Bogus 1833 Bust Half

Located my copy, 2nd edition. Davignon lists 42 varieties of the contemporary counterfeits therein; these for the year 1833. While 37 are die-struck, as the subject piece appears, 5 varieties are cast copies.

This is a relatively new area for me. If I'm reading the die markers correctly, the subject piece bears "OBV. 11 and REV. K." Davignon reports: "No. 463 in Riddell's 1845 monograph. Very Scarce (translates to 3-5 known at present)." Assuming that this piece is unknown to Davignon, the variety could then move it down to the "scarce" category of 6-10 known. As time passes, more of the many varieties will undoubtedly be recorded. Yet, as a general rule, even the most common varieties of these will rarely be held in the average coin collector's hands, I'd venture to say.

Perhaps, another more well-studied collector of these will chime in and either confirm or correct my attribution ...

That's quite a collection you have going there, Harveypb! Thanks for confirming my thoughts on attribution.

I've long collected unusual numismatic items, and these contemporary counterfeits much suit my interest. As the OP learned, dealers will often cut these loose for modest prices. Like many other forms of exonumia, these will surely increase in value as collector knowledge, thence interest, widens. Also, I'm of the opinion that U.S. type collectors would do well to include one of these in their collection. These contemporary counterfeits speak to the Hard Times era and numismatic history.

Davignon made mention in his book, I believe, that silver dropped below face value in the late 1830's, making it affordable for counterfeiters to mix some in their wares. Their product would then have the "ring" and look more real, color-wise. Davignon's book has some very interesting history and yarns therein. As such, it's more than a catalog, it's a good read!

Harvey have you checked out Fortin's site? He has a section where he lists contemporary counterfeits for sale; you'll have to scroll down for the Capped Bust halves but he has a few.

http://www.seateddimevarieties.com/...sts/bogo.htm


-MV

I seem to get better prices when I find them myself at the local coin shows. There's at least 3 shows a month down here in South Florida within about 60 miles. There's a 4th show (that would make a show almost every weekend) but its 180 miles (one way) away......

Unholyroller ... Not a blanket or general statement on my part but with regard to the production of counterfeits - I mentioned that because the lower silver value then made it more affordable for counterfeiters to mix some silver in with the pot metal. Thus, the cheaper silver would enhance the color of the counterfeits and give the fakes something of a "ring" which would then give the pieces a more legitimate look. It's clear that the Hard Times era saw a sharp increase in the production of these counterfeits, evidenced by the comparatively high ratio of CBH's to the then newer Seated Liberty design.

One of the reasons we have so many high grade CBH's today is that they generally didn't see much circulation in those early years. As specie coins, they were hoarded by banks and individuals who could afford to "sit" on silver these coins.

....considering there was no Dollar coin (save the Gobrecht) while they were minted.

The amazing part is that the dealer didn't know it was fake

Makes you wonder about the dealer