So I have the possibility to buy an Ambiani stater for a reasonable price (€700, which is not cheap nor too expensive). I've bought coins from this dealer before, but have little experience with Celtic gold coinage. Hence the question: do you consider this coin genuine? I have no objective reasons to doubt it: the weight is within normal range (6 gram), as is the diameter (17.5 mm). The style is comparable to others I've found online, e.g. at CNG. The edges show some small splits. One thing I dont like, are the holes in the lowest horizontal line. It doesn't really look like casting pits, but I've not found comparable 'holed' horizontal lines in the examples online. GAUL, Northeast. Ambiani. Circa 58-55 BC. AV Stater (17mm, 6.15 g). Gallic War issue. Plain bulge / Disjointed horse right; crescents and pellets around. D&T 241; Scheers 154; De la Tour 8710; SCBC 11. Good VF, a few light scratches on the obverse These ones shows resemblance: https://cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=342249 https://cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=241335 I could not find a comparable example at FORVM Fakes. Any imput is appreciated, as always.
I have no experience in Celtic coins, but if I would buy an expensive and/or gold coin, and I would doubt even 1 second on the authenticity of it, I would skip it immediately. Just my personal opinion.
@Pavlos Certainlly, I agree. However, it's not doubt per se: I have no sound reasons to doubt the authenticity. On the other hand: I'm not an expert either, hence the post.
It's Scheers class 4. Here's one at the British museum. https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=1044880
Hi @DCCR, thanks. It indeed seems to be the same. The British Museum coin: The coin above: What are your thoughts on whether it's genuine or not?
I can't say for sure if it's genuine, but it's the right weight and size, it looks ok to me, and I'd be happy to buy it. Pavlos makes a good point though. If you are unsure for any reason, walk away. You won't enjoy the coin if you have nagging doubts about it. The Gallic War staters are one of the most common Celtic coins so unless you particularly want a class 4 (techically, class 4 "heavy/fronds") there will be many more to chose from. Here's another example: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/326092 And another: https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/961114
Thank you, @DCCR for the other examples. I have no objective doubts per se, I'm perhaps a bit overcautious and looking for confirmation on authenticity rather than confirmation of forgery. I would certainly appreciate any other opinions! Note, I've bought from this dealer before, but never a single coin of this price. Hence my caution.
It looks OK to me, and I like the toning on it, and the price seems reasonable on a gut-check level, but all of this is said with the caveat that I too know very little about Celtic coins, aside from having browsed examples for sale. (I want one of these too, but can't really afford one, and if I ever do get Celtic gold in the future, it will likely have to be a quarter-stater or some such.)
Hi @Roerbakmix, I'm not sure anyone will guarantee authenticity from a photo, but if it helps, I only collect unscribed Celtic gold and I'd have no problems buying it. As for the price, I had a quick look (it's a slow day at work) to see what else is available at the moment to see how yours compares: €1400, €1250, €1200, €1200, €1150, €1120, €1100, €1100, €1100, €1050, €950, €940, €900 (Same type as yours), €900, €900, €850, €820, €800, €750, £675 (€742), €700, €700, £595 (€654), £595 (€654), €650 There are also a number of auctions at the moment: Starting price of 300 CHF, Starting price of 300 CHF, Starting price of €320, Starting price of €640, Starting price of £1250 The one you have found is one of the nicest example from all of these, and is at the lower end of the pricing. Good luck with your decision
Again, a big thanks to @DCCR. Thanks for the extensive research (it sure must be a very slow day at work!). I've made the decision to buy the coin. Will post pictures soon.
I usually get my AV Celtic coins from Chris Rudd/ CNG/ Kunker.....all have impeccable standards for grading, and you are getting the real deal.
