Roman coins are one of the most fascinating and valuable pieces of ancient history for collectors. These coins not only have an economic value, but they also represent a direct link to the past of one of humanity’s most influential civilizations. However, the market for ancient coins, especially Roman coins, is rife with replicas and counterfeits. That’s why it’s essential to know how to determine if a Roman coin is authentic.
In this article, we give you the keys to verify the authenticity of your Roman coins and ensure their value.
- Examine the details of the coin.
- Weight and size matter.
- Analysis of the metal used.
- Tracks of wear and tear.
- Professional authentication.
- Beware of modern counterfeits.
- Buy only from trusted sources.
Authentic Roman coins are often full of fine details, despite the passage of time. Inscriptions, figures and reliefs are an essential part of their design, and these details can give you clues about their authenticity. When examining your coin:
- Inscriptions: Check that the inscriptions are clear and correctly formed. Roman coins often have names of emperors, gods or Latin legends, which may be worn but should be legible.
- Iconography: Authentic coins will have representative figures of the time, such as Roman gods, emperors or symbols of power. The details in these images, although they may have suffered wear, should still be recognizable.
- Reliefs and depth: Legitimate Roman coins often have considerable relief, which gives them depth. If the reliefs are too flat or appear superficially printed, this may be a sign that it is a replica.
2. Weight and size matter
The weight and size of genuine Roman coins are key factors in determining their authenticity. Counterfeits often have slight variations in these dimensions, as modern techniques cannot accurately replicate the proportions of the original coins.
- Oxidation and Patina: Authentic bronze and copper coins often develop a layer of oxidation or patina over time. This patina not only protects the coin, but also gives it an aged appearance. A Roman coin that looks too shiny or lacks patina may be suspect.
- Metal Testing: To ensure your coin contains the original metals, you can have it metal tested or use a specialist service like NCV Grading, which has access to advanced technology to verify metal composition.
4. Marks of use and wear
Natural wear on a coin is another indicator of authenticity. Coins that have been in circulation for centuries have characteristic features such as softened edges, scratches or wear on the highest areas of the relief.
Make sure the coin’s wear is uniform and consistent with its age. Too perfect wear or a lack of wear on a supposedly ancient coin could suggest that it has been tampered with or counterfeited.
5. Professional authentication
The most reliable way to determine if your Roman coins are authentic is to have them professionally appraised. At NCV Grading, we have a team of numismatic experts who perform a detailed review of each coin to determine its authenticity. Our process includes:
- Authenticity Verification: We use advanced technology and specialized knowledge to confirm that the coin is genuine.
- Conservation Condition Analysis: In addition to authenticity, we assess the coin’s condition, which can significantly influence its market value.
- Encapsulation and Certification: Once verified and assessed, your Roman coin is encapsulated for protection and you receive a certificate with all the details of its authentication.
6. Beware of modern counterfeits
The ancient coin market is full of modern counterfeits, some of which are very well crafted. Today’s counterfeiting techniques are so advanced that in some cases it can be almost impossible to distinguish a replica from an authentic coin without the help of an expert. It is therefore advisable that before purchasing an ancient Roman coin, you make sure that it has been authenticated by a professional service such as NCV Grading.
7. Buy only from trusted places
One of the best ways to avoid buying fake Roman coins is to only buy them from trusted sources, such as specialist auction houses, reputable numismatic dealers or reputable sales platforms that offer guarantees of authenticity.
Trust NCV Grading
At NCV Grading, we pride ourselves on being the trusted certifying company for ancient coin collectors worldwide. Our commitment to excellence and transparency makes us the ideal partner to preserve and enhance the value of your collection.
Don’t wait any longer to secure the certification of your old coins. Place your order online and trust NCV Grading to protect and certify your numismatic legacy.
