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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,174 |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
8938 Posts |
While going some of my MTs recently I noticed something with one of them. The coin is visibly smaller then my others, though not my a large margin. This is best showcased by the SF under the bust on the obverse falling off the coin, and the bottom of the reverse falling off as well. In addition, and possibly most interesting, is the edge. MTs have a design on the edge, it's not lettering and admittedly I'm not sure what the proper term is, but the design on the edge of this one is much thicker and more raised by far then all of my other MTs. I have little experience in MTs other than collecting a few that caught my eye due to toning, so I'd appreciate someone much more versed then myself informing me about this piece. I'm sorry the reverse image is sort of yellow washed, my phone tends to do that with darker or lustrous coins for some reason.   |
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Valued Member
404 Posts |
Can you provide a weight? That is the most important detail in determining exactly what is going on. These have been struck for so long, that there is bound to be some variation in plachets used, etc. But, as a trade (later bullion) coin, the fineness and weight are the things that should always be constant.
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Might be a shaved edge coin. People shave the edge of a bunch of silver or gold coins to gather up precious metal shavings then melt it. When they have enough to sell they do. John1  |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
If it is genuine, but has had it's dignity removed by shaving, it should be under weight.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
8938 Posts |
Sorry for the delay! I had to get new batteries for the scale so that caused a delay. Weight is 28g on the dot
Edited by GrapeCollects
10/22/2020 12:02 am
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Valued Member
404 Posts |
Hiya, that weight is spot on. I suspect that the planchet was simply a bit smaller, but within mint tolerances. This would also explain why the edge lettering is more pronounced - as the metal had more space to move, it provided a higher relief in the collar. Again, these have been produced over such a long period, there is bound to be some sort of variance - as trade and later bullion issues, the weight and purity are the key metrics for the mint to keep standard.
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Pillar of the Community
Sweden
2124 Posts |
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Valued Member
404 Posts |
Good thinking @erafiel - I had completely forgotten about the Birmingham strikes.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8938 Posts |
Thanks guys! I appreciate the help and info on this.
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,174 |
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Posted 10/21/2020 04:30 am
