Need help identifying coin (authenticating)

[me63301-migration]

Hi. Let me start by saying I know nothing about coins. I acquired this coin in a pendant that was passed down. The coin has four tiny drill holes on the edge where it was held by a coin frame pendant. Once I removed the coin from the jewelry, checked gold content, and did a bit of research, I realized it's possible that I may have an ancient coin here. I'm trying to figure out the next best step to verifying if this is an authentic coin and then the steps to take to get it certified if it is. (or if I can even get it certified with the drill holes along the edge) I have not been able to find anyone in the Saint Louis, Missouri area that seems to be an expert on Ancient coins. If anyone out there knows someone in my area that may be able to help me, please send me the contact info. In the meantime, I'll post photos out here and see what you all think.

 

The coin weighs 8.4 grams. Performs an acid test positive of pure gold. Measures approximately 17.65 - 18.03 mm edge to edge.

 

What do you think I have here and does it look to be authentic? Are there a lot of counterfeit ancients circulating out there?

 

I'd love to hear your feedback. Thanks!

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I uploaded the images of the coin to Flickr. Hopefully this works. Let me know what you think. Thanks!!

 

 

Melinda

 

 

[JKK]

Photos on here never work for me either. I have to post them to a site and put links. Just saying that so you don't think you're doing something wrong.

 

If you can attach them to a PM to me, I'll be glad to look at the images. I'm no ancient coin expert, but I like them and have a good background in ancient Western civilization history.

[RWB]

Not much can be said w/o photos and a clearer description: diameter, weight, etc.

[Curry]

Hi. Let me start by saying I know nothing about coins. I acquired this coin in a pendant that was passed down. The coin has four tiny drill holes on the edge where it was held by a coin frame pendant. Once I removed the coin from the jewelry, checked gold content, and did a bit of research, I realized it's possible that I may have an ancient coin here. I'm trying to figure out the next best step to verifying if this is an authentic coin and then the steps to take to get it certified if it is. (or if I can even get it certified with the drill holes along the edge) I have not been able to find anyone in the Saint Louis, Missouri area that seems to be an expert on Ancient coins. If anyone out there knows someone in my area that may be able to help me, please send me the contact info. In the meantime, I'll post photos out here and see what you all think.

 

The coin weighs 8.4 grams. Performs an acid test positive of pure gold. Measures approximately 17.65 - 18.03 mm edge to edge.

 

What do you think I have here and does it look to be authentic? Are there a lot of counterfeit ancients circulating out there?

 

I'd love to hear your feedback. Thanks!

 

(so, it looks like a gold stater. I can't get the photos to upload even though they are jpeg images less than 900 KB in size.) I can email them to you if you think you can help. Please let me know. Thanks! - Melinda

Send me the photo of it if u have one of the coin and ill post it since i now know how to post images

[Curry]

Here are the photos.

[RWB]

Does not look encouraging. Examine the drill holes - is there and darkness to the metal inside the holes?

[michael]

i think it is a greek gold stater of ionia

 

i dont know if it is genuine or not as i dont grade or authenticate by photos but i know this is all we got

 

so here goes also please remember to read and re read my signature line

 

 

 

weight is correct with a little correction for the drill holes

 

lots of these coins back in the 1950's 60's 70's were used for jewelry

 

 

 

i see it tests for pure gold which is the correct composition for these staters

 

i think there is better than an average chance you might have a genuine original coin abet ex jewelry

 

then i would take a CHANCE and send it to david vagi at ngc for slabbing as if it comes back holdered i think you have a coin worth between hmmmmmmm around 2000 usd if not more if holdered by ngc as genuine vf details ex jewelry and 3+/5 style surfaces are a little rough from ex jewelry but a great historic coin and i hope i look as good in 2200+ years!!........................................ my worth of opinion

 

 

 

and yes there are many ancients out there and more being found everyday

 

 

good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tenacious]

It purports to be a gold stater of Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great's father. You can see Philip written below the chariot. I cannot tell if it is genuine from the pictures. But it may be.

The weight of a real coin of this type is around 8.6gm. The holes account for yours being 8.4gm. So I think it worth the chance to send it in to NGC. But even if genuine it's value is greatly decreased from the jewelry holes and it's worn condition of the obverse.

 

 

[me63301-migration]

Thank you to all of you that took the time to look at it and give me your feedback. I really appreciate it. - Melinda

[tenacious]

Melinda, another and maybe easier option if all you want is to determine if your coin is authentic is to send it to David Sear Ancient Coin Certification Service. It's $40 to $50 depending on how detailed you want the information on the certificate.

 

http://www.davidrsear.com/certification.html

 

He will not slab the coin (encase it in plastic) like NGC. But he provides a certificate with a photo of the coin on it and his opinion if it is authentic or not.

David Sear is well known among ancient coin collectors. And his opinion is respected. Many ancient coin collectors use his service.