Authentic or Reproduction? Coin or Amulet? China - Jia Qing Tong Bao

Hopefully I got the first part of the identification right...I struggle enough with US coins.




39-40mm 7.48g

I have researched this some and it appears the originals are 1796-1820. No clue if it is a real or fake since I was not able to locate anything identical to this on both sides. The condition appears to be too good...

So is this an original or reproduction?
An amulet or coin?

My guess is a reproduction amulet, but it is hard when I try to bend it. Any info is appreciated! Thanks!

 

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redeyelou, are you sure about the weight? A cast coin of that diameter should weigh more than 7.48 gm. What is your point in trying to bend it? For sure it isn't a coin...

 

I was reading that a lot of reproductions could easily be bent because they are cheaply made. If I was able to easily bend it, I would have stopped at that point and not have made this post.

Thickness is just a slight bit over 1 mm. Probably closer to 1.1mm than 1.2mm. I weighed again and on 2 different scales. Reading was 7.46g this time, so basically the same weight. Amulet is non-magnetic.

It does appear the obverse and reverse were each cast separately and they were fused together. I can see a crude seam all the way around the edge. It is considerably lighter than I would have expected it to be as well (another reason I was thinking reproduction).

 

redeyelou, in light of the info you provided in regards to the weight & the seam on the edge of the coin I think you can conclude it's a modern copy or fantasy.

 

Thank you very much Al. I do my best to learn from everyone that is kind enough to assist here. This actually belongs to my wife. I came across it a few days ago and I knew immediately that I had to investigate further since I own one 18th century Chinese coin myself that folks here at CT were kind enough to educate me on.

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/need-identification-help-japan.300360/

I had asked her where she got it from and she said either her brother (very likely a souvenir) or her Pop / Grandpa (very likely $$$ based on other antiques she received from him). I have my answer now.

Case closed. On to the next coin!

 

Modern fantasy amulet. That speckled background is a dead give away. For genuine amulets to compare it with see Zeno.ru under china-charms.

 

Another sign that this is a modern fake: on the obverse, note the pebbly appearance of the field- lots of small raised dots. I've seen this on a lot (though not all) of modern copies, never on a genuine older Chinese coin or amulet.

 

They were trying to imitate the granular looking fields you find on Qianlong and Jiaqing cash. This one probably wasnt meant to decieve collectors, it would be darkened or a fake patina put on if it was.