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 Replies: 7 / Views: 3,152 |
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Valued Member
Germany
194 Posts |
The following coin has been under question, whether it is fake or real. The counterstamp is Portuguese, decreed in 1834, so the coin was almost 100 years old when it was counterstamped. Excellent condition for that. On one side, the counterstamp looks right, besides that, it is not known to be plaged by fakes. Also, the counterstike is usually very strong, just like in this case (while it is almost always a telltale sign of a fake in the Mexican War for Independence series, for example). However, the host coin was questioned, especially the toning and the strike problems in the V of the king's numeral, and the ET IMP. Does it look "familiar" to the specialists in this forum who have seen many more fakes than I have? Obviously, if the host is a modern counterfeit, so is the countermark.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
For roughly the past 12 months the Portuguese counterstamp has been appearing frequently on MODERN counterfeit 8R coins. This is an example of the forgery in my opinion. Host is modern and likely silver. The age of the coin at the time of the forgery is the first indication of problems and second is the fact that the stamp is MS. I know the stamp itself looks circulated but the impression left by the counterstamping is MS. Look at the way the details of the flat surface transferred to the coin. WHERE IS THE WEAR?  The stamp looks worn because the stamp was copied from a worn original - but the reverse is a dead give away. Also there is virtually NO Toning on the area on the reverse where the stamp impression occurs. The key is to look NOT AT THE STAMP but what it did to the host. |
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Valued Member
 Germany
194 Posts |
Well, one question I haven't found an answer for: where did the toning on the reverse go when the stamp was applied, be it now or 180 years back?
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Valued Member
United States
115 Posts |
Yes, I've seen this type of very doubtful example recently, too!
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Valued Member
Germany
194 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1801 Posts |
Of course the Hong Kong seller wouldn't be a red flag on a coin like this. Our hobby is being flooded with these fakes and our government doesn't seem the least bit interested in enforcing the current laws. Shameful.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1962 Posts |
Collectors, when adding this beauty to your collection, I recommend pairing it with a lovely 1762 Spain 8 Reales in AU or so... A freshly minted specimen can usually be found nearby to this one. Perhaps tack on a nice Charles III Santiago 4R?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
Someone asked where the toning went to on the stamp. I tried to reply to that earlier but my answer did not get through. The toning is first of all NOT original in this case. It was applied to a new coin chemically. The force of the strike adds enough heat to the coin to remove the toning. It is a case of "easy come easy go."  The pressure needed to "strike-up" an image like this is several thousands of pounds of force and actually causes the surfaces of the coin to liquefy slightly in the process and flow. This effectively absorbs the toning. |
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Replies: 7 / Views: 3,152 |
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Posted 10/27/2011 5:15 pm
