New Evidence! To Discuss With Swamperbob

I would agree that the two coins appear to be manufactured from the same obverse (shield) die. The reverse dies are slightly different. The Crown sits slightly differently on the two coins note the point where the crown meets the globe on the LEFT side. The dentils on the Heritage coin are radial as they should be. The deterioration suggests that your coin was struck before the Heritage example.

That proves the two coins are from the same source but does not prove they are both original. They could just as well both be well executed forgeries. The punch sequence of the dies is still in my opinion incorrect.

Since I am evaluating pictures only it is impossible to be sure, but I know that counterfeits have gotten by all of the TPGs and auction houses at one time or another. I think SG and XRF are critical in this case.

I completely agree with you that MUCH more research is needed.

Fifty years ago the Pillar dollar coins were ignored and there was no concern about forgery. But today that has changed.

Unlike US coins where methods of die manufacture are well documented - very little in the way of information exists about die making methods used by Spanish Colonial and Early Republican Governments. What I have learned has come in small increments - a clue here a hint there. But in the end I have, at least in my own mind, established how these dies were most likely crafted.

Anytime I spot a die that violates those parameters - I want absolute proof that the coin is real. I do not trust the opinions of many of the TPG experts. They have less actual time studying this variety than I do. They will encapsulate coins that I never would agree to, but conversely I could not do a good job with 99% of issues from other countries where they arre more expert than I am.

I am open to modifying my parameters on die making techniques but NOT SIMPLY BECAUSE a TPG or an Auction House pronounces a coin real. I always ask WHY!

Any time you want to address issues further just post them. I am hanging around most days.