Hello everyone, this is my first ancient gold coin, and I was curious if it is authentic or not? P.S. I also don’t have a solid identification
@panzerman knows the gold. It looks a bit like Celtic? like this one style from VCoins:maybe not? just a guess
Not Celtic-- Kushan or something of that ilk. Working now with no time to investigate further but many people here know far more than me about this type. Telling us the size and weight is also helpful. Question though... why are you buying a gold coin if you don't know what it is or if it is authentic?
maybe like this- similiar clothes- Indian Kushan: and similar symbols https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ga...ith_oesho_rare_and_superb/947986/Default.aspx
The reverse is the Kushan god Pharro, god of splendor and glory. His name is spelled on the reverse. Not sure who is on the obverse; also not sure of the denomination (what is the size?) or whether it is authentic. Stylistically it looks unlike other Kushan coins except in the most general sense, but I am only passingly familiar with Kushan coins and other ancient and medieval Eastern coins.
TIF, love the use of the word "ilk". It's not used enough. Did you know the first recorded use of that word was in 1790?
This is an appeal for full information when you post coins asking for information. The coin in the picture has style that 'bothers' me. I do not know enough about Kushan and certainly not Kushan gold BUT the appearance does not seem right for a coin like the one shown by Mike M. I see this could mean one of three things: 1. This could be a smaller denomination with less fine style. 2. This could be a barbarous ancient copy. 3. This could be a modern fake. If you had said that the coin was 9mm in diameter, I would be more likely to accept one of the first two options but if the coin is larger, I am tending toward #3. I have said many times that I am glad NOT to be in the position of having to authenticate coins that are not in my experience like we expect out of dealers (I'm not) or TPG authenticators. As a hobbyist, I can look at a coin like this and say 'No, thanks' without having to have good basis for that lack of positive opinion. If I were looking for a piece of Kushan gold or even a piece of gold of any random type, I would pass on this one for my collection. TIF claims not to be an expert. She is, however, right enough of the time that people of good sense listen to her. IMHO the only good answer to this question would be that the seller was a renowned specialist and expert in the field and you felt fortunate to be able to buy a coin from him even if you did not understand it. That cancels choice #1.
With 2.2 grams this might be a quarter Dinara. The style of this one however is far off, bordering the ridiculous. Also it is weird to have two, different, tamghas on both sides. I don't know any comparable contemporary imitations. I vote fake.
The style does not look Kushan. It looks like this thing: http://www.forgerynetwork.com/asset.aspx?id=HDBGe4GZ2oU=
" "This coin has been condemned by the IBSCC Photo/ by permission International Bureau for the Suppression of Counterfeit Coins. Refer Bulletin on Counterfeits reference above. From the Munich Market. Some go back to 1930's - originally from India and Afghanistan. Cast Forgery Type: Cast"
I have to buy them before I post asking if they are authentic or not. I am young and am in college, but I love ancient coins. Last time I posted coins that were still up for sell, I was warned that other viewers would bid against me, and Tif did! Haha, so now I buy and get unlucky at times to keep the buying cost lower
Thats like playing roulette, you would be better to secure your ancient coins from auctions like CNG/ ROMA/ Kunker/ Gorny&Mosch/ Ars Classica.....these are guaranteed to be genuine. Plus its fun to bid and win your fav. coin.
There are at least two other viable options: (1) as Panzerman and others suggest, buy from known dealers who guarantee their coins' authenticity; and (2) contact via private message other collectors on this site who can help verify your target coin's authenticity; most of them will be unlikely to be competitors for the coin, and you can always ask them via PM if they're thinking of bidding on any coins in the auction or eBay vendor you're considering, before telling them which coin you're after. I would strongly recommend against charging ahead on purchases of more expensive coins until you have more experience and ability to judge authenticity; you're likely to end up with more misses than hits.
