Many thanks for the responses on this. I was not suspicious of the photo for the first
auction but was a little when I received the piece. I have been collecting for a long time and have spotted
fakes before. I would have treated it as paranoia if the second photo hadn't turned up so fortuitously. I should have added in description that the
obverse scratch at 8.00 and
reverse bump at 12.00 are at corresponding sides of the
flan. I think that, along with the improbability of two pieces turning up at the same time, rules out an ancient forgery. This coin is younger than I am!
I forwarded a notice to biggyg2 who replied that he
had withdrawn the second item and was returning it to
his supplier for refund.
One expects to see valuable items being forged, or even general pieces in excellent condition, but it is a big problem for
average collectors if lower grade items are being put about.
I am intending to keep the piece rather than return it for refund. It has been a valuable yet
cheap experience.