Posted 06/17/2010 3:45 pm
cules Nice group of interesting but seldom seen coins. I do not really think too many members will even be familiar with the type. These, if real, are examples of RARE items which have a very limited market. If you find the right interested buyer they are in a collectible grade for the type. They are not extremely valuable in my experience.
I have a few coins of this type which are "real" but not quite identical in age or style. They all have the same strike characteristics as I see here. That speaks well for the possibility of the coins being real.
Why do you suspect a forgery?
Have you gotten an accurate weight of each coin? is there a range? Can you do a Specific Gravity?
If I were you I would photograph the coins placed side by side (without the holders) making sure the orientation of each is precisely the same. You seem to have several copies of the same date. That way it would be possible to see if multiple dies are used and also to determine if sufficient die to die variation exists of the PROPER KIND for one date. You can also determine (in some cases) if the dies were made by transfer from an original coin. If all copies lack detail in one area (or if one area appears to have been tooled on the die) you could have a forgery.
Small hoards of RARELY SEEN coins (even those not terribly valuable) are often forged and the counterfeiters rarely prepare multiple dies for their project. Matching dies in the case of worn copies (which I believe I see in this case, can be a dead give away for forgery. Even MS examples should show appropriate variations in striking pressure etc.
If I were not away from home I could photoshop the pictures into comparative shots to do measurements but the PC I am using will not allow me to work normally. I should be home in a week or so (family emergency).
I have a few coins of this type which are "real" but not quite identical in age or style. They all have the same strike characteristics as I see here. That speaks well for the possibility of the coins being real.
Why do you suspect a forgery?
Have you gotten an accurate weight of each coin? is there a range? Can you do a Specific Gravity?
If I were you I would photograph the coins placed side by side (without the holders) making sure the orientation of each is precisely the same. You seem to have several copies of the same date. That way it would be possible to see if multiple dies are used and also to determine if sufficient die to die variation exists of the PROPER KIND for one date. You can also determine (in some cases) if the dies were made by transfer from an original coin. If all copies lack detail in one area (or if one area appears to have been tooled on the die) you could have a forgery.
Small hoards of RARELY SEEN coins (even those not terribly valuable) are often forged and the counterfeiters rarely prepare multiple dies for their project. Matching dies in the case of worn copies (which I believe I see in this case, can be a dead give away for forgery. Even MS examples should show appropriate variations in striking pressure etc.
If I were not away from home I could photoshop the pictures into comparative shots to do measurements but the PC I am using will not allow me to work normally. I should be home in a week or so (family emergency).
