Is This A Replica Or Real ?

A shooting Thaler is not really a coin in the normal sense of the term. They are given a denomination and some people treat them as if they were coins but it is really a gray area. Notice this one has a Davenport number.

These are medals - they are engraved in high relief as a medal is. Circulation wear is NEVER observed. Improper handling and storage cause damage but not "wear" in the classic sense. Medals including shooting thalers are often retruck or replicated as most medals are. Both forms are often collected for similar reasons. You need an expert to tell you if the dies for this one still exist.

Off hand and with only a very limited review, I see nothing seriously improper with the offering. But in my opinion it is likely a restrike from well executed transfer impressions. Medals more than coins nearly always require an in hand inspection. The reason I say this is a slight loss of depth (see bridge of the woman's nose) that resembles lapping. Add that to the clear name Brehmer on the base and I get the feeling this may be a well known replica in medal collecting circles.

You refer to polishing - that is part of the issue with medals. Since they are not really coins polishing was very common to the point that some seem to have no MS examples remaining at all.

They are really viewing pieces and mottled toning used to be far worse than cleaning - at least when I was a kid and learning the business. But now with the stupid Sheldon scale everyone is looking at perfect surfaces and eye appeal is out the window, An UGLY medal with staining is just an ugly hunk of metal.

I will get off my soap box about grading and medals.

Just be aware that when collecting medals you will find more that are cleaned than have original surfaces. You will find that restrikes are often treated as originals and that copies are sometimes also extended similar status. It is a different market where rarity is almost meaningless.

I think it is as "genuine" as you usually in a restrike of a medal.

swamperbob: I have never collected medals, but I find your post very informative.