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 Replies: 10 / Views: 3,353 |
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New Member
Finland
4 Posts |
Hey! I'm totally new to this whole Coin World. My brother is a historian and I thought I'd buy him a coin for christmas so I found one on ebay that lloked nice and the seller had 100% positive feedback. I now start wondering if its a fake because I can't find any other coin like it and it was kinda cheap. The seller is on the fakeseller list (I just noticed it).   Some info of the coin: UNCERTAIN MINT ANCIENT GREEK AE 20 COIN ALEXANDER THE GREAT Weight : 5.63gr Size : 20mm Condition UNC,EF,VF,F,VG,G,PR : VF+ Authentic : 100% Civilisation: Greek Metal: AE Period: 327-323 BC Cleaned/ Uncleaned: Cleaned Thanks! Zach |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Welcome to the board. Any dealer on Forum's NFSL does not deserve your business. There are plenty of reputable dealers who will be happy to sell you Alexander III bronzes...you are much better off buying from them. Your brother will then have a great and thoughtful holiday gift, and you'll have peace of mind.
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New Member
 Finland
4 Posts |
Thanks! I'm sure there is and maybe I will buy, but first I'd like to know if this coin is fake or not. Unfortunately I suspect it's a fake :(
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Valued Member
United States
234 Posts |
the coin looks ancient but am no expert .The silver coins are faked more often and sometimes a fake seller will mix cheaper authentic coins with the more expensive fakes.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
 to the community The coin is a match to Mionnet 385 the weight is correct but the one listed in Wildwinds is 17 mm. This seems to be an odd coin to fake not a well known type and not worth the trouble IMO. Though I would say knowing the seller is on the Fake Seller List, I would have my doubts also. However I think this one is good. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3445 Posts |
I am suspicious !
That being said I am getting suspicious of many coins I see that look like they may have been 'distressed' artificially. The patination on this coin while not unknown is not what I concider typical for the type. The Obv and Rv seem exceptionally well centered. Coins of this denomination were knocked off by the ancient mints with less regard to QC than silver issues.
I cannot say with certainty but given the poor reputation of the seller I am leaning against.
Later when I get home I will search for a 'fake' Alexander I own which I believe could be a match to this. I bought it on the cheap many years ago. It has many of the same attributes minus the 'patination'.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
I am leaning towards suspicious too. There's nothing I can identify but it just seems a little flat and lacking style.
Do not take my word on it though, I would agree with Ron that it seems an odd choice to fake so it might turn out authentic. Maybe Rufus will shed some light on it if he can dig his one out.
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New Member
Finland
4 Posts |
Thank you so much for your ideas and opinions guys!
Another suspicious thing that I now remembered is that the seller is from Cyprus and I read somewhere that its a highly illegal thing to sell genuine coins there but perfectly ok to sell fake ones that you claim are real. But the guy offers full refunds within 14 days of the purchase. I just don't want to send it back and accuse him if the coin really is genuine.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Well being from Cyprus changes the whole thing. It's illegal to sell ancient artifacts there and I know that it's illegal to import them to the US. I don't know about your country, you may want to look into that. I hope you didn't spend a lot on this piece because knowing now where it is coming from surely raises a lot of red flags.
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New Member
Finland
4 Posts |
Fortunately I did not spend very much on it, and yes the fact that it is from Cypres worries me a lot. Maybe I'll just send it back and get my refund :/
I also think the face on the coin looks very much like the Alexander III mosaic which is weird :D
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Pillar of the Community
Belgium
1194 Posts |
ask for a certificate . I don t know for Cyprus , but in Greece you can buy antiquities and coins in some shops with a license .I have my doubts for an internet seller , but if he doesn t answer immediatly , I would send the coin back. albert
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Replies: 10 / Views: 3,353 |
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Posted 12/16/2015 6:15 pm
