03-23-2006, 09:13 AM
Yeah, hard to read the text, but if you consider the size of the fragment, there should be much more on it, methinks, or in other words: letters are too big (and seem very sloppy). It also seems to miss writing on the obverse. I know that happens sometimes under Antoninus Pius and this is supposed to date to his era, if I read it correctly (in which case the seller got his dating wrong, should be 138-161, not 3rd C). I cannot really make out the last three lines, they seem to include something like militaverunt and XX (instead of XXV). In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that text is gibberish.
And hey, perhaps the best hint is the price. $700 for a fragment 1/2 or 1/4 of a diploma? Not unless all museums, collectors and academics were asleep.
And hey, perhaps the best hint is the price. $700 for a fragment 1/2 or 1/4 of a diploma? Not unless all museums, collectors and academics were asleep.
