I recently bought this Macedonia - First Meris Tetradrachm off Ebay.. Spotted some evidence of smoothing in the fields, but after researching the seller and checking Fake Reports I decided odds were the coin was legit. Perhaps I should have listened to my first instinct. Now that the coin is in hand, the edges have a certain squared look to them that suggests it's been worked at some point. I should note that these apparent flats are confined to a certain portion of the edge; other parts, corresponding to where the coin is properly centered, are much thinner and look perfectly normal; Is the edge pictured below normal for the series? Or did I just learn a $250 lesson? Ancient Greek, Macedon (Roman Protectorate, First Meris, ±167-149 B.C.) Tetradrachm (±167-149 B.C.), Amphipolis Obv.: Diademed bust of Artemis to the right, quiver over her shoulder, within an ornate Macedonian shield Rev.: Horizontal club within oak wreath, thunderbolt to the left Ex: Numis.be May 2013, Lot 86 https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=475&lot=86 VF Ag (16.91 g, 29 mm, 12 h) SNG Ashmolean 3296
For what it's worth, here is a gallery of suspicious edges posted on FORVM. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/fakes/thumbnails.php?album=39
Nvb, I can understand your suspicion. Aside from areas on the edge that might indicate casting halves, the overall impression on both sides looks mushy. I'd send it back.
I think it is genuine. Only the high spots show wear and dings. The rest is as sharp as it should be. I see no signs of casting and lots of signs it is genuine.
I say its OK , I have the same (concave) coin, also with a squared edge, also a Sear 1386, paid 250 euro for mine:
Nvb, The Macedonian 1st Meris Tets are plentiful & well centered, well struck examples aren't that expensive. I sold the example pictured below at a Heritage auction in January of last year for $468.00 (buyers premium included).
Sorry for taking a few days to respond, life got busy. I appreciate everyone's experience and input and am left... still unsure. I accept that I am an amateur here and its showing =) My own observations for the type are that they often look a little mushy and often have flats/ points on the edge, but the 'split' and the apparent seam-like feature require a closer look. Whatever the case I'll hang on to the coin for now, find some reading on how they were manufactured, confirm weight on a proper scale, look under for flow lines/ irridescence under magnification and gain glorious experience points!
The coin is perfectly normal. Casting seams aren’t vertical. The edge is 100% normal for this issue. Barry Murphy.
