I just received a new coin which looks like a slightly worn and some possible soot/fire colouring. It has all the characteristics of a worn crown upon magnification except for some odd lines around the edge. The diameter is correct but it only weighs 23 grams instead of 28.4 grams. I might put some off this down to its wear but the wear doesn't seem that bad. All the details appear correct. I haven't metal tested it at this stage as I only have acid testers. Could I get some opinions. Regards Russ
I'm wondering if it's a copy that's been plated and that plating can be seen to the top right of George's head ?
What are you using to weigh it? Is the scale calibrated? Try once more. If it weighs the same as before I believe it would be a fake also. Here is a good discussion I found on the internet http://www.predecimal.com/forum/topic/8175-fake-1933-wreath-crown/
I'm using a smart weight electronic scale to weigh it. So hard to tell, the reeded edge looks consistent however I cant explain away the weight difference. Uploaded a bunch more pics incl some with flash just to give some perspective. I tested my scale and the calibration is correct.
Looks fake to me. As well as the weight being far to low, even allowing for wear, the bevelling on the edges looks all wrong, and the depth of detail on the reverse is too low. You can check for silver using the sliding magnet test. This youtube video gives a demo: and this Numista discussion expands: https://en.numista.com/forum/topic46742.html
It's a fake. If I'm not remembering correctly, I believe these hace a lettered edge. But definitely a Chinese counterfeit. Have you performed a specific gravity test on it?
Tested it with rare earth magnet and the sliding test is the same as my 1935 crown (which is already verified) no edge lettering either.
Many Chinese fakes are made from 50% silver from UK junk coins. Hong Kong was British owned. The result is weight reduction but not magnetic. Edit: These are 50% anyway so that won’t apply to yours. Sorry
According to Numista, the correct specifications of a 1933 Wreath Crown are the following. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces8475.html Edit: I wouldn't buy one of these unless it had been certified by a reputable TPGs considering the overall rarity of the series.
Yeah I'm going to return it as I'm more convinced of both my findings and with what you guys are saying that it's a fake. The person I purchased it off also sells some repros so that should have rung some bells but you just never know fully until it's in your hand sometimes.
My Spinks English and UK Coins specifically warns that there are modern counterfeit George V wreath crowns dated 1927 and 1933