Ancient and Medieval Coins Canada

Auction 1  –  1 December 2018

Ancient and Medieval Coins Canada, Auction 1

Ancient and Medieval Coins

Sa, 01.12.2018, from 6:00 PM CET
The auction is closed.

Description

★ Rare imitation ★

Julia Soaemias (218-22), Fourrée Denarius, imitative issue. Unknown (eastern?) mint, 3.14g, 19mm. Rare.
Obv: IVLIΛ SOΛEMIΛS ΛVGVSTΛ; Draped bust right.
Rev: ΛESTΛ; Vesta seated right, holding sceptre.
Imitates RIC IV 248. See CNG E-Auction 281, 20.06.2012, lot 373 (same dies; realized 130 USD).

See the previous lot for historical context.

IMPORTANT EDIT: It has come to our attention that the imitations of Elagabalus and Julia Soaemias using the dies of lots 225 and 226 are subject to some controversy as to their authenticity. While the firms CNG (where both lots were acquired), Harlan J. Berk (Curtis Clay), and others are of the opinion that they are authentic ancient imitations, several knowledgeable German collectors and dealers have expressed doubts. Please see the thread at bit.ly/elagjsom for discussion.

We have seen five examples, and some have extremely hard red deposits that would be difficult to reproduce. Some green deposits came off relatively easily. The silvering is extremely thin, so if they are authentic, they must have been produced after about 250 CE when at least one method of applying thin layers of silver (perhaps via mercury amalgam) was widely known, and used in official mint products. The style is difficult to evaluate, and their condition and state prior to cleaning is consistent with a hoard find with multiple coins sharing dies.

Returns of either coin will be accepted at any time, no questions asked.

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Bidding

Price realized 70 CAD 4 bids
Starting price 50 CAD
The auction is closed.
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