Fake Ancient Greek Coins: Hellenistic Period

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Syracuse, AV 50 Litrae struck under Agathokles, ca. 310 BC114 viewsObv:- Laureate head of Apollo left, hair long; behind wreath
Rev:- Tripod
Fig 2a is the false coin - 3.50g
Fig 2b is genuine from Munich

Pressed from new dies copied from genuine coins. Matte surfaces and all-over weakness. The metal on this coin is reddish gold instead of electrum.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 1 in 1993 - example 2a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Demetrios Nikator, Demetrios II?, Seleukid, silver tetradrachm118 viewsAR tetradrachm
Obv:- Bearded and diademed head right
Rev:- BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY, Eagle with palm branch standing left on prow
Fig 9 is the false coin

A strange concoction of attic weight. The head is a copy of a rare tetradrachm of Demtrios III struck in Damascus struck in 96/95, see Houghton, CSE 858-861. The reverse is a free version of an earlier reverse type used in Sydon and Tyre.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 1 in 1993 - example 9
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Demetrios Nikator, Demetrios II, Seleukid, silver tetradrachm141 viewsAR tetradrachm
Obv:- Bearded and diademed head right
Rev:- BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΘEOY NIKATOPOΣ, Zeus enthroned left, holds Nike and sceptre
Fig 8b is the false coin - 15.35g

The reverse was published in Bulletin V I/2 p. 4,4 but here with a new portrait. Whilst initially convincing the portrait is not quite right.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 1 in 1993 - example 8b
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Demetrios Nikator, Demetrios II, Seleukid, silver tetradrachm136 viewsAR tetradrachm
Obv:- Bearded and diademed head right
Rev:- BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΔHMHTPIOY ΘEOY NIKATOPOΣ, Zeus enthroned left, holds Nike and sceptre
Fig 8a is the false coin - 16.07g

The reverse was published in Bulletin V I/2 p. 4,4 but here with a new portrait. Whilst initially convincing the portrait is not quite right.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 1 in 1993 - example 8a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Antiochos Epiphanes, Antiochos IV, Seleukid, silver tetradrachm86 viewsAR tetradrachm
Obv:- Diademed head right, fillet border
Rev:- BAΣIΛEΩΣ ANTIOXOY ΘEOY EΠIΦANOYΣ NIKHΦOPOY, Zeus enthroned left, holds Nike and sceptre
Fig 7 is the false coin - 17.34g

An unusual portrait mixing likenesses of Antiochos IV and Antiochos V

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 1 in 1993 - example 7
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Lysimachos, silver tetradrachm158 viewsAR tetradrachm, c. 297-281 BC
Obv:- Diademed head of Alexander the Great right, wearing horn of Ammon
Rev:- BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣMAXOY, Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left arm on shield; transverse spear resting against her right side, monogram in left field.
Fig 6 is the false coin - 17.34g

Another example of the die pair first published in Bulletin 4, 1979.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 1 in 1993 - example 6
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Ptolemy Epiphanes, Ptolemy V, Gold Octodrachm93 viewsGold Octodrachm
Obv: Head of Ptolemy V, Epiphanes of Egypt
Rev: Eagle facing right, letters in right field
Fig 5A is the false coin - 27.8g

This counterfeit shouldn't fool anybody. Interestingly it copis an Octodrachm only published in 1991, Bank Leu 52, 1991, lot 136 (Figure 5B)

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 1 in 1993 - example 5A
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Alexander the Great, silver tetradrachm in Gold148 viewsAR tetradrachm in gold (Double Stater)
Obv:- Head Herakles right in lion's skin headdress
Rev:- AΛEΞANΔPOY down right field, Zeus seated left holding eagle and sceptre, Tripod in left field
Fig 4 is the false coin - ca. 17g

Reminiscent of the Babylon mint, the Tripod does not occur from that mint though.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 1 in 1993 - example 4
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Alexander the Great, Alexander III, silver decadrachm129 viewsAR decadrachm
Obv:- Head Herakles right in lion's skin headdress
Rev:- AΛEΞANΔPOY down right field, Zeus seated left holding eagle and sceptre. Monogram over M under the throne.
Fig 9b is the false coin - 41.82g

Allegedly from the collection of King Fouat. The metal is white and shiny as if the coins had been struck yesterday (a distinct possibility). The obverse is slightly concave and the general aspect is quite unconvincing.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 9b
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Alexander the Great, Alexander III, silver decadrachm153 viewsAR decadrachm
Obv:- Head Herakles right in lion's skin headdress
Rev:- AΛEΞANΔPOY down right field, Zeus seated left holding eagle and sceptre. Monogram over M under the throne.
Fig 9a is the false coin - 42.22g

Allegedly from the collection of King Fouat. The metal is white and shiny as if the coins had been struck yesterday (a distinct possibility). The obverse is slightly concave and the general aspect is quite unconvincing.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 9a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Maroneia, silver tetradrachm120 viewsAR tetradrachm, 148 BC or later
Obv:- Head of young Dionysos right, wreathed with ivy and with band across forehead
Rev:- ΔIONYΣOY ΣΩTHPOΣ MAPΩNITΩN, naked Dionysos standing left, holding grapes and two narthex wands. Monograms in lower left and right
Fig 3a is the false coin

A rather extraordinary product straight from the mint into an auction.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 3a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Lysimachos, silver tetradrachm122 viewsAR tetradrachm, c. 297-281 BC
Obv:- Diademed head of Alexander the Great right, wearing horn of Ammon
Rev:- BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΛYΣMAXOY, Athena enthroned left, holding Nike and resting left arm on shield; transverse spear resting against her right side, monogram in left field
Fig 10a is the false coin

Signed by Slavej. Copying a lifetime issue from Pella, see Thompson 249.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 10a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Philip Arrhidaeus, Philip III, AV stater139 viewsObv. Helmeted head of Athena right
Rev. Nike type, taken over from Alexander the Great and ΦIΛIΠΠOY in right field.

Illustrates the die links between three false staters.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - examples 2a, 3a and 4a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Philip Arrhidaeus, Philip III, AV stater136 viewsObv. Helmeted head of Athena right
Rev. Nike type, taken over from Alexander the Great and ΦIΛIΠΠOY in right field.
Fig 4a is the false coin - 8.65g
Fig 2b is genuine - Ex Niggeler I (1965), lot 234. Price 172.
Fig 3b is genuine - Ex Ars Classica 13, 1928, lot 505. Price 180

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 4a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Philip Arrhidaeus, Philip III, AV stater131 viewsObv. Helmeted head of Athena right
Rev. Nike type, taken over from Alexander the Great and ΦIΛIΠΠOY in right field.
Fig 3a is the false coin - 8.61g
Fig 2b is genuine - Ex Niggeker I (1965), lot 234. Price 172.
Fig 3b is genuine - Ex Ars Classica 13, 1928, lot 505. Price 180

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 3a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Philip Arrhidaeus, Philip III, AV stater148 viewsObv. Helmeted head of Athena right
Rev. Nike type, taken over from Alexander the Great and ΦIΛIΠΠOY in right field.
Fig 2a is the false coin - 8.62g
Fig 2b is genuine - Ex Niggeker I (1965), lot 234. Price 172.
Fig 3b is genuine - Ex Ars Classica 13, 1928, lot 505. Price 180

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 2a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Cleopatra Thea, Kingdom of Syria, (sole reign, 126/125 B.C.)95 viewsAR Tetradrachm
Obv:- Ake-Ptolemais, diademed and veiled bust of Cleopatra Thea right, wearing stephane
Rev:- double-cornucopiae tied with fillet, monogram to right, date
Fig 9a is the false coin - 16.89g
Fig 9b is genuine - British Museum (photo from PCG pl. 41,29)

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 9a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Tryphon. Circa 142-138 BC. Seleukid Kings of Syria. AR Tetradrachm78 viewsObv:- Diademed head right
Rev:- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ TPYΦΩΝΟΣ/ AYTOKPATOPOΣ, Macedonian cavalry helmet within oak wreath
Fig 8a is the false coin - 16.86g
Fig 3b is genuine - Berlin (photo from Berlin)

Similar obverse die as example 6a. Same reverse die as example 7a.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 8a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Tryphon. Circa 142-138 BC. Seleukid Kings of Syria. AR Tetradrachm75 viewsObv:- Diademed head right
Rev:- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ TPYΦΩΝΟΣ/ AYTOKPATOPOΣ, Macedonian cavalry helmet within oak wreath
Fig 7a is the false coin - 16.08g
Fig 3b is genuine - Berlin (photo from Berlin)

Similar obverse die as example 5a. Similar reverse die to example 5a. This reverse die spelt TPYΦΩΝΟΣ.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 7a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Tryphon. Circa 142-138 BC. Seleukid Kings of Syria. AR Tetradrachm75 viewsObv:- Diademed head right
Rev:- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ TPYΦΟΝΟΣ/ AYTOKPATOPOΣ, Macedonian cavalry helmet within oak wreath
Fig 6a is the false coin - 15.82g
Fig 3b is genuine - Berlin (photo from Berlin)

Similar obverse die to examples 3a and 4a. Same reverse die as example 4a. This reverse die shows TPYΦOΝΟΣ in error instead of TPYΦΩΝΟΣ.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 6a
Image used with permission of IAPNmaridvnvm

Tryphon. Circa 142-138 BC. Seleukid Kings of Syria. AR Tetradrachm79 viewsObv:- Diademed head right
Rev:- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ TPYΦΟΝΟΣ/ AYTOKPATOPOΣ, Macedonian cavalry helmet within oak wreath
Fig 4a is the false coin - 16.82g
Fig 3b is genuine - Berlin (photo from Berlin)

Similar obverse die to examples 3a and 4a. Same reverse die as example 4a. This reverse die shows TPYΦOΝΟΣ in error instead of TPYΦΩΝΟΣ.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 5amaridvnvm

Tryphon. Circa 142-138 BC. Seleukid Kings of Syria. AR Tetradrachm89 viewsObv:- Diademed head right
Rev:- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ TPYΦΟΝΟΣ/ AYTOKPATOPOΣ, Macedonian cavalry helmet within oak wreath
Fig 4a is the false coin - 16.03g
Fig 3b is genuine - Berlin (photo from Berlin)

Similar to example 3a with the same obverse die but different monogram on reverse. This reverse die shows TPYΦOΝΟΣ in error instead of TPYΦΩΝΟΣ.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 4amaridvnvm

Tryphon. Circa 142-138 BC. Seleukid Kings of Syria. AR Tetradrachm94 viewsObv:- Diademed head right
Rev:- ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ/ TPYΦΩΝΟΣ/ AYTOKPATOPOΣ, Macedonian cavalry helmet within oak wreath
Fig 3a is the false coin - 16.33g
Fig 3b is genuine - Berlin (photo from Berlin)

Copied from a British Museum electrotype.

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 3amaridvnvm

Pharnakes I, Kings of Pontos, Circa 185-170 BC91 viewsAR Tetradrachm
Obv:- Diademed head right
Rev:- Ma(?) standing facing, holding caduceus and cornucopiae, feeding branch to doe standing right below.
Mattingly pl. 56, 5; RG 4; SNG Copenhagen -; cf. SNG BM Black Sea 1025; cf. EHC 623.
Fig 2b is the false coin - 16.74g
Fig 2c is genuine - British Museum (photo from PCG pl. 39,2)
Fig 2d is genuine - Paris (photo from Rec.gen. pl. 1,7)

Published in the IAPN BOC Vol 18, No. 2 in 1993 - example 2bmaridvnvm

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