From china, a "cash" coin, if it is not one of those very common reproductions than it is from that era
Ok I found it. It's a prince of Lu cash coin from 1644. Made only one year. Value in guide $80-$120. Scarce coin indeed from what the guide says.
I think either you or Tim. NFN, but I found this was cast during the reign of Emperor Si Zong of the Ming Dynasty.
San Fan Rebellion. Prince of Wu (Zhu Yihua). Cast AD 1644-6. Board of Revenue mint. Hartill 21.27. The calligraphy looks suspicious to me, but this is an odd issue so it could be fine. Take the coin OFF the stapler and place it on a plain white background. Please also include diameter and weight. Also, your reverse pic is upside down.
Guys, I know you don't like Detecto. But the constant sniping is unnecessary and distracting from the content of the thread.
Yes, why is it on a stapler? You should take care of that coin, it might be worth some serious value. Plastic flip maybe? Until you're sure it's real. Just suggesting.
FYI - if genuine, the value is around $75. Not "serious" value, but good for something you probably picked up cheap.
I guess "serious" is relative. Before the recession, when I made over six figures, that is what I usually paid for a single coin and I considered that as pocket change. Today, that my entire months budget for my hobby.
Question for Sir, Ardatirion: Would this issue have file markes on it if it were in EF condition or better? Most of my better Ming Dynasty and rebel coins have some traces of file markings. Just curious.
Sir Ardatirion? I don't remember being knighted. You bring up a good point about the file marks. I was focused on the calligraphy but you are correct, the fabric looks a bit odd. It seems a bit too dumpy for an issue of this period.