OK, PBK or Gunner need help with an ancient

[AU24K]

Got this one from a seller on e-bay. It was a "crustie" when I got it but I soaked it for about a month in a jar lid of olive oil and it cleaned up pretty good. Any clues? Ready, set, go!
Thanks.
Scott

 

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[stoney56]

Has many similarities to the Alexander III tetradrachm, although the writing is on the obverse and not the reverse.

http://rg.ancients.info/alexander/tets.html

 

[TreasureTales]

What did the eBay seller say about it? Did s/he say where it was found?

 

[AU24K]

It was in a group of about 20 that I got. There was no other information supplied. They were all "crusty" but this one cleaned up the best. I have photos of another 20 or so if anyone is interested. It would take forever on my computer to upload. You know, dialup...
Maybe I'll just do a couple at a time. I have the Zander Klawans book Ancient Greek and Roman Coins but can't find any of them in it.
Scott

 

[TreasureTales]

It was in a group of about 20 that I got. There was no other information supplied. They were all "crusty" but this one cleaned up the best. I have photos of another 20 or so if anyone is interested. It would take forever on my computer to upload. You know, dialup...
Maybe I'll just do a couple at a time. I have the Zander Klawans book Ancient Greek and Roman Coins but can't find any of them in it.
Scott

Did you buy a bunch of coins from an eBayer without asking any questions, FIRST? You are one brave dude!!! I'm sure it's authentic, but I'd have asked a dozen questions of the seller before making a bid. Hope you'll post the others eventually.

 

[Mackaydon]

The "IB" on the reverse signifies "iota" and "beta". Iota stands for the 10th letter and beta stands for the second letter. Put then together and they mean 12. Hope that helps others to ID this coin.
Don......

 

[Mackaydon]

Adding to previous post:
The '12' would signify the year of the ruler's reign. Perhaps one way would be to determine how many Roman rulers ruled for at least 12 years. That would narrow the scope of the search considerably.
Don.

 

[downindixie]

Try this site,its pretty good for Id.

http://romancoin.info/ and then go to

http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/index.html

 

[diggummup]

Wow! That thing cleaned up pretty darn good for only soaking a month or two.I have some i've been soaking for a year now and they don't look nothing near that good yet.Looks gold? Wish I could help on the ID,good luck.

 

[AU24K]

I think I have found more info on this...
The back may be Tyche, the goddess of fortune. She is holding what appears to be a cornucopia.
No, unfortunately it's not gold. I think it's copper.
Scott

 

[Mackaydon]

That "IB" could also indicate the value of the coin as being 12 (somethings).

 

[Mackaydon]

Digging deeper........
I think the coin is of 12 'nummi' (denomination) and the goddess is (as mentioned above) Tyche (Greek) or Fortuna (Roman). The tell-tale signs are the attributes that distinquish the goddesses. Tyche/Fortuna always has a cornucopia in one hand and the other on a ship's rudder. Sometimes a globe or wheel and/or an olive branch are present.
The monarch looks more Roman than Byzantine--personal naive guess only.
The 12 'nummi' was a copper coin--as this one appears to be.
Don..

 

[AU24K]

Not knowing Greek or Italian, The obverse lettering appers to be Greek. So, it might be that Fortuna that you spoke of instead of Tyche.
Just a guess.
I'll keep digging myself..
Thanks.
Scott

 

[Postalrevnant]

Nice looking old coin.

Rev

 

[Gunner]

I believe that is a Potin Tetradrachm from Alexandria Egypt. The emperor looks like Gallienus. Also, looks like the real-deal to me (authentic).


http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotviewer.php?LotID=154286&AucID=183&Lot=740
Gunner

 

[mech]

wow! the one gunner posted sold for $420 !

Good ID gunner!

cheers

 

[PBK]

Good ID gunner!

As always!

 

[AU24K]

Much appreciated Gunner! How do I go about authenticating and selling it?

 

[Gunner]

You could send it to David Sear for authentication; however, it costs from 45-65 U.S. to do so. I believe your coin is authentic and would not be questioned if you put it up for sale. The best way to go with a coin like this is Ebay. You now have a full attribution which will help with final sale price. The coin I pictured sold for that much mainly because of the condition and patina. your coin has the patina stripped which significantly devalues it. It is; however, unusually sharp for a Potin Tet. which helps the value. Also, that is apparantly a rare reverse type for a Tet. of Gallienus..I am having hard time finding another example. Regardless, I can guarantee you that you will get much more than you paid for it as a crustie =).

Gunner