Hi all, I am curious about this silver rupee coin. I've had this for maybe 10-12 years now. The lack of details on King Edwards head is very odd. The surface looks sand blasted but has very nice cartwheel luster. I would say it is acid etched if not for the luster. The reverse also has very nice luster and is toned. The fact that the ear is in heavy detail but the rest of the hair/beard is not makes me think the coin is may not be real. 1905 is not a particularly rare date and unless it was a contemporary fake, it would make no sense. What do you all think?
Looks to me like a modern copy. The surface has not been sandblasted. The way the ear stands out untouched proves it. I believe this piece may have been cast in a mold.
Size is bang on target with a few other silver rupees I have (both diameter and thickness). I'll try to get an accurate weight this weekend. Thanks for your comments numismat, just a question though - do cast coins show good luster? I have never come across a cast silver coin before. If it is a cast coin, perhaps it is a jewllers copy? When I got this coin (2000 according to records, the bullion value would have been $1.50 or so. My mom, who bought it, paid the equivalent of about $2.00) - so not much value in copying this.
Initial reaction - fake. However look at this site: http://www.chiefacoins.com/Database/Countries/India-Edward_VII.htm Some of these make him equally as bald, could be from harsh cleaning/polishing? Quick thought, is it attracted to a magnet?
If it actually is solid silver, that would be unusual. Most fakes of these coins are an alloy that looks vaguely silverish. It hasn't had harsh cleaning or polishing, it's just how it was made.
It does seem odd that anyone would have faked this when silver prices were so low. If it passes the magnet test and the weight is right, I would be inclined to think the coin was legit and some kind of mint error is at work (possibly something like dust on the planchet?)
Re-engraved ear?? The fields near the date on the reverse look kind of funky too. I would say fake, though for what reason I have no idea.
Sorry to go missing there for a bit - work pressures Anyways, I did weight the coin - it weighs 11.68 grams - which is 0.02 grams above the 11.66 specified, but should be within tolerance. (I do not know what the tolerance on these would be. Not attracted to a magnet. Weights correct and has the correct dimensions. In all, it seems to a silver issue. Just looks odd on one side. Spock, when you say marriage token, you mean someone just went out and minted this coin on their own for a marriage? Thanks again everyone for the input!
