Genuine or not Justinian I and Alexander Ancient Coin 1 1

[thingsforgotten]

I purchased a large lot of ancients, but being told that a few are fake. 

The Justinian I is 40 mm and 21.75 grams

If they are not real what are the signs to look for? 

[Sandon]

   Unfortunately, ancient coins can be difficult to authenticate. Even NGC Ancients, while claiming to make efforts to screen out counterfeits, does not guarantee the authenticity of coins that they have encapsulated, unlike NGC's guarantee for U.S. and more recent world issues. See Guarantee for Ancient Coin Grading | NGC (ngccoin.com).  Ancient coins were struck from a multiplicity of handmade dies that can vary widely and using primitive technologies, which cause them to vary widely in appearance and other characteristics. Counterfeits of varying quality have been made all the way from ancient times to the present. It is best to buy such pieces from reputable sources and to learn the characteristics of pieces generally believed to be genuine.

   Hopefully, some other member of these forums can give you specific guidance as to the pieces in your photos.

   

[thingsforgotten]

On 6/1/2024 at 7:19 PM, Sandon said:

   Unfortunately, ancient coins can be difficult to authenticate. Even NGC Ancients, while claiming to make efforts to screen out counterfeits, does not guarantee the authenticity of coins that they have encapsulated, unlike NGC's guarantee for U.S. and more recent world issues. See Guarantee for Ancient Coin Grading | NGC (ngccoin.com).  Ancient coins were struck from a multiplicity of handmade dies that can vary widely and using primitive technologies, which cause them to vary widely in appearance and other characteristics. Counterfeits of varying quality have been made all the way from ancient times to the present. It is best to buy such pieces from reputable sources and to learn the characteristics of pieces generally believed to be genuine.

   Hopefully, some other member of these forums can give you specific guidance as to the pieces in your photos.

   

Thank you for your reply and insight. 

[Mike Meenderink]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Your question of what types of things to look for when authenticating ancient coins is a good question. First of all, as Sandon said buying from a reputable knowledgeable seller will improve the odds you will be buying authentic coins. That being said one of the main things to look for is CAST copies. Most ancient coins were hammer struck and have the appearance of being smashed flat. If this is not apparent or obviously present or the coin has ridges on one side, it most likely is a cast fake. Look for metal flow lines where the actual hammering of the coin caused the metal to flow around the die. Also, if the coin looks to nice or shiny or has excellent details and great surfaces its most likely a fake. The coin should look its age. The old saying usually holds true...If it seems too good to be true it probably is...be aware and buy wisely.

Edited Sunday at 02:13 AM by Mike Meenderink