Certification

sample certificate

A certificate of authenticity provides peace of mind in your ancient coin purchase. While no ancient coin found on the market can be said to be 100% certainly genuine, and professional numismatists can sometimes disagree, a high probability of authenticity can be demonstrated using a number of tools starting with the numismatist’s own expertise. With our service, provided by Rasiel Suarez, each coin submitted will receive close scrutiny and a report with a detailed analysis provided. In addition, a glossy high resolution color photograph of the obverse and reverse of the coin becomes an integral part of the certificate. At your request a custom CD can be provided that includes a copy of the certificate and the image of the coin.

We cannot certify all Roman and Byzantine coins. If this should happen in your case this does not necessarily mean that the coin’s authenticity is in question but may indicate that there is insufficient information with which to provide full conviction one way or the other. While this should account for only a small minority of the coins we come across, we  prefer to work under full disclosure. To this end we request that any client considering submitting their coins please review them with Rasiel by email to minimize any chances of rejection. Naturally, there is no charge for a coin we do not certify. In the unlikely event that a coin certified through this service is later deemed by another expert to be a forgery we will upon your request make the coin description available to the community and refund all fees, including shipping.

The cost for this service is $30 in addition to the cost of mailing your coins to and from our office. Turnaround times are generally within two or three days of receipt. Registered mail is very strongly recommended for any coins sent and is our preferred method of returning them. However, we are flexible for other options. Coins in our care are covered under business insurance. Insurance for the coins en route will be provided by your carrier and at your expense and discretion. We will be able to provide a better idea of turnaround times and any other details at the time of your first contact.