What is this?

[Arky]

Originally Posted by dougdann

I think it might be one of the Ptolemy of Egypt
The year, I believe, would be on the left side.
Struck slightly off flan, so it's hard to see the full date.
Can you make out the latter on the left?

Do have a slight concern about authnticity.
Certain signs lead me to think this coin was cast.
Although I do tend to be a little suspicious of many coins these days with the abundance of fakes hitting the market these days.

I can post it elsewhere for an expert if you would like me to.


Doug

I can't make out the mark either but it weighs 1/2 OZ please let me know what signs you are refering to thanks

[dougdann]

1. Looks like alot of small pits on the reverse of the coin. This is a result of casting.
2. At 12 and 6 o'clock on the coin looks like 2 places where a little is broke off. Possibly from breaking the stem after the molding process along the edge of the coin. From the mold.
3. From the picture it looks plated. Look along the edges and there pieces of silver chipped away. Doesn't appear to be silver underneath and too much off color in the silver.


Doug

[HooseNutz]

Keep that!! That coin is almost 2000 years old.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by HooseNutz

Keep that!! That coin is almost 2000 years old.

well if you are interested I am willing to sell?

[Figleaf]

Here's an easy test to distinguish cast from struck coins: place the coin on the top of a finger and hit it lightly with a fork. A struck coin will emit a high, clear "ping", while a cast coin will produce a low "dud". Some genuine coins are cast (early Roman, East Asia).

Peter