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Why Old Coins Are Worth Nothing: A Beginner's Guide to Valuation

26 дек · Many people who find a Soviet-era coin in an old drawer or receive one as a gift believe they've struck treasure. This leads to numerous appraisal requests, but in most cases, their expectations are not met.

Golden 5 Rubles: How to Distinguish a Nearly Perfect Fake from an Original

15 нояб · To conduct an expert examination, it is important to know the standard physical parameters of original coins. In this case, three types of fakes, made in different workshops, are examined and compared with genuine specimens.

Autograph Authentication: How Not to Buy a Signature Made Yesterday

28 нояб · At the heart of autograph expertise lies a detailed graphological analysis. Specialists don't just look at the similarity of letters; they study micro-characteristics that are nearly impossible to forge. Key attention is paid to three main aspects: pressure, dynamics, and writing speed.

Authentication of Antique Books: Paper, Binding, and Font

28 нояб · Paper is one of the main markers of a book's age. Until the mid-19th century, so-called 'rag' paper, made from linen or cotton, was used for printing. It is durable, elastic to the touch, and often has a characteristic mesh-like structure visible when held up to the light.

The Most Notorious Forgeries in the History of Collecting

28 нояб · The world of collecting has always been an arena not only for connoisseurs of beauty but also for virtuoso fraudsters. The history of the art market is full of dramatic stories about forgeries that have deceived the most reputable experts, museums, and wealthy collectors. These stories are not just tales of crime, but fascinating narratives about the psychology, talent, and technology of deception.

Online Appraisal by Photo: Opportunities, Risks, and Reliable Services

28 нояб · In the digital age, the ability to get an expert opinion on an antique without leaving home has become a reality. Online appraisal by photo has become a popular tool for both novice collectors and casual owners of historical items. It allows you to quickly understand whether you are holding a family heirloom or a potentially valuable artifact.

Restorers' Secrets: When Intervention Increases and When It Decreases an Item's Value

28 нояб · In the world of antiques, not every aesthetic improvement is beneficial. A prime example is numismatics. Attempting to make an old coin shiny with cleaning agents can reduce its value tenfold or more, or even bring it down to the price of the metal. The reason lies in the patina—a noble layer that forms on the metal's surface over decades and centuries.

How to Recognize 'Reproductions' in the Antiques Market

28 нояб · The antiques market is filled not only with unique items with a history but also with their modern copies, known as 'reproductions.' These are items intentionally created to look old, and their production has now reached an industrial scale. Distinguishing such an item from a genuine artifact can be difficult, as forgery masters have learned to imitate the styles and technologies of past eras.

Features of Icon Appraisal: What Does an Expert Look For?

28 нояб · The appraisal of an antique icon often resembles the work of an archaeologist. One of the main challenges is the multi-layered nature of the painting. Over the centuries, icons could be repeatedly renewed or completely repainted over the original image. These layers are called 'overpaintings' ('zapis'), and beneath them may lie a genuine masterpiece from a completely different era.

Jewelry Appraisal: How to Determine the Authenticity of Stones and Metal

28 нояб · A preliminary assessment of a piece of jewelry doesn't always require complex equipment. You can start with two key tools that will help you draw initial conclusions about the authenticity of the stones and the overall condition of the piece. The basics of gemology for beginners start with knowing how to correctly use these simple instruments.

What is Provenance and Why is it so Important for Collectors

28 нояб · In the world of collecting, you can often hear the term 'provenance'. Translated from French (provenance), this word means 'origin' or 'source'. However, for a collector, its meaning is much deeper — it is the complete and confirmed history of ownership of an art or antique object, from the moment of its creation to the present day.

Technology Guarding Authenticity: From X-Rays to Chemical Analysis

28 нояб · In the world of art and antiques, the cost of a mistake can be colossal. Traditional expertise, based on stylistic analysis and the study of provenance (history of ownership), is undoubtedly important. However, even the most experienced eye of an art historian can be deceived by a skillful forgery.

Conducting an Expert Appraisal: Where to Go and How Much Does It Cost?

28 нояб · When the need arises to determine the authenticity and value of an antique, the owner faces a choice: where to go for an expert appraisal? The market for these services in Russia is clearly structured, with three main types of players. Each has its own features, advantages, and disadvantages.

Marks on Porcelain and Silver: A Complete Guide for Collectors

28 нояб · For any collector, a mark on an antique item is its passport. A small sign, impression, or drawing on the bottom of a porcelain cup or the handle of a silver spoon carries a vast amount of information. It is the mark that helps determine the authenticity, age, place of production, and even the name of the item's creator.

Forgeries and Copies: How to Distinguish a Fake Painting from an Original

28 нояб · In the art world, a work's authenticity is determined not just by its appearance, but by its history. Provenance is the documented history of a painting's ownership, from the artist's studio to the present day. Impeccable provenance is often a more compelling argument for authenticity than any technical examination.

The Basics of Attribution: How to Determine the Age and Origin of Antique Furniture

28 нояб · The first step in attributing antique furniture is to identify its style. Each historical period had its own characteristic features, forms, and decorative elements. Knowledge of these features helps to narrow down the time frame of the item's creation and determine its origin.

How to Identify a Dangerous Counterfeit of a Nicholas II 10 Ruble Coin: Signs of a 'Davlenka'

23 нояб · In times of economic instability, many seek ways to protect their savings from inflation by converting paper money into more tangible assets. One such reliable tool is gold coins, which can safeguard the real value of capital against the depreciation of currencies, whether it be the dollar or the euro.

Varieties of the 1897 15 Ruble Gold Coin: How to Identify and Its Value

23 нояб · The 15-ruble gold coin of 1897, issued during the reign of Nicholas II, has several varieties that are of interest to collectors. The key factor affecting its rarity and value is the difference in the obverse die.

How to Spot a Fake 5000 Ruble Banknote: Key Signs of a Counterfeit

23 нояб · When checking the authenticity of 5000 ruble banknotes, it's important to consider their modification. For example, the 1997 series banknote, modified in 2010, has noticeable differences: the coat of arms changes color when tilted, the security thread appears on the surface of the front side, and the serial numbers have different colors (green on the left and red on the right).

Baranov's Banknotes: How to Distinguish the Legendary Counterfeit 25 Rubles of 1961

23 нояб · The counterfeit banknotes of Viktor Ivanovich Baranov are a famous chapter in the history of the Soviet Union. His craftsmanship was so high that the bills he created were practically indistinguishable from the state-issued ones, and in some aspects, even surpassed them. He produced these banknotes in makeshift conditions, in his own shed using homemade equipment.

What is Coin Slabbing and Why a Collector Needs It

23 нояб · For many collectors, the terms 'grading' and 'slabbing' may be unfamiliar. This refers to the process of assessing a coin's condition and subsequently packaging it in a special plastic case called a 'slab.' This process helps protect the coin and officially certify its condition, which directly affects its value.

NGC Grading Results: From High Grades to a Complete Fiasco

18 нояб · To reduce the cost of the coin grading process at NGC, collectors often team up to share the expenses for shipping and paperwork. This time, a batch of five coins was collected and sent for expert evaluation.

Not-So-Simple Copper: Grading and Examination of Rare Three-Kopek Coins

18 нояб · Among numismatic artifacts, one can find not only genuine specimens but also historical counterfeits. An example of such an object is a counterfeit 1913 three-kopek coin, preserved from an old collection. This coin was most likely produced by casting, as evidenced by its characteristic porosity.

A 19th-Century Staurotheke: The History and Features of the Crucifixion with Selected Saints

18 нояб · An antique icon was purchased at auction for about 350-360 euros. This item is a staurotheke—a special type of icon also known as an 'inset icon.' Such artifacts were most often preserved among Old Believers and hold significant historical value.

Extracting Gold from Old RAM Chips: A Step-by-Step Process

15 нояб · The source material for gold extraction is a batch of uniform chips removed from old RAM modules. The total weight of the material is 899 grams, which is rounded up to 900 grams for ease of calculation.

Silver Fineness Marks: What the Numbers and Hallmarks on Items Mean

15 нояб · A fineness mark is an indicator of the percentage of pure precious metal in an alloy. It shows what proportion of pure silver is in an item, with the remainder being other, less valuable metals.

How to Identify Counterfeit Gold Items: The Density Check Method

15 нояб · The rings submitted for appraisal bear a hallmark indicating 750 fineness gold. An initial check using spectral analysis also confirms this high standard, which can mislead even an experienced appraiser.

Restrike, Not a Counterfeit: Understanding Numismatic Terms

15 нояб · In numismatics, there's a sensitive topic concerning the misuse of the term 'restrike.' Many people indiscriminately apply this word to any counterfeit coin, which is a completely incorrect approach.

Authenticating Investment Coins: Simple and Reliable Methods

15 нояб · The authenticity of gold and silver coins is a concern for many investors, especially amidst numerous rumors online. However, it's worth noting that among standard bullion coins, counterfeits, most often of Chinese origin, are extremely rare.

The 1924 Silver Ruble: How to Identify a High-Quality Counterfeit

15 нояб · The 1924 silver ruble is considered one of the most beautiful large coins of the Soviet period. Its design is a prime example of the visual propaganda of that time: the obverse depicts a worker pointing out the rising sun over a factory to a peasant. This scene symbolizes the bright future of the young Soviet state.

Gold 5 Rubles: Expert Analysis of Counterfeits and Originals

15 нояб · Three types of counterfeit 5-ruble gold coins, produced in different workshops, were selected for examination. Each counterfeit is compared with an authentic coin from the same year of issue. A total of six coins were prepared for the analysis: three fakes and three originals.

How to Identify a High-Quality Counterfeit of the 1892 Alexander III Ruble

15 нояб · The story began when a person bought a silver Alexander III 1892 ruble for 26,000. Immediately after the purchase, another collector approached him and offered to buy the coin for 50,000, which raised the first suspicions.

Counterfeit Modern Russian Silver Coin: How to Distinguish It from the Original

13 нояб · Counterfeits of modern Russian three-ruble silver ounce coins have appeared on the numismatic market. While copies of Tsarist, Soviet, and some modern coins have been seen before, counterfeits of this type of silver bullion coin are a new phenomenon. As an example, a counterfeit of the '70th Anniversary of Victory' coin was intentionally purchased for analysis.

What Are Dealers Actually Paying for a Soviet Silver Poltinnik?

13 нояб · The story began with an unusual incident: a man came to a buy-up shop wanting to sell a 1924 Soviet poltinnik. The coin was in mediocre condition, yet its owner asked a whopping 150,000 rubles for it.

Restoration of Enamel on USSR Orders: Restore or Preserve History?

13 нояб · The question of whether to restore orders and medals is a subject of eternal debate in phaleristics circles. There is no single opinion on this matter, and each collector approaches this dilemma in their own way.

A New Level of Forgeries: How to Identify Dangerous Copies of 18th-Century Coins

13 нояб · In the world of numismatics, forgeries and copies of coins have emerged that are a level above primitive variants. These more dangerous specimens can be encountered by collectors both online and at club trading rows or in antique shops.

Patina on Coins: A Collector's Guide

13 нояб · Many new and even experienced collectors wonder what to look for when choosing a coin. One of the most common and complex questions is the evaluation of patina. Is it worth acquiring a coin with patina, how does it affect its value, and what potential pitfalls might be associated with it?

Coins in Slabs: Why Grading is More Important Than Packaging

13 нояб · When discussing the storage and valuation of collectible coins, the topic of slabs—special plastic containers—often comes up. However, it is important to understand that the key process is not the act of placing the coin in the packaging itself, but the grading that precedes it.

Varieties of the 1924 Ruble: From 'Spike' to 'Square Windows'

13 нояб · The 1924 silver ruble has a design characteristic of its time. The obverse of the coin depicts the figures of a worker and a collective farmer, symbolizing the union of the proletariat and the peasantry. In the background, fields, factories, and a rising sun are visible, reflecting the ideology of the new state.

Authenticating Counterfeit Thalers: How to Distinguish a Copy from an Original

13 нояб · There is a misconception that primarily domestic coins are counterfeited. In reality, absolutely everything in demand by collectors is subject to forgery, regardless of its country of origin.

Gold 5 Rubles: How to Spot a Near-Perfect Counterfeit

13 нояб · Three types of counterfeit 5-ruble gold coins, made in three different workshops, are presented for analysis. Three genuine coins are also used for comparison. One of the counterfeits is of very high quality, making it difficult to identify, yet it cannot be called perfect.

A New Level of Forgery: How to Identify Dangerous Copies of 18th-Century Coins

13 нояб · Simple and primitive copies of ancient coins are being replaced by more dangerous forgeries. These specimens are made at a high level and can be found both online and in the trading stalls of clubs and antique shops.

The Art of Coin Photography: A Dealer's Guide

13 нояб · After the coins are sorted and prepared, one of the most crucial stages in a numismatic dealer's work begins: photography. This is an integral part of the business, on which the success of a sale directly depends. A photograph serves a dual function: on one hand, it must evoke a potential buyer's desire to purchase the coin immediately.

Gold Coins of Nicholas II: How to Avoid Buying a Sophisticated Counterfeit

12 нояб · For collectors of gold coins from the era of Nicholas II, one of the most serious problems is the risk of acquiring sophisticated counterfeits. This is a challenging task, as it involves not crude copies, but skillfully altered genuine coins that require careful examination and specialized knowledge for their detection.

A Collector's Puzzle: Originals or Skillful Fakes?

12 нояб · A controversial situation arose on an online marketplace concerning several lots. After public comments pointed out signs of forgery, the sellers, lacking counterarguments, blacklisted the commenter and relisted the items. This allowed them to eliminate critical comments and hide information from potential buyers.

Antique Appraisal: Why You Shouldn't Trust Neural Networks

12 нояб · Among recent acquisitions, one antique brooch stands out. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that a rather rare coin is set into the frame. This makes the item particularly valuable for collectors.

A Guide to Selling Antiques: From Appraisal to a Successful Deal

12 нояб · Selling antiques attracts different categories of people. They can be conditionally divided into three main groups, each pursuing its own goals in this market.

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