bad opinions about a shop

[Andrzej]

Hi, I bought two beauties from a shop some time ago. Now I have just read some bad opinions about this shop and so I've become suspicious. Do you think they may be fakes?
Appreciate your help.

[Torsten]

maybe you can tell us the name of the shop?

[Joe Sermarini]

Unless the shop is on the notorious fake seller list or is being nominated for the list, names should not be mentioned.  First we discuss the coins.

[byzcoll]

Hi,

I only can give some comments on the byzantine coin:

The type is Sear 1830, histamenon nomisma of Constantine IX, mid 11th century.

Before you can buy such a coin with confidence you have to know some properties:

First, these coins are cup shaped, but yours looks quite flat, although that may be the lighting of the photo. Is your coin a cup or a disk?
Second, the weight should be close to 4.40 g. Have you checked the weight?
Third, the usual diameter of this type of histamenon is 26-28 mm, deviations possible of course, going up to a diameter of 30 mm or so. What is the diameter of your coin?
Fourth, the style of this type varies widely. On first glance some features, especially the head of Christ look a little bit odd, but not alarming.

So, if you can give more information, an estimate of authenticity will be much easier.

byzcoll

[Andrzej]

thx byzcol, the description you gave matches the coin (4.29 gm; 27 mm; and cup shape). what about the claudius? thanks again for knowledgeable answers.

[curtislclay]

The Claudius looks authentic to me in the image.

What are its weight and die axis ? (for my files)

[Andrzej]

hi curtisclay,
I really appreciate your opinion. The Claudius is
10.47 g, 26.7 x 28.0 g.
die axis is 6 o'clock.