Hi, I’m a newbie. I commented on another post about ancient coin jewelry and then learned how to create a post. I want to preface this by saying that I don’t want to use any of my valuable coins in good condition to do this, but I’d like an ancient coin pendant to wear for the emotional meaning to me. I found these, but they are from Israel and I’m unsure about authenticity. I’ve been warned to stay away from coins from Israel unless I’m buying from a reputable seller. I’ve attached photos of what’s being offered. Thank you so much in advance. I’m really appreciative of everyone’s knowledge. 1. Does anyone know where I can find a reputable seller who sells ancient coin jewelry? Or is it better to buy a coin in not so good condition and purchase a bezel for it? And should I have a jeweler set it or is it something to attempt myself? 2. Why is it that fake coins are in abundance there? My mind goes to them copying the authentic ones since there are so many there. Would that be correct? 3. Can knowledgeable people here tell me if they believe these are authentic? 4. Has anyone had any luck purchasing coins from Zak Mishriky of Zak’s Antiquities and Zak’s Jerusalem Gifts?
Hello TML! Welcome to the Forum. As far as authenticity, I don't see anything wrong with the coins pictured. More opinions are better, though. Maybe some others will chime in. I've dealt with Zak Mishriky before and have nothing but good things to say about his business. Shipping was always a little slow, but part of that is due to the delay in getting export approval from the IAA. (Israeli Antiquities Authority).
I did my own piece. Purchased both the Chi-Rho and the bezel from fellow CoinTalk members. The Chi-Rho is featured throughout our church and wanted to put this together for my wife as a stocking stuffer a few years back. The only real expense I had was in the chain that I had to buy from a jeweler.
Thank you so much @TheMeatMan! Your comment was very helpful. I’m glad you’ve had good interactions. I’ve also heard good things about his tours and shop in Jerusalem. I’m so new to coin collecting, so it’s really nice that everyone is so quick to help a newbie out. I’ve only purchased from Marc Breitsprecher and L. Alexander Wolf. I used to collect US coins as a child. And I had recently heard that there are ancient coins available and I’m big into ancient history, so I had to get some coins. I only have about 5 or 6.
This is SO COOL! I love that you did it yourself. I was looking at available bezels last night and couldn’t find any small enough for the prutah and their shape is so difficult to account for with it. I even looked at similar bezels to the one you have. Do you wear yours often?
I did the deal for my wife and she wears it every Sunday at church. And I'll be honest. I did a bad thing.... The old coin was far more irregular than the bezel was so I mixed a tiny amount of JB weld and spread it on the inside of the bezel so the coin would stay put. Some collector centuries down the road will hate me for that one!
As with most matters of right and wrong, there is a spectrum and a line. But where's the line? If a person decided to cut the face out of the Mona Lisa and glue it onto a T-shirt..... or if the owner of an Eid Mar decided to entertain themselves by scratching a mustache and bunny ears onto Brutus' bust..... then we would all obviously be in the right to admonish them for that. But making jewelry out of middle of the road coins........ not a problem in my book. Hell, you are exposing way more people to history and appreciation of the item than would ever be reached by locking the item away in a safe for decades. I actually see it as a good thing!
