First single coin purchase - is vcoins safe?

I am considering making my first single ancient coin purchase from Vcoins. Should I feel safe from counterfeits? I know some of the vendors guarantee authenticity, but not sure if I am thinking of Ancient Coins Forum or something else.

Kind of excited, I found several I really like to choose from....

 

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I'd say your pretty safe, i've never encountered a fake from my many purchases on it. But thats not to say it can't happen. If your unsure you can post your planned purchases here & one of us will let you know.

 

It isn't quite as safe as it once was but is still relatively safe.

 

K- right now I am thinking of this one. I welcome any criticisms (particularly if it is counterfeit). What's up with the hole / depression in the middle? I've noticed that on several of the coins I have looked at. Other than that I am very happy with the price / detail / size combination compared to the other ones of this type I have been looking at.

Again, I welcome any criticisms before I make the purchase.

http://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/aeg...ptolemy_iv_222204_bc_ae41/395313/Default.aspx

 

That coin is OK, and the depression had to do with the way some were made. Doug's website has a writeup on it but I am kinda busy to hunt for it.

http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/

 

I've bought stuff from that place (all good)

 

I've found Vcoins to be a safe place to buy coins, but I've also found that the prices can be on the high side. I know the dealers have to pay to be on Vcoins, but I believe there is some wiggle room, perhaps 10-15%. Make a reasonable offer. The worse the dealer can say is no and you've lost nothing.

 

Not bad. The worst thing about these huge Ptolemaic bronzes is getting them into 2x2s. I have an AE44 I had to manhandle into one.

 

I've made a couple of purchases from Aegean. No problems.

 

OK I appreciate your guy's responses.

Gonna do it!!!

 

That dealer accepts offers, do about 10% off, harder to do more.

 

Excellent choice! Large Ptolemaic bronzes are impressive and fun pieces.

 

61grammes!!!!!, Jesus man....thats a doorstop!!! If your kids play ice hockey, keep your eye on it.

 

Heh - I know it's big but still kind of expect to be surprised how big, or at least heavy, it is when I get it.

 

Howd' i miss that monster, great coin, i've bought from Aegean before, nice folks. i only buy from Vcoins and only had one fake, thanks to Martin's great eye and i collect fakes so i kept it. i also buy from show's and club members.
So when in doubt, post a picture,we'll let you know, good or bad. don't worry we won't buy it from under you...

 

Oh, you'll be suprised by 61grammes of Bronze...believe me!

 

Yes. I, (and assume everyone else here), have a hands off approach to any coin listing posting here. Unless I was already bidding on a coin, I would not dream of poaching anyone's coin purchases.

What is posted on Cointalk, STAYS on Cointalk.

 

Vcoins is a mall. If you're asking about safety, the question should be about individual vendors in the mall. Counterfeits can crop up anywhere, even among the most well-intentioned and scrupulous dealers, so you need to know your stuff.

But as far as shopping through vcoins goes, you don't even want to see my account purchases - it would use up the rest of the thread, lol. I've never had a single problem.

 

I prefer......If two people are interested in a coin anyway, then posting a picture of it here first, does not clear away the competition or entitle you to be the sole bidder from this forum. However, if you are tempted purely because you have seen it here first...don't be! that is not fair play!.

 

The dimple in the center of certain ancient bronzes, particularly Ptolemaic and Seleucid issues is a remnant of the lathe technology used to trim the flans before they were struck. You can read about it here. Be sure to click through all the pages.

http://www.classicalcoins.com/flans1.html