extant4cell

thank you

Oh, I run into a lot of dishonest seller on eBay in my time, but in most cases, if I ever bought a fake, I could return it for a refund...

That's him. "His" coins go for a really high price... but mostly they worth it (apart from 20th century silver in unc, that you can find anywhere)... He must have a little studio set up and sell coins for others, like a little business. I am impressed by his set up. I'd like to replicate it (setting my own little studio), but the coin supply in Australia is a bit different...

I only have them in EM... I never hunted for them specifically, but it's interesting to know...

I will not argue as I share your opinion to a degree. I believe it is better to start small, when you new to the field and it also applies to rare finds. To the truth I still have lots of low grade coins (not as low as you MM kopek though), and some times I think of selling them on eBay, which I'll probably do soon. Also, sometimes, just for fun I buy coins I don't really need, or in grade lower then the one I already may have... You know those bids you place when you think that the coin is worth much more and you may win accidently, I find it actually exciting sometimes!

From all the coins on eBay I believe that FlyingBostonian (I think that's his name) has coins in the most impressive conditions for sale. Wher does he get them?

Thank you for sharing, I am very impressed! Well done!

Look like fish eyes actually lol ...

Well, the package I am waiting for has a declared value of $1500. I've sent back to customs the p/w they wanted stating that it was a numismatic antiquity over 100 years old. From what I could understand that category should have no additional tax attached, but the processing costs are about $50. Hope I am right and they will not charge me any more then that. I'll let you know if you are interested. This is the first time that customs stoped my coins. The last time it was some throwing knives for my collection, that were apparently illegal to bring in unless you have a license to kill... What can I do, I am Russian and I love sharp objects...

This is sad... And confusing... I didn't follow the market for about 3 years due to family issues, so was wondering if I missed anything and they issued minted novodels. This is very sad that word novodel was used in such way, as there are some beautiful official novodels... Yes I know that, but in this century with all sorts of laws and regulations, sometimes meaningless, but that must be followed, who knows what the real novodel coin would really look like would it be produced nowadays...

Sorry for double posts... I found another "fake replica" (since not stampt as "replica") without "N" stamp. Somebody made a fake Novodel from a fake coin... At least this seller doesn't ask for big $$$ http://molotok.ru/5-kopeek-1767-71-i2757747037.html Anothe FAKE!

I don't know, didn't look for this section on this forum yet. I know that many forums allow members to trade directly with each other and sellers even do mini auctions.... This is not a practice here, is it?

Try eBay... But do what you do now, start small... less chance to buy worthless copy... if you want to buy something expensive - always ask a second opinion. That's what I do when in doubt... Good luck!

Thank you for this info . I checked eBay and Molotok.ru (ala' Russian eBay) and couldn't find any similar coins being sold recently. Replica is a good name for it, but I would probably call it a fake of novodel, as if they didn't try to pass it as novodel they should have stamped it with "replica" or "copy" as they do on some Roman / Greek replicas I've seen. In any case, before it is proven to be a novodel to me, it is another fairytale coin production to me that someone is trying to cash in on...

Thank you for your answers. I am aware of replicas of these 10 kops, but the ones I came across before had a lot cruder detail. This is the first one with "N stamp" and a lot finer details that I found. A very tricky coin. Seller on eBay sells 3 "novodel" coins. All 3 with "N" and all 3 with finer details to the previously noted replicas (by me). I guess the counterfeiters’' techniques have improved. Seller mentions in his listing that a coin just like his was sold by Conros auction, can that be true or is this another fable, does anyone know?

Missprint, it is 5 Kopeks , but the questions are still stand as before.

Very nice modern coin, marked N. Seller claims that this is a modern official Novodel. Definitely not made with the original dies, but with novodels' it is possible. Does anyone know if this is an official Novodel or just another skilful counterfeit (however nice it may be)?

Thank you for your welcome! I'm sure we'll cross over in some topics from time to time. Cheers!

Thank you! Glad you like it...

:evilbanana: Do you only buy what someone sells here?

My latest acquisition. Can not wait to get it from the seller: I bought some more coins from USA, but Australian customs stopped them ... I'm trying to get them clear now. Hate when that happens... Anyway, this is my first rouble of Elizabeth... Did you know that she was the only Russian ruler who hasn't executed a single person (or so the history claims)?!

Very common, mostly non-collectabel coins (due to poor grades)... Why don't you save a little bit of money and buy one coin in a month or in 3 months, but in collectable grade? I think you will treasure it more and if ever you would want to sell it, you'll have a lot more people interested... Just a thought...

I had this one on watch, was wondering if anyone will bid on it... Restoration that was carried through too far... It used to be genuine coin...

The grader had a hangover and graded the coin by touch. Not even a mention that it is an overstrike! Really, this coin was downgraded... Perhaps their grading department is trying to employ their Indian office?

This is from 2009 Konros auction catalogue. Here is a web-based russian site that is very easy to use even if you don't read Russian, just choose the year and off you go: http://www.numismat.ru/catalogs.shtml