My grandpa's pocket watch fob

As a large cent collector you'll likely find you have more in common with ancient collectors than moderns.

 

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Yes I can really see why.

A couple of questions I have now.

1. Before I buy my first ancient, what is the best reference site or book for a newbie?

2. Anyone know of any ancient coin dealers in the Indianapolis, IN area? I will also be attending Central States show this spring so surely I can find dealers of ancients there.

 

Hate to be the guy who says it...but search this forum. There are tons okf links and references. Also unlike U.S. there is no Red Book.

 

Been reading on here most of the day. I have been on several different sites and have viewed lots of beauties. I really would like to learn the history and culture behind the ancients if that makes sense.

 

If you haven’t already done so, visit our own Doug Smith’s educational website on ancients and go from there.
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/

 

I could not agree more. Doug's site has given me hours of enjoyment and immeasurable education over the years.

 

Doug's site is exactly what I was looking for. I have been going through coin talk resources on ancients but quite a few of the links are broken. Thanks for heading me in the right direction.

 

Also, check out @Valentinian ’s educational site. He has a LOT of information.
http://augustuscoins.com/ed/

 

It really has a great mix of depth and beginner content. His site was of great help to me when I was just starting out on ancients, and yet when I go back and re-read some of the same pages now, I find a lot I missed out or did not fully appreciate on first reading.

 

Oh no, we may lose another one to the dark side.

Once you start, it's like The Hotel California, "You can check out any time you want, but you can never leave" (apologies to Don Henley and The Eagles)

 

Please, if you find bad links on my site, please tell me, please. I grew tired of maintaining it like I once did but will always do what I need to make it work right. I always intended to update many pages and add more but am ashamed of the lack of work in that direction. Lately I have spent more time online at places like CT which has occupied the coin-energy I have left.

 

Doug, your site is fantastic. Spent several hours last night reading pages. As an ancient newbie, your site has opened up my eyes. I'm going to take my time deciding my new collecting strategy before buying my first ancient. Thank you for all your hard work, this site shows your passion.

 

The "ancient" guys on here are a fantastic reference AFAIK. I am really interested to find out if your fob is an authentic coin...hope it is.

 

Took the coin to my local coin club on Sunday. Unfortunately, the person I needed to show this coin to was not in attendance. I did show it to several dealers that deal in ancients and none could confirm or reject it. All agreed it's not cast. It's extremely polished from years in my grandfather's pocket. I might have to wait until the Central States show to get an answer.

 

I went to the Indianapolis coin show today and showed my coin to several different dealers with ancient experience. All of agreed it's the real deal. Had it tested and it was positive for silver, weight 11.2 grams. I want to thank everyone for helping me identify this beautiful piece. I am going to make my first purchase of an ancient at the Central States show. I will start a new thread for that.

 

Wait, what?

Did you mean to type 8.2 gm? 8.2 would be fitting (slightly underweight but consistent with having a hole and wear). 11.2 gm is almost 3 gm too heavy.

 

Does the chin seem receded when compared with others? That is the thing that caught my un-ancient-accustomed eyes. Jim

 

Yes 8.2 gm I think I'm losing my mind the older I get.

 

Not sure about that, they seemed satisfied with the striking but the polished surface was mentioned.