Even with the details present, it looks more like a doubled die than double struck? Then again, I'm no expert on these. As a worn/buried/possibly cleaned coin, I think that's a great find for $5.
Posted 10/01/2009 12:23 am
Joe - the coin is an 8 Maravedis of Isabella II. The Queen's name is partial (--ABEL 2) but the bust is unmistakable. These were struck copper coins. There were several types but there are clues to narrow it down. The denomination 8 M appears on the bottom of the side with the cross - so it is a KM 512.2 or 512.3. There were only two dates of issue 1835 and 1836 for the 512.3 and one 1835 for the 512.2. Between the 8 and the M is the mint mark. It has to be either an aqueduct or a Crowned M. I believe I see the latter.
Now for the bad news. The coin is a counterfeit - a casting which appears to be bronze. Originals were struck in copper. Corrosion usually effects ALL of the surface not the fields only leaving the lettering intact. It could be an early attempt to copy a RARITY. The KM 512.2 is a $150 coin in VG.
The casting was likely a sand cast and the doubling was done in making the mold.
The good news is that as an early counterfeit it is definitely worth well over $5.
Now for the bad news. The coin is a counterfeit - a casting which appears to be bronze. Originals were struck in copper. Corrosion usually effects ALL of the surface not the fields only leaving the lettering intact. It could be an early attempt to copy a RARITY. The KM 512.2 is a $150 coin in VG.
The casting was likely a sand cast and the doubling was done in making the mold.
The good news is that as an early counterfeit it is definitely worth well over $5.
