A fake specimen in my opinion is as per link http://www.worldofcoins.eu/forum/index.php?topic=32560.0
Interesting thread - I collect counterstamped coins so I have run into the hammer and sickle stamped on the large, worn copper coins. There was (is?) an ebay seller in the Netherlands who was offering quite a few of these. I waited until I could get one at a low price (not sure if directly from them or someone else), but I wonder about their authenticity. There is also someone from Hungary on eBay with a steady stream of hammer and sickle counterstamps on WWII era Hungarian coins. I bought a few at low cost but I assume they may be modern fantasy counterstamps.....
Amazing coin!!! One that I was chasing in PCGS AU-50 just sold on Heritage yesterday. I bought a nice VF/XF coin in the early 90s that was from a Superior auction. Paid $50 for it! Unfortunately I sold it around 1998 for $600 and was thrilled. Too bad it will cost 10-15X to replace it because my son collects Chinese coins now.
Chinese coins witnessed an astronomical rise in recent years due to the new wealth in China. I had an old book from Scotjh with some pencil scribing showing what is wort worth a few thousand dollars today was somewhere around less than a hundred or so back then...
Thank you. Although I would caution against eBay for rare coins particularly Chinese ones. Unless the source has a very good record or the piece is of good provenance. Coins like these I usually sought through reputable auctions or dealers.. but if you don't mind cheaper or less risky variants as a novelty or cheap enough, then it's ok
If it is the very same seller that I am thinking that's supposedly based in the Netherlands with about 2000 feedback, stay away! Almost none of his / her wares are genuine. Reported it to ebay a few times but I guess it's time for some to learn it the hard way. There's no way you can get a bargain price unless you know what you are getting. The era of cheap Chinese coins is well and truly over. As the Chinese economy grew, so did the pockets of the general public. By the time people realize how scarce some of the coins are, the prices of many coins skyrocketed. Mind you, there was a time when damaged Chinese crowns including various provinces struck in Imperial era were sold at scrap metal value. Now they go well over three figures. Some of the coins that I own are impossible to locate even in damaged condition unless I am willing to let go of an arm or leg.
Very true. Im living there now and utsvery hard to find alot of items except for fakes. Occasionally i get lucky.