I just blew $300 on a 'guaranteed' Roman coin that turned out to be a total fake

Saw this seller online with amazing photos of a silver denarius, said it was from the reign of Marcus Aurelius. I got excited, didn't do my usual checks, and just bought it. When it arrived, the weight was totally wrong and the details looked soft, like a cast copy. Tried to get a refund, but the seller vanished. Has anyone else gotten burned on auction sites lately? How do you spot the fakes before you pay?

4 comments

4 Comments

eva_moore5d agoTop Commenter

Ugh, I've been there! Sunk $200 on what was supposed to be a Constantinian bronze that turned out to be a modern tourist piece. Now I'm way too paranoid when I see those "guaranteed authentic" listings.

emmamason1mo ago

My first coin purchase was a plastic replica from a museum gift shop.

nancy_king291mo ago

Used to scoff but now I get it.

tessap731mo ago

Honestly those replicas are weirdly important. They get you hooked on the feel of history before you can afford the real stuff. Tbh it's a pretty smart first step.