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 Replies: 10 / Views: 1,235 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
655 Posts |
I just received a Gordian III Denarius I purchased on ebay. It is only my second ancient I have some concerns about its authenticity. The coin feels light and not quite right in hand, and although I know it would have been minted prior to the monetary reforms of Aurelian, I would have expected it would seem a bit more "substantial". The coin is about 22mm and according to the seller is 4.2g. I paid $28.  The seller accepts returns and has positive feedback from several thousand buyers so I had some degree of confidence making the purchase. If someone could offer me some thoughts on this coin it would be appreciated. Thanks! |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
655 Posts |
No, I couldn't; I discovered that my scale is broken. That's why I posted the seller's weight.
Time for a new scale.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
The coin is actually not a Denarius but it's an AR Antoninianus. Weight range from 3 to 5 grams so your is fine.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
513 Posts |
I've had a similar experience handling some silver coins from this era. They just feel different.
If you can weigh it and the weight is close to right then I would be very surprised if this one was fake. It clearly looks hammered to me.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
Looks fine to me as well. Style is right on, normal flow lines that struck coins exhibit, weight, all are good.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
655 Posts |
Thanks guys. I ordered a new scale so I can check weights going forward. I have always been interested in Imperial Roman coins but have been afraid to buy any as I really don't know what to look for and what to avoid. I purchased my first from a fellow CCF member so I have complete confidence that it's genuine. The Gordian AR Antoninianus I bought from an ebay seller with immaculate feed back and a very good return policy so I was hoping for the best. I think I've been bitten by the ancients bug... I suppose the only cure is to pick up a few more. Thanks again. |
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
Quote:
I think I've been bitten by the ancients bug... I suppose the only cure is to pick up a few more.  We hope to see you here at the Ancients Forum more often then  |
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Moderator
Australia
16868 Posts |
Quote:The Gordian AR Antoninianus I bought from an ebay seller with immaculate feed back and a very good return policy so I was hoping for the best. I'd generally suggest that folks who are new to ancients avoid ebay entirely, unless the seller is known to you from elsewhere. If that's simply not possible for one reason or another, then at least avoid the sellers on the FORVM ebay bad guys blacklist. A lot of the notorious fake sellers on that list have "immaculate feedback" too. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Pillar of the Community
United States
655 Posts |
Sap, thanks for the link.  I joined the FORVM and there's a lot there of info there. It's going to keep me busy for a while. BTW, I got the scale today and the coin comes in at 4.19 g, just as the seller had said. |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36880 Posts |
Being fairly new to ancients, I have made it a point to only buy from dealers that specialize in that field. Prices tend to be a little higher, but I can sleep at night knowing what I bought 9.9 times out of 10 is what it is suppose to be. With all the Chinese junk on the market (especially on ebay), I tend to avoid that place. |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 1,235 |
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Posted 03/07/2015 4:26 pm
