Help with old coin (Tetradrachm ?)

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Hallo,

I'm new to Numista and this forum. I am not an expert of coins, so please forgive me for any unprecise language. I found this coin in my parents house. Can anybody provide more information? I was able to find in internet similar pictures referring to Tetradrachm  but I'm not sure about my coin history.

Thanks

acg

 

Hello 🤖

 

Without pictures, it will be very difficult for anyone to help you. Could you please post clear pictures of each side of your item?

 

Please note that this is an automatic message. Feel free to ignore if it is not relevant.

Status gewijzigd naar Opgelost (acg767, 20-nov-2023, 12:47)
Status gewijzigd naar Geopend (acg767, 20-nov-2023, 12:47)

Pictures added

With ancient Greek coins, they used the Drachma (Spelt as Drachm on Numista). As Greece wasn't truly unified in the sense it is today, it existed more as a collective of city-states with a shared currency. Each city state minted it's own “personal” drachmae, although they were usually accepted throughout Greece.

Functioning in a somewhat similar way to the Euro & the EU does today; independent nations with a shared currency. Obviously a huge simplification, but it works well enough as a “flavour” of what it was like.

 

The shared currency was the Drachmae which itself had a range of different coins including but not limited to obols (Smaller denominations) and tetradrachm (larger currencies). In this example, 6 obols = 1 Drachmae. 4 Drachmae = 1 Tetredrachm.

You can read some more detail here on the wikipedia page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_drachma

 

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In terms of identifying your specific coin, we're going to need a few more details. Ideally, the diameter in mm. That should narrow the catalogue down a lot. It'll also narrow down the coin options - Tetradrachm are usually 25-35mm depending on the city state.

The motif of the chariot turns up quite often, as does dolphins. But combining size & motif should really thin it out.


It's also possible that your coin may not exist on Numista (the catalogue isn't exhaustive - so many hundreds of variations), or that your coin is a modern reproduction. Sadly, I'm not well versed enough in ancient coins to make the real/reproduction call.

 

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Still, I hope that gives you some starter information as to what you're looking for.

The coin, if real and not a replica, is a Tetradrachm from Syracuse, Sicily. You can find multiple examples here. I don't know enough about these coins to judge if it's real or not or which variety it exactly is.

I collect and deal in ancient Roman coin. In case you're looking for affordable ancient coins or need any help with the coins you already have send me a message.

It's a forgery.

Does forgery mean replica? Can you please briefly tell me how you recognize it?

Thanks a lot!

acg767

Does forgery mean replica? Can you please briefly tell me how you recognize it?

Thanks a lot!

Yes. 
The rims are flattened with a filed look to them and the details are mushy on the reverse. The coin also has an over cast appearance. 
you can also see the base metal poking through. 

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