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 Replies: 10 / Views: 920 |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
586 Posts |
Hello All, This coin I coming up via silent auction. The minimum price is $300 very low in my opinion, but also brings up authenticity issues. Its a government auction and the details are as such: 8.6g, 22k , VF20 grade. All or any info is welcomed. Thank you   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
If authentic that's a great starting price. It's a gold stater of Macedon, Amphipolis mint, I believe.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
What bothers me is the 22K !
That would workout to .9166 pure
Sounds more like a modern gold alloy.
Gold is not my area of expertise but I seem to recall that ancient gold was extremely pure.
Even when Rome declined and silver became debased beyond reason the gold stayed pure.
I would research the purity of Greek gold. I suspect it was very high.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
I don't see any immediate red flags; if genuine, this is a ~$2000-3000 coin. Weight looks okay and it's good that it tests as gold.
To play it safe, I would perhaps bid 25-30% over melt and see what happens.
E: Good point on the purity; I think it was typically a minimum of 95%, but some mints could do 98-99%. For $300 I would probably still chance it, though.
Edited by Finn235
02/02/2018 3:51 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
Based on today's gold price I get $338 US for a melt price.
Add in 30% and we are up to $440.
It does beg the question as to what a Museum quality replica might be worth !
I think at $500 you really couldn't complain too much if it turns out to be replica.
You could always put a bezel on it and wear it for jewelry !
In fact .......
If I were of a mind to I might go as high as $600.
Don't worry ......
I don't do gold !
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
Nothing immediately suspicious and it doesn't look cast.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I don't see any red flags either. One thing I do wonder about is the red material on the lower part of the helmet and in the hair curls. Looks like wax or maybe just reflection. $300 is a very low starting bid. How is it listed in the auction?
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Pillar of the Community
 Canada
586 Posts |
@Finn235 You think a bid of $1,400.00 plus 30% is gonna take it down?
WOW, wish me luck I'll let you guys know what the winning bid is.
I believe its a ANCIENT GREEK COINS - MACEDONIA - ALEXANDER III - GOLD STATER
330-320 BC. So many different variation. some with a trident sone with a cup ect.....
I believe 22k is the legit purity of the coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
I cannot imagine an auctioneer who knows nothing about an ancient coin (indicated by the lack of any detailed attribution and the use of 22K to describe the gold) would not think that he might have something worth one Meaaaaallllllion dollars.
Something doesn't smell right here ...... and I just took a hot shower !
Man its cold outside !
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
Back in the good old days of $300 gold I used to take a jewelry class and do castings. I used British sovereigns for my metal as they were cheap and readily available. And they are 22K. 22K is a modern alloy  |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
586 Posts |
Yes, I agree its weird. Its a government silent auction in which you have to mail in your bid and they will open the mailed in forms all at once. I believe they are repossessed items or seized items.
There's a $1000 devil face note up also, and that minimum bid is at $2000. So I'm not sure whats up.
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Replies: 10 / Views: 920 |
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Posted 02/02/2018 3:30 pm
