In a previous thread I had mentioned I am in search of getting a Lysimachus / Ammon coin. Ive been looking through several but I've noticed that there are variances in weight and diameter. As I am new to these I was hoping to get a few answers. Was this due to different mints? Different time periods? Is this common? Also, would anyone happen to have one of each (small and large?) that they could post a side by side comparison so I can get a better understanding? These are two key examples that I am looking at 294 - 287 BC / Weight 3.95g Diameter 17mm 305 - 281 BC / Weight 16.1g Diameter 27mm Unpublished
If those weights and diameters are accurate, your first coin is a drachm while the second coin is a tetradrachm (4 drachms). And if you multiply the weight of the smaller coin by 4, it equals the weight of the larger coin (within a small margin of error).
Ok that makes more sense, This must be a issue with the listings then. As both are listed and described as Tetradrachms , but one of them clearly is not.
Correct, the AH listing has it up as Unpublished. I really like the detail im just a little worried, as I am inexperienced with Lysimachos, to authenticity otherwise I'd go all in on it right now. Opinion on it by chance?
An ancient coin cannot be authenticated from a photo alone. The weight seems correct. The art style of Alexander's portrait is a "tad" unusual...to me. To be expected, perhaps from an "unpublished" example. Still, I probably would take a chance on it, if the price was right. Please don't ask me what that would be. It is totally subjective. Is the "AH" a well known, experienced, reliable source which will stand behind their coin "forever"? If not, I would "pass." Frankly, I am highly doubtful as to the authenticity of the drachm, and to call them both "tetradrachms" tells this source is inexperience and of doubtful reliability. Your call. Let's see what others say'
I am not 100% sure on how well known or experienced they are as it is also one of my first ventures into AH bidding. I tried doing some research on here before picking out a few AH's to go with. To see how what kind of experiences CT users have had and which AH's seem to be more reliable to well known than others. Their terms of service does make it seem like if the item is not authentic it can be dealt with provided you still have your paperwork and there does not appear to be a time limit on it.
The tet looks okay to me* and the auction house is reputable. Also... it's generally best to refrain from posting active auction listings in case one of your fellow CoinTalkers is also targeting the coin. *Not an expert. Also, as Pete said, it's generally not possible to say with 100% certainty if a coin is authentic based solely on pictures.
Tough love time: What PeteB and TIF say is 100% right on! I'll go one more. Those who see those two photos should be able to tell just from the photo which was a drachm and which was a tetradrachm. Those who can not should certainly buy ONLY from full service and capable dealers who could tell. Alexander is not the only place this comes up. Sestertii and asses of the Roman Imperial period also come in similar types but show what we call 'fabric' differences that will usually tip off a buyer who has learned to 'read' photos. We rely on statistics attached to lot descriptions but most people use cut and paste with varying degrees of attention to be sure we are changing what does not apply. Everyone makes mistakes. If you are dealing with someone who may be likely to make more than the average number of mistakes, it is your responsibility to protect yourself.