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 Replies: 416 / Views: 98,404 |
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Pillar of the Community
2087 Posts |
The Die cracking on that coin is typical( but not exclusive to) of Rome mint struck MTT. unfortunately with the wear there is the simplest method of confirming Rome may not work, which is; weigh it. Rome Mint MTT are struck on a slightly higher standard silver planchet, 835 instead of the normal 833. An uncirculated variety would weigh some where between 28.07 and 28.14 grams. However if yours weighs less than that ( which I suspect it would because of the edge wear the only solid confirmation would be XRF. Hopefully there is a friendly dealer near you who will analyze it for you. If it is Rome then it is a nice piece of WWII memorabilia.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3229 Posts |
Sorry that I forgot the weight. It is 28.1 grams and is 41 mm. How is XRF testing done?
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Pillar of the Community
Hong Kong
1270 Posts |
Can't be H62. Yes, it is probably be a Rome specimen (H71) or more likely to be H49 to me.
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Pillar of the Community
2087 Posts |
Quote:
How is XRF testing done? XRF = X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Its a non-destructive means of assay. Assuming the surface of a coin has not been doctored it can be "scanned" with X-rays the results will show the surface composition of the alloy. The equipment is not cheap (US$6000 - US$16000+). I understand a number of US dealers now own such machines. If you can find such a dealer then it will take only a few moments to confirm the alloy. I assume your scales measure to 2 decimal points so the weight you report is strongly indicative of a Rome mint strike. If your scale is less sensitive then there is still some doubt. I suspect it is Rome but I wouldn't hang my hat on it until an XRF has been conducted. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3229 Posts |
Austrokiwi and wonghinghi thanks a bunch!  I will have to look around for someone with an XRF tester. Even if I don't find one it looks like I have narrowed this coin down to a Rome H71 (WWII era) or Vienna H49 (1860-1900). This detective work is fun and educational!:) Maybe I will have to go get that other MTT...hmmm...  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3499 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Hong Kong
1270 Posts |
It looks the central Austrian shield has 2 dots for your coin so I tend to believe it is a H62 specimen rather than H61a.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3499 Posts |
wonghinghi- thanks for the input. I would have thought so too, but it came In an old display holder that said "1973" on it. could this mean that it is in fact the older of the two aforementioned varieties?
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Pillar of the Community
Hong Kong
1270 Posts |
Sorry I have no idea about that, Archraz. Maybe austrokiwi can give an idea.
Anyway, your "discovery" is quite useful to make an evidence either (I suppose your coin was actually minted around 1973):
i) the 2 dots on the Austrian shield it might happen throughout 1960s' to 1980s' specimens intermittently, not a cutting line to the MTT restike varieties.
ii) or Hafner's lexicon also missed this minor observation, it may be safer to classify both H61a with H62 in one catalog number.
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Pillar of the Community
2087 Posts |
That last coin has me thinking hard, Hence the slowness of a response from me. Its testing what I thought I knew ( no surprise as MTTs can do that all the time) The condition and features of the Obverse and Reverse suggest a post 1960s date. However the edge doesn't match the expectations.....the edge is well formed and really suggests to me a pre 1960 strike. I am going to have to do some more digging on this one.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3499 Posts |
austrokiwi- Thanks for the info and help! I do look forward to hearing your findings.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2637 Posts |
Edited by Arkie
07/25/2013 12:01 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2637 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Hong Kong
1270 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
2087 Posts |
Arkie: Both could be Rome...or Vienna certainly both are of a pre WWII or immediately post World war type.
Wonghingi: Looks like a Chinese made fake that one. Actually of all the old dated coins the MTT is the one that could actually get counterfeiters in China into trouble..as the coin is still produced in Vienna and is legally recognized.
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Replies: 416 / Views: 98,404 |
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Posted 07/19/2013 08:51 am
