Aus dem Forum Ancient Coins als Ergänzung zu shanxis Beitrag ----->
Constantine II, as Caesar, AD 316-337.
AV Medalion 1 ½ aurei, 6.55 g
Obv. CONSTAN/TINVS/ IVN NOB CAES Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right.
Rev. VIRTVS CAESARVMNN Constantine standing right, two captives seated at feet to either side, his left foot on captive., in ex. CONS.
The medallion is made by a comparatively new technology from an unknown studio. Bronze matrixes made from paraffin positives are cast. Then they are put in steel rings with long handles attached perpendicularly. This is done in order to not deform the bronze matrixes and also to work manually with them. On a solid base they put a metal lead and in it they put the obverse matrix then they put the reverse but with some space between so that the coin core can fit between them. The core already cast is being heated to a certain temperature and is placed between the two matrixes. Then with a big hammer it is hit and a coin or medallion is being struck.
Indications helping to recognize these:
1. If you have equipment for metal analyzing - the gold surface has many bronze traces.
2. The core edge is often additionally processed so some traces could be seen.
3. On the edge you can see knots left from the casting process of the core.
4. Traces of additional processing on images and inscriptions.
5. The matrix defects are result from its casting so they are transmitted to the struck surface. Similar defects are not typical for the genuine matrixes.
