Is This Coin Fake? My Deep Dive into Authenticity Concerns for an Athenian Tetradrachm

I recently picked up an Athenian tetradrachm that had me second-guessing its authenticity—something we’ve all faced in this hobby. As someone who’s handled plenty of ancient coins, this one caught my attention with its test cut and unusual weight. It sent me down a rabbit hole exploring how tricky it can be to spot fakes, and I thought you might appreciate hearing what I discovered.

The Coin in Question

This piece comes from Athens, Attica, dating to 454-404 BC. It’s a silver tetradrachm showing the classic helmeted Athena on one side and the owl with inscriptions on the other. The basics: it weighs 15.60 grams and measures 24 mm across, with that telltale test cut suggesting someone once checked its silver content. While these features make it fascinating, they’re also what make collectors like us start debating authenticity.

Red Flags That Had Me Scratching My Head

When I examined this tetradrachm closely, a few things jumped out as potential concerns. From what I’ve seen, forgers often trip up on the details, so I paid special attention to:

• Weight Discrepancy: At 15.60 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than the standard 17.2 grams for these coins. That alone gave me pause—weight consistency usually signals genuine ancient coinage.
• Surface Anomalies: The surfaces didn’t quite look right—pits that seemed unnatural, cracks that appeared manufactured, and corners lacking sharpness. Athena’s eye struck me as oddly distorted, which often screams “cast copy.”
• Material Doubts: Some collectors pointed out it didn’t look like proper silver, hinting at casting issues or harsh cleaning. I’ve seen electrolysis or acid treatments leave behind weird residues like copper transfer, making coins appear questionable.

Why It Might Still Be the Real Deal

Despite these concerns, I found good reasons to believe it’s authentic. Remember, ancient coins weren’t individually weighed—they came from batches, so a 10% weight variation isn’t unheard of. That test cut adds credibility too; they’re tough to fake well and usually mean someone verified it centuries ago. Surface quirks can be deceiving, especially from burial damage or over-cleaning—I’ve seen this on dug coins before. And buying from trusted dealers like Ephesus Numismatics on VCoins carries weight—they stake their reputation on authenticity. Taken together, these points balance out the doubts for me.

Practical Advice for Handling Doubtful Coins

If you’re staring at a coin that makes you wonder, here’s what I do based on my collecting years:

• Verify the Basics: Always weigh it and check against references. For Athenian tets, anything under 16.5 grams deserves extra scrutiny.
• Examine for Casting Signs: Hunt for rounded edges, seam lines, or mushy details—these often give away fakes. A loupe helps spot trouble spots like Athena’s eye.
• Consider Provenance: Stick with trusted sources. VCoins dealers vet their coins, so if they guarantee it, you’re probably safe—but still worth an expert look.
• Grading and Cleaning Clues: Study corrosion patterns; natural pits differ from artificial ones. If it’s been cleaned, check for discoloration—that might explain odd surfaces without meaning it’s fake.
• When in Doubt, Consult: Post photos on collector forums or ask specialists. And hey—if you love the coin and trust the seller, go for it. This hobby’s about passion as much as precision.

My Personal Takeaway

After weighing everything, I’d probably keep this tetradrachm. The dealer’s track record and that test cut convince me it’s likely real, but it reminds me why coin collecting feels like detective work sometimes. Pieces like this teach us to appreciate history’s rough edges while honing our skills. Whether it’s pure silver or just a great story, every coin adds character to our collections—so follow your instincts, but keep your reference books handy.