I don't want to get burned on ebay, please review

DoubleGoldEagles1

Good evening, everyone;

I am pretty new to collecting, and have always wanted to own an ancient Greek coin, circa the 300's bc (Alexander the great and all) and i saw this on ebay...

Greek coin?????

This seller posts it as "Velia Lucama"...what on earth is that? being able to read and write Greek, I cant make out what the coin says on the backside, but it is Greek lettering...is this some kind of junk auction, or what do you experienced numismatists think? he/she also states that it is ANACS certified...what kind of questions should I ask to determine that validity?

newsman

It's from a Greek colony in southern Italy, Velia in Lucania. Can't tell from the picture whether it's real or fake.

DoubleGoldEagles1

thanks

worldcoinguy

I am far from an expert on greek coins, but you might try Civitas (Civitas web link) to see what he has. He is a trusted member of this forum.

DoubleGoldEagles1

WorldCoinGuy, thanks, I think I found one I like there. It is nice to buy from someone with a proven reputation.

MadMuffin

The Ebay seller does not seem to sell many ancients. He may know what he is selling, but on the other hand he may not be able to spot a fake. Who knows?

Marcel

johnsl

What's the purpose of the piece of paper below the coin ?

Are we (the prospective buyers) suppose to think that it came with the coin rather then was prepared by the current seller.

Hmmm ... maybe ... but with things like 'Condition : Exceptional' written on it I'm not really convinced that the appraiser was using what I would consider numismatic terminology.

And even though I don't accept it as numismatic terminology I am pretty sure I understand what he/she meant - and I'm pretty sure I don't agree.

So I take my hard earned dollars and spend them elsewhere.

John.

CIVITAS

The coin looks genuine to me. I think the dark pictures are hiding some problems like a small test cut and probably some small scratches though.

ticoviejo

Have you ever taken a look at this site Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. Take a good look around and you can really educate yourself on Ancient Coins. Good luck

DoubleGoldEagles1

Thanks, will do.