I recently added an Athenian tetradrachm to my collection, and it immediately captured my imagination—and my skepticism. Dating from 454-404 BC, it shows the classic helmeted Athena and owl with olive sprig, but something felt off. That little voice whispering “Is this real?” sent me on my own authenticity investigation, much like others I’ve read about.
Why I Started Questioning It
After sharing photos in collector forums, several smart folks pointed out details I’d missed:
- At 15.60 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than the typical 17.2g weight
- Those circular flan cracks? They look suspiciously like casting flaws to me now
- Details felt soft, especially around Athena’s eye—not the crisp strike I’d expect
- Surface pitting seemed odd, not like normal ancient corrosion
- Some thought it might be over-cleaned or corroded, masking its true nature
What really threw me? I bought it from Ephesus Numismatics on VCoins—a dealer I’ve trusted for years.
What My Research Revealed
Digging through reference books and talking to old-timers taught me some things about ancient coins. Weight variations happen because they struck coins by the pound of silver, not individually. That test cut on mine? Actually a good sign—it’s near-impossible to do cleanly on a cast fake. Surface issues could just be burial damage or harsh cleaning (maybe electrolysis) that left copper stains or weird toning. And photos lie—crystallization from soil chemistry can make surfaces look wrong under lights. The big lesson? You really need to hold a coin to judge it properly.
Why Dealer Trust Matters
This whole experience reminded me why we stick with reputable dealers. Ephesus has experts like Paul Landsberg and Tom Wood—guys who’ve handled thousands of ancients. While online opinions help, they’re no match for decades of hands-on experience. Even the best dealers might ship the wrong coin occasionally, but they’ll make it right. If you’re buying online, stick to vetted platforms like VCoins—it’s saved me more than once.
Handling Your Own Doubts
If you’re staring at a coin with that sinking feeling, here’s what worked for me:
- Get multiple opinions—forum comments don’t replace expert eyes
- Check weights against standard references, but remember minor variations happen
- Look closely for cleaning marks—overzealous polishing can mimic fake traits
- Trust your dealer’s reputation but consider third-party grading for big purchases
- If you love the piece and it’s from a trusted source, don’t let doubts ruin your enjoyment
Where I Landed
In the end, I kept my Athenian owl. Ephesus earned my trust over years, and honestly? Its quirks give it character. This whole process reminded me that coin collecting is equal parts history lesson and detective story. If you’re wondering “Is this real?”, lean into that curiosity. Talk to experts, learn the tells, and remember—even our doubts deepen our appreciation of this amazing hobby.
