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 Replies: 15 / Views: 1,255 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
7935 Posts |
I do not yet have a Byzantine coin in my collection, and there is one type that would fill a hole in one of my collecting themes, so I have been watching for an attractive example. One has come up in auction, the strike is unusually strong but there is a problem (um ... two actually): the coin has two cracks, one about 50% through the coin, the other moreso (though not through the center). If either crack propagates through, I'll be left with two half coins. I have no plan to ever re-sell, so if that were to happen, I guess that could always be fixed with a little Scotch tape or epoxy (just kidding). So, my questions are: 1. is there any known way to halt the crack, or at least stabilize the coin? I have some background in materials science, so I know one tried and true way to stop a crack in metals, but applying it to a coin would be so gruesome that I'm not gonna mention it lest I give a Forum member a heart attack. 2. would you risk buying it? (minimum bid $120)  Edited by tdziemia
09/24/2020 12:50 pm
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CCF Advertiser
 United States
1303 Posts |
If I did buy the coin I'd first make sure there was a guarantee that if the coin arrived to me in two pieces they will refund me 100% and get their coin back. At the very least they would be quite serious about packing it correctly. Then when it arrived I'd open a case, custom cut an insert from a smaller hole that might be made for a dime or nickel, then once inside my case seal it and never open it again. Exacto razor blade knife work on the polymer foam insert. Just my thoughts and I know people don't like slabbing coins usually.
Edited by louisvillekyshop
09/24/2020 12:59 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Theodore I Comnenus-Lascaris? Quote:
would you risk buying it? If the seller is reputable, assures that the cracks appear stable, has a good return policy (if the coin breaks in transit), and the price is right (perhaps somewhat lower than others of the type and grade, that have no cracks), then I suppose I would - yes. |
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Pillar of the Community
Lebanon
505 Posts |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Empire of Nicaea Theodore I Sear # 2064. Don't see many of these around. A beautiful strike, well worth the asking price for a intact coin. I can just see this coin breaking into small pieces during shipping unless it is encapsulated. That would be IMO the only way to keep the coin from breaking apart.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
A beautiful coin, and an amazing strike.  Quote:
I know one tried and true way to stop a crack in metals By drilling a hole?  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
7935 Posts |
Thanks everyone for the helpful comments. Yes @echizento, it caught my eye because the strike is really superb, and I really should have a St. Theodore in my collection of coins with Christian saints, since George, Demetrius and Theodore were venerated widely in the early Eastern church. The seller is reputable. However, I would probably ask them to hold it until I can pick it up in person, so the risk of breaking in transit disappears. I am long overdue for a visit back to my home state of Pennsylvania to see some old friends. Quote:
I know one tried and true way to stop a crack in metals
By drilling a hole? Yes, @novicius. Well known to reduce the stress concentration at the crack tip, and thwart further crack growth. But in this case, I think the remedy might just kill the patient (not to mention any CCF member with pre-disposing conditions who would be shocked at the mere thought there is a collector who would drill a small hole in such a lovely coin  ) Edited by tdziemia
09/25/2020 07:11 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Quote:
long overdue for a visit back to my home state of Pennsylvania As another displaced Pennsylvanian, I'm curious where in PA you're from. Can't recall if we discussed it before,Ted. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7935 Posts |
I was born in Philly, but the family moved away shortly thereafter. Returned in my 20s and lived in West Phila., Bala Cynwyd and Radnor (between Bryn Mawr and Broomall) for the next 33 years. Do I recall also western Philly 'burbs for you?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Greater Northeast for my childhood, then Elkins Park in my teens, Jenkintown in my twenties, Aston in Delaware County in my early thirties. Then to the Midwest.
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New Member
United States
4 Posts |
I saw this coin as well. I looked it up from when it previously sold. Time (and perhaps the previous owner?) have not been kind...  From how it looked in 2005 versus how it looks today, I would be very concerned of more cracking. If you buy it, hopefully you can find a way to effectively preserve it. |
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Moderator
United States
187881 Posts |
DiomedesOfArgos,  to the Community! |
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New Member
United States
4 Posts |
jbuck, thank you  |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
to the community |
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New Member
United States
4 Posts |
echizento, thank you as well |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7935 Posts |
@Diomedes, thank you for the comment.
The auction house did disclose that the coin has been damaged since its last sale, so I am forewarned.
I am a collector who is unconcerned about resale value so it's mostly about risk of disappointment should the coin disintegrate into 3 or 4 new pieces during my (remaining) lifetime.
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Replies: 15 / Views: 1,255 |
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Posted 09/24/2020 1:11 pm
