Customer Reviews

Classical Deception

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For a long time there was considerable confusion about the authenticity of ancient coins. While considerable quantities have been found in the former ancient sites, and they have been collected since ancient times, few works were available to help the collector distinguish between the actual ancient works and fakes and copies made after. Works that are available are hard to find, usually specific to one forger and quite costly. I can safely say that this book clearly outlines the things to look for, from the commonest tourist cast copy to the advanced techniques used to fool the more advanced collectors.

If you want to collect coins you should include this book as one of your first buys because it can save you many times its cost with the purchase of just one coin that is not right. This is especially true if you are buying on the internet from sometimes unreliable impersonal sources.

The format is great with a show and tell approach, easy to use, and references to other works on specialized areas of counterfeiting.

While it shows and concentrates on mostly ancient coins the information is valid for all copies. There are great plates of the fakes the average modern collector is apt to encounter now on the market. This book will help you acquire the basic knowledge necessary in collecting coins just as in any other facet of collecting antiques or art.

I enjoy reading Mr.Salyes' books and this one is no exception. He easily one of the best current numismatic authors. This work does a great job of covering the types of counterfeits along with their history and an overview of how they are created. It is a very good book for anyone beginning to collect ancient coins. One thing the book is not is a catalog of counterfeits nor a guide on how to detect counterfeits. These subjects are beyond the scope of any general work and are dealt with by various numismatic associations and their publications. So if you are only looking for a manual or catalog move on.

This book is a must read for those starting out in collecting coins, either ancient or modern. It explains the differences in the original minting of coins, and the "modern" reproductions, fakes and forgeries, even ancient forgeries. It is easy reading, and will give a good basis for coin collecting. It is worth the short time it takes to read, and it may save you from some embarassment.

The author clearly states upfront that "This book is not a primer on how to spot fakes [...] this is primarily a book about the history of ancient coin counterfeiting, forgery and reproductions." Learning to spot fakes may only come with experience. Having said that, it is my conviction that knowledge of the history of counterfeiting is very helpful to start building a meaningful experience in spotting forgeries. Besides, the book does discuss many technical aspects of the subject, albeit without going too deep in the details. This, along with the select bibliography, provides a very good kick start for a more involved research and to start building experience in the subject. There are also some excellent pieces of advice in various parts of the book that could help many less experienced collectors avoid a potentially disastrous purchase.

The book starts by describing the various methods used to produce coins in the ancient world as well as by modern and old producers of imitations. This is followed by the history proper of ancient coin imitations from the Renaissance till modern times. The most famous/notorious forgers and skilled reproducers are presented along with their work and the aura of mysticism that often surrounds their lives. Several forgery schools are also introduced. Then comes a series of topics describing the properties of imitations as well as some of the important examination and analytical methods used to help identify them. The involvement and influences of various numismatic associations, government regulations and the internet are also discussed.

Last but not least, an important part of the book is a tribute to Peter Rosa, a well known producer of quality reproductions. Besides a brief biography, a complete, and quite possibly unique, illustrated catalogue of Rosa's reproductions is included.

The main goal of the book - presenting a history of ancient coin counterfeiting, forgery and reproductions - is nicely achieved in my opinion. The series of introductions to various technical aspects, as well as the numerous bibliographic references, are of excellent value as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in ancient coins as a collector and/or from a historical perspective.

Learn something every day. Love that maxim!! This book gives you the complete picture, well worth the money.
Dennis Skea