Late night eBay snag: Thasos Tetradrachm

Gorgeous coin!!!!

 

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These Thasos tets were one of the first (now of many from that part of the world) types I decided to avoid because so many were fake. I see nothing suspicious about this ine except that it is a Thasos tet. Part of the problem is that the real ones vary from fine mint style to absolutely barbarous, but ancient, coins and everything in between. My only one was purchased in 1989 from a trusted dealer. A coin that comes in so many styles would seem one to make into a specialty collection and learn enough to protect yourself from many fakes or one to buy only from the 'right' source.

 

Yes very nice Race, well done!!

 

View attachment 431880 I just picked up this tet a couple of weeks ago. I've had getting one on my mind ever since a seller accidentally sent one my way earlier this year, and this busted up little guy seemed the closest I'd get to being able to afford one. Broken edge, mint mark worn off and Hercules' head nearly gone, but the portrait is almost all there and it's the first coin I've shown off that made a non-collector say wow.

 

This is how it starts...

 

I watched that coin get auctioned, and thought it was a good deal for someone who could appreciate it despite the cracked flan.

 

JA: I've got no problem with cracked flans, holes, etc. I don't have the budget for three-figure coins (right now... I've been looking at them more and more, so maybe JWT is right), and I don't mind some flaws. Especially if the flaws are like the obverse on this one, which, except for the cracked flan, looks pretty darn good. I think wear gives them some character anyway--I got into ancient coins in the first place because of their age, after all.