Classical Deception: Counterfeits, Forgeries and Reproductions of Ancient Coins (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: forgeries http, genuine ancient coins, barbarous radiates, The Celator, Numismatic Chronicle, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

From the author of the acclaimed Ancient Coin Collecting series comes yet another essential resource—one that could save collectors considerable money and frustration. Counterfeits are relatively common among ancient coins, yet knowing where the dangers lie is key to avoiding disaster as a collector or investor. Accordingly, Classical Deception takes an objective and candid look at the history of falsifying ancient coins. It traces the careers of well-known forgers and discusses the many fakes that proliferate the modern market. Topics covered include manufacturing techniques, collector response to the problem and tools and methods of detecting fakes. Special sections include a catalog of the previously unpublished work of reproduction artist Peter Rosa and extensive bibliographies leading to a wealth of technical information.

- The essential guide to identifying counterfeit ancient coins and avoiding financial disaster
- Illustrated with more than 200 photos to help differentiate authentic coins from fakes
- From the author of the acclaimed Ancient Coin Collecting series

Product Details

• Hardcover: 196 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; illustrated edition edition (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873419685
• ISBN-13: 978-0873419680
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #632,130 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST FOR PURCHASERS OF ANCIENT COINS, August 23, 2001

By	Louis Balesteri "classicalac" (Milpitas, California) - See all my reviews

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.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book but maybe not what you expect., January 4, 2003

By	Jorg H. Lueke (Oakdale, MN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Beginners or old collectors., August 26, 2002

By	Bruce Nesset (Bement, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.