Opinions Needed Copper 1846 Half Eagle Revisited

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Evan8, Jan 10, 2020.

  1. Evan8

    Evan8 A Little Off Center

    Awhile back I posted this thinking it might be a contemporary counterfeit 1846 Half Eagle struck in copper, but I'm not 100% sure it is. It the details aren't crude like most counterfeit gold coins I have seen. And most contemporary counterfeit gold show traces of gold wash. This piece doesnt show that at all. In fact this piece shows the same details exactly like an authentic large date 1846 half eagle. Also shows, obviously weak strike and wear. The diameter is also the same as a normal half eagle.

    As for the reverse it appears to have been glued to something. It is hard to tell but there may still be glue on the reverse, but I am not willing to dip it in acetone to find out, as it is copper.

    The edge is reeded as well.

    I just don't know what it is. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

    20180630_172722.jpg
    20180630_172802.jpg
     
  2. Avatar

    Guest User Guest



    to hide this ad.
  3. iontyre

    iontyre Active Member

    half cent planchet (23mm) erroneously struck on half eagle dies (21.6mm)?
     
    GeorgeM likes this.
  4. Treashunt

    Treashunt The Other Frank

    veddy interesting
     
  5. Evan8

    Evan8 A Little Off Center

    I looked at that too but the coin measures the exact 21.6 mm of a real half eagle. I measured with a caliper. Also am not sure that is even possible as the half cent planchet wouldnt fit in a half eagle collar.
     
    Pickin and Grinin likes this.
  6. Evan8

    Evan8 A Little Off Center

    Also the weight is 4.76 grams.
     
  7. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    I recently saw (here? on eBay?) a display that was something like "coins of the old West", with reproductions of all the gold denominations. I think it was advertised as holding one-sided copies of the coins.

    I can imagine a similar presentation with two-sided, gold-plated reproductions, but at that point the manufacturer would've been well out of "hobby reproductions" and into "counterfeiting".

    And your coin looks circulated, not just damaged.
     
    Evan8 likes this.
  8. Evan8

    Evan8 A Little Off Center

    I thought of some sort of reproduction as well, but even those can be crude compared to authentic examples. This coin even has the correct details down to the date position when compared to authentic examples on coin facts.

    The glue on the reverse does, to me anyway, suggests that it was displayed at some point.
     
  9. Kentucky

    Kentucky Supporter! Supporter

    Where did you find it?
     
  10. Evan8

    Evan8 A Little Off Center

    Ebay. Kinda had to haggle with the seller who said it was on consignment. Originally wanted $300 for it, after a couple of weeks they agreed to let my buy it for $100. Seller had no clue about coins. I literally thought it was just a contemporary counterfeit until i got it in hand. Ive had it now for about a year or so.
     
  11. Derek2200

    Derek2200 Well-Known Member

    A details coin at best.

    Send it to GC raw coin service submission to PCGS? Perhaps they bid it up. Maybe it bring BV at worst.
     
  12. -jeffB

    -jeffB Greshams LEO Supporter

    Um, did you see the post where he said its weight was 4.76 g (instead of the expected 8.36)?
     
  13. desertgem

    desertgem Senior Errer Collecktor Supporter

    That's a coin to keep. It will keep you awake at night sometimes, but will keep the brain active trying to figure it out. Just don't start talking to it, that's a bad sign :) Jim
     
    CircCam, Evan8 and green18 like this.
  14. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins

     
  15. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins

    Alli Babba? Blue Gin or Chinese?
     
    Evan8 likes this.
  16. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins

    Speaking of Gin........I never touch the stuff, but another scotch whiskey?

    Well, it is Friday night and.......
     
    Mainebill and Evan8 like this.
  17. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

    I think it is a contemporary counterfeit almost looks like there was some kind of gold wash on it. I’d use acetone to get the crud off anyway
     
    green18 likes this.
  18. Evan8

    Evan8 A Little Off Center

    You understand it is a gold half eagle design on copper right? So it is 1 of 3 things. It is an error wrong planchet, die trial strike, or just a fake whether contemporary or a modern reproduction.
     
  19. Evan8

    Evan8 A Little Off Center

    Definitely keeping it for sure. And I mean, it's not like I have had a full conversation with it or anything...
     
    CircCam likes this.
  20. green18

    green18 Unknown member Sweet on Commemorative Coins

    Good indeed because the minute they start talking to us, and us to them, means we need to visit a tropical place with women most beautiful and scenery most serene.....
     
    Evan8 and Mainebill like this.
  21. Mainebill

    Mainebill Bethany Danielle

    I’m ready any time
     
Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page