Here’s a guide to identifying a Roman bronze coin, broken down into key features to observe:
- Portrait: The obverse typically displays a portrait of a Roman emperor or a member of the imperial family.
- Legends/Inscriptions: Look for inscriptions in Latin, often abbreviated, that provide the emperor’s name, titles, and honorary titles.
- Crown: Note the type of crown worn by the emperor. A laurel wreath or radiant crown might be present, [according to Roman Provincial Coinage Online].
- Imagery: The reverse depicts a variety of scenes, including deities, symbols of imperial power (like an eagle), military victories, or allegories.
- Legends/Inscriptions: Inscriptions on the reverse often complement the image, providing further context or details about the event or figure represented.
- Mint Mark: Look for the mint mark at the bottom of the coin, usually in the exergue (area below the main design). This mark indicates the mint city and often includes a workshop identifier.
- Bronze or Copper: Bronze and copper coins develop a greenish tint over time, known as verdigris. Numismatists categorize copper-alloy coins as “bronze” or AE.
- Wear and Tear: Examine the coin’s wear and tear to assess its condition. Is the image clear and sharp, or has it been softened by time and use?
- Patina: Observe the coin’s patina, the surface layer that forms over time. It can be green, brown, or grayish and provides clues about the coin’s age and history.
- Size: Roman bronze coins are categorized by their diameter (AE1, AE2, AE3, AE4), [according to YouTube].
- Weight: Weigh the coin to help narrow down its potential type and date.
- Rarity: Research the rarity of similar coins, considering their condition and metal composition, says [Colonial Acres Coins].
- Reference Books: The “Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC)” series is a comprehensive resource for identifying Roman coins.
- Online Resources: Online guides, forums, and databases are valuable tools for identification and research.
- Expert Assistance: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from numismatists or join collectors’ groups for guidance.
Important Note: Even with these guidelines, identifying Roman coins can be challenging due to wear, illegibility, and the vast array of coin types produced over centuries.
How do you know if you have a bronze coin?
It the first thing you do is you weigh. It. They’re supposed to weigh 3.1 g but they can vary in weight this one weighs 2.8. The next thing that you want to do is see if it sticks to a magnet.
How to tell if an ancient Roman coin is real?
From my experience, Always compare a coin with others, if the color is not good there is a problem or it is a patina … yes except that silver and gold will not change as much as bronze that can be black, green or brown. In addition, it joins the chapter about weight, if the metal used is different, the weight will not be the same.
How do I date my Roman coin?
A reverse can sometimes be your best friend when it comes to dating your coin. A legend on the reverse can be specific to an era, such as SC (Senatus Consulto). SC abbreviation on the reverse of Emperor Nero coin, via Wildwinds.
Were Roman coins made of bronze?
Coins from Ancient Rome are incredibly popular today. They were struck primarily in gold, silver, and bronze and oftentimes depict the emperor who was in power when the coins were issued.