The Flea Market Archaeologist

The Flea Market Archaeologist - Book
by Michael J. Costa (still alive).

Summary: Archaeology: the lure of treasure-hunters-turned-scientists, the discovery of ancient artifacts and unknown civilizations. Now add Flea Markets to the mixture and you have Cultural Anthropology with antiquities galore. You never know what you will find there. Usually anything of value to history is not on the minds of overly-burdened vendors. Most vendors I had the chance to know want to sell you their prized junk, usually at cheap to modest prices. I collect for educational reasons, not for entertaining value. Each piece is a study-aid, from varied cultures of historical significance. Then came the addiction. Cataloged artifacts were largely over-priced according to the Flea Market vendors' opinion. Over priced or over- valued is hard to say. I use artifact catalogs mostly to examine what artifacts look like, what time period produced them, their size and shape, etc. This replaces a dig site or artifact books, though my personal "library" contains reference materials from the Near East to Western cultures. I have Stamp Collector books, Coin books (both American and Ancient), books on Marketed toys (the kind used to market films), and history books. For anyone interested in this concept, you will need a few suggestions. First, don't seem too interested in the item - that is a red flag to the vendor, which may increase the price of the artifact. Second, look around the object: see if there are any other items hidden beneath it or beside it. Once there was a statue I wanted, and it hid a pile of coins I hadn't noticed before, one of which was a 4 inch Chinese Cash coin. Third, bring a backpack or large duffle for multiple or larger items. I usually carry a backpack, though I prefer to find small objects there. Fourth, invest in plastic sleeves and 3-ring binders purchased at a local Office store; this is to preserve either paper items like postage stamps or currency, and for research materials with photos of the artifacts. Fifth, examine the items for any damage or marks which may indicate age or genuineness (fake artifacts can be identified by structural design or cross section). Researching items before going to a Flea Market is recommended so as to know what characteristics to look for in the vast wasteland of artifacts, if you plan on targeting one particular culture. Bring enough cash [especially one-dollar bills] as most vendors there rarely accept credit cards unless it is sports related or from an actual business like jewelry, College groups, or a marketplace. I have seen small businesses use Flea Markets to attract customers.

© Copyright 2012 Michael J. Costa, All rights reserved.

Artifacts

Artifacts in my collection vary.  Some are from Artifact catalogs of the 1990s CE or from independent auction houses operating via catalogs or online.  Others are from Estate Sales and Flea Markets, or Museum gift shops.  Some others were inherited.  Occasionally I found items that became parts of the collection (for a future Museum). The collection is for research purposes and to fulfill the pattern in collecting.  When collecting do you want a "complete picture" or just a "short version" of where everything originated?  Price never equals value.  

In Egypt today people are against collecting except for Museums.  The locals are told not to dig up their backyards for ancient heritage that they try to sell for profit (the country is mostly poor anyway) or to Tourists.  This practice is discouraged.  And illegal.  Current Laws are like "life imprisonment for selling or owning Ancient items," or for "climbing the Pyramids" (which could be damaged by the weight of the person).  Archaeologists of the future will be "excavating the Internet" looking for information. 

All items in  my collection were not "smuggled" anyplace as I do not travel outside of the USA except on rare Cruises.  The origins of the items came from the sellers.  Some can be Fake or Younger than stated.  Most are trustworthy (except Sadigh Gallery - why are they still in business?).  For example a Roman Coin from Octavian cost about $385; the same coin in the same seller cost "$1025."  If I buy it on "sale" or "special offer," of course this depends on the Condition of the Coin itself.  Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine, Mint, Uncirculated, and other ratings are standard.  

American Silver coins that do not have Mint Marks are Bullion (metal content). These cost less than others with Mint Marks (Proofs, or Commemorative).  

I do not Buy Anything on E-Bay especially after revolutions like the Arab Spring of 2011, or the Caliphate of Iraq and Syria in 2014.  Artifacts were smuggled out of those regions and sold online to unsuspecting patrons.  

- Mike Costa, Museum CEO and Founder, April 14, 2020.