Hi everyone, I’m about 5 minutes new to this forum as a member, but I’ve gleaned some great info in the past. Now I need help from the experts. This coin doesn’t pass the silver “ping” test. BUT, it has a two small cracks in it directly opposite one of the knife marks. I read that cracks can dull the ring sound, just like a cracked bell will have the same problem. Anyway... Here’s the info I’ve tested: Size: 39.2mm x 39.9mm Thickness: 2mm Weight: 26.58g Specific Gravity: 10.30 (Which = 90% silver) My concern is #1, the ping test - could this be a type of lead copper alloy that somehow has the same weight and specific gravity as Silver? Could the coin be cast? (I don’t see a seam). It is not magnetic, but the magnet slide test suggests silver. and #2, under scrutiny there appears to be a copper color on parts of the edge, and close to detail edges, which really pops under flashlight, but the color is not so apparent in normal light. Could this be a natural patina, or a silver plating wearing off? A copper plated coin does t make sense to me, since the specific gravity would be closer to 8, and the weight would be under. #3 the surface looks very “worked”, or just vigorously cleaned with an abrasive at some point. If this was recent, than why is there still a patina? The knife marks and chop mark don’t tell me much, as they could have been added for authenticity. What do you think? Can anyone with knowledge on these coins help me out? I can still return it. When I heard a dull sound instead of the classic “silver ring”, I was very disappointed. Any opinions? I understand these coins are highly faked. Thanks so much!
Take a silver dollar you know it real and drop both coins on a hardwood floor {my living room floor is oak I use it } and listen for the ping . Do each alone and then together . I had trouble with pings , still do some times .
if it flunks the ping test that is a big red flag. Also when I look at your (very good) photos, the heavily worked over surfaces concern me, this is often done to remove surface "pimples" on counterfeits. I think I see some of these pimples in the protected areas. The "chopmarks" don't look like the chops I am accustomed to seeing on coins that went to China, but I am no expert on that.The details on the pillars and crown look rather mushy to me. So on balance, if I received the coin in the mail, with the information provided, I would return it if possible.
