The billion dollar question, and not an easy answer!  Here are some basic tips to keep you away from the fraudsters:

1. Material and Weight: Authentic ancient coins were typically made from metals like gold, silver, bronze, or copper. Use a scale to weigh the coin and compare it to the expected weight for its type and denomination. Be cautious if the weight significantly deviates from the norm.

2. Composition and Patina: Examine the coin's surface for signs of casting or molding, such as seam lines or unnatural texture. Authentic ancient coins often have a natural patina formed over time, while fake coins may lack this patina or have an artificial one applied.

3. Details and Inscriptions: Authentic ancient coins usually have well-defined details and inscriptions, even if they are worn from circulation. Look for inconsistencies or irregularities in the design, lettering, or imagery that may indicate a fake.

4. Edge and Flan: Examine the edge of the coin for irregularities or seams that suggest casting or tampering. Authentic ancient coins typically have a smooth and uniform edge. Additionally, check the shape and thickness of the coin's flan (the metal disc from which the coin was struck) for signs of forgery.

5. Expert Authentication: If you're unsure about the authenticity of a coin, consider seeking the opinion of a professional numismatist or coin authentication service. These experts have the knowledge and experience to assess ancient coins accurately and can provide valuable insights.

Upon retiring, I founded Ancient Historic Coins, a family-run business. Our coin inventory primarily consists of pieces from my personal collection, curated over more than 60 years since I was 7 years old. With years of study in ancient, Georgian, and Victorian coins, I am confident in the authenticity and quality of our collection.

However, should you be unhappy with any item purchased, you should contact me by email within 7 days of receipt of the goods. The item can then be returned to us, provided that it is in the condition as sent, for a full refund of the purchase price. If an item is not notified to us within this time, it will be considered as being sold. We regret that postage costs are not refundable.

There are several factors that determine a coin's value - its rarety, its historical significance and its condition.  I use many reference books to determine average prices, along with auction catalgues and the internet.  There are several published guidelines about condition, but in summary:

FINE (F):A coin which shows considerable wear.

VERY FINE (VF):A coin where all the fine detail is present

EXTREMELY FINE (EF):A coin with much of its mint lustre, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated

Well, that’s an excellent question! My journey into coin collecting began at the tender age of 7. While my early acquisitions weren’t exactly top-tier Roman coins, they were undeniably Roman, and that thrilled me. As the years passed, my fascination expanded beyond the ancient era. I found myself drawn to medieval hammered coins and the elegance of the regency period.

Lately, I’ve hopped on the bandwagon for modern 50p coins and those delightful “BUNC” sets. Perhaps I should have considered renaming my site, but there’s something poetic about the name “Ancient Historic Coins.” It encapsulates my enduring passion beautifully.

Yes, absolutely and most of our customers are international.  However, there are some contries that I am unable to send to:

• CU (Cuba)
• IR (Iran)
• KP (North Korea)
• SL (Sierra Leone)
• Palestinian Territories.
• South Sudan.
• Myanmar.
• Crimea Ukraine.
• The Soviet Union

Cautionary Note on Online Auctions: A significant number of coins sold through online auction sites may be counterfeit or misrepresented. International fraudsters often exploit these platforms to target unsuspecting buyers, making it challenging to secure a refund. This issue is particularly acute in the categories of ancient and hammered coins, where duplicating artifacts from 2,000 years ago is relatively straightforward.

My Collection’s Authenticity: The majority of my inventory originates from my personal collection, meticulously assembled over 60 years through transactions with esteemed dealers in London and New York.

Rigorous Verification Process: I have subjected any items acquired from online sources to thorough examination, ensuring their authenticity. In the event that you are dissatisfied with your purchase, I will offer a full refund policy (excluding shipping costs) if the request is made within one week of receipt.

Competitive Pricing: Beyond the assurance of authenticity, I pride myself on offering prices that are competitive within the current market.

Trust matters. So, rest assured that behind these digital pixels, you’re dealing with a genuine enthusiast who shares your passion for coins!

My name is Hamish, my mother was Scottish, my father English - hence the name! 

My lifelong affair with coins began at the tender age of seven when my parents took me to a local antique market and I stumbled upon a battered Roman coin. It cost me all my pocket money—30 shillings—but its worn appearance didn’t dampen my enthusiasm. Quite the opposite—I was captivated by the notion that this humble coin had once been held, traded, and spent over two millennia ago. That sense of connection fueled my passion.

Fast-forward to today, and that fascination remains undiminished. Whenever I encounter a coin with a historical tale to tell, I feel a buzz—an electric connection to the past. The collection I’m selling on this site shares a common thread: each item carries genuine historic significance. From coins minted by prisoners in Newgate jail to Roman denarii and modern 50p coins celebrating the author Beatrix Potter, they all whisper stories of bygone eras.

Although I’ve retired from my career in communications, my love for collecting coins remains unwavering. It’s not just a hobby; it’s my enduring passion—a timeless treasure.  The roman coin that started it all, by the way, was complete rubbish and way too expensive, but in a way it was also priceless as it started me on this incredible journey. I still have it in my collection today...and it is still junk!