Should you buy an eBay $40 Ancient Coin Grab Bag? - See What I Got!

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Join my Patreon: www.patreon.com/classicalnumismatics Or maybe "Buy me a Coffee": www.buymeacoffee.com/classicalnumismatics

[@briank7936]

Grab bags, loot boxes, vault boxes are a big no to me. just like a casino the sellers are not in it to give great stuff and lose money.

[@robertadam7182]

Ngl I agree 90% of the time but tater’s relics on eBay is pretty decent. I bought a large uncleaned provincial lot and got an (albeit rough condition) Antioch AE 26 of Augustus. It was like 20 something for 3.

[@robertadam7182]

@@EmpireOfLEMBERG you clearly have absolutely zero idea what you’re talking about, in fact, you probably can’t tell the difference between a real and a fake ancient coin. Since you’re so incredibly smart, what should I look for on the edge of the coin to prove that it’s a fake? What should I look for on the surface to prove that’s it’s fake?

[@Diogenes_43]

I’ve bought some uncleaned coin lots. It’s fun cleaning them and seeing what comes out. They’re not investments though. Typically just Constantine era small bronzes.

[@martyparsons8395]

Unfortunately, I've had nothing but bad experiences with ebay grab bags. It's always better to go to a reputable coin shop for ancients or otherwise. Great video, thank you!

[@haltersweb]

I love your suggestion of telling a story with coins. And the Roman imperial coins don’t disappoint. The histories are so dramatic! I’m almost finished assembling a collection about Caracalla and Geta. I still want to find a coin with both brothers where Geta’s visage is removed.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Thank you, thats very kind of you! For these damnatio memoriae coins of Caracalla, you should look into Provincial pieces, these seem to be easier to find.

[@haltersweb]

@@ClassicalNumismatics that’s a great idea!!

[@AtomicWealth]

Wow! As a begginer I am angry at this kind of fraud. Thanks for explaining all of this!

[@neptunesmarsh]

I'm surprised that you mentioned the "Vault Box." The creator of it has mentioned in interviews that the "box" was designed to spark non-collector interest in the hobby, but the only people aware of such a thing are already coin collectors, and each new edition of the Vault Box sells out immediately after release, w/ most of the units sold to "flippers," especially since the issuing company offers a buy-back policy, allowing lucky buyers to immediately capitalize on their purchase. Gambling on purchases like that is not "collecting," it's speculation.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Yeah, I dont believe for a single moment they believe that claim about "non-collectors". They just came up with a very creative way of making money out of flippers and people who like gambling. Sadly, they seem to have been highly successful. Illegal? No. Immoral? In my view, yes.

[@neptunesmarsh]

@@ClassicalNumismatics It is supposed to be in the style of the "lootbox," something that might draw interest from collectors of pop paraphernalia, but the moment I heard of it I knew it was just a gambling scheme, not something for collectors. The Vault Box creator was interviewed by Sean of "BlueRidgeSilverHound" here on YT.

[@dububro]

lmao @ "i don't want to sound harsh but _You can't do that._ That's _evil."_ 11:56

[@BygoneUser1]

Hells yeah it is, what does that tell you about the video game industry? Fuck John Riccitiello

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

I definitely dont say out loud in these videos what I would actually say to these people 😂

[@mattl3729]

Absolutely wonderful video. I just found your channel and am very impressed by the wonderful information and advice you provide. I've been a collector of many different things over the years and have always been disgusted by the fraud and trickery out there, so it's great to see experts like yourself helping those less-knowledgeable avoid the mistakes we've all made ;) Thanks!

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Thank you for the kind words. Thats the idea of this channel, not only teaching people about coins, but also how to be a good collector!

[@saradolphin3242]

LOL It's like Online Dating! You get a Old Bus Token instead of a Keeper!

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Lol very correct analogy!

[@SHOCKWAVEDAVE]

Thanks for helping the beginners

[@richardlisiura3025]

When I first collected collecting ancient coins 20 years ago I was pulled into buying lots of uncleaned coins. After numerous disappointing purchases I realized this was pretty much a scam. That reminds me to check on some still is solutions after all these years.

[@1RandomToaster]

I’ve always accepted that any “unsorted” or “mystery” lots of _anything_ are just the bulk left over after sorting a massive collection or anything else the dealer couldn’t sell. They might toss in a few gems here and there but anyone with such volume of product is tracking their margin on those lots very closely.

[@SolemnStacker]

Great video. I saw recently on another YT'ers grab bag video where you commented that you were going to do an Ancient Grab bag video. Over the past few months I've been learning more about ancients and was considering looking for a grab bag to add to my huge collection of Two slabbed ancient coins. I'm not much of a gambler, but a grab bag of average quality ancients sounds like it could be a fun learning experience.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

As I mentioned in the video, Id say its a much better deal to just get group lots. You know what you are getting, and you still get the experience of researching your coins. I hope you assemble a wonderful collection!

[@AConcernedCitizen420]

Great advice! A most excellent channel! 🧐

[@BBonsteel]

"don't reduce these Millenia-old objects to casino chips" 👏

[@SunLovingHistorian]

This channel is so so good! Thank you for running it and for the incredible videos.

[@j.sayler6330]

You ABSOLUTELY should name the Ebay seller of the deficient coins. Wrongdoing loves to hide itself so it can continue its bad work unexposed.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

KZbin has a clause on its user agreement regarding that kind of exposure.

[@ichigo8330]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@DiCelloPiano]

I just learned alot - thank you :)

[@kitrichardson5573]

“The mechanics of gambling” I like that phrase because it’s a very apt description. Whether it’s rolls of coins with an enticing end coin, vast assortment of coins, where you can’t tell what’s in there or a grab bag where you have no clue whatsoever, these are all basically gambles. Take your money to the casino if you want to gamble. That’s honest gambling, not gambling under the guise of being a numismatist.

[@Bellingarestates]

Great video! Do you have a video on bronze disease?

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

I dont, but Damian Salgado from Numischannel has a nice video on the subject. Its in spanish, but worth turning the auto subtitles on. He's very knowledgeable.

[@Bellingarestates]

@@ClassicalNumismatics thanks! I watched it: very informative! Got to learn Spanish words I don’t often hear.

[@Tiridates_the_Great]

Amazing video as always Leo! Has to be my favorite, very entertaining and eductional.

[@mercurydime8152]

Thank you for the warning and explanation of bronze disease!

[@stevenkatz9369]

I met Joel Malter, in Los Angeles, in the 1970s as a kid on a lark, and he gave a courtesy view of things I should avoid in terms of bad offerings of ancients versus what I was familiar with as a typical collector of contemporary items. Some of what you mentioned he also cautioned me about as well. He published some works in the field.

[@ghostofaforgottenweedle]

On eBay, I only buy lots where I see pictures of every coin that is offered. No "you'll get 5 random coins" bs, that’s loot box stuff.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

100% right!

[@Marv2121]

As a brand new collector I ended up getting a bulk lot of ancient roman coins for about $7 a coin on etsy sale. So far all coins have been legible to identify and a blast to research! I would say grab bags can work, but only from reputable sellers, and if you have absolutely nothing. Thanks for all great coin content!

[@david82633]

They are great, but not to make money. They are very fun to search through though!

[@3B-TM]

I never heard of bronze disease 😮 thank you for the education 👍

[@danielralston7182]

Hi Leo, first your videos are all amazing. I look forward to seeing a notification of a new one. An educational seminar in every one. But I do have a question and I haven’t found it in any of your video descriptions. Is there a book in English on Byzantine coins similar to the book you suggested for Roman and Greek; 'Handbook of Ancient Greek & Roman Coins'? That is my first go to book when I get stumped on an attribute. Thank you for the work you do to educate and entertain us! -Dan

[@GordonGrant-o1h]

Thanks leo a useful video. Good advice 👍

[@rjmcshane6258]

Great video. It gives me ideas of how to be a better buyer and seller. My photos have been bad by having too many coins per lot. 50 lol.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

I'd much rather look at 4 pictures, each of obverse/reverse of some 25 coins at a time :)

[@rjmcshane6258]

@@ClassicalNumismatics Thank you so much for that insight. I cut it down to 6 silver dirhams with a nice bag for £100 with capsules. May need to cut that to 90 so beginner might go for it.

[@madfemurfast]

I do not know the seller. But clearly was dumping coins that nobody would by and was not about to take a loss. Lots of bad deals on eBay, lots of fair deals on eBay. But you need to know what you are doing. Great video!

[@ericfg806]

I wouldn't mind a link to your video, I assume you have one, about 'bronze disease', what it is and what to do with it.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

I have a video on how to take care of bronze coins, look up my beginners playlist on my channel page. Alternatively, Damian Salgado from Numischannel has a nice video on the subject. Its in spanish, but worth turning the auto subtitles on. He's very knowledgeable

[@ericfg806]

Can't find it.@@ClassicalNumismatics

[@allanwestphall8108]

Very exciting and educational to see you open this bag. I'm new to coin collecting and have bought most on ebay - 300 coins at least by now. Now I think not all have been bargains, and some may be problematic coins, but I feel sure there are many good buys. A pity we can't go through it together. In any case, it's been an exciting journey thus far!

[@david82633]

Make sure they are real, the majority of ebay ancient coins are fakes. Still a ton of genuines, but a dangerous place for a beginner

[@damianjblack]

​@@david82633ebay is definitely full of scammers. Like the ones trying to sell a 1971 UK 2p for 5 grand. Or the ones claiming to be selling a 1933 English penny.

[@TnT_F0X]

I'm practicing cleaning on the 3 dollar crusty unidentified coins... I mean, a beginner doesnt want to practice cleaning on a tiny gold or silver coin do they? I paid 7 bucks, got two badly worn coins covered in crust, one is brass, one is copper, I cant ID them but its practice cleaning tiny letters and shapes...

[@TnT_F0X]

The way these lots work is someone buys a bunch of dirty old coins, a few good coins, mixes them up and sells them all for 150% what he paid. If he paid 100 for the 10 good coins, 100 for the 190 bad ones, and sells 200 coins for 1.50 each... 95% buyers wont get their money back.

[@caracallaavg]

And some of the good coins get the bronze desease in the process

[@TheCoinHunt3r]

Another great video packed with information

[@HenryTheOunce]

That histamenon was a lovely coin and a good deal for the price especially at today's prices

[@jessorie]

Pitting marks are a hallmark of being Fake. It is due to casting method as compared to the strike coins , which is the original method of making the ancient coins using the Dye plates. The pits are due to air trapped during the casting with molten metals to make the coins

[@KozmicKarmaKoala]

I would never buy ancients on EBay. Vcoins and/or auctions. Auctions in Europe can be a rape to the wallet. Shipping and 20% to hammer price plus insurance and bank fees are despicable.

[@compatriot852]

Uncleaned coins basically are the only good form of lootboxes for ancients in my opinion. Both the seller and buyer doesn't know its worth until the coin is cleaned. Personally, it's fun just cleaning and researching

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Between the finder and us, the final customer, there MUST be a series of screenings for valuable coins. Long gone are the days when "unsearched" lots were trully unsearched. Still, there might be one or two surprises there to be had.

[@ghostofaforgottenweedle]

​@@ClassicalNumismatics Yeah, those "unsearched" lots that almost always only contain Constantinus Era coins 😂

[@damianjblack]

​@ghostofaforgottenweedle haha exactly, no Pompey denarii or Alexander staters in those lots 😂

[@Torain7]

Grab bag? More like scam bag, they never give you your money’s worth. Only worth it if you value surprises more than the coins themselves😁

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Scam Bag, yeah!

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Would you like to support the channel and my work? 💰 Help the Channel by "Buying me a Coffee": www.buymeacoffee.com/classicalnumismatics Consider buying some channel Merch! You get a cool T-Shirt or Mug and you help me make more Ancient Numismatic content. Thank you! leob.creator-spring.com/

[@benjaminv6039]

I just wanted to say, you were part of the reason I began coin collecting - your passion for the history behind the coins is inspiring. I just finished my first few auctions this past weekend and can safely say, for 13-14 dollars a coin you can get much better quality from the auction houses.

[@jameshorsted5489]

Well said 🙂Bro, From Jimmy.

[@jameshorsted5489]

I have bought high quality uncleaned roman coins to restore and they have turned out o.k, But when i bought some more, I hat to take them back, Because they were so badly mist up.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Im not so much against buying uncleaned coins, for those who have the patience to clean them, that can be a fun activity, and it puts a new coin into the market. Sadly, the "surprise" side of it is still present, and you often find unidentifiable culls.

[@stephenparker4083]

Well said.

[@billcarson8246]

Nice Job 😊😊😊

[@Jim-re3sr]

Great video

[@jomon723]

I have bronze coins I found in Japan, the ones I have found a lot of I keep in a wooden box, so the ones that have some bubbling is bronze disease and could spread? I always thought it was the environment or a bad mix of the bronze ....Thanks for the info

[@WastedTalent-]

Many years ago, I bought a couple of "uncleaned" Roman coin grab bags on ebay. They were so heavily encrusted that I soaked them for several years in olive oil and it made no difference. They were just garbage. I saw some videos on cleaning ancient coins, but they all seemed to just be covered in dirt and cleaned to a nearly perfect coin. The coin restoration videos are probably scams (like many restoration videos for other stuff). I'm not a coin collector, but want to collect ancient coins. I have a few Kyme coins I bought years ago from reputable dealers. I'm not interested in high value. I just love ancient stuff, so I'll take your advice and go with the cheap group lots. It'll give me a stepping off point where I can learn to research and atribute them.

[@kevinjkelliher]

can you get any bronze coins with a silver coating - ancient Roman counterfeit coins?

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Check out my video on ancient counterfeits, where I show examples of plated forgeries.

[@zackeryjames-ej2iz]

fourees

[@timnimets1021]

I actually participated in the "mystery lot action house" auctions before, but will never again. Just yo be clear I think somebody got a great deal in the mystery lot, but the concept of it and the fact that they can pull it off is irritating for me and worst of all that some people fell for it. I think they might've been testing the waters, but maybe I am wrong and they were sincere about it from the start. In it's essence it is literally just gambling and exploitation of vulnerable people. I hope we will not see this trend happening more often in the future.

[@Ducksonwheels]

I've seen quite a few selling ancient coinage on Etsy, it seems highly untrustworthy

[@vahagenestepanian9288]

Are those coins over 2000 years old though the ones that are 13 or 16 euro

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Yes. Ancient coins are very abundant

[@caracallaavg]

Love to coins at the end of video

[@SDArgo_FoC]

Bruh, the the ads appealing to gamblers are so goofy and outrageous

[@TheBLSCoinCollectorsClub]

This is why I never buy from a loot box or grab bag. I only ever buy or bid on an item that has a picture of the actual item(s). I bid on a few Edward I pennies the other day and made sure that I set my maximum bid to roughly what I thought was worth paying for them. (I won all of them, interestingly enough...) Of course I also generally don't collect ancient; mediaeval and early modern English are my specialty.

[@damianjblack]

​@christianweatherbroadcasti3491 what does any of that have to do with numismatics?

[@arnival3694]

Tyty

[@Numischannel]

Hi Leo, first coin is a bronze from Arados (part of the Greek A still visible above the prow on reverse), these were mostly struck in the 2nd century BC... kind of interesting, compared with the other two, that are indeed very common...

[@SouthSideFrankie]

The way to collect is to identify a theme for your collection and stick with it, therefore no need for grab bags. The term 'grab bag' is vulgar. It makes you wonder if this was a hoard found by a metal detectorist and not declared. Very informative video. I would send the coins back.

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Ive already sent the coins back and received a refund, fortunately! Totally agree with you, grab bags arent the best way to collect ancients.

[@damianjblack]

​@@ClassicalNumismaticsthe only time I bought a group lot of coins on ebay was a mix of 100 random UK coins for 20 bucks. And there was a picture of the actual coins on the auction so I knew what I was getting.

[@janiskar7892]

👍👍👍👍👏

[@lablackzed]

I always got told to buy museum coins is that true.?

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

As far as I know very few museums nowadays sell their excess inventory. Just buy from well established coin dealers and you are pretty safe.

[@dwaynepresley6778]

Hercules wearing lion skin. only gods were aloud to be on coins, alexander may have been vain but there is no proof he said he was a god

[@WinterSkyyy]

What about uncleaned grab bags?

[@jaredmoore4595]

What if you're not a huge collector, rather someone who collects for the sake of collecting? Personally I just like looking at the art of currencies from the past and around the world of course I do still have some real coins though. Actually very similar to the Roman coins you have that my Grandpa collected while stationed in Turkey.

[@DubiousDubs]

It's totally ok to be a casual collector, but this is still not good bang for your buck. There are plenty of great antique sites where they sell all levels of coins- vcoins has stuff that's anywhere from 1000s of dollars, to some that are in the 20-50 dollar range, and you actually KNOW for sure what you're getting. You can even zoom in on the photos of the coins to examine them more closely. So don't be fooled into thinking this is good value, it's not

[@carlosdavidluduena4866]

Hola en la moneda de alejandro balas en el reverso quien es atenea o apolo??....

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Apollo

[@carlosdavidluduena4866]

Ok ok .te agradesco un abrazo desde Argentina.

[@scotthumphrey9499]

I'm hoping I can add a pic.u could help me with information on it

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

I dont do consultations for free. Seek a local coin dealer for that

[@ramimawla1475]

Where exactly can I buy coins like the 16€ ones?

[@Un_69]

If you want to throw it away, I'll gladly take it❤️

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

I'll return it. But I should make a giveaway.

[@Un_69]

@@ClassicalNumismatics do you know any good coin shop at a price for an ordinary mortal because I would like to start collecting

[@ClassicalNumismatics]

Check out Vcoins and MA shops, they are marketplaces with multiple dealers. It takes a bit of research to siff through some of the overpriced coins, but there are fairly priced coins to be had there!

[@ThePzrLdr]

Ebay is NOT a place to buy any coins! Been there and was nearly burned. I got lucky and realized I was being taken so I withdrew.

[@david82633]

You can buy slug lots there, if you simply want a cheap bunch of worthless antiques

[@kevinmccarthy8746]

SO MUCH TO LEARN. Incredibly interesting, BRONZE disease?" Weird stuff. People trying to infect other copper collections or not caring. And I thought trump was bad. I love Britain, the King and the people. Your prodigal sons the USA love and esteem you. Thank you. I just discovered this hobby and it sounds facinating.

[@French_Connection]

Would love some too ...