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 Replies: 15 / Views: 4,817 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4963 Posts |
I've mentioned it a couple of times, but a freshman at my high school has recently taken an interest in coins and come to me for a bit of guidance. Today, he showed me this piece, which apparently belonged to his grandfather. My first thought was that it was a modern reproduction on account of the deeply grooved, almost scalloped, edge and the general appearance. On comparing it to other pieces, however, I'm wondering if it's the real deal. I'd appreciate if anyone who knows their pillar dollars could give an opinion. It seems that some others have a similar edge, although not as pronounced. I asked him to bring it back tomorrow so I can weigh it, if that helps.   Thanks! Sorry for the blurry pictures, I was in a bit of a hurry. |
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Rest in Peace
10197 Posts |
Send a PM to Realeswatcher, that's his field of expertise as is Colonialjohn, he wrote the book(s) on them, literally!
Edited by Crazyb0
04/30/2018 6:12 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4883 Posts |
The dentils (what there are of them) say it's a forgery, and probably a somewhat modern one. It'll likely prove to be significantly underweight.
Colligo ergo sum
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New Member
United States
11 Posts |
Try to get the weight and specific gravity (if possible), and the diameter. I'm no expert so I'll enjoy seeing what realeswatcher says, but to me the dentils look fine. The pics are blurry but the impression of a raised rim on the obverse seems to be due to the edging process coupled with wear and not necessarily indicative of a fake.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1156 Posts |
 fluffy155 |
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New Member
United States
11 Posts |
Thanks, long time lurker!
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Moderator
 United States
189652 Posts |
to the Community, fluffy155! |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4963 Posts |
Well, I just weighed it, and it's pretty close: 26.82 g. I have clearer pictures I can upload when I get home.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4883 Posts |
That weight certainly doesn't invalidate it. My initial impression may well have been off base.
Colligo ergo sum
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4963 Posts |
As promised, here are some clearer photos.   One thing that stands out to me is shape of the letter N. It looks like something was going on with the punch- it makes me suspicious, but I don't know that it's not normal. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1156 Posts |
As far as the N punch, it looks worn down to the point where the thicker support backing the letter got impressed onto the die. So that is an indication of a hand punched die and I would call that a point in favor of a legitimate issue.
However, we need more to base an opinion on. Edge photos are a must. Specific gravity, or at least an accurate diameter and thickness would be helpful, too.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4963 Posts |
OK, I'll see what I can do. I doubt I'll be able to get the specific gravity, but I can take edge photos and measurements.
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Pillar of the Community
Hong Kong
1270 Posts |
The globes look not right to me. I tend to say it is not genuine on the whole. The forgery of this coin is very sophisticated. There are many examples in this forum. I also very agree that edge pictures are critical to decide it is fake or not.
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
21642 Posts |
Certainally not an expert on these but comparing to a genuine 8 real,
the date looks off and the location of the word 'VTRAQUE' in
regards to the left pillar is different from a genuine coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
Canada
24885 Posts |
To the Forum fluffy155  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3343 Posts |
I'm suspicious of the toning. It might only be the result of cleaning, but it looks deliberate, to brighten up the lettering and make the coin "pop". I can see it best on the 8. Compare these original vs heavily cleaned 4R cobs. These are probably fresh water shipwreck recovery coins.  The unaltered coin is very even in tone and pretty ugly. The altered coin was scrubbed with Bon Ami and a brillo pad. "Two minutes ago I would have sold my chances for a tired dime." Fred Astaire
Edited by thq
05/14/2018 9:44 pm
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Replies: 15 / Views: 4,817 |
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Posted 04/30/2018 6:16 pm
