Posted 04/18/2008 09:08 am
I have purchased many ancient coins from E-bay, and there is nothing to worry about if you buy from reputable dealers. There are many great sellers on E-bay, and I hate to mention any, for fear of slighting others, but here are a few that have been around for a while-- ancientauctionhouse.com, antiquarica, cameleoncoins, and s*p*q*r
If you are buying late Roman bronzes,which are cheap and plentiful, you do not have to worry so much about fakes. For example, on E-bay this week, there are over 150 hits for Constantine, and all are authentic. Fakes do surface, though, so caveat emptor. As you become more familiar with what ancient coins should look like, you will start to realize what they should not look like.
If you are buying late Roman bronzes,which are cheap and plentiful, you do not have to worry so much about fakes. For example, on E-bay this week, there are over 150 hits for Constantine, and all are authentic. Fakes do surface, though, so caveat emptor. As you become more familiar with what ancient coins should look like, you will start to realize what they should not look like.
