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 Replies: 33 / Views: 4,248 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Well said, FR. Quote:
is there anything that makes you think that this is a forgery otherwise? No, but I agree that seeking certification is prudent here. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
If the coin is genuine, it is very softly struck and IMO not worth anywhere close to $20k.
At that price point, you could use a genuine piece to prepare dies, then strike those onto good gold using period-correct equipment. Gold is inert, so honestly I don't know how it could be tested for age. There is a good reason I will never own a coin such as this one; I am not sure it can be authenticated.
Perhaps you could ask the coin itself? If it answers no, it may in fact be a very small Bulgarian man in a Manila Scantilla aureus costume.
I would be suspect if it answers yes, too.
Edited by Finn235
06/28/2016 4:48 pm
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
FR, echoed what I said earlier but with silver. With $20k you could amass a super collection of denarius or a collection of Greek tetradrachm that would be a better investment in the long run.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
949 Posts |
The lady's name was Manlia SCANTILLA (with an "A") as it says right on the coin.
But I must confess to being a bit bemused by some of the responses. If a man has the resources and the inclination to purchase a $20K coin, apart from suggesting authentication and return guarantee (which has already been verbally assured) I don't see what business it is of ours to suggest that he redirect his interests to bronze or anything else. I have a lot of respect for the comparisons to known forgeries and the references to online lists for comparisons. But I don't see the value in crying sour grapes for a coin none of us has seen or is likely ever to see. Let our caveats be made without green eyes.
Good luck on your quest, Mark, and may the authenticators give it a thumbs up.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
It's well out of my league... but agree it does appear to be remarkably round.
We are nobody to try and talk the man out of buying whatever his heart is set on Irb, I think the thing about this one is that a coin that expensive is expected to make one go "wow!" and quite honestly it doesn't have that effect. Firstly there is the worry about authenticity, and secondly it looks a pretty unremarkable coin. The suggestion about a collection of Tetradrachms being a better investment (and more of an eyeful) seems appropriate.
Whatever the OP chooses to do I wish him the best, and I hope it turns out to be legit if it is really what's desired.
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Valued Member
 Canada
242 Posts |
I'd thought about buying silver coins, but to be honest, I'd rather buy fewer more expensive coins, partly due to space in my one safe. I bought a large number of medieval silver coins not too long ago, as well as denarii. Now I'd rather trade or sell them up for fewer, more valuable coins. Thanks for the input though everyone. I'm still trying to find additional info on the coin, if anyone finds any. I've tried searching Spink's database, but could not find this coin (apparently it was from Spink's, though unsure of when...trying to find this out as well). I have assurance on email that they will stand by their lot.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Quote:
We are nobody to try and talk the man out of buying whatever his heart is set on... Exactly. Not even when they opt to collect watches and US banknotes over more ancient coins. Go figure. Edited by Kamnaskires
06/28/2016 5:07 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
A 20K coin ?
Having seen the prices paid for similar coins I am reasonably sure the final auction price (with buyers premium) will likely exceed 50K Canadian !
I would not try and dissuade the buyer from chasing the coin if that is what really 'floats his boat'.
But I would consider myself a poor friend if I did not mention the possible alternatives that might be realized by giving some serious second thoughts !
Just to ponder what might be done instead
A "Three Sisters" sestertius of Caligula
Throw in a "Port of Ostia" sestertius of Nero
and maybe even a VF pair of "Judea Capta" Sestertii of Vespasian and Titus
and still have enough left over for a decent 12 Caesars set of denarii.
I would never consider that as giving bad advice !!!!!
And I would be absolutely GREEN with envy !!!
For the Scantilla aureus ....... not so much
(of the above coins I selected I have only an 'F' Judea Capta sestertius of Vespasian)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
949 Posts |
Actually FR here is a link to a very similar appearing example of this aureus that sold in March 2016 in a Jean Elsen sale for 20,000 euros. That's pretty close to now. http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotvi...370c1d561981I have personally never sought gold coins except for a couple of early electrum pieces. But I have lusted after the denarii of this woman and her not so esteemed husband Didius Julianus. I can relate to the call of the coin. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
Add in the buyers premium (15%) and it comes to $25,666 US
Convert to Canadian Dollars and we are at $33,332
I am supposing a taxable transaction ? I see the Canadian rates are between 8-9%
I come in around 36,000 !
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Valued Member
Canada
242 Posts |
I looked up the coins that you mentioned above FR - beautiful coins indeed!
One good thing about this is that it's tax free as it (at least considered) bullion.
I sent an email to David Sear to ask his opinion as well, as well as a few others. The more I read about this coin, and Manlia, the more that I want this coin... I would have it authenticated if I do go for it of course. I wish I knew what the minimum price the seller would accept would be.
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Valued Member
Canada
242 Posts |
buyer's premium for this auction house is 18% btw!
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Valued Member
Canada
242 Posts |
For those who were following this, the auction just finished. I went to 23k (Canadian) plus 18% premium (but no tax). The final sale was at 24k plus 18% premium. I figured that it wasn't worth all that much more than that. Hopefully it is authentic for whoever did end up buying it. Thanks to everyone who gave advice/opinions. Disappointing to say the least. It's not a coin auction house in any respect, so I thought that I might have an opportunity for a good price. There were only 3 bidders, including me.
Edited by markbaer
06/29/2016 6:24 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Sorry, Mark. I've been burned in auctions many times, so I sympathize.  But the flip side is that you have 23k+ to shop for other acquisitions!  |
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Valued Member
Canada
242 Posts |
Thanks Bob... If anyone's interested in the auction site, it's Auction Network, based in Ontario, Canada. They had misspelled both the first and last names, and had little info about the coin, even when I called, so I thought that I might have somewhat of a scoop. Others were clearly watching it! Anyway, I'll keep looking...!
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Replies: 33 / Views: 4,248 |
First Page
Posted 06/28/2016 4:02 pm
