This is on a current auction on which I am considering bidding. However, I have some concerns about the gold coloration on the reverse. Plus, the auction is in a eastern European country. Any comments appreciated.
I’m not very comfortable as the details show inconsistent wearing withe rest of the coin’s strike. The lion looks worn and rubbed but the surrounding areas like the spines and rays looks sharp and new. Would have expected wearing to have more uniformity but best to get a second opinion
No, it doesn't look genuine. The surfaces look wrong and the reverse punch doesn't look believable, plus the obverse style is off. This is just my opinion given at a glance and I could be wrong-- I'm not an expert. I have not compared it to a picture list of known examples nor have I searched the databases of fakes, but you should do so.
With just an image, 85% NO. - The surfaces look cast. - Tooled obverse to sharpen or hide...? + Split in the planchet. + flow lines down the reverse punch.
Forgot to mention that this is a 1/3 stater and weighs 4.53 grams. Any comment about the seemingly gold separation?
Good to read. Just a little feedback on a few faux pas for next time: 1-If you post coins from live auctions on such a popular site, it appears that you are trying to get your desired coin snipped by someone else who's attention you've caught or are helping get more attention (pimping) for the auction house (I'm sure neither were your intention here, but I've seen both plenty of times on here). 2- No need to keep asking questions once the creme della creme of this place have given such undivided opinions. The people that make these fakes do that (or read the responses when others ask) to see how they can improve their presentation. 3- No offense ment here. I myself had to take a step back early on, if you really couldn't tell how fake this looks then you are surely going to get ripped off BIG time looking for a "good deal". It is better to start with less expensive coins (and yes you will come across fakes. But isn't it better to get fooled on a $20 bronze then a $200 or $2,000 coin like the op coin would be if real). I say all this not to chastise but rather to educate. That and because we don't want the punks that made this fake to get one more penny to make more of this trash!
I do appreciate your comments, and I do not take them personally. I have been collecting ancients for about twelve years, so I am not a novice collector. However, time collecting does not always equal expertise. I have bought my share of fakes but none, gratefully, of any large expense. I have been looking for an EL trite for some time, and I guess I was hoping this would be the one. I would not have posted my question unless I had some doubt myself, and having other more experienced eyes give an opinion pushed me to the right decision. I had concerns about posting a picture and question about a live auction, but decided it was better to ask before rather than after.
$0.02 for free..... I know I may get "chastised" for this … but here it goes. My thought about all this talk about fakes is..... I'm feeling that our hobby of ancient coin collecting is on the move upward. I believe we are getting many, many new collector friends into the hobby. So....this is where the "lambasting" may begin. As new collectors are entering; more crooks are producing pretty darn nice counterfeits; and, prices rise - all this makes a very good argument for NGC Ancients slabbed (Oooo, there's that bad word) coins as a fair assurance of the coin's authenticity. JMHO
This ignores the fact that there are fakes in slabs too and NGC won't help you if you're the unlucky person who winds up with one. If you want a guarantee of authenticity, buy from a dealer who guarantees authenticity even if you're buying slabbed coins.
@tartanhill I am glad you posted your question as I always learn from the question and the great answers provided.
