Alexander the Great

Alshouse

I am new to ancient coins. My son’s name is Alexander. I want to get started with a collection. I did check eBay and noticed silver coins are not cheap. If I’m to get started, what suggestions would you have?

dadams

Stay away from eBay if you don’t know ancients. Many reputable ancient dealers may be found at VCoins.com

https://www.vcoins.com/en/Search.aspx?search=true&searchQuery=Alexander+III+AR&searchQueryExclude=&searchCategory=0&searchCategoryLevel=2&searchCategoryAncient=True&searchCategoryUs=True&searchCategoryWorld=True&searchCategoryMedieval=False&searchBetween=0&searchBetweenAnd=0&searchDate=&searchUseThesaurus=True&searchDisplayCurrency=&searchDisplay=1&searchIdStore=0&searchQueryAnyWords=&searchExactPhrase=&searchTitleAndDescription=True&searchDateType=0&searchMaxRecords=100&SearchOnSale=False&Unassigned=False

TitusFlavius

If silver looks a little pricey, attractive bronzes of Alexander can be found cheaper. Some even have the same portrait of Heracles as appears on the silver. I definitely second avoiding ebay while you're starting out. VCoins should give you plenty of reputable options to choose from. Happy collecting!

Zohar

A lot to choose from - great theme!

EVillageProwler

Lifetime issues (issued during AtG’s lifetime) are pricier than posthumous issues by his generals in his name.

Nap

There are a ton of Alexander the Great fakes. Recommend avoid eBay altogether until you learn more about the coins.

Vcoins.com is a good place to start- the dealers there guarantee their products.

Also recommend you stick with dealers that focus in ancients and are familiar with the material and potential fakes. Many US dealers occasionally carry ancient coins, even if they are honest dealers they may not be as familiar with some of the struck counterfeits coming out of Eastern Europe over the last few decades- some are very convincing. You can also go with certified coins, NGC is the leader here, though these can get more expensive and many ancient collectors prefer their coins raw.

Have fun, it’s an exciting field. If your son is just getting into it, and you’re just looking for a coin naming ‘Alexander’, perhaps rather than spending a lot on a Greek tetradrachm, consider a Russian coin of one of the Tsars named Alexander- they are more affordable. The big 5 kopeck bronze pieces are very impressive!

TwoKopeiki

Awesome idea! Good luck and don't forget to share your progress with this forum

asheland

Welcome to the forums!

bigmarty58

Welcome to the "Darkside"!

Alshouse

@Zohar said:
A lot to choose from - great theme!

Thanks for the photos, beautiful. Are these yours? I am envious. Even the non-silver coins are amazing.

Zohar

@Alshouse said:

@Zohar said:
A lot to choose from - great theme!

Thanks for the photos, beautiful. Are these yours? I am envious. Even the non-silver coins are amazing.

yes they are. btw all are silver.

bidask

http://bluccphotos.com/clients/bidask/2-16-19/gold/single-image/Escudo-1775mo-36273168-p58_copy-photo.html#anchor

Alshouse

@bidask said:
http://bluccphotos.com/clients/bidask/2-16-19/gold/single-image/Escudo-1775mo-36273168-p58_copy-photo.html#anchor

Gorgeous!