As the title suggests! I have one from my grandad's collection. The coin IS worn and I'm 99% sure it's genuine (due to worn condition). Are these coins that rare? Also, is there much demand from them collector wise? I notice an uncirculated condition coin is going on eBay auctions next week with a 30-35k estimate. Cheers guys.
Thanks buddy. I can post some up later on when I get home. Like I say, the coin has far seen it's best days. Also, where's the best place to sell the coins? Hell of a lot of British coins late 1800's/early 1900's in good condition. I have some on eBay UK and I have stipulated I'll ship aboard, but I don't think many American/world collectors view auction items in the UK. I'm sure I can help some Americans with their collections!
Ytrebil,the Hong Kong silver $1/2 is an EXTREMELY rare coin.It is more than likely you have got a forgery,which is either light in weight,has a very soapy appearance,& looks pitted in the field. Aidan.
Thanks for the kind reply Aidan. I'll get pictures up soonest, but not sure they'll prove conclusive as like I say, the condition is far from perfect. It may well be forged, but I have a feeling it's genuine - the fact my grandad had it in his collections with lots of old English coins incl. sixpences, pennies, florins, crowns etc as well as Irish coins, South African, Canadian, US etc. Might be worth me taking some pictures of the Canadian/US coins as you guys probably have more of a headsup on your home nations coins.
Best to have it certified for authenticity, despite the poor condition. I wouldn't touch it otherwise.
ytrebil, Welcome to the forum! I hate to say it but the coin looks like a counterfeit to me which was made in a mold. The coin's surfaces and details appear to be porous and has may pock marks (holes) which would indicate air bubbles formed in the metal when it was poured into the mold. Also, the area along the rim above Queen Victoria's head may be a very poor repair of the coin where the pour hole was on the mold and it looks artificially aged or circulated. However, I could be wrong so it would be best to have the coin checked by a Professional Coin Dealer! The Other, Other Frank
Just because a coin is worn doesn't make it real---many times people that fake coins will fake them in a way that they will look used--or they will age the coins after being struck... Speedy
Appreciate the input - if the Spink guy proves inconclusive I'll have to run it by an enthusiast for the period local to me! Considering the condition, even if it was real, would probably not be worth anything!
If authentic BU 1867 Hong Kong Half Dollars are fetching from $30K to $35K and if your' coin happens to be authentic, then I believe that it would have to be worth a few hundred dollars at the least! The Other, Other Frank
Don't take our word for it though, or anyone from this site. A lot of people like to call 'fake' at most coins. I'm not saying they're in this thread either. Don't try to sell it without knowing for sure though...
Sent detailed coin pictures to Spink - the guy said it's real, but in too worn a condition for them to sell it and to take an offer on it. EDITED--No offers to buy/sell/trade please Thanks.
Glad to hear it---but remember---they only saw photos and photos only tell half of the story--you can't see the third side of the coin for one thing. If you are going to try to sell it I would strongly suggest that you send it to NGC or PCGS or ANACS...you will need to call them and make sure that they will grade such a coin.... Speedy
