[ATTACH] Figure 4.9 - Fake with a spray-can desert patina. [ATTACH] Figure 4.10 - Note the grainy specked effect from the patina spray. The can...
[ATTACH] Figure 4.5 - The exact same cast fake, one with artificial toning, one with a sprayed on “desert patina.” [ATTACH] Figure 4.6 - Fake...
Late last fall, I took a three-week trip to the Mediterranean. My goal: to find and buy a selection of fake ancient coins from shady dealers in...
I didn't see anyone inside, and from what I could see there was more on display in the exterior windows than in the little shop.
[ATTACH] Figure 3.5 - Tiberius as a museum reproduction. [ATTACH] Figure 3.6 - Gallienus wishes his coins looked this nice. [ATTACH] Figure...
The scene: Athens, 2400 years ago. The coin: #2. Vendor: Hey, what kinda scam are you trying to pull on me, mister? Customer: It's solid...
They would have been more squeamish about cutting into the head of the goddess on the obverse. Ah, the good old days, when it was worth checking...
I once bid on a Severan dynasty coin with a Mars reverse that had four cracks in it. The way they were spaced out, they actually complimented the...
Certainly not me. That's the pitfall of "famous" coins. Tiny details make for huge differences in price. I wanted an Athens Owl for my collection...
Cracks in the flan don't bother me either, unless they detract from the image itself or threaten to split the coin into pieces if not handled...
Doug, thanks very much for writing a sequel for us. As one of the people who specifically requested it, I just want to weigh in and let you know...
A really nice one with no test cut typically runs in the $1000 - $1500 range, or sometimes more. However, the prices for truly superior examples...
The hole you're referring to (and there's another at the lower right edge of the officina E) could have been caused by anything over the years....
If any coin is "the most famous" ancient coin, it would be this one. I waited a long time to find one that was priced low and still met my minimum...
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Although not part of the main article, I wanted to include some additional shots of the coin shop, its stock, and St. Mark's square where it is...
I see what you're saying, but the earlier Sassanid coins have designs that go much closer to the edge than later issues. It's hard to say for sure...
#3, the Sassanian coin, is Shapur I, who ruled circa 240-272 AD. The reverse shows two attendants flanking a fire altar -- referring to the...
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