Attica Drachm 454 - 404 Bc: Few Questions

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Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,499
Quintillius New Member Netherlands 26 Posts	Posted 03/01/2020 06:51 am Hello guys. I want to buy my first Greek coin and add it to my collection. I'm watching this one: It has the following description: Quality: s-ss, rau Catalogue: Kroll 10 Material: Silver Mass: 4.00 g Attica, Athens Drachm, 454-404 BC Vs.: Kopf der Athena mit Lorbeer geschmücktem Helm n. r. Rs.: Eule steht n. r., Kopf v. v., links Ölzweig As I'm not experienced on this topic, I have a few questions for you: 1) Is the price of € 150,- ($ 165) not too expensive? I don't think so as Attica coins in good condition are usually very expensive. 2) Does the coin look authentic? The seller is a German company with 50 years experience. But what do you think? The coin should weigh 4,3g. Is the variance too much? 3) How are they able to date this coin so precisely? EDIT: ok this site is helpful: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/nu...key=Pi-Style. So the date seems plausible. 4) Is it highly plausible to say that the silver used for this coin is from the silver mines of Laurion? Thanks for the help! Edited by Quintillius 03/01/2020 2:46 pm Report this Post to the Staff

John1 Moderator United States 56855 Posts	Posted 03/01/2020 08:38 am to CCF. Give it a while and members will be along to help you. John1 Report this Post to the Staff
Kamnaskires Pillar of the Community United States 7066 Posts	Posted 03/01/2020 09:40 am Quote: Is the price of € 150,- ($ 165) not too expensive? Not an area I collect, but it seems the price is on par with others I've spotted. $150: https://cNGCoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=368323 It seems off-centered specimens may sell for less. $95 (from 2006, which doesn't necessarily reflect today's market): https://cNGCoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=356975 Good provenance may up the sale price. $260: https://cNGCoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=285183 Good centering, strike, and condition seem to factor in when sale prices are high. $950: https://cNGCoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=153807 Quote: Does the coin look authentic? I suspect the coin is authentic but that some of the darker toning in the recesses is not. Report this Post to the Staff
Quintillius New Member Netherlands 26 Posts	Posted 03/01/2020 11:33 am Thank you for your contribution. This is the only shiny silver owl I can find for this price so I think it's a good deal. Is the crescent only present on a tetradrachm, not on common drachmae? Edited by Quintillius 03/01/2020 11:34 am Report this Post to the Staff
echizento Moderator United States 23731 Posts	Posted 03/01/2020 12:57 pm Nice coin for a decent price. Report this Post to the Staff
Finn235 Pillar of the Community United States 6130 Posts	Posted 03/01/2020 9:24 pm IMO, if you are willing to spend €150 on an Athens coin, you might as well spend a little bit more and buy one of the tetradrachms that have been hitting the market. Athens coins as a whole are costly because of their popularity, but the drachms are disproportionately expensive because they are somewhat scarce. Try browsing the listings of European auction houses; I have seen classical Athens tetradrachms that are VF save for a small test cut go for not much more than €200. It's a much better use of your money IMO. Report this Post to the Staff
FVRIVS RVFVS Pillar of the Community United States 3439 Posts	Posted 03/02/2020 06:58 am Well I'm glad some else said what I was thinking I don't want to dissuade you from buying something you really want in your collection But patience often is the best path to happiness As a novice collector always keep in mind that with very very few exceptions there will always be a better one somewhere Or ....... A better option ! A tetradrachm certainly gives more "bang for the buck" Report this Post to the Staff
Quintillius New Member Netherlands 26 Posts	Posted 03/02/2020 12:22 pm Thanks for the tips. The Tetradrachme silver owls start at a price of € 280,-. That's almost double! I'm not familiar with auction houses, as I buy my coins straight from the shops. Keep in mind that there are extra fees added up that € 200,- and not all auction houses guarantee authenticity I think? As starter my budget limits me to a maximum of € 200,- per coin. I think I'll stick with this one. I like it. It's really cool to have a coin from the time of Socrates in my bare hands! And not just a coin, but a silver owl from Athens . Maybe I'll add a higher-quality coin later from the time of Alexander, which start at much lower prices. Is there any Greek coins expert that can confirm the date range and answer my question about the Laurion silver? I'm also curious to the black tone in the background on the reverse. It's not a sort of patina? Maybe the result of cleaning or so? Edited by Quintillius 03/02/2020 12:24 pm Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,499

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