Authenticity Adventures: My Take on ‘Is This Coin Fake?’

Introduction

I was recently puzzling over an Athenian tetradrachm that made me question its authenticity. As someone who’s handled countless ancient coins, I thought I’d seen it all—but this piece, with its odd weight and surface quirks, really made me look twice. Let me share what I discovered during this little detective work.

The Coin in Question

My mystery coin is an Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm from around 454-404 BC. You know the type: helmeted Athena on the front, that iconic owl with ‘AθE’ on the back, plus the olive sprig and crescent moon. It weighs 15.60 grams (a bit light for these), measures 24 mm across, and has this fascinating test cut that adds to its story. I picked it up from Ephesus Numismatics on VCoins—a dealer I’ve trusted for ages.

Spotting Potential Red Flags

When I got this coin under my loupe, a few things jumped out. Here’s what had me scratching my head:

• Weight: At 15.60 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than the typical 17.2 grams for Athenian tetradrachms. While ancient coins weren’t precision-made, that difference made me wonder about metal loss or foul play.
• Surface: The cracks in the flan looked suspiciously round, and the corners lacked the crispness you’d expect. Some pits seemed more like casting flaws than natural corrosion.
• Artwork: Athena’s eye looked a bit… off. Almost wonky compared to genuine dies from that period. Made me suspect modern tooling.
• Test Cut: Here’s the kicker—test cuts are rare on cast fakes since they’re usually added later. This inconsistency really muddied the waters.

Counterarguments and Nuances

But not everything pointed to forgery. Here’s why I started leaning toward it being real, just a bit worse for wear:

• Weight Variations: These coins were cranked out in batches—I’ve seen authentic underweight specimens before, especially after centuries underground.
• Cleaning Marks: That weird surface? Could be heavy-handed electrolysis cleaning. Sometimes copper transfers from other coins during cleaning, causing that yellow tint. Not fake—just poorly handled.
• Dealer History: Ephesus has always been solid in my book. We’ve done business at FUN shows, and while mistakes happen (like mixed-up shipments), their track record counts for something.

Practical Advice for Collectors

If you find yourself in a similar pickle, here’s my playbook from years in the hobby:

• Start With Weight: Always cross-check against standard weights. For Athenian owls, 17.2g is your benchmark—anything under deserves scrutiny.
• Surface Tells: Look for natural corrosion and sharp details. Fakes often feel “soft,” while genuine coins show honest wear.
• Source Matters: Stick with trusted dealers like VCoins sellers, but don’t hesitate to ask for second opinions. Online forums help, but nothing beats hands-on examination.
• Context Is Key: Coins with test cuts or damage might be genuine but altered. Always weigh dealer reputation and provenance before demanding a refund.

My Final Decision and Reflections

After wrestling with it, I decided to keep the coin. Why? I trust Ephesus, and those quirks—probably cleaning damage—give it character without shouting “fake.” Coin collecting isn’t always about perfect answers; it’s about the stories we uncover. So if a coin makes you doubt, listen to that instinct—but remember, sometimes the imperfect pieces teach us the most.