http://www.ebay.com/itm/1858-Canadi...722?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6e92bd9a If not counterfeit, somebody got a real deal on the 20¢ piece. I'd be interested in hearing opinions. My mind is already made up but I don't want to influence anyone, so I'll weigh in later...
The coin appears genuine, though I'm not sure if the patina is natural. The pictures are a bit fuzzy, more like a fine painting than a photograph. The price is actually not that unusual for these.
Wish I knew. Looks like a really nice coin. I have some candian trade coins in my personal collection that I have no clue about.
By "trade coins" do you mean like halfpenny and penny tokens from the early 1800's? Just post 'em in a new thread and you're sure to get a clue. There is a lot of potential there, especially if the condition is nice.
[TABLE="class: list, width: 1"] YearVarietyAG-3G-4VG-8F-12VF-20EF-40AU-50 1858↑↑ Medal - $ 210 $ 330 $ 470 $ 520 $ 1 400 $ 2 000 1858↑↓ Coinage - $ 63 $ 92 $ 120 $ 170 $ 330 $ 590 [/TABLE]
IMO it may be a counterfeit coin. The patina is wrong, the edges far too sharp for the condition and it just doesn't look right to me. I thought about bidding on it but passed at the last minute.
The only thing that would even give me pause on the coin was what Dmitry mentioned, the patina. Especially behind the bottom of the neck its unusual. I still would have bid if I was in the market for one of these, I find the coin pleasant. Regarding stuff on coins that is "different", I have many authentic coins with something different. I find every one unique, and if I see something different then I need to look at the rest of the coin closer. To the extent I know these coins, this one looks fine.