first purchase

[snailx 0]

im considering buying this coin. As it will be my first purchase i would like your help in telling me what i should look for and consider. also how much you think its worth, is it real? in short as much info as possible.

thank in advance james

[snailx 0]

the other side

[Millimoo 0]

Hi snailx,

The coins is:

Cn Porcius Cato Denarius. 123 BC. Helmeted head of Roma right, X behind / Victory in biga right holding reins and whip; C CATO below, ROMA in ex. Syd 417, Cr274/1

Value is difficult, £20-40 ish?

Looks real to me.

Dave

[Millimoo 0]

Sorry, I should have added that value is very subjective, and that just because it looks ok to me, doesn't make it real!

If you can, have a good look at the coin, especially the edge, and if you have any doubts - don't buy it!

One other word of caution - once you start, you won't stop!

[snailx 0]

thanks Dave, i think you are right im already feeling the adrenaline. How long does it take before you can identify coins like that or do you have a reference book?

in any case thanks for your help. i havent bought the coin as yet. I was afraid of buying and then being told that it was a fake.

greetings james

Edited February 23, 2005 by snailx

[Master Jmd 80]

thanks Dave, i think you are right im already feeling the adrenaline. How long does it take before you can identify coins like that or do you have a reference book?

Going by what Millimoo said, I am pretty sure that he used a book.

Welcome to the forum Snailx

[Levi_NI 0]

Tho.. as I have discovered myself, it takes a bit of experience to be able to judge what qualities of a coin increase/decrease value... it is great fun trying tho

[Millimoo 0]

How long does it take before you can identify coins like that or do you have a reference book?

Hi James,

Yes, books, books and more books!

When I first started with ancient coins I bought as many coins as I could, never too expensive, but just to quite literally get a feel! There really is no substitute for a coin in the hand. From a picture you very quickly loose touch with the size, weight, thickness, colour and general "feel" of a coin.

After an initial frenzy, I was left with a load of coins that I had no real idea about!

Next came the books. I thought I spent too much on coins until I started to buy books! But if I could pass on some advice I was given, buy the book first!

If you are new to Ancients, Chris has a fantastic book on Roman bronze coins for under £6. There is also a silver one planned, and I'm sure due this year.

If you are still interested, there are loads of other books, but its worth looking around, getting an idea of what you are interested in, specialise if you can, then buy the books best suited to your interest.

A good place to start is your local library, see what they have. They can often order books from central libraries for you to look at too.

Most of all, enjoy!

Dave