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issue closed. thank you all!
0ronron
✭✭✭
spanishshipwrecktreasureco(706)
on ebay?
I just purchased a coin from them at a really good price...
I am just getting into ancient bible times coins and I hope this is legit..
If anyone has any suggestions on where to start on
this collection please let me know!!
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for first loving us.
0
Comments
It appears to be cast.
The overall porosity, lack of fine detail, plus the cracks in the lower field on the reverse, indicate it is a cast copy of an Indo-Scythian drachm/tetradrachm of king Azes. Silver painted or plated, with the plating wearing away on the high points. That point at around 7 o'clock on the reverse, where there are deep scratch-marks where the silver plating curiously hasn't been damaged, is presumably where the casting sprue was filed away prior to the plating being applied.
For the duration of the Afghan War, westerners would buy locally-made fake ancient coins in the Kabul markets and bring them home as souvenirs; many of those fakes were Indo-Scythian, Indo-Greek, Bactrian, and other ancient coin types likely to be found in Afghanistan. The "wear" on this piece tells me this one was sitting in the market tray for quite a while before being bought.
As a general rule, I'd recommend staying away from eBay when buying ancients, especially if you have little or no experience with the series. Try Vcoins, or established dealers like Civitas Galleries (who is a CU forum member) or FORVM. If eBay is really your own option, then at least avoid the sellers named and shamed in the FORVM Notorious Fake Seller List (though this advice wouldn't have helped you in this case, since your seller isn't on the List).
A reputable dealer isn't likely going to be "cheap" - especially in the current inflated market where ancient coins are all going for moon money - but at least you won't be stuck with a fake.
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"
Apparently I have been awarded the DPOTD twice.
Excellent explanation by @Sapyx .
Thank you all for your great advice, I have cancelled this order and the dealer has refunded my money.
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for first loving us.
Kudos to both parties