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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,339 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
Sometimes I check auctions that are about to end - just in case I missed anything when they were first posted. I don't do this very often, so I rarely see the end of auctions I am not bidding on. But tonight I did and I may have to do this more often. Look at this auction. http://cgi.ebay.com/Mexico-8-Reales...in_W0QQitemZ a href= https://www.coincommunity.com/go/link.asp?target=https://www.ebay.com/itm/-/180160439218 target= _blank rel= nofollow 180160439218 /a QQihZ008QQcategoryZ541QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem This is a $1 common Chinese counterfeit. It is a piece of JUNK usually weighing about 20 grams and rarely made of anything other than cheap pot metal, but there are bids over $100 with a bit over an hour to go. What are these people thinking? They are not novice bidders either. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1713 Posts |
I know nothing about this coin so just out of curiosity, how do you tell if it's a fake?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2269 Posts |
Unless the bidders feel more confident its real, since the item is located in the US and not China.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5362 Posts |
arthrene - You ask how to tell the coin in the auction is a forgery. First the portrait of Charles III is not correct. The standard punches used for the King's portrait were made in Spain. The differences are VERY easy to spot in this case. Below is a real 1776 Mexican 8R - the portrait is not as crude. Just compare the details with the auction post. Image Insert: The next coin is a Chinese counterfeit - a modern one. It is better than the ebay auction and some copies are actually silver - but it is still a forgery. Image Insert: This next coin is also a Modern Chinese copy but the portrait is degraded. It is more crude but not as crude as the ebay auction. Image Insert: Now after looking at the portraits you should be able to tell. However, there are other clues on the ebay auction that should point to the forgery. The ebay coin has a well defined rim with dentils like a modern coin. However, original colonial 8Rs were made in an open sided screw press. The counterfeit was made in a closed chamber press with a colar die.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1713 Posts |
Thanks swamperbob! That was very helpful! I thought the nose looked funny on the auction one but I wasn't sure what the real one was supposed to look like.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
2830 Posts |
G'day, it went for US $114.38: ten bids.
but don't fret, he has two more on sale right now.
Obviously, he's uncovered a hoard of uncirculated coins from 1776, or perhaps in this case, it might be a "horde".
Peter in Oz
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
Aaron Feldman (a New York Coin dealer from decades back) once said "Buy the Book before the coin". It is a catchy phrase that I use all the time, but it is true. Never spend more that you are willing to lose on any coin that you do not know EXACTLY what an original looks like.
Any time anyone wants a second opinion on an 8R - just send along a scan. A direct contact by mail might be better to make sure I see the question.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
597 Posts |
Seller is also pawning off a fake handbag, and several more fake Mexican coins, and uses stock photos. He is not insane though, the insane ones are the bidiots that buy this stuff.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
533 Posts |
Thanks for the post! I have little experience with these coins and your posting the authentic next to the fake was a big help. If and when I get interested in them please be sure that I will take you up on your offer to send a scan for you to take a look at!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
jcook54 Anytime. At last count I believe I had 3 dozen or so different fake profiles for Charles III and a few more (perhaps 60) for Charles IV. These two portrait issues were the most extensively forged 8Rs with the exception of the Cap and Ray Mexican 8R.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1713 Posts |
swamperbob,
Are these fakes ones that you have come across in your coin dealings or ones found on the internet? Thanks again! They really are helpful!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4589 Posts |
wow I could even tell that the coin looked fake, so it must be a very poor fake.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5362 Posts |
arthrene These are fakes that I have seen on ebay. I own the identical types. These are also the more obvious fakes.
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,339 |
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Posted 09/23/2007 10:22 pm
