewsThis is a peculiar coin. Clearly not produced with the silver-foil method, but rather by a surface enriched silver method. Both dies are convincing and the lettering is excellent and typical of the late Otho coins. The hair-do is correct for the type.
2.72 gr, max 18 mm, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Third_RIC 1945 viewsIn spite of the die-break I like this one quite a lot. The portrait is of the late Otho style. 3.53 gr, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Rome_RIC14545 views3.44 gr., max 20 mm, die-axis 6-jmuona
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Third_RIC 2245 viewsFive different dies with Otho on horseback (RIC 22) are known. Two of them I have included as separate coins in this gallery, the three remaining ones are united in one image here. The die on the right is known from a single coin. jmuona
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Fantasy41 viewsThis fake has a reverse known from coinf of Falba (Spain only) and Vitellius. The fabric is clearly modern, the portrait is off and the lettering is uneven both in eexecution and actual size. Has "copy" written on, but that would easily "wear out".jmuona
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Fake RIC-41 viewsAnother version of Peter Rosa dies. A later cast with blurred legends.
3.80 gr, max 18 mm, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Lugdunum_RIC5641 views3,41 gr., max 18 mm, die-axis 7.jmuona
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Return_RIC56441 viewsRIC ii.i plate coin.jmuona
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First_RIC 839 viewsAlthough there appears to be nothing unusual about this coin, closer inspection reveals it is very unusual. The change in hair-do was abrupt between the IMP M and IMP obverses, but a couple of dies have survived with the old, long obverse inscription and the late hair-do with no free-flying locks present anymore. This is the least rare of them, a few coins minted with this distinctive obverse die are known.jmuona
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Third_RIC 2238 viewsFive dies of the Otho on horseback reverse are known. I have been fortunate to obtain them all. This one - also used for the previous coin - is the one seen most often. jmuona
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RPC419937 viewsMcAlee 316. Tetradrachm, no crescent, palm branch to left. 14.65 gr, die-axis 12.jmuona
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Fake RIC-36 viewsThis coin copies the short obverse legend PAX Otho, listed in RIC I, but not in the second edition. The type is about as common/rare as the long obverse type (RIC4).
This coin is made from Peter Rosa dies, which in turn were copies of real ones. Whether an original "Rosa" or not, I do not know.
5.05 gr, max 19 mm, die-axis 1.jmuona
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RIC 8 Ancient counterfeit36 viewsA plated Ancient counterfeit. The portrait is atypical and the obverse legend is strangely placed: the word "CAESAR" ends more to the left with respect to the portrait than in any known official die (n = 520), even though there clearly is the letter "M" as well. The drapery falling from the hand holding the caducaeus on the reverse is simplified and incorrectly executed as well.
[2.34 gr], max 17 mm, die-axis 7.jmuona
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Return_RIC33636 viewsCE 85, return to a lower silver standard, still trp IIII, dies with or without aegisjmuona
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RIC 22 Modern fake35 viewsI have chosen to call this a Modern fake, although I believe it to be from the late 1800s. Fakes with the same obverse or an obverse very similar to this exist both in gold and silver. There are other examples in my gallery as well.jmuona
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Third_RIC 2134 viewsThe Jupiter reverse PONT MAX coin is quite rare.jmuona
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Fake RIC 1934 viewsIf the colour of the coin or the strange portrait do not warn, the spelling "OTO" on the obverse suffices to show this is a fake. The hair-do is close to right for the late Otho type. The low forehead, big nose and the strange smile make this an easy one to spot. The AEQVITAS is off in many ways - the face is too cute, the figure too thick and the details of clothing wrong.
4.14 gr, max 20 mm, die-axis 12.jmuona
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Rome_RIC22134 views3.35 gr., max 19 mm, die-axis 6. Very rare.jmuona
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Pure_RIC18634 viewsCE 84, restored pure silver period.jmuona
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Otho-Vespasian mule34 viewsThis coin I failed to obtain, but I suspect it may be an authentic Ancient counterfeit combining a Second/Third period Otho obverse with a Vespasian reverse. Said to have been found in UK by a detectorist. Very interesting. UPDATE: another coin combining a similar type of obverse and Domitian as Caesar reverse was sold on ebay recently. It is definitely more suspicious and I regard it as a modern forgery. This coin may be of same stock as well.jmuona
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Rome_Germ_RIC10333 views3,22 gr., max 20 mm, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Tarraco_RIC2533 views3,17 gr., max 20 mm, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Return_RIC34533 viewsCE 85, second issue after return to a lower silver standard, TRP V.jmuona
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Return_RIC73533 viewsRIC II.i plate coin. TRP XI-IMP XXII is a very rare combination and the second "I" of the IMP appears to be a late addition on many dies.jmuona
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RIC 19 Ancient counterfeit32 viewsPlated forgery with breaks on the surface foil clearly visible on obverse. The obverse die imitates or possibly copies an early Otho die with long legend, the reverse is that of a coin, which should be combined with a short obverse legend. This is a feature seen on many of these Ancient counterfeits. With only two legends available, one might think this should not be that difficult to get right. Perhaps it was intentional? Another possibility is that the forgers did not know how to read and as the long obverse legend coins were commoner, this mix-up happened easily.
2.72 gr, max 18 mm, die-axis 12.jmuona
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RIC 8 Ancient counterfeit32 viewsA plated forgery and an unusually ugly one. The flat-headed, pig-necked portrait is badly off and the obverse legends are too widely spaced and inconsistent. The reverse has a moderately succesfull Securitas, the legend appears to read "..VR-I-IASPR".
2.95 gr, max 18 mm, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Tarraco_RIC632 views3,32 gr., max 18 mm, die-axis 6. Strictly speaking this is not included in RIC, as the obverse legend is of RIC type 2b, not 2a. However, as this is only a question of the gap between the words VITELLIUS and IMP, I regard it as only a die variant.jmuona
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Tarraco_Ric-B32 viewsThis coin is close to being the denarius version of the aureus RIC1. The obverse legend is closer to type 2c, however. Again, not significant in my view and most likely struck with the same die as an aureus. This is one of those coins I just could not afford to keep. It was wonderful to observe that the new owner was from Spain. It went home.jmuona
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Early_RIC6532 viewsEarly rare issue. RICII.i plate coin.jmuona
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Second_RIC 10_zuz32 viewsBaar Kochba revolt "denarius", originally a SECVRITAS Otho Rome mint coin. On the lower left of the obverse one can see the name clearly and on the other side remnants of the original reverse legend "..CV RI T..." as well as the wreath held by Secvritas are visible. The common host coins the zuz were struck on are denarii of Trajan, Vespasian and Domitian; Titus, Nerva, Nero and Galba being less frequent. Otho is distinctly rare and a restruck Vitellius I have not seen.
It is fun to try to figure out the original type.jmuona
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Pure_RIC16431 viewsRestored pure silver period, CE 83.jmuona
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RPC536530 viewsHemidrachm, bust of Isis. These larger bronzes of Otho from Alexandria are very rare coins. 11.46 gr, max 30 mm, die-axis 12.jmuona
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RIC 8 Ancient counterfeit30 viewsA convincing forgery but for the broken down plating. Both dies appear to copy official ones, but the obverse lettering is slightly off. This may be due to the plating technique.
2.50 gr, max 18.5 mm, die-axis 6.jmuona
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Fake RIC 830 viewsA copper core of a plated modern fake.
Bruxelles coin cabinet collection.jmuona
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Tarraco_RIC3630 views3,48 gr., max 19 mm, die-axis 7.jmuona
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Return_RIC33430 viewsCE 85, return to a lower silver standard, still TRP IIII, dies with or without aegis. RIC II.i plate coin.jmuona
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Return_RIC33330 viewsCE 85, return to a lower silver standard, still TRP IIII, dies with or without aegis.jmuona
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RPC536429 viewsHemidrachm, bust of Nilus. A very rare coin. 16.79 gr, max 31 mm, die-axis 12.jmuona
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RPC536829 viewsDiobol, bust of Isis, long obverse legend. 10.73 gr, max 26 mm, die-axis 12.jmuona
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RPC537129 viewsObol, short obverse legend. 7.48 gr, max 20 mm, die-axis 11.jmuona
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