Fake?

[livingwater]

Hi Victor,

I bought this Constantius II a few years ago from Lanz, before I learned they sometimes sell fakes and tooled coins.  Siscia, 24.5mm, 5.03g.  Now I wonder about this one, the patina seems odd with blotchy spots.  What do you think?  I also have a Greek coin from Syracuse I bought from Lanz and it may have been tooled.  Thanks.  Mark

[Victor]

Lanz does sometimes sell fake and tooled coins; but your coin looks fine to me. The style looks good and the green malachite deposits look very authentic.

I have also never seen this type faked for Constantius II. There is one for Vetranio, but the reverse is different from yours.

[livingwater]

Thanks, Victor.  I'm not very good at spotting tooled or fake coins unless they are very obvious.  Mark