Hi All, I'd appreciate your input on this. I've read online that folks have come across these from time to time as gaming? tokens, and one person said it was an officially recognized pattern. Can anyone speak to the attribution of this coin, and the rarity? Thanks so much.
I agree , but only if it's an alloy that was regularly used for US coins . Still the best way to go though .
A SG test might not give you the final answer but it would help to rule out certain compositions (e.g., it is not 80% silver or 90% gold).
Can you tell me how to conduct a SG test or where I could have it done? Would an established coin shop do it? For a fee? Thanks.
Google "specific gravity coin" for a more complete answer. Basically you weigh the coin dry and suspended in water. Then you plug those weights into a formula. You can then compare the SG of your coin to the SG of known US coin compositions. Perhaps but not all coin dealers are adept at or equipped to conduct a SG test. You can do the SG test yourself if you have a decent scale and enough skill to construct your own device to suspend your coin in water while weighing it.
That's what I was thinking. Possibly the next step would have been to gold plate it. Or perhaps this was a test strike in copper (or whatever the composition is) before using the dies to strike counterfeit coins on debased planchets. Whatever this is it is a cool piece.
Well, I'm optimistic. The design and strike look right. Its difficult to even find pictures online, but I believe it to be a Judd-282/Pollock-333 pattern. It is possible this is 1 of 5 or 6 known (high R-7), but the quintessential US Patterns reference book states 3-4 known. There have been three certified coins that have some up for auction (not eBay) in the last 20 years. This one is more circulated than the others based on the descriptions. I intend to send it off to a TPG. http://coins.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=226&lotIdNo=14012 http://www.jhonecash.com/patterns/pattern.asp?judd=J-282
The Pollock 333 is a "regular dies trial piece" meaning it is just a regular pair of quarter eagle dies that have been used on a copper planchet. In other words a fantasy piece that was made for sale by someone at the mint.
Yes, thank you. Early on researching this piece, I was confused by the Clark-Gruber specimens which were minted outside Denver (I think) using similar dies. Most or all of their specimens were proof strikes (I think) and had 'PIKESPEAK' in the headband instead of 'LIBERTY'. Can you define what you mean by 'fantasy' piece?
