obverse tooled?

[electrum!]

I am still not sure that I have a handle at all on what tooling looks like. He is an example of a coin which I suspect has been altered based upon the fact that the obverse has more detail and less wear on high points than reverse which looks untouched. Comments?

[Roma_Orbis]

This coin is untouched; the obverse and reverse have a consistent level of wear. The obv. has a higher relief than rev. (corwn and legend vs portrait), then a same level of circulation will make the rev. thiner devices look more used.
See another beter preserved ex:

http://imagedb.coinarchives.com/img/lanz/102/00454q00.jpg

Furthermore, the surfaces are naturally oxidized (natural patina).

Jérôme

[electrum!]

Jérôme -- many thanks for your time and observations. Breck!