Sponsianus - Trve or False?

Hello guys, 

I was wondering if anyone had supporting or counterpoints to the authenticity of the sponsianus coins. I find it interesting but I have no ancients or knowledge about them seriously. Feel free to debate (yell) at each other about what you think. I don't think most people would have a strong opinion, but I would like to hear about it. 

Sponsianus coin + video I watched some time back. 

N#283313

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNAKgaYcCAE

Hello, I watched a few videos on the topic too in the last few months. In my opinion, the coin is definitely not of a real emperor/usurper. The style is way too different, the coin with all its grammatical errors and strange reverse not fitting for the time. 

If it is ancient, however is debatable. Some say that it might be an Indian copy of a roman coin, meant to circulate there, some say that it is a modern fake from the 17th/18th century, purposely buried to „cash in“ on the interest in roman coins at the time.

Overall, the main point is that the coin definetely does not prove the existence of a Usurper named Sponsianus, that is out of question for me. 

But what do you think? 

Wertinas

Hello, I watched a few videos on the topic too in the last few months. In my opinion, the coin is definitely not of a real emperor/usurper. The style is way too different, the coin with all its grammatical errors and strange reverse not fitting for the time. 

If it is ancient, however is debatable. Some say that it might be an Indian copy of a roman coin, meant to circulate there, some say that it is a modern fake from the 17th/18th century, purposely buried to „cash in“ on the interest in roman coins at the time.

Overall, the main point is that the coin definetely does not prove the existence of a Usurper named Sponsianus, that is out of question for me. 

But what do you think? 

 

While it could always be ana uthentic coin, for the reasons you listed, I do not think it is very likely. It is possible that it is just a contemporary forgery but the cashing in on interest in roman coins is most likely in my personal opinion. The wear can easily be replicated. The other day I dropped a 2022 quarter as I was trying to reach for a book and it got a scratch. Do it a few times, and it seems circulated. Very interesting coins tho, and I wouldn't mind it in my collection ;) 

The style seems nothing like any other romans of that period and it looks like a forgery to me as well. For me to believe this Sponsianus existed I would want more evidence than just a questionable coin.