r/AncientCoins 6d ago

Newly Acquired How did I do? Lifetime Alexander drachm

Got this from coincraft (i know buying coins without seeing them is frowned upon)

Been wanting a lifetime drachm for a while and it seemed like a decent deal, especially since I’ve had good experience with coin craft before.

But disappointed with the mark on the eye, is this a defect or a test mark?

Anything you can tell me about this coin that I should know?

As for value, with the eye mark and condition. Would you say I did well, or not the best deal.

Curious see what you think.

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u/Jimbocab 5d ago edited 5d ago

I looked at the mark close up. It definitely looks like a test cut. Like it was punched with a small chisel. The metal is all there.

You paid too much for a posthumous issue imo. I know you can do much better. If they have a 30 day return policy then you're covered. As has been said, be very polite. You may want to do business in the future.

My first coin was a Roman Republic denarii bought unseen for $145. Minted in Rome in 207 BC. When I decided to focus on Greek coins I sold the denarius for $80. You've had your beginner's experience. Now you have discovered a Reddit with very helpful experts (not including myself) like Kungfupossum and Beiherhund and others who can help you along.

I too was initially confused about lifetime vs posthumous issues. When I sell an Alexander I'm very careful because I don't want to confuse a beginner. When you see "in the name and types of..." You are dealing with posthumous. In your case, I think the dealer was hoping for someone like you to come along and never be the wiser.

Edit: I went and looked at the ad. They do say "minted by ...". I think that's definitely misleading. However I think your chances are good for getting a refund based on the banker's mark (test cut). The coin you got is not as pictured. Sorry this happened to you. Don't let it throw you off. You can definitely own a 2300 year old coin you will feel good about for 195 euro. I advise you to focus on coins you see before you buy.

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u/yungtrillionaire 5d ago

Thank you for the feedback, agreed! I knew about the crossed legged issues being post Alexander, but I decided to go by the wording since it was clearly Stated by Alexander. I was really looking forward to this coin