Thanks for the technical details and a very informative posting. Do you know that if the same method was applied for smaller denominations? I checked few of my coins and don't see much scalloping on these. Any additional info provided is much appreciated. Regards, Ballabh Garg
Yes it was used on all denominations. Some of the pics I posted were of the smaller denomination coins. There is a great deal of information regarding this, much more than I would like to type out. But primarily it has to deal with how the design varies according to year and mint. This info can be used to help with authentication, it is that precise. The book I would suggest for this info is The Columnarios of Central and South America by Frank Gilboy.
Hope you don't mind if I throw one in! This is my favorite type coinage - here's one from Bolivia. A friend helped pick it up for me on the floor of the heritage auction a while back.
Thanks for the info and confirming about scalloping on smaller denomination. I had to take out the coins from holders to see these edge markings. I will keep and eye on the reference book you mentioned and I hope I will be able to get it soon. Regards, Ballabh Garg
The mentioned columnario book runs $450 and up, and I have seen it for sale in various internet bookstores.
And, here is a nice little counterfeit one. The weight is a few grams (4 gr) less than the (27.0642 gr) it's susposed to be...
Bone, I remember you said that one is magnetic. Do you still have it? If so can you post a photo of the edge devices?
Yes, fairly crude, thanks for the picture. Unfortunately this diagnostic not visible in a typical seller's photo.
Well now, you can use it as just another 'Secret Weapon' against counterfeits. My oldman used to say this... "The person who asks the questions in a deal should already know the answers..." Basically forewarned is forearmed. Take Care Ben