![]() The first century copies are too base while the Pescennius Niger is much too fine. This is rumored to be from melting down old European base silver coins. All are struck on flans of similar fabric in the same metal. Reverse figures tend to be proportioned realistically even when the real coins would not have been (especially the Pescennius Niger). I see more of a problem with the coins of the Emperors I know best than with the others so I suspect all are similarly off base to someone who really knows the subject. Portraits are all quite recognizable as their subjects but the styles are still a bit off. The Septimius Severus is ordinary except for the bust wearing an aegis the Trajan Decius is very rare as a denarius. The common Emperors are represented by rare varieties. This is shown well in the enlarged portrait of the Caligula. All are struck with great force giving sharp detail but none really have proper fine detail in the hair. All of the above are struck on flans thinner than appropriate. Some of his coins are better than others, I have heard that his Greek and late Roman are even better but I have little experience with them other than the Alexander shown here (I hope). Since they are NOT marked as copies and do not have a obverse reverse orientation that would allow both sides to be 'up' when mounted, I am not sure I believe this claim. I have heard that he claims to make replicas for use in jewelry rather than to deceive. Our next group of fakes are what are called 'Slaveis' after the man who openly produces them. (bottom) Trajan Decius, Herennia Etruscilla, Alexander the Great (3rd) Septimius Severus, Gordian I, Gordian II (2nd) Nero Claudius Drusus, Pertinax, Pescennius Niger L to R (top row) Augustus, Augustus, Caligula What is the moral of this story? Buy coins from dealers you trust. Notes requesting the name of that dealer will be ignored. I did not press him to accept the return but now, years down the road, I buy from him only when I really want the coin and am convinced that it is good. The next time I saw that dealer at a show, I told him about the coin to hear him reply, "It was still worth what you paid for it." I believe that the dealer did not know he was selling me a bad coin and thought he was being funny with his smart comeback. When I got home and looked at the coin more carefully I discovered that it was lead painted with copper paint. He complimented me and lowered the price to $8 as a reward. When I handled this coin, the dealer said that it was a rare item. I was a beginner searching for junk coins in a bargain box at a show. I bought it from a respected dealer who should have known better. We will begin with a fake I find to be particularly painful. None of these are dangerous IF you arm yourself with a little knowledge and a healthy realization that there are many types, many much more deceptive, not covered on this (or any) page. A few of the major types of obvious fakes are represented on this page. Do not be afraid to collect coins collect coins wisely. Fake ancient coins are not really a serious problem and not nearly as prevalent as fakes of modern coins. The ONLY safe way to avoid fakes is to buy from a trustworthy dealer who guarantees his coins FOR LIFE. The contents of this page will do almost nothing to protect you from fake coins. They should not be confused with ancient imitations, barbaric copies or other forms of collectable items. READ THIS WELL!: Coins shown on this page are modern fakes made to fool collectors or tourists.
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