Henri IV Argent Real Or Fake

The edge of the coin in the picture clearly shows that the coin was struck in collar on a modern coining press - by my estimate within the past 100 years (most likely more recently).

Manufacture of coins mirrors the progression of technology, so studying both proves helpful. In the 1500's nearly every coin made world wide was hammered. They were struck by hand using two dies. The anvil die was fixed on a bench and the hammer die was loose and held by hand. The coin was pounded into existance and the edge was rough.

This resulted in thieft of silver by cutting away at the edge.

So the goal became the manufacture of a ROUND coin that had some edge defining devise so that "clipping" could be visually detected.

As technology progressed it was used to improve coining methods to achieve the goal of a tamper proof coin. There were Roller Presses - Rocker presses and Screw Presses all used over the next 3 centuries to speed things up and edge devices of various sorts were added.

But the coin in the picture was made on a press that has a retaining collar - a third die that creates an EDGE. It also produces a completely ROUND coin. In this case the edge is plain (except for the post strike punch that was added). The coin blank (planchet) was struck while it was surrounded on all three sides by metal dies. The pressure of the strike completely filled the void between the three dies (the coining chamber) with metal. Once struck the collar die was Pulled down and the completed coin was ejected.

But since you indicate the coin is from Henry IV who was King of France from 1589 to 1610 - it should have been struck in an open sided press of some sort.

The item may be silver (argent means silver) so a Specific Gravity test is in order.

Since I can not see either face of the item I can not tell if it is a medal a restrike or a souvenir but I suspect it is a simple souvenier.

see if this works my photo bucket site
http://s580.photobucket.com/albums/ss244/1956pack/

Ok got it

Rarity of a medal is not an indicator of actual value. Many medals were manufactured in small groups.

There is an edge cut or rim ding near the silver marking so it is NOT a pristine copy either.

Most US dealers would buy it as bullion.

Absolutely - most of the elements of a medieval coining room are present.

Here's some good info on punch marks
http://jetoncollector.com/additiona...-jetons.html