If you are a collector of antiques or old coins then you have probably heard warnings about being careful when you buy and what you buy. This happened to me when I first started collecting old coins, and a good friend of mine from the Sadigh Gallery in New York was keen to warn me of the dangers of buying these items.
Collecting either antiques or coins is a great hobby and something which I genuinely enjoy doing. With this being said however, I am more than aware of the potentail dangers which there are when buying these kinds of items. You have to know your stuff, and here is exactly why.
Selling Fakes
When it comes to buying items the biggest risk is that you pick up a fake replica of what you were actually looking for. This could cost you a small amount of money or it could cost you quite a chunk of change. Copying artwork is harder and harder because of the technical ability which is required, when it comes to old vases and coins however, this is much easier for fraudsters to mimic, and that could see you out of pocket. The quality of the fakes is very high which is exactly why you have to know your stuff.
Getting It Checked
If you are ever going to a store to buy a piece and you wish to have it authenticated, be sure that you are taking your own authenticator with you. Sadly there are some stores out there who sell fakes and who will actually work with their own ‘authenticators’ to give you the green light even though the piece isn’t real. This thankfully doesn’t happen too often but it does exist and it is one of the reasons why you have to take such care.
Buying Online
Buying these kind of items online is dangerous if the piece is worth a good amount of money. It is essential therefore that if you are going to spend a good amount of money, that you go to see the item in person first. Failing this, you should ensure that you are buying from reputable dealers who have a fantastic reputation and a lot of experience. The internet has given the fraudsters a great place to ply their trade and that is why it is essential that you don’t allow them to do that.
Wrong Details
In some cases you may buy an ancient coin from someone who does in fact have good intentions, yet they lack knowledge. If you are not aware of all of the details that you should be looking out for then you may find yourself buying a piece for way over what you should be, simply because you have confused it with a more expensive piece.
Always be careful whenever you are buying these items, so that you don’t end up losing the money which you are spending.
