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Archaeology/Egyptian scarabs

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Expert: - 4/22/2010


Question

Scarab
Hello Mr. Salier,
I notice that on e-bay, there are many ancient Egyptian scarabs for sale that are in the $50 to $400 price range.  Is it illegal to purchase or sell scarabs?  Are the scarabs most likely fake?  They appear to be authentic and most of the sellers say that they are authentic.  Attached is an image of one such scarab.  Thank you

Answer
Hi Guy,

Chances are very high that if it is on e-bay it is a modern "Antique".  These have been made for the tourist trade for the last 300 years but are NOT real.  The Egyptian govt. has very harsh laws for antiquites theft and sale.  Some scarabs may be real but these would need authentication and provanance documenting their arrival in north america prior to 1909.

I wouldn't spend the money on these.

I bought a ruby on ebay once.  It was a ruby but of such poor quality, it may as well have been glass.  So  the old Roman warning holds true -buyer beware!.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks for the amazing speedy reply! It's nice to know there are people out there who can provide advice when I am uncertain about antiques.


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Ralph Salier

Expertise

Archaeologist for the last 30 years. Norh American generalist and Hopwell culture/Red Ocher culture specifically. Lithics Expert and Ground Stone tools.

Experience


Past/Present clients
Numerous museums in US and Canada. Several University Anthropology Departments.

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