Racymac Posted April 3, 2014 Report Share Posted April 3, 2014 ...so, I'm not optimistic, but I cannot find an image on the net that clearly identifies this as a 'fake.' I am far from an expert. I bought a large stash of world coins and this was among them. I'd be grateful for any insights. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccg Posted April 4, 2014 Report Share Posted April 4, 2014 Welcome! This one's pretty easy to make a call on, and it's fake. Several keys: 1. It's a mule 2. Chinese characters are flat as if worn though piece is clearly not worn 3. Metal is not silver 4. Surfaces are rough Another one would be anytime you see a "Chinese silver dollar" in a batch that doesn't contain other older Chinese coins, it's almost always fake. They're not the type of item that would show up in a typical lot and even then they're pretty easy to spot and be pulled out as a higher value item to be sold on its own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racymac Posted April 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2014 Hi and thank you. I tend to think it is not real, but perhaps I should clarify a little more. It actually did come with other coins. The majority (from China) date back to the 1920s. There are also several from Japan from 1920 to 1930 (as well as others from Korea and Hong Kong that are not so old). Also, I took the picture at night, and it looks much more bronze in tone then it is. The true color looks like tarnished sterling. It also has no metallic scent. I only have a house magnet, therefore and am not quite sure how that test is conducted? It is magnetic (from a refrigerator magnet) (Don't cringe please!). I also read that one could put an ice cube on it, and it would melt very quickly because of the conductivity. I have to say, the ice immediately forms a puddle...I will retake pictures in better light and post again, if that is worthwhile (?). (I received it in one of those white paper and plastic, covered, stapled coin holders. I removed it because I wanted to get a clearer picture. So, it appears the coin had been stored in something protective...but I do appreciate you willingness to respond. Thank you. : ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccg Posted April 5, 2014 Report Share Posted April 5, 2014 To clarify, I am seeing it as an off-white, though the color is far down on my list on reasons why this piece is not genuine. And on coming with other coins, I would mean coming with other coins that one would be contemporary to it. (e.g. cash coins, other late Imperial Chinese) The magnet test would be the proverbial nail in the coffin since silver is not magnetic. The easiest giveaway is that this piece is a mule - to clarify, the Chinese side and the English side don't match. It's quite possible the previous owner may had received it as a gift, or purchased it as a "space filler" - modern copies of Chinese silver dollars are widely available in most Chinatowns anywhere in the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Racymac Posted April 5, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2014 Thank you. I am sure you are correct. I appreciate the 'mule' clarification. I have a lot to learn. I will do more reading before I speak again!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cklm_2014 Posted June 22, 2014 Report Share Posted June 22, 2014 Sure. It is a fate one if you could read Chinese character. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.