1771 Peru 8 Reales Pillar

Hello jfransch, This is one of about a dozen copy coins/cobs I got from a dealer that "claimed" he had I.d.ed them as "copies" from other dealers that thought they were real. This would have happened 30 or more years ago, so I can only go by what he told me on that.

Very nice web-site! The "modern pirates" section has alot more fakes than I have ever seen! I will have to sit down with my fakes and see how many are listed.....Thanks again!

Hi guys. You all seem very knowledgable about these coins, and while I'm trying to learn fast, I would really appreciate it if someone more experienced could take a quick look at the following images of a coin I'm considering buying as a gift for my daughter's 18th Birthday. It looks fairly genuine to me, but I'd appreciate an expert eye before I commit my money. Thanks in advance for any feedback.







I'm waiting to hear back from the seller what the exact weight of the coin is, but just going by these images, do you think it's likely genuine, or counterfeit ?

UPDATE: The seller reports that the coin weighs 26.6g

[images]

Hi Mathieu. Thanks for your comment, and I agree, the edge was one of my major worries, although I was wondering if it was a genuine edge that had been filed at some point, removing the contours of the striking and just leaving the indents of the holes. Also, I'm really worried about the "R" from the 8R on the pillar side. It's so mis-struck it looks like a K, although I guess this could be from later damage.

I agree it needs an expert eye, which is why I hoped the forum would chip in with their opinions.

Hi Bob .. that was my suspicion.

However, as you say, it can be more valuable than the real thing to the right buyer.

I can get hold of this coin for apx $80 US

james_euro The price is good and I would love to own it to have it included as an edge variety in our upcoming book. Bob

What you are talking about is a variety of edge clipping. There were many ways to steal silver from a coin and then pass it off in change.

But in this case, the only way that would be possible was for the entire edge to have been filed off and a NEW INCORRECT edge applied. I have a few examples of that actually happening. Coins of this type are still classified as "Counterfeit" under the category of FRAUD.

The problem with this edge is the pattern that remains. The real edge has circles and rectangles that are raised above the edge. Here the edge is highest and the circles and squares are pressed INTO the edge. There is no way in my opinion to turn a real edge design into this pattern by filing.

Either a Counterfeit or a Fraud of this type is of roughly the same value anyway (at least to me). Neither are collectible as "REAL" coins.

Frauds just like Counterfeits are divided into two general types - Frauds meant to be used in circulation to steal a part of the silver and - Numismatic - frauds that meant to increase the value of a coin to collectors (repaired holes - changed dates, changed assayer initials or other alterations to make the coin appear rare).

Historic frauds are generally considered to be collectible but numismatic frauds are only of use to study techniques.

OK I will look for it.