And if it's fake, how much Au is there? http://www.seizedacquisitions.com/listings/details/index.cfm?itemnum=441701453&cat=1 Same/same? http://www.archaeological-center.com/en/auctions/33-024
Byzantine gold was fairly pure, so figure 90% at least. However, forgeries can have as much or as little gold as needed in them. Not sure of this one, it could be from weird lighting, but don't like how there literally is no neck. Everything else looks weird, but like I said could be funky lighting. This era gold coins are pretty common in. They had major wars they needed to fund.
U.S. Property Acquisition Services is totally legit. BBB Business Review Grade is "B" http://www.webutation.net/go/review/seizedacquisitions.com U.S. Property Acquisition Services handled the Madoff auction (which was RIDICULOUSLY successful.) http://money.ca.msn.com/investing/deirdre-mcmurdy/article.aspx?cp-documentid=22583255 I have no idea if there are good deals on that site. The Israeli Archaeological Center's Phocas (OP link) ALSO has no neck. They look about the same 'weird' to me. The 10/4/2004 auction for that coin was $400.; 7.456x the POG, in bubblicious numismatic silly days. Frank Sedgewick Auctions sold (another similar) one on 7/28/2011 for $503.; 2.385x the POG, in the post-'coin bubble' period. http://auction.sedwickcoins.com/Byz...mint-gold-solidus-Phocas-602-610-AD_i10815266 Reputable coin vendors now advertise slabbed versions for ~$600. (ASK) Guess this coin is not worth more than $530. (POG @ 1700.)... perhaps $ 400. assuming POG is ~20% overvalued, hypothetical 'worst case scenario.'
US Property Acquisitions is not legit. They are not a member of the Better Business Bureau. They used to have a seal for being a member of the National Society of Auctioneers, but no information could be found on that either. Many of their auction items are Chinese fakes, and they make their money on exorbitant shipping and a hefty buyer's fee. Someone needs to get a lawyer and shut them down.
