I was watching ebay (not a new hobby) and came across this. It closed a few days ago and I strongly considered attempting to buy it. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tenedos-Islands-off-Troas-550-470-BC-silver-Obol-/231422960061 I realized that I have no experience with this type of coin, but the history on it is pretty cool (first coin to have Greek Letters on it) and the engraver was awesome. I did a little research and couldn't find any close to this nice -- the other examples I saw were a bit more cartoonish. Without anything else to go on, I had to assume that it wasn't real and passed. The question is, someone paid $160 for it - perhaps someone as foolish as I could have been. Thoughts? (authenticity, historic claims, artwork, etc...) thanks! Scott
If I had seen it, I would have put it in my watch list since, like you say, it's a pretty neat coin. To me, the artwork is very nice and I would think it authentic; however, I've been fooled before.
cool coin ... but you're 100% right => I would have consulted my coin-homies before I fired-out a bid on it!! again, pretty cool coin
The coin looks fine and the seller is reputable. The obols aren't rare, although this one has unusually good style. A drachm of the same type will cost you a few grand. I think it sold for a reasonable price.
