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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,199 |
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Valued Member
United States
163 Posts |
hey guys, I've been hunting around for an authentic example of a racketeer nickel for some time now. I dont want one that was just plated recently, like what Littleton Coin Company does. I know there's not really a 100% sure way to know if one was actually used back in the day to look like a $5 gold piece, but I know theres definitely some properties to look for. Anyways, I found this listing and to me, it looks like it could be the real deal. Id appreciate if you guys took a look and gave your opinion! The gold plating seems to have worn down at a similar rate with the coin, and there is gold still in the deepest parts of the coin as one would expect. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1883-Liber...352737734776Thank you guys! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4266 Posts |
Sorry I can't help you with that one, but I have a very similar example that was given to me as a type set filler by my uncle years ago.  It's obviously seen better days, but the removed mount on the reverse, which appears to have been added after the plating wore off (no gold can be seen in the crack around it) gives me the impression that the plating has been there a while. I'll add that while the example on the bay looks like this on the obverse, the reverse appears to have a clearly demarcated ring of gold around the edge and an unplated center.  Edited by Numisma
08/12/2019 1:09 pm
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Valued Member
United States
163 Posts |
the reverse of the ebay one does look a little suspicious. thanks for your reply!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
582 Posts |
I know that some of the so-called "authenic" Racketeer Nickels have engraved reeding on the edge to further make the coin appear to be a gold piece, but I noticed that the eBay seller you refer to does not mention the edge of that coin. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4266 Posts |
Quote:I know that some of the so-called "authenic" Racketeer Nickels have engraved reeding on the edge to further make the coin appear to be a gold piece, but I noticed that the eBay seller you refer to does not mention the edge of that coin. Good point. Mine isn't reeded either, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was plated a while after 1883.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
53614 Posts |
This would not be a difficult effect to achieve. I'd be skeptical.
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Moderator
United States
18285 Posts |
Unless you have solid provenance going back to at least 1900, I would be very suspicious. Even then, I would be cautious.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Valued Member
United States
163 Posts |
thank you guys! I'll hold off on the purchase for now. bummer
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2526 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3750 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
55 Posts |
 This is my racketeer nickel I purchased at an antique store years ago has most of the gold plating worn off but it appears to be left in places it would more difficult to come off.. the edge is also reeded and plated as well that is the reason I ended up purchasing this coin. You were saying that you'd like to find an authentic one id definitely start with the reeding on the edge I read in an article that older specimens has hand reeds made reeds in them do to the fact the $5 gold coin has them. To make them look for authentic
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Moderator
United States
94382 Posts |
Very nice!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2172 Posts |
Being this size of a nickel is one of the most disappointing things about a half eagle. But the dime-sized quarter eagle is even more disappointing.
My feeling is always "Is that all?" Eagles are much more satisfying size-wise.
"Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
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Valued Member
United States
55 Posts |
Your exactly right THQ the v-nickel diameter 21.21mm and the golden eagle is 21.6mm crazy similar... the biggest difference is the weight the v-nickel is 5 grams and the golden eagle is 8.36 grams... almost a 2/3's heavier than a standard v-nickel
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14608 Posts |
Quote:
This would not be a difficult effect to achieve. I'd be skeptical.  . I would not buy that coin as a genuine racketeer Nickel . 
Proud Member of The Black Sheep Squadron !
In Memory of Fallen Black Sheep Mates .
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New Member
United States
2 Posts |
I'd like to weigh in here by presenting an article from the Smithsonian magazine that show a racketeer nickel unearthed in Deadwood. This is the "only know racketeer nickel to be unearthed in an archeological dig". https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smar...l-180961066/I think this puts to rest the idea that "real" racketeer nickels had ridges on the edges. The plating process of the day employees a solution of gold chloride to put a thin layer of gold. This was and is often referred to as gilting or a gold wash. This was used to coat the inside of teaspoons, drinking glasses and bowls. This type of plating would not adhere well to the ridges of a coin. This would look particularly bad if the edges were done in a crude handmade process. The coin found at Deadwood had no ridges and the plating is a good example of gilting or flash. The modern electro plated coins have a shiny smooth finish and over time this process causes the copper to migrate to the surface and break the gold surface (copper creep). Better modern flashed coins take this into account. The photos in the link below show a modern racketeer nickel made a few months ago using the gilting or flash process. http://www.necoinexchange.com/blogI have not seen an example of a certified racketeer nickel from NGC or PCGS - I would love to hear from them on this subject. |
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,199 |
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Posted 08/12/2019 1:26 pm
