Understanding the Authenticity of Ancient Roman Coins and Objects

As another poster aptly put it, there is an ongoing arms race in forgery, particularly in the realm of ancient Roman coins and objects. Forgeries can be broadly divided into two types: Mass-produced, poorly done imitations designed for tourists (Type A) and increasingly sophisticated forgeries designed to fool collectors (Type B). The latter can be incredibly difficult to spot without specialized knowledge.

Types of Forgeries

Type A Forgeries: These are often easy to spot if you have some knowledge about the items you are collecting. The best way to avoid them is to refrain from purchasing anything from street vendors on vacation, as they are almost certainly selling items that are not genuine, and you are likely to be breaking local laws in the process.

Type B Forgeries: These are much more difficult to identify and involve advanced techniques such as die cutting and striking. It is extremely rare for an amateur, even one with significant knowledge, to be able to spot these forgeries. Your best defense is to purchase only from reputable dealers who can provide guarantees about the authenticity of the items they sell.

Documenting the Find

Whether you are a collector or just curious about an ancient coin or object you have come across, it is important to document the find thoroughly. Attach photos of both sides of the coin and its measurements to the following forum discussion for expert input: Ancient Coins on CoinTalk.

Challenges in Authentication

To quote my professor, unequivocally verifying an ancient coin or object as true to its advertised state is notoriously difficult. Unless there is a well-documented provenance detailing where an item was excavated, there is no way to conclusively confirm its authenticity. Even skilled authenticators may be unable to spot a high-quality forgery, as forgers continually innovate to outsmart authentication techniques.

Modern forgers can produce alloys and patinas that mimic authentic artifacts with remarkable precision, often using modern materials. This ongoing arms race between forgers and authenticators means that a considerable, albeit unknown, number of antiquities on the market are believed to be fake. Law enforcement officials in antiquities-rich countries often dismantle workshops where fake antiquities are manufactured, further feeding the black market.

The antiquities market is complex and rife with questionable authenticity. Forgers have a vested interest in keeping their work undiscovered, as any loss of trust can significantly impact both the volume and prices of authentic artifacts on the market. In addition, the legality of authentic artifacts is often unclear, contributing to the overall complexity and danger of the market.

Conclusion

While the task of verifying the authenticity of ancient Roman coins and objects is challenging, taking the time to research and work through reputable dealers and forums can help mitigate the risks. Always consider the provenance and be skeptical of unsourced claims.