| Author |
Replies: 10 / Views: 1,520 |
|
|
Valued Member
Canada
93 Posts |
Hi everyone, I'm very new to coin collecting, so I am grateful for any help you can offer. I saw this Julius Caesar coin on ebay and was wondering if it would be good to add to a beginner's collection. http://www.ebay.ca/itm/310911054969?nav=SEARCHThanks again!
|
|
|
|
Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
 to the community This type of coin has been copied many times. I would be leery about this one. I think you would be better off buying from a known dealer rather than ebay. I recommend checking Vcoins.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
946 Posts |
Sure, if you like to splurge that amount of money on your first ancient coin. Otherwise you can come across a variety of ancient coins, at a variety of prices. It can take a while for a collector to find what area they would like to focus on. If you click the Temple jpeg under my post it will take you to my ebay listings, browsing it may give you an idea of what sort of ancient coins you really prefer and will show you that you do not have to take out a loan to buy an ancient coin.
|
|
Valued Member
 Canada
93 Posts |
Thanks for your help!
I like the coins you have listed, Masis. I've been interested in this coin for awhile now and I thought it might be a good way to start out.
I'll definitely look at vcoins.
Thanks again!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
3446 Posts |
If you are as you say just starting out collecting ancients you might want to start more slowly rather than dive into the deep end. I have collected for almost 40 years and still have yet to find the right Julius Caesar. My first coin (a gift) was an Alexander drachm. My first major purchase was a Claudius AE As which set me back $75 way back in 1979. Soon followed by a Caligula at $200 ! That was big big money in those days ! If your budget allows you to be extravagant you might concider some of the 'baddies' like Caligula and Nero. Nice guys like Claudius, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius can be had relatively cheaply (under $100). Everyone wants a 'Julius' but the fakes do abound. I love looking at the ancient silver coinage ....... But the good stuff scares me too much !
|
|
Valued Member
 Canada
93 Posts |
I get what you're saying. The only reason why I was considering it is because I got a bit more back from income tax than I expected and thought, 'why not?' I don't have that kind if money lying around otherwise.
But it does make sense to start off slow.
I've been looking at vcoins and they seem to have a good selection of more affordable stuff there.
Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it!
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
 Hi John! I'll echo what the others said. This coin is widely faked and the ebay listing does look a bit iffy. There are several forgery databases you can check but frankly, I'd pass on this one and buy one from a reputable dealer or auction house. Nothing wrong with buying the type per se-- even for a newbie. Buy what makes you happy and what you can afford, but for types that are often faked it is best to be experienced in spotting forgeries before nabbing one from ebay.
Edited by ThisIsFun 04/10/2014 04:57 am
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4981 Posts |
 and 
|
|
Valued Member
 Canada
93 Posts |
Thanks again for all your help!
My name is actually Erin; I just went with a silly nickname.
I've been thinking about starting out with Biblical coins and putting Julius Caesar on hold for awhile.
I'm hoping they'll be more affordable and less likely to be forged.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
Welcome Erin! Take your time deciding what you want to collect, there is no rush. I started out with Roman Imperials, but I am branching out into Greek and a few biblical. I would also like a Julius Caesar but they are so expensive. I buy a lot of coins from ebay, but I would be very wary of buying a JC there. If you see a coin that you think you must have, put a link on the forum. The guys and gals will let you know if the coin is dodgy. If you want a high end coin, then vcoins is probably the best place to start. Ann
|
|
Valued Member
 Canada
93 Posts |
Thanks, Ann!
I've thought about it a lot and I will start off slow. I think I was a bit too enthusiastic and decided to jump In the deep end without first learning how to swim in the shallow end.
I've decided that my first ancient coin will be a widow's mite since they are cheaper and fairly common.
Thanks again!
|
| |
Replies: 10 / Views: 1,520 |
|