Paper uploaded to the Newman Numismatic Portal = this paper discusses the analysis and classification of contemporary circulating counterfeit (CCC) Two Reales coins, focusing on their composition and manufacturing methods to determine their authenticity and characteristics.
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/650812The study focuses on Kleeberg CCC (contemporary circulating counterfeits) Two Reales, with a review of probable off-metal alloys. Initial XRF surface analysis indicated discrepancies in the classification of these coins. Various manufacturing methods, including casting and die transfer processes, are discussed. The paper emphasizes the need for SEM/EDS analysis to differentiate between casting and striking methods.
My paper on Kleeberg CCC2Rs where certain specimens were off-metal combined with regal dies has been published today on the Eric P. Newman Portal website thanks to Leonard Augsburger. This phenomenon does occur in Latin American CCCs but apparently not in English/Irish CCCs in terms of regal looking CCCs with off-metal alloys. Other Latin American CCC examples involving regal dies in an off-metal character involve 2, 4 & 8 CCC Escudos pieces made in Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au)/Platinum (Pt), Gold (Au)/Copper (Cu) & Gold (Au)-Silver (Ag) alloys along with the GNL varieties (CCC8Rs) supposedly made from transfer dies as noted by Gurney in his Un-Reales book. These have been identified in the Kleeberg article. Here is the Eric P. Newman Portal link:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/Library/booksbyauthor/524382 or use the link below. This also has my second SEM/EDS paper on some interesting Mexican War of Independence Monclova regal/counterfeit issues. This was also published in the Mexican Numismatic Association (MNA) website under the War of Independence category. This Kleeberg paper will soon be published by MNA along with my current Kleeberg CCC2R Colonial Newsletter update article under the Colonial section of the MNA website. My third SEM/EDS paper due out ~ February/March 2026 involves the Honduras 8 Reales Provisionals with Cu/High Lead (Pb) alloys. In this case Winston Zack did some preliminary XRF analysis of (Eight) specimens. This third paper in some aways advances the two other previous papers by using TWO COMBINED METHODS (XRF & SEM/EDS) analysis which is a powerful metallurgical analysis combination. Briefly - SEM/EDS is excellent for localized, high resolution analysis of coin surfaces, letting you map microstructural inclusions and detect light elements like oxygen or carbon. Its limitation is that it probes only a shallow depth and has relatively high detection limits for trace and heavier elements. By contrast, XRF penetrates deeper into the metal, is non-destructive, and provides more accurate bulk composition data with better sensitivity for mid to high Z elements such as lead, tin, or trace silver.
When combined, SEM/EDS gives you scale context — corrosion layers, surface enrichment, or alloy segregation — while XRF confirms the overall alloy recipe and detects trace elements that SEM/EDS might miss. For Honduras provisional coinage, which often shows variable copper lead alloys this pairing allows you to distinguish surface alteration from true mint composition, strengthening both authentication and metallurgical interpretation. ENJOY!
Posted 09/22/2025 4:54 pm
