Hi All, I'd really appreciate input from folks that are familiar with these. I've combed the net looking for tips and found a few sites, but nothing super helpful yet. Any tips on determining authenticity? Reputable authentifying companies for exonumia? Any thoughts on this piece? Any online resources of in print resources? Thanks in advance.
I can only help a little. I have the Grant medal like this and looked at a Washington. They were fakes. The work on yours is twice the quality. Yours also looks much older. Have you searched the Heritage site?
Yes, the worksmanship on the piece itself is quite good. The engraving is not as fine as some others I've seen. The hallmark is really interesting and may be a unique specimen by Joseph Wyatt (JW). I'm in the middle of my investigation. I have checked Heritage and have not seen many ovals (genuine or contemporary counterfeits) that sold. Maybe I need to look again.
I believe I have seen this design more than others and also think it almost certainly a fake. The best way to get better peace of mind, no pun intended, may be to simply contact Heritage and offer to send it in for examination. I am of a mind that it is fake.
I hope Joe Levine is able to help you with your hunt. He is pretty much the guru within this arena...hope he replies to you!
