Are these real ancient Roman coins?

Looking to buy an ancient or two just to have one in my collection.

Can anyone give an opinion if these are real or not? Bidding ends in approximately 40 minutes. I just have no experience with ancients.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VALENTINIANUS-roman-coin-/110817470868?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19cd3c6994#ht_500wt_1270

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VALENS-roma...ultDomain_0&hash=item19cd3c682c#ht_500wt_1270

Also, if they are real, what would be a fair price to pay (maximum)? Shipping is already $6 :S

Thank you

 

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IMO the shipping costs more than the coin. but I don't like coins of of Valens of Valentinian so I'm biased. They dont look fake to me. but looks I'm a bit late.

 

Hey no problem man, I appreciate the response nonetheless. I didn't buy either of those. I'm not quite sure what I'm looking at anyway lol. I'm sure more will come along

 

Allot of dealers on vcoins have decent coins of Constantine for like $10-$15 You could find a decent silver coin for Gordian III for not to much too. And if you want a coin of Valens, you can find a cheapo for like $2-$4.

 

How are these ancient coins so cheap? It confuses me. Were tons of them minted or something?

 

yes there where millions made and these pictured arent in the best condition.

 

Age doesn't always equal rarity.
The Romans coined millions of coins throughout their empire for hundreds of years.
New stashes of coins are still being found.
Some ancients are indeed rare and quite valuable.
Usually BUT NOT ALWAYS, the copper coins in that condition are worth very little.
Plus ancient coins have been counterfeited for generations.

 

Yes they have been counterfeited, but for the most part the old counterfeits were of great rarities and themselves are collectible.

Bottom line is millions of these coins were made every year, for hundreds of years, especially in the late empire of Constantine and later. They are found by the tens of thousands every year. I would buy a few higher grade examples already attributed if you want an ancient coin or two.

Believe me, I was shocked when I found out about ancients as well. I still remember my first ancient, a bronze of Larissa, and thinking I was holding a 2300 year old beautiful coin that I could afford blew me away. Still does sometimes, but after you get into them you get over it mostly.

Chris

 

thinking I was holding a 2300 year old beautiful coin that I could afford blew me away.


=== Ahh.. and that is why I'm posting this. I want to hold a really ancient coin that is mine and doesn't cost too much, but i don't know where to buy one. I looked on Ebay, but I'm new at this and wouldn't know a fake if it bit me.
I am new and rely on slabbed coins mostly at the moment, which brings me to the point... why are no ancients slabbed. At least none I could find on Ebay.
So... what coin would anyone recommend that would be relatively inexpensive, and where to buy such coin?

TIA.

 

You might like a coin from Constantinius or Constantine. You can find coins in really high grade and properly centerred. It is nice to be able to read all of the letters, words, and devices on such old coins.

 

Here's a for instance... how do i know if this is genuine? It says it coms with a COA... from who... his nephew?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CONSTANTINE...ltDomain_0&hash=item519c4cc030#ht_2459wt_1165

 

Maybe some of the ancient experts here can give their opinion about the Ebay coin. I can only recommend that you buy from a reputable dealer that has a 7-10 day return policy. You can research the Ebay seller yourself to check his feedback & see if he is listed on any of the good ancient seller lists.

Here are a couple that I bought from a reputable dealer. I think they cost me $40 or $50 for the pair. Obviously, the one offered on Ebay is a different coin.

 

http://www.constantinethegreatcoins.com/

This link describes several Constantine coins.

 

I agree, the Constantine period is a place to start, others will suggest Gordian III, especially if you want inexpensive silver.

Its real but that seller lists everything way overpriced, and anyone can make a COA. Maybe check out vcoins.com, or numismall.com (havent tried them yet) or forumancientcoins.com

 

To name a few where I have purchased from Vcoins, classical coins and forvm are good sources to buy ancient coins,also check out MA coins, these are a few of the better websites that have many nice ancients

 

Can anyone suggest a coin from the B.C. era.. I will look at the ones suggested but I'm also trying to buy the oldest coin I can find/afford. You know... to impress the kids and friends...hehehe....

 

Miletos maybe

 

Thanks for everyones input!
Will see what I can find.

 

Miletos is probably the oldest silver coin that is affordable. Good choice. You can get a silve coin, (small though) from the 6th century for about $30 if you look around long enough.

 

I think more people were impressed in person with my ant. of Gordian than my coin from Miletos. About the same price, 15x the size and pretty decent condition. If that helps in your decision at all. Personally I like my Greek coin a little more.