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.