Late Roman Bronze Coins

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RIC VI Heraclea 13: identification + authenticity ?

Started by TOATOA, December 07, 2024, 07:56:35 AM

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TOATOA

Hi all, here a coin with diameter 22mm and a bronze color. I suspect RIC VI Heraclea 13, so a Diocletian follis AE3. What do guys think? And does it look real or fake ? Thanks !

RIC VI Heraclea 13:
https://numismatics.org/ocre/id/ric.6.her.13




Victor

Yes, you have the ID correct and your coin looks 100% genuine, though it has been overcleaned.


Diocletian.jpg

TOATOA

Thanks Victor.
So overcleaning makes it bright/shiny and shows the real bronze color again.
But the disadvantage? Less detail in letters and figures on the coin ?

Heliodromus

Quote from: TOATOA on December 07, 2024, 07:56:35 AM
I suspect RIC VI Heraclea 13, so a Diocletian follis AE3.

Yes, RIC 13 is right, but this denomination is called a post-reform radiate, not a nummus (the name "follis" isn't used anymore, since it means something else).

When Diocletian reformed the coinage in 294 AD, and introduced the nummus (worth 25 denarii), he also briefly issued these post-reform radiates (worth 4 denarii), and post-reform laureates (worth 2 denarii). The post-reform radiates were inspired by the pre-reform radiates (antoninianus denomination - 5% silver), but were pure base metal and therefore worth a lot less.

TOATOA

Quote from: Heliodromus on December 07, 2024, 02:28:46 PM
Quote from: TOATOA on December 07, 2024, 07:56:35 AM
I suspect RIC VI Heraclea 13, so a Diocletian follis AE3.

Yes, RIC 13 is right, but this denomination is called a post-reform radiate, not a nummus (the name "follis" isn't used anymore, since it means something else).

When Diocletian reformed the coinage in 294 AD, and introduced the nummus (worth 25 denarii), he also briefly issued these post-reform radiates (worth 4 denarii), and post-reform laureates (worth 2 denarii). The post-reform radiates were inspired by the pre-reform radiates (antoninianus denomination - 5% silver), but were pure base metal and therefore worth a lot less.
Thanks Heliodromus, that's clear now!
Tom