Hi all! I've recently bought three Celtic drachms, but I have some concerns about the authenticity. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on these coins, being a relative novice myself (especially in Celtic coins). Denomination: Drachme Weight (g): 2.61 Diameter (cm): 1.6 Denomination: Drachme Weight (g): 2.77 Diameter (cm): 1.4 Denomination: Drachme Weight (g): 2.40 Diameter (cm): 1.4 My identification process so far, is that these are Eastern Europe celtic Phillip II imitations, the "kugelwange" type. The weight and diameter of these coins are, as far as I know, correct. The sides of the coins show now file, apart from one coin which looks as it was recently tested for silver quality at a jeweler (will try to post a detailed picture of that). What strikes me though, is the amount of detail on the coin. The seller states he bought the coins at an auction years ago. He mentions selling his ancient coin collection to create some budget for his expanding medieval collection. His other coins definitely look genuine, but also highly detailed (e.g. antoninianus, some sestertii, etc.). I've searched in vain online, and found similar coins, but not the same ones: neither genuine nor fakes. I would greatly appreciate any imput!
Hard to say from just images, but the weight seems within range. I hope they are authentic. They are nice looking coins. LOWER DANUBE CELTS AR Drachm OBVERSE: Stylized head of Herakles with wild hair, right REVERSE: Stylized Zeus seated left holding an eagle, kantharus to left Struck by the Lower Danube Celts, 2d-1st Century BC 2.9g, 20mm, CCCBM I 217, Kostial 896 ex JAZ Numismatics EASTERN CELTS, DACHREITER TYPE AR Drachm OBVERSE: Celticized head of Zeus right REVERSE: Celticized horseman riding left; wheel of four spokes above Struck by the Skordoski in Syrmia, 2d Century BC 1.87g, 14mm OTA 188/2-3
I've never seen anything quite like them. Their style is highly unusual what with the odd bird-like head on the horse. Also the second example has an elaborate tail not seen in any of the literature. I looked through Kelten Im Osten and there was nothing like these listed at all. If they are real, they are mint state. The surfaces are pristine and there is no noticeable wear on them at all. Bottom line, I think they are fake. But you should get an expert opinion. Contact Chris Rudd, he's one of the few experts in the field (though he specializes in British he would know): https://celticcoins.com/
Incredible coins, almost "Too good to be real", but I hope they are. Would love to have something like this. Where did you get them? BTW welcome to CT.
I have couple that were from reputable sellers, and that I was able to attribute... Celt Imit Philip II 2nd C BCE AR Drachm Zeus Horse pellet-in-annulet above Kugelwangel type- Danube Valley - Kostial 508 OTA 204 Celtic Imitation Philip II 2nd C BCE AR Drachm Kugelwangel type- Danube Valley - pecunum auction
Roerbakmix, I wouldn't bet the farm on it but they look good to me too. Their near pristine condition could be due to burial shortly after being minted.
If you search through acsearch you won't find a single Kugelwange drachm with a detailed rider on the reverse like those depicted on your coins. That would concern me. That said, I don't see any matches at forgerynetwork or the fake coin reports at forumancientcoin. Do you have photos of the edges?
