Siefredus Penny

[Nick1697 13]

I am potentially interested in purchasing this coin. I believe it to be a penny of Siefredus. I think it would be catalogued under North 503 or maybe 502, Spink 984.

Clearly the condition isnt perfect but my main question is, is it authentic? I was comparing it to this coin from London Coins earlier this year. https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=1549&lot=1966

They seem quite similar but I am by no means an expert.

 

[mrbadexample 1,006]

I know nothing about these so can't help with authenticity, but my first question would be "Who's selling it?"

[Rob 3,152]

I'd second the question re the vendor. That obverse looks awfully suspect with the pitting. The whole thing looks too clunky to me. I don't have an example to compare, but if you look at your copy of Spink, you will see that the inner circles of all illustrated types are made up of much smaller pellets and a lot more of them.

https://www.dnw.co.uk/auction-archive/catalogue-archive/lot.php?department=Coins&lot_id=269385

The above is a different type, but shows the fineness of detail employed, as does my Cnut. Again, the legend is much finer as is the beading

 

[Matteo95 120]

This is not my field ..... my first impression is not good , I don't like l it .. 

[Nick1697 13]

Sorry, I should have posted a link to the ebay page earlier. Item number: 272276893640

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/272276893640?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The seller is from Thailand which isnt a good sign. I will probably leave this just to be safe.

 

They also have this penny of Coenwulf. Item number: 272283130428

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/272283130428?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Nick1697 13]

The only one of the same moneyer I can find is this example.

https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=603&lot=1421

The lettering on the coin from ebay is much thicker. After only comparing it to one other example, is that enough to rule out its authenticity?

[Nick1697 13]

Correction they are from Spain. I don't know where I got Thailand from...

[HistoricCoinage 147]

Coins are in Thailand, Nick. You're not seeing things.

I would personally steer clear of these. The Coenwulf's lettering looks too chunky and there are 'lips' at some places on the edges.The Siefredus also has an unusual looking flan and looks 'soapy'.

 

I think you'd be wise to pass.

[Nick1697 13]

I am so confused now. I have just looked at multiple listing from the seller. The Siefredus says item location of Madrid Spain, the Coenwulf said KK Thailand and some of their other coins say Madrid Thailand.

 

I guess as the old saying goes, if it seems to good to be true then it probably is. If this coin was real, would I be wrong in estimating that it would be worth over £1000?

[Rob 3,152]

It wouldn't be worth £1000 even if genuine.

 

[Peter 615]

Probably dodged a bullet there Nick.Check his feedback. If it was dug I would like a FLO report and if appearing out of thin air "provenance". Why would an authentic coin only be put on ebay Au?

[HistoricCoinage 147]

26 minutes ago, Peter said:

Probably dodged a bullet there Nick.Check his feedback. If it was dug I would like a FLO report and if appearing out of thin air "provenance". Why would an authentic coin only be put on ebay Au?

The old adage of 'if it looks too good to be true, it probably is' applies here but I've definitely come across some gems in this way on eBay. Very, very rarely it's worth taking the risk.

Edited June 25, 2016 by HistoricCoinage