| Author |
 Replies: 27 / Views: 5,458 |
Page 2 of 2
|
|
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
I really know nothing about Byzantine coins, but I think I have an ok eye for die details. If I were to place my bet on authenticity, my gut says the OP's coin is authentic. Something I notice are the die flow lines around the legends. I suspect the problems are due to strike, and overall the die work doesn't look too different from this coin on Wildwinds:  Edited by DVCollector
11/30/2011 1:29 pm
|
|
New Member
 United States
12 Posts |
echizento, Thank you very much for your opinion. Those are some very good points that you raise. I see exactly what you are talking about. Unfortunately there are no coin shops/experts in my area. I'm hoping someone else on this forum can give me one more validation before I decide to return the coin.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Hate to break it, but it's a counterfeit...Just joking! I don't really know. Both echizento and dvcollector make excellent points on their observations of the coin. So personally I am divided on it's authenticity. Will wait to see how this one comes out  and 
|
|
Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
One of the signs that we look for in judging a struck coin from a cast one is flow lines. But you can't go by that alone, the counterfeiters have become so good that they are making dies and striking the coins. The Chinese are a good example of that, striking all types of rare US and world coins.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
I've just returned to find that you are no better off then when you first asked the question this morning. It would seem our community is divided. I would ask your permission to post this on another discussion board to see what others might have to add.
One last note. The price you paid is low for a coin of this type. That doesn't say it's fake or not. But what I do find is that when coins are sold below market value, way below, it makes me wonder if it's not too good to be true. I do not buy these types of coins, but gold coins of any era set a premium price.
Let me know if you would like to have this posted on the other forum.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
I don't think many people would have seen enough of these coins to give a definite answer either way - those that have would probably not give a definite answer without handling the coin (we've not got a diameter or a confirmed weight yet!).
All I can say is to echo the sentiments of a few above me in that I can see nothing (at all) on the coin that I would associate with a fake. I've not seen enough of these to comment on the style, sorry, an expert on these may be able to spot something suspect in that respect in a heartbeat.
Its a case of trusting the seller not the coin, I think. Unless you can / are prepared to send it to an authentication service (not the US coin slabbers) like David Sear you may always have doubt in your mind. Is the seller an established one? Do they offer lifetime guarantees?
If as JW says you got it for a good price I would suggest sending it to David Sear, I think it costs about $40.00 for his service, at least then you know for sure. If he says its good then your happy and you get a certificate for if you ever decide to sell. If he says its not good you get to test the sellers returns policy!
|
|
New Member
United States
12 Posts |
jwharper: Absolutely, you have my permission. That would be a big help to me. Everyone: I think it would be best to send it to David Sear since I cannot get it authenticated by anyone where I live. It seems that if it is fake, then it is a good one. I think that will settle the score after all. And besides I believe if the seller of the coin won't refund my money, then I maybe abble to get ebay to take action and invoke the ebay buyer protection. Especially if it confirmed by an expert grading service. I think it's better to be sure than to hold onto some fake junk peice of metal. Even knowing that I have not been able to get a fully complete decision on this coins status there have been some really good points that have been made. I guess it's possibly a good thing to not have a confirmed counterfeit yet. |
|
New Member
United States
12 Posts |
In addition, will get the confirmed weight and diameter within the next day or so.
|
|
Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Good plan--that will remove all doubt!  I hope it turns out real--post the results to the forum. |
|
New Member
United States
12 Posts |
I will definately post the results. I'm hoping for the best. Wish me luck.
|
|
Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
David Sear will be able to tell for sure. I hope it turns out to be real.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
I posted your coin and the only response I have so far is as follows: Quote:
without the coin in hand I cannot be 100% sure, because some recent fakes are extremely well made.
My opinion:
The style looks authentic and the weight is ok.
The coin seems to be hand struck and the appearance of the strike looks ok.
The obverse shows signs of die rust, which is ok for the time and the type.
The reverse displays some very weakly struck areas. From the photos it is not clear to me whether it is real striking weakness.This is an aspect which should be checked in hand and with a microscope, if possible.
Overall I tend to assume that the coin is authentic and original. The type is Sear 345. If I get any other responses, I will post them here. |
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Yet another opinion from my posting on the other discussion board: Quote:
The coin looks genuine to me and the price seems about right. Justin II solidi are among the most common from the 6th century. Two or three years ago it was still fairly easy to find them in the $200-$300 range, though now the range for the common ones seems to have moved up to $300-$500 depending on condition. |
|
New Member
United States
12 Posts |
jwharper, Thank you so much for going out of your way to do this for me. I really do appreciate it, especially the feedback that has been given so far.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
No problem my friend. I enjoy trying to attribute these coins and a coin like yours is a slight diversion from the norm. I wish we could be more definitive, but it's hard sometimes to judge authenticity just from a photo. The best advice you have gotten here is to have it professionally looked at by someone like David Sear. We are glad to help even if only just a little bit. Now that you are a Ancients collector, you should join in here. I learn something new most every day and really enjoy talking to others with similar interest. It's hard to find people interested in these historical pieces of art.
Regards
|
|
Page 2 of 2
|
Replies: 27 / Views: 5,458 |
Page 2 of 2
|
First Page
Posted 11/30/2011 12:56 pm
