Athens Drachm Opinions?

We have purchased a large collection of ancient roman and greek coins. After sending several of them away to be graded, I was quite disappointed that about half of them came back in bags (rejected). I am trying to learn more, but it is tough to distinguish. So if you can help with your opinion, that would be great. Please check back every couple days for new posts. Thanks again John

Drachm Athens: 15mm 4.2 grams 96% silver

This coin looks real to me, but I would love to have your opinion. Thanks

 

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This is a rather crude example. I believe it to be fake but considering I am not an expert on these tetradrachms. I have never seen one in this style.

 

Thank you.

 

It could potentially be a contemporary imitation, of crude style.

also, how did you figure out the silver percentage? Short of an XRF analysis it’s pretty tough to get an exact number like that

 

Although I'm not an expert in them, my understanding that an actual drachm from Athens is rare. Much more common are the tetradrachm, which may be found in many auctions by the dozens.

Looking at this example, the owl doesn't look right. Perhaps it's of the early classical form (even rarer), but features like the crest and the leaves look odd. The wear on the coin doesn't look uniform.

The overall appearance looks very crude, and I would be surprised to find a rather rare coin like this in a lot.

 

XFR analysis. Thank you for your help.

 

Yes, this came in a collection with many rare coins and counterfeit coins. I sent several away for grading, it was a happy ~ sad event. I just want to learn more so I do not waste money on grading.

 

The surfaces (somewhat pitted) and the weight seem good. From what is visible of the edge, there's no sign of filing. The coin appears to have been struck. Also the color seems quite natural.

The reverse appears to have been struck with a worn die. The AOE is quite weak as is the owl.

I think this coin is okay, worn but okay.

These drachms can be very crude, and they were imitated, along with the tetradrachms and obols.

 

I’m also inclined to think this is genuine from the photos but you’d need a specialist to assess.

 

Maybe this one was sent back because of the unauthentic coins included in the submission. They might not have had the confidence to slab it when others around were fakes.

Thats all I can think. Obviously I am in the minority here believing it isn't genuine, but I would trust these folk.

 

I must have misread—was this particular coin rejected by NGC? If so, I would trust their assessment.

 

No, This coin was not, I was going to send it in, but was wanting to get opinions first

 

For once, I have no comment on authenticity. Send it in. Request they label it the "Sleepy Eye Owl" variety.

 

Thank you

 

If you have XRF data, the trace elements could be as useful as the fineness of the silver.

 

Does anyone know what the silver percentage should be in the Athens owls? Did the silver content change as the styles changed, or was the silver content consistent?

 

I don’t think they were debased, right?

 

My apologies for asking;I am always really confused when the adjective "contemporary" is used; in this sentence does it mean present-day imitation or at the same time when the "real" ones were minted?

 

I forgot that contemporary has two entirely opposite meanings.

typically for coins one would use contemporary or ancient imitation for one that was made at the same time, and modern for a new one

 

Thank you @hotwheelsearl