Have doubts as to the authenticity of the Peru 1 sol shown below. Is this a known counterfeit? Additional images of inscriptions available if necessary. All comments welcome. 24.97g. 37mm high grade silver with 18kt acid test.
Never use acid on a coin to determine silver content! There are other ways. Krause says 25.00 grams and 37mm diameter on the 1914 UN Sol from Peru so is likely 90 percent silver, also provided in Krause.
I would like to know why you think it's a fake. I can see where your pointing at the lettering and numbers but, I've seen similar coins like that. That could be die erosion or MD.
A light rubbing on a basaltic stone determined the high silver contact. Amount of silver used in test is virtually nil. My concerns are the large number of re-punched/engraved letters of the inscriptions. More concerning, are the large number of raised lines and groups of raised lines around the rim on both sides, as well as the multiple numbers of raised lines and and raised areas within the denticles. In addition there appears to be a raised lump in the folds of the gown. Below find additional images with comments. Note raised line in denticles above 'B' and raised horizontal line in field above 'B' &'L'. Note raised lines above and through the top of'CA'. Note raised line above 'PE'. Note multiple raised lines in the denticles above 'RU'. Note raised lines above and in the denticles above 'AN'.
Below find an image of the raised lump in the drapery of the obverse along with several images of the reverse.
We are not worried about the loss of silver in the acid test, but the damage to the coin from the acid and the rub you mention...takes a undamaged coin and damages it and removes the numismatic premium, whatever it may have been.
The first coin struck on the brand new die would not exhibit these anomalies. However, as coins are repeatedly struck the die wears and may even break off chips. All of these photos look consistent with a coin struck on a later stage die, including the metal bulge from a die chip. Even early in the 20th century, the forging of die steel with the optimal characteristics for longevity had not been perfected, thus when a particular die demonstrated staying power, a mint would try to get the maximum use out of it, perhaps going so far as to lap the surface and retool elements (although I don't think that's the case here).
All the arrows you've used indicate a reworked die - letters recut etc. I'd be more concerned if such things weren't there.
Many thanks to all who replied. Appears I have a genuine coin and my fears of a counterfeit are unjustified. After much searching, below find digital images of a similar coin I was able to find on-line at a Stacks-Bowers site, with many of the characteristics of the coin in hand. Coin below sold January 16, 2018 at the NYINC convention. LOT DESCRIPTION PERU. Sol, 1914-FG. NGC MS-65. KM-196.26. Type XII. Quite exceptional for type. Sharply struck, frosty luster and highly attractive. Estimate: $300 - $400. NGC MS-65.
