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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,164 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
797 Posts |
Hello all,
I have been interested in the 4th Century Istros design with 2 heads, one inverted with a Sea Eagle/Dolphin reverse.
I have noticed that there are quite a few reproductions out there, not all are marked.
What should I keep my eye out for when looking at this series to make sure I get an(Better chance) authentic one. Unfortuantely, I am relegated to online purchases, as there are essentially no ancients in my area at any of the shops(one has a few, but is wanting a ton for just common and ugly Fel Temps and the such)
I dont have a ton of money to spend, but wanted to get myself a B-day present. So dropping money and getting a fake would be a bit heartbreaking.
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
435 Posts |
There are a lot of fakes of this type. When I had my eye out for one, watching ebay, it felt like over half must have been dodgy. Perhaps when you spot one that you think might be OK you should post the images here for second opinions before committing to buy... |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
797 Posts |
Thank you for the quick reply, I had the same notion after looking at all those online, and seeing quite a few marketed as replicas that looked pretty legit to the new eye. Here are pictures of the one I am currently looking it.   * Note, not sure why the reverse is showing smaller, same sized pictures were downloaded, and optimized the same way. Edited by CGCoins
11/12/2014 12:40 pm
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
435 Posts |
At first glance I can see no obvious indications that it is a fake, but the pictures are not very clear, particularly the reverse. I'm not entirely convinced by the style. What is its weight? Is it the drachm or hemidrachm? With this type you should probably not take a risk with a dealer you do not have good reasons to trust.
Disclaimer* My opinions re. authenticity need to be taken with the pinch of salt they deserve and my strongest recommendation is that you seek more qualified opinions. I still have doubts about the Istros drachm I have.
Edited by Valecrucis
11/12/2014 1:34 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
797 Posts |
Thank you for the input Valecrucis.
Its on everyone's favorite auction site, so, its limited on trust. The seller is located in the UK, and is relatively new with 1 accusation of a Fake.
I much rather buy it from some one on here who I have seen around.
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
435 Posts |
I think you are wise, on the basis of what you say, to avoid that dealer with this type of coin. If that coin did happen to be genuine, then it would be a better example than mine tho'. Here is mine btw..I don't have particularly serious doubts about it...just the usual paranoia with this type...and that I got it from 'that' auction site...though at least from a long term dealer there with no particular black marks or voices of criticism surrounding him.  Edited by Valecrucis
11/12/2014 1:32 pm
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Valued Member
Canada
266 Posts |
Probably fake, I saw his profile
-all private listings
-location - Europe, United Kingdom - city named Europe in the UK?
but then in his profile it says Based in United States
Edited by arnoldoe
11/12/2014 1:45 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
797 Posts |
Yeah, after looking at his "reputation" I'm going to steer clear of this one. Thank you guys for your input!
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Pillar of the Community
3772 Posts |
Quote:
wanted to get myself a B-day present My advice in that case would be to nominate the amount of money you would want to spend and lock it away on your birthday in an envelop marked 'For my Istros coin' and the next time you have access to a reliable dealer purchase it then. While not ideal, it would be the safe way to go. |
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,164 |
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Posted 11/12/2014 12:36 pm
