Opinions On Macedonian Tetradrachm

IMO the flatness is caused by wear. I also think the first coin has been overgraded. I'd grade it at EF+.

I'm not sure how to answer your second question other than these coins show up in this grade often enough in these grades as not to make them out of the ordinary.

I also feel that based on the NGC grades the estimates are not too over the top. IMO ancient coins should not be slabbed most ancient coin collectors want to handle their coins. The coin lasted over two thousand year without being locked up in a plastic tomb handling it now is not going to lessen it's value of hurt the coin. HA is one of the best to buy from but remember they have their fees etc... so the estimates are going to be higher than what you may see somewhere else. I feel you can find as nice examples of this type on Vcoins for lower prices. But if your looking for certified and slabbed examples than the estimates on these coins are acceptable.

Yes Robert from Calgary Coin is one of the foremost experts in Ancients and has one of the largest collections in Canada. I'm thinking of dropping by his shop today (I live in Calgary).

You can try Ira and Larry Goldberg auctions, at http://www.goldbergcoins.com. Stacks and Bowers at http://www.stacksbowers.com. You already know about Heritage Auctions.

You seem to be concentrating on grades. Most ancient collectors, including myself, don't give a ---- what NGC, or any TPG, grades an ancient coin. Most of us collect coins not grade opinions.
But having said that. Always collect what you like. Regardless of what anyone else says.

Thanks guys for the advice still a newbie on the ancients scene and more sussing out what to look out for. Grading wise looking out primarily for EF and higher examples tho the other things I am looking out for is being an Alexander the Great type minted in Pella. Also I know about the other factors that influence ancients primarily the history behind them which interested me. Primarily who minted the coin, where it was minted, events related to the coin, designs etc. By the way I am trying to find a really special coin always learnt to buy one good coin rather than multiple lower ones and I trust PCGS and NGC assessment of coins. Also prefer the protection imparted to being a bonus to me. On a final note I do only collect what I like which is Macedonian coins ( more so Phillip ii and Alexander the Great) and Australian Predecimals coins.

P.s. think I may have found a coin which fits my criteria before. More now having to save up a considerable amount.

Thanks for that sel NGC has a whole list of things affecting certain things as well tho primarily on surface and strike with a number of other things. Some include metal purity, planchet shape, deposits, graffiti etc. Very interesting tbh cause each one is unique and each is great in their own way.