Asking for help about Switzerland shooting thaler

I have a 1883 Lugano shooting festival 5 francs. It's in BU condition. Based on my experience, it should be a silver coin. I also carefully compare it with other pictures of the authentic coin and there should be no problem.

The only uncertain thing for me is with my scale it weighs 25.1 grams (0.885 oz) although sometimes it can weigh 25 grams. I have another Latvia 5 Lati silver coin, which is also in BU condition and always weighs 24.9 grams. Since both of the standard coins of them are 37 mm, 0.835 silver and 25.00 grams, just due to this very tiny difference, I doubt the authenticity of my Switzerland coin if assuming there is no problem with my scale. As we know, after the 18th century, the weight of the circulated silver coin should always be lighter than its standard weight.

Does anybody know anything about this coin? Or somebody ever met the same problem?

Jason

 

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Can you post an image of the coin?

 

How accurate is your scale? If it's resolution is only 0.1 gram it is probably just scale error. To weigh coins you really need a scale that has a 0.005 gram resolution. I have a Jennings that cost about $80 that I use and am very happy with after a parade of Ohaus that went bad after a year.

And trust me, coins never change weight. It's always the scale.

Please post a photo of the Lugano.

Here's my favorite gold Schutzenfest medal. A 1910 Bern, Richter #263a, designed by Holy Freres. Only 400 of these were minted in gold. Imagine that...

 

I really like that piece hiho!

 

Thank you guys! Busy with my study these days and will take the picture and post it soon. The resolution is 0.1 grams.

I know coins never change weight, or after circulation they still lose some weight, but I think they shouldn't be heavier than standard mint weight, no matter how heavier. Because there are so many fakes from China in the market, even there is very tiny thing I feel uncomfortable, I will doubt .......

By the way, what a nice medal !

 

1800 &1865 dollars

I resently found these coins in a box in france I understand the draped bust coin but dont understand the washington coin the washington coin is the size of the draped bust 38mm has anyone seen this coin ? all of the research i have done i have yot to see this coin in any book .

 

sorry my mistake its a heraldic eagle reverse in sted of a draped bust sorry

 

Thanks guys, that medal is one of my favorites.

And you are absolutely right Jason, coins should never weigh more than their documented mint weight. And the Chinese fakes are getting closer and closer everyday. Especially the gold ones.

Most digital scales are made in China these days, so I suppose they are using their product to make better fake coins. Arrrrr!

 

I don't recall any Washington quarters minted in 1865.

And the bust resembles Tony Soprano more than George Washington...:hammer:

 

WOW, what a awesome gold coin! How much do these sell for? Thanks for posting!
Chuck

 

I tried my best to offer the most clear images.

 

Sorry, I don't know how to post them as Hiho did. Click them for larger pics.

 

Coin looks genuine yet harshly cleaned (see hairlines). Neverthless, a very nice pickup.

Mine is here:

 

LOL, check out that noble chin.......

 

All i can say about those coins is in a word......Awsome!!

 

Jason - If you upload them to CoinTalk they will be resized. If you use Photobucket to host them they will be larger. Photobucket is free and I highly recommend it.

I agree with Zohar that your Lugano has been cleaned and is XF or so, while Zohar's looks original and UNC. Your's is still nice though, I love the reverse design.

 

I bought this several years ago from a Swiss dealer before gold went crazy, I believe I paid around $400. It's probably worth at least double that these days.

I have no plans to sell this medal though, unless I travel to Switzerland I doubt I'll ever find one this nice again.

 

I did some poking around, but was not even able to find another one like that.
Chuck

 

The 1910 Bern was minted in both gold and silver and if you are patient a silver one will pop up on eBay sooner or later. Much less money and just as attractive.

If you PM forum member Schutzenfester he may be able to locate one for you. He's honest, he never overgrades and he's a nice guy to boot.

 

Here is an example of the 1910 Bern silver medal that I own.....



NGC called it MS-64.

The reverse on this example has HOLY FRERES at the bottom left. I have another where it is centered.