Not a bad article, but lots of errors. Archaeologists despise coins. I dont know why. Once upon a time I was in school to be one of them...
Some archeologists want an outright ban private collecting. This guy seems quite reasonable in comparison: “He would appreciate an amendment that would allow the cooperation of professionals with amateur finders, as it works in many other countries.” The UK has a good system. Hoards over 10 coins must be reported. Museums get right of first refusal to purchase the coins. Either way the finder splits the wholesale fair market value with the land owner. Really cuts down on unreported finds. They still have problems with “nighthawks” in archaeological sites, but otherwise it works.
It's not just coins they don't like outside of museums - it's pretty much any antiquities you can think of - pottery, statuary, etc. They seem to think they're the only ones who are qualified to appreciate these things.
From the article: "Tetradrachms are about nine to ten grams in weight". Really? They'd gotten that small by 1 A.D?
Yeah there are some inaccuracies in the article. I also started out as an archaeologist/ancient linguist (undergrad degree) but then veered off course and got an MBA. I didn't want to have student loans to repay and live a hand to mouth existence as a curator or assistant professor before I got tenure.
