I'm no ancient afficionado, but those of you who collect or deal in ancients should take note of the below information . . . . Fraudulent Check A person identified as James Scott of Marion, SC, 26571 ordered the following 6 gold coins from Pegasi Numismatics. Roman Emperor Valentinian I, Gold Solidus Roman Emperor Theodosios II Gold Solidus Roman Emperor Leo I Gold Solidus Byzantine Emperor Anastasios I Gold Solidus Byzantine Emperor Justinian I Gold Solidus Byzantine Emperor Justin II Gold Soliodus The subject paid by check which turned out to be fraudulent. If any of these coins are offered to any dealer or person please contact: Eldert Bontekoe at Pegasi Numismatics, 734-709-7212 or 734-995-5743 or Nick Economopoulos at 267-718-3170 or 215-492-0650. or Doug Davis at 817-723-7231 doug@numismaticcrimes.org The Numismatic Crime Information Center is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation. P.O. Box 14080 Arlington, Texas 76094.
It would be beneficial if we had good images of the obverse and reverse of these coins. Otherwise these are just types of coins that Byzantine collectors might have and could by no means ID them, even if we saw them.
I understand. Unfortunately, no images were furnished in the bulletin . . . moreover, I suspect the owner may not have images to furnish to the investigators, or they would almost certainly have passed them on.
There is absolutely no way anyone can be of any help without pictures of the coins. Pegasi images coins far less expensive than the ones on that list, so I find it difficult to believe pics don't exist. Pegasi is also a well-established firm and no newcomer to business, ie. vetting a payment. They wouldn't simply accept a check from a stranger for what could be over $20,000 worth of coins, and mailing the coins off without complete clearance of funds. Something doesn't add up here.
Maybe but Solidi and Solidi of those emperors are kinda common. Making it more difficult to ID if seen. We dont know which types are missing what bust styles not even attributions or references. So we are aware of the type. I fear little can be done with the information given.
I got a copy of the e-mail as well. I am sure there are images available. True, Eldert and Nick are some of the most experienced in the business, but I suspect what happened here is that someone posed as a known collector that they trusted. I am sure there is more to the story. There always is.
