What do you want to know? What looks like an Odessos mint Tetradrachm. Which is suspect is much later in period than stated on the literature (approx. 120-90 B.C.). And a Celtic tribes imitation Tetradrachm. Both appear to have been very harshly cleaned.
I like the way Numismatic Expert C. Hurlemann says "Authenticity approved" rather than "Authenticity guaranteed". "I'm C. Hurlemann, and I approved the authenticity of this coin" -- C. Hurlemann
Thanks guys not paid for these yet and doesn't look like I will be paying £1.295 had far to many negative comments they will be going back
I agree with Theodosius. If you must go to a bazaar, at least goto VCoins. The dealers there are all vetted and credentialed. I have never had a problem. I know that there are reputable dealers on eBay, etc., but for me, as a casual buyer, I trust ANA conventions first and I grant VCoins that same level of trust.
Besides... the Celtic imitation is not a forgery. We make a mistake when we project ourselves on the past. If the coin was good silver, it was just another Alexander. You mean that he did not "authorize" it? Again, you project modern political science on the past. Alexander did not authorize probably most of the coins with his image on them. For one thing, he was dead... So, we have lifetime issues and others. The Celtic is an "other."
There's a couple of Constantine coins currently for sale on eBay, also approved by Mr/Ms Hurlemann, with a slightly odd "First Christmas" theme. I found this thread by searching for "Hurlemann" wondering who s/he is! Seems a bit odd to be simultaneously trying to appeal to Christian buyers (I assume) via this odd "First Christmas" angle, yet at the same time pointing out the pagan origins of Christmas! I wonder if Hurlemann approved of the messaging, or just the authenticity ?
The two coins have certainly be subjected to the third degree of cleaning, and yes, the Celtic coin is not a forgery by any definition. Why pay premium for coins in slabs with "approved" authenticity? Looks like a rehash of Mel Fisher to me. Yes, Vcoins, MA Shops are good ways to acquire these coins at reasonable prices, especially with the currently strong US dollar, if you're buying from overseas. Of course purchasing overseas can entail some delay, sometimes rather lengthy delay.
