Embarrassing large lot from Roma

I purchased a large lot of 97 coins from Roma for L 72 + fees and shipping.

I was expecting a nice assortment of lower grade coins. What I didn’t expect was a 91 cull/slag grade coins.
These coins were not only horrible, but appeared to have been electrolyzed and “repatinated” with some greasy, motor-oil like substance.
It came with 6 superior coins which were likely sprinkled in to keep it from being a complete waste of time.

Roma should be embarrassed to sell these coins, especially when it wasn’t terribly clear from the pics or description just how horrific these are. I’m very disappointed and likely won’t get a large lot from them again.
EDIT: My initial disappointment is tempered by my understanding that it's quite completely my failure to inspect the auction photos closely enough and so I paid the price. No shade to Roma, they sold and delivered what was advertised.

 

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Thanks for the heads up.

 

Wow, those coins are super corroded. The six coins from that lot look nice, but Roma really shouldn't sell a bunch of slugs like the others.

I tend to avoid bidding on lots where the coins are plied on top of one another. The only group lots I bid on are with each coin displayed clearly, both obverse and reverse.

You might want to contact Richard Beal about this lot. I don't know if he'll do anything about this situation, but letting him know that you are dissatisfied could be helpful.

 

That’s a good idea. I always hate being the unsatisfied customer, but I was really not expecting the standard eBay-style slugfest. I’ll definitely contact him about this.

 

Though, I've not seen the picture from the auction to see the discrepancies, I couldn't agree more with your analysis. Sure look like coins after electrolysis... but coated with something.
Add to that the "caked" lot with a few beauties to appease (though, I'm not sure you could convince me that Jupiter handing victory to the Emperor doesn't have bronze disease... adding disease to injury).
But @Rich Beale is a stand up guy and even has a presence here on CT. You might want to request a refund due the state of the coins...

 

Yikes. Those are really bad. What were the auction photos like?

 

To be fair, the auction photos were pretty clear and showed a bunch of featureless slugs, but it appeared that at least some of them would have cleaned up somewhat, but I was expecting at least more than 91/97 slags.

It's certainly mostly my fault (these large lots are always a "buyer beware" situation), but that they were coated in grease (or whatever) was really kind of nasty.

Live and learn...

 

The Jupiter Victory is Diocletian, actually pretty decent other than the BD on both sides. The large green encrustations appear to be some kind of malachite which is kind of neat.


At the end of the day, I probably got exactly what I deserved, haha. Those 6 coins aren't really worth the full $110 or so price, but that Constantius Chlorus is pretty sweet.

 

I understand that you are disappointed, but come on, the original auction photo delivered what it promised.

 

Yea, you're right. I really shouldn't complain :/

 

What's weird to me is these Roman coins are so common that they can be bought by the pound and I collect Southern Italian and Sicilian coins from the 1500's to 1700's era and these coins are much harder to find. Does anybody know why that is.

 

That's a great question. I feel like the reason may be that late Roman coins were hoarded by the literal boatload, whereas later coins were not. As far as I know most of those LRBs were found in massive hoards.

 

How was the condition described?

 

Not very comprehensively,
"
Lot of 97 Mostly Late Roman Æ Coins.

Lot sold as seen - no returns.

From a private German collection.
"

Which makes me wonder why anybody would want these in their private collection, but to each their own...

 

Well, now they are part of YOUR collection

 

haha, very trueee

 

In Southern Italy and Sicily they do on occasion find hordes of 1700's era coins but they rarely include copper coins, almost all silver crown (scudo) size coins

 

1,000% - I almost died laughing))

 

I was going to say something similar. The auction photo shows nothing worthwhile. Lots like these come with disclaimers that say something like, "Sold as is. No returns."

 

I think majority of people that buy these group lots aren't buying for their own collection but are buying them to resell