Ancient Roman Terracotta Bifacial Forger's Mould Depicting Coin of Constantine II (No reserve price)
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 250 - € 330
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Description from the seller
An Ancient Roman terracotta coin mould depicting a coin of Emperor Constantine II. The mould is circular in shape and features carvings on both sides to depict the obverse and reverse of the coin. On the obverse, the laureate bust of the emperor appears in profile facing right. The legend reads CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, affirming his imperial authority. The reverse depicts a campgate with two turrets whilst the legend is now worn and illegible due to age. Such moulds were likely part of coin-forging workshops, often illicit, since official Roman coinage was struck rather than cast.
The survival of moulds gives valuable insight into ancient counterfeiting practices and the widespread circulation of Constantine's image and imperial propaganda. The porous terracotta material preserves fine details of the portrait and architectural design. During periods of economic instability and inflation, counterfeiters would bypass the official process and use simple moulds. Archaeological discoveries of these moulds show that a genuine coin was pressed into soft clay to create impressions for both the obverse and reverse. The clay would then be fired to harden it. Once hardened, the moulds were stacked and cheap metals like lead, tin, or bronze were poured in through a channel. Forgeries of more valuable coins would sometimes be silver-plated to look legitimate. Hundreds of such moulds for Roman silver coins have been found at Lingwell Gate, near Wakefield in England, dating to the 3rd century AD. Similar finds were recently discovered in Castleford, pointing to a regional black market for forged currency.
Measurements: W 2.8cm
Provenance: From a London gentleman's collection, 1990s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
An Ancient Roman terracotta coin mould depicting a coin of Emperor Constantine II. The mould is circular in shape and features carvings on both sides to depict the obverse and reverse of the coin. On the obverse, the laureate bust of the emperor appears in profile facing right. The legend reads CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, affirming his imperial authority. The reverse depicts a campgate with two turrets whilst the legend is now worn and illegible due to age. Such moulds were likely part of coin-forging workshops, often illicit, since official Roman coinage was struck rather than cast.
The survival of moulds gives valuable insight into ancient counterfeiting practices and the widespread circulation of Constantine's image and imperial propaganda. The porous terracotta material preserves fine details of the portrait and architectural design. During periods of economic instability and inflation, counterfeiters would bypass the official process and use simple moulds. Archaeological discoveries of these moulds show that a genuine coin was pressed into soft clay to create impressions for both the obverse and reverse. The clay would then be fired to harden it. Once hardened, the moulds were stacked and cheap metals like lead, tin, or bronze were poured in through a channel. Forgeries of more valuable coins would sometimes be silver-plated to look legitimate. Hundreds of such moulds for Roman silver coins have been found at Lingwell Gate, near Wakefield in England, dating to the 3rd century AD. Similar finds were recently discovered in Castleford, pointing to a regional black market for forged currency.
Measurements: W 2.8cm
Provenance: From a London gentleman's collection, 1990s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 4th Century AD
Name of object
Bifacial Forger's Mould Depicting Coin of Constantine II
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
