Is This Coin Fake? My Personal Insights on Authenticity Doubts

Recently, a collector shared doubts about an Athenian tetradrachm with me, which really got me thinking about how tricky authenticity can be in our hobby. Having handled countless ancients over the years, I’ve seen how tiny details can spark big debates – especially with iconic pieces like this Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm (454-404 BC) featuring Athena’s helmeted head and that famous AθE owl. Let’s walk through what came up in that conversation and what it means for collectors like us.

What Made Me Pause

When we looked closely at this coin together, a few things stood out that made us both raise our eyebrows. From my own collecting journey, I’ve learned to pay attention when certain inconsistencies appear:

• Weight concerns: At 15.60 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than the standard 17.2 grams for Athenian tetradrachms. While ancient weights can vary slightly between strikes, this much difference usually tells you something’s off.
• Surface questions: The flan cracks seemed too smooth, and corners lacked the sharpness you’d expect from a genuine strike. Those odd pits? They didn’t look like natural corrosion to me – more like casting flaws.
• Design details: Athena’s eye just didn’t look right. Authentic dies usually have consistent, lifelike features that hold up under scrutiny.
• The test cut puzzle: That large test cut adds another layer of complexity. If it were a cast fake, someone would’ve had to add the cut after casting, which feels unlikely compared to a struck coin.

Weights and How They Were Made

Here’s something I always remind fellow collectors: these ancient coins weren’t weighed individually. Mints produced them in batches aiming for consistent weight per batch. So seeing minor variations (say, within half a gram) is perfectly normal. But 1.6 grams underweight? That’s more than typical wear or corrosion would explain. Whenever I see numbers like that, I double-check against trusted references before drawing conclusions.

Why Your Dealer Matters

Buying from established dealers like Ephesus Numismatics on VCoins gives me more confidence. I’ve dealt with them before and know they stand behind their sales – their reputation depends on it. But even with trustworthy sources, I still recommend documenting everything and asking about guarantees, especially for higher-value coins. It’s just good collecting practice.

When Surface Issues Aren’t Fakes

Not every surface oddity means a coin’s fake. I’ve seen harsh cleaning methods like electrolysis create strange textures, and coins cleaned alongside bronzes can pick up copper transfer that causes discoloration. Those yellow hues in photos? Could be lighting tricks or actual residue. Honestly, you often need to hold a coin in hand to really understand what’s going on.

What I’d Do If It Were My Coin

If this were my coin, I’d start by getting better photos or a video to examine those details more closely. Weigh it yourself and compare against reliable databases. Still uncertain? Talk to an expert or consider professional authentication. Like this collector did, trust your instincts. If you love the piece and trust the source, keeping it might feel right. But never underestimate peace of mind – sometimes a refund is the best choice for questionable coins.

Collecting ancients is that beautiful balance between evidence and enjoyment. This experience reminds me that even trusted sources deserve our careful attention. Keep asking questions, keep learning – that’s what makes our hobby so rewarding!