Leontinoi Tetradrachm Real or Fake

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by John Hulgin, Apr 6, 2021.

  1. John Hulgin

    John Hulgin JHULGIN

    I am skeptical of this coin because the weight is 19.1 grams and most of the ones I have seen are around 17 grams

    dimensions 27mm ~ 19.1 grams ~ 87% AG ~ 12% CU (used XRF +-2%)

    This coin was purchased from a dealer in a massive collection of ancients over a decade ago. There were many fakes, but the genuine examples and the gold more than paid for the collection. I would not want to waste your time, but this collection was a mixture of genuine and fake. I can only do a few at a time, because of the time it takes to research. Please no insults, or advice on why I should not have bought them. This collection has been paid for over again. I just am trying to weed out fakes. I appreciate all help. Thanks IMG_18306.jpg IMG_18307.jpg
     
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  3. RichardT

    RichardT Well-Known Member

    The weight of 19.1 g is all the proof that's needed. Real examples should weigh about 16.9 to 17 g, or less if the coin is worn.

    Style of this coin is very crude too, especially the lion.

    Fake, sorry.
     
  4. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    This one is not so straight forward as the Greco-Bactrian piece in the other thread. I would lean towards a cast fake personally upon only reviewing the photos. Mushiness of design in recessed portions, (high points will look "mushy" due to wear, but low points should not), and what appears to be casting bubbles throughout the coin are the reasons for this opinion.
     
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  5. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    Alibaba, who sees all.png
    Alibaba sees clearly, FAKE it is :jawdrop:!
     
  6. John Hulgin

    John Hulgin JHULGIN

    Thank you Alibaba. I will mark it as fake and move on
     
  7. John Hulgin

    John Hulgin JHULGIN

    Thank you for your help. This coin is going in the growing fake collection.
     
  8. John Hulgin

    John Hulgin JHULGIN

    Thank you, For your help
     
  9. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    We all have them. Heck, I have maybe 30 that is in a "grey" cabinet, coins I cannot prove one way or the other. Piles of fakes are a function of being a good collector. :) The trick is getting enough knowledge to learn the difference, and simply accepting some coins, especially in group purchases, might be fakes and not despair over this fact. For serious money, until you are a verified expert, stick with good sellers.
     
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  10. KeviniswhoIam

    KeviniswhoIam Well-Known Member

    Constructive reply in that THIS is exactly how I learn to avoid fakes! Thankyou for spelling out WHY you had concerns! Much appreciated
     
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  11. Al Kowsky

    Al Kowsky Well-Known Member

    Collectors who have been at it for a long time & have large collections will admit they have fakes in their collection; there are other collectors who will deny they have fakes in their collection; & there are others who don't know yet that they have fakes in their collection :D.
     
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  12. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Well stated. I find I learn the most from those who know and admit they have fakes. Everyone in ancients just need to accept its impossible to collect without accidentally having some fake. I know of a lot of mine, but am positive some others reside in the boxes. It is what it is. My goal is to learn more to identify more of them.
     
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  13. romismatist

    romismatist Well-Known Member

    I'd agree with everyone here that this one is a fake as well for the reasons stated.
     
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