I was asked my thoughts on this: The description was: "Have any idea if this is a coin or just a pendent? Guy I bought it from says it's 24 caret gold I see no date however I do notice some distinction marks on back notice the 14 & hb which look out of place." The description did not include a weight or diameter. It looks like a cast piece to me. I found a silver tet of Antiochos VIII that looks a lot like it: Has anyone here seen one? Your thoughts on what they were trying to copy?
Well, there are certainly a lot of varieties of Antiochos Epiphanes tetradrachms out there. I have not looked as to this one. Looks genuine enough to me from the photo, but its just that. A photo. You would have to get a look at the edge and also where the loop is attached to the coin to make a better judgement.
That is a silver Tetradrachm of Antiochos VIII minted in Antioch. The style looks right to me but the photo is weak, a weight is very important here and the only out of place area I see is next to Zeus's knee. Are there other marks? I can't tell from this photo. Here is mine from different mint.
The original would be silver, not gold. The photo does not make it look like 24 caret gold, but if it is, it is not an ancient coin.
I assume the 24 carat gold refers to a plating applied for its use as jewelry?? Otherwise it seems convincing as a genuine example from the photo....although I have some doubts as well. Here's mine: SELEUCID EMPIRE. Antiochos VIII Epiphanes (Grypos). 121/0-97/6 BC. AR Tetradrachm (29mm, 16.39 g, 1h). Antioch on the Orontes mint. 1st reign at Antioch, circa 121/0-113 BC. Diademed head right / Zeus Ouranios, draped, standing left, holding star and scepter; to outer left, IE above A; AI in exergue. SC 2298.1d; HGC 9, 1197 e. Good VF, minor double strike on reverse.
