FORVM`s Classical Numismatics Discussion Board

Resources => Fake Coins and Notorious Fake Sellers => Topic started by: John M5 on December 05, 2018, 02:38:13 pm

Title: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: John M5 on December 05, 2018, 02:38:13 pm
Hello all. I've read through the forum rules post, but I apologize if I've missed something else in making this post.

I was given what I think is a Silver Alexander the Great coin as a kid (sometime around the early 80's), and I stashed it along with some other coins.  Periodically I've tried to identify this coin and get more information on exactly what it is, when it was struck, and what the value might be.  Based on what I've seen on the internet, my coin looks most like a Greek Tetradrachm to my eyes, but so far I haven't found anything that seems to match exactly.  Size is an inch in diameter.

Pics are taken with my phone, but they are definitely not nearly as clear as looking at it in person. 
Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: Timmy L on December 05, 2018, 02:54:18 pm
Not sure what it is. But its a beautiful coin! Hopefully someone can ID it!
Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: Akropolis on December 05, 2018, 03:22:47 pm
It purports to be a coin of Alexander III, the Great, but, from the photo alone, I have my doubts as to its authenticity. It appears to be a cast copy....hence, a fake.
Weight would be important.
We do not discuss values on this Forum.
PeteB
Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: John M5 on December 05, 2018, 08:56:30 pm
It purports to be a coin of Alexander III, the Grest, but, from the photo alone, I have my doubts as to its authenticity. It appears to be a cast copy....hence, a fake.
Weight would be important.
We do not discuss values on this Forum.
PeteB

Pete, can you elaborate on what makes you think it is a cast copy?  The weight is 8.1 grams.

John
Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: Akropolis on December 05, 2018, 09:22:12 pm
First, the coin is vastly underweight. It should be about 17 grams, if it is a tetradrachm. I sincerely doubt that it is a didrachm.
Secondly, the details are extremely indistinct. Search this site for examples of authentic ones.
Our site owner has a "Shop" in which I am fairly certain you can see authentic ones. Note the sharp distinction where the device (legends, figures) meet the flan of the coin. It should be a sharp "90 degrees" rise. See here: https://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?param=82739q00.jpg&vpar=2700&zpg=94246&fld=https://www.forumancientcoins.com/Coins2/
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
PeteB
Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: Arados on December 06, 2018, 02:22:13 am
I am inclinded to agree, along with the weight and other issues Pete mentioned, file marks can be clearly seen on the reverse.

Martin
Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: okidoki on December 06, 2018, 02:24:40 am
also very soapy details

Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: Joe Sermarini on December 06, 2018, 10:00:34 am
Fake coin report please.
Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: John M5 on December 06, 2018, 04:20:03 pm
Thanks for the replies everyone.  The coin has sentimental value more than anything as it was given to me by a deceased family member.  Whether it was fake or not, I probably couldn't bring myself to part with it anyway.

John
Title: Re: Greek Tetradrachm?
Post by: n.igma on December 06, 2018, 05:40:09 pm
The original coin from which moulds were made for this cast copy was an example of the Babylon Group 2 Alexanders 325//4 BC.