Ancient Roman coin thought to be FAKE after being discovered in Transylvania over 300 years ago is almost certainly authentic, proving existence of ‘forgotten’ leader Sponsian, study claims
The coin, unearthed 300 years ago, depicted a leader named Sponsian.
It was believed to be a forgery as it differed from other Roman coins.
There are no other historical records that Sponsian ever existed, but new analysis suggests the coin is authentic.
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A forgotten Roman emperor was saved from obscurity when a coin long thought to be counterfeit was finally authenticated.
The coin, unearthed 300 years ago, depicted a leader named Sponsian who was in power during 260 BC.
It was believed to be a forgery, as it differed from both the manufacturing process and the general style of Roman coins of the time.
There are no other historical records that Sponsian ever existed, but new analysis suggests the coin is authentic.
A forgotten Roman emperor has been saved from obscurity when a coin long thought to be counterfeit has finally been authenticated.
The coin comes from a small hoard discovered in Transylvania in 1713 that found its way into collections across Europe.
Some ended up at The Hunterian museum in Glasgow, where they have remained hidden in wooden cabinets until now.
Researchers at University College London took a close look at the coins, three of which depicted other known Roman emperors, using a variety of techniques, including light microscopy and ultraviolet imaging.
On the Sponsian coin, they discovered microabrasion patterns typically associated with coins that had been in circulation for an extended period of time.
The researchers also analyzed soil deposits on the coin and found evidence that after use, the coin was buried for an extended period before being discovered.
Taken together, the new evidence strongly indicates that the coin is authentic, the team said.
They suggest that Sponsian was an army commander in the Roman province of Dacia during a period of military fighting during 260 BC.
Researchers at University College London took a close look at the coins, three of which depicted other known Roman emperors, using a variety of techniques, including light microscopy and ultraviolet imaging.
Coins have always been an important symbol of power and authority in Rome.
The researchers suggest that Sponsian may have authorized the creation of locally produced coins, some bearing his own image.
Only four coins with Sponsian are known to have survived to this day.
Paul Pearon, lead author of the study, said: “Scientific analysis of these ultra-rare coins rescues Emperor Sponsian from obscurity.
“Our evidence suggests that he ruled Roman Dacia, an isolated gold-mining outpost, at a time when the empire was beset by civil wars and the borders were overrun by raiding raiders.”
Curator of Numismatics at The Hunterian, Jesper Ericsson, said: “We hope this not only encourages further discussion of Sponsian as a historical figure, but also research into coins related to him found in other museums across Europe.”
The discovery was published in the journal Plos One.