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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,904 |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
I have never bought coins until today! I am a total newbie in this field. I am looking for one special piece for our 25th anniversary: Silver = for 25 years Hadrian = my wife's favorite book (Hadrian's memoirs) Egypt = where Hadrian lost his lover I found this coin that seems to fit the bill: http://www.museumsurplus.com/Pictures/11589.jpgUnfortunately, it appears that forgeries abound. The dealer says that he will guarantee the authenticity but how would I know? Question: Does this coin appear real? Can I buy in confidence? |
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
949 Posts |
 to the forum. The style of the coin looks good, but there is a mushiness to the details that make me want to check that it is not a cast fake. A pic of the edge would help for that, but seeing the coin is best. For a person in your situation, the reliability of the dealer is going to be the most important thing you can check. If s/he is an established dealer, known in the field, and is offering a lifetime guarantee in writing, then you can be pretty sure that the coin is authentic and is what he says it is. Should it prove otherwise when shown to another dealer, then you have recourse as long as this dealer is still in business. You have not told us who the dealer is, nor the asking price of the coin. So apart from some comments on the pictures you gave, There isn't much more we can say. Edited by lrbguy
01/21/2016 12:40 pm
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
to the community While the coin looks OK I would as John says go to Vcoins there is a wide variety there and you don't have to worry about fakes. |
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New Member
 United States
5 Posts |
Price was $269. Dealer was museumsusrplus.com
I like the 2 examples I saw on Vcoins. They appear to be better than my example. Prices very similar.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
I think there are currently more than 2 examples for sale on vcoins. Search for hadrian denarius egypt. There appears to be 7 there at the moment.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Based on the condition I think it's priced a bit high. The are several on Vcoins in better condition priced just under what he is asking.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
Always remember when buying ancients ......
It can be a bit like walking into a Persian rug bazaar.
An important part of the ritual is the haggling over the price !
Unless you are buying at auction never be afraid to act reluctant.
You might even raise the
"Gee I dunno ....... So and so has a nice one for less"
Or let me think about it
Just like most people dealers want to make sales. They often like to entice 'newbies' with a great deal hopping to make up the difference next time !
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
Guys, I am sorry about the late response but I have been traveling a lot. I went on Vcoin as recommended. First dealer sold the coin before I was able to pay (long story - remember it's a present so I needed to be discrete). Second seller was out of country and could not send me a better image (thumbnail only), third seller would not confirm availability.
Is VCoin legit for ancient Roman coins? I did not think it would be this difficult. I am reluctant to "buy" on VCOIN if the seller won't respond to a simple inquiry (such as do you have in in stock!).
Fred
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
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New Member
United States
5 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
513 Posts |
I would avoid ebay if at all possible. I'm surprised you had issues with Vcoins sellers. I've bought from vendors there at least 20 times without problems. I would keep looking there. Another site I use is forvmancientcoins. They tend to run a hair higher than Vcoins but you can trust their coins as well as you can trust anyone's. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
One of my favorite Hadrian AE's I own is this one It took me years to figure out ! Well I am not the sharpest tool in the shed ...... Hadrian standing right with is foot on ...... something ? It's a crocodile ! Unmistakeable reference to Egypt without actually spelling it out. I did a quick search for the denarius of this type and came up empty. It is the type of coin which can sell either unattributed or misattributed. I will keep looking but by the time I find one it may be your 27th anniversary  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
513 Posts |
The one that fvrivs listed is cross-listed on vcoins, so you should be safe with it. I agree that it is very nice.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,904 |
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Posted 01/21/2016 12:39 pm
