Picked this up recently. We couldn't find it in the newer Krause guides under Cambodia at all, even though Numista gives it Cambodia KM#43 My old Krause guide (1995) has it listed under Cambodia, saying they were minted in Belgium in 1875, notwithstanding the 1860 date on the coin. Then the original dies, since rusted, were used to make restrikes in 1899. The values are comparable, but I'm curious if there's a way to tell if this is one of the restrikes. For that matter, I wonder where they are listed in the more recent Krause guides. Here's a much earlier thread with someone trying to ID the same coin, in even more worn condition than this one.
According to my old Krause (1995), the original dies were used to make the restrikes, after having been sitting in a hot, humid climate for 24 years. The dies had corroded at that point, so the restrikes have a different surface texture. Not sure about the die cracks in particular.
Ok. Just wanted to clarify. I kinda gravitate to short run issues. So thanks for posting the coin. I'm looking at examples from $40 up to $140. None specify re-strike.... but I would prefer the original. There's a few that are hammered with die cracks......should I assume they are restrikes? Or is that what we are still trying to figure out?
I'm not really sure. I don't believe all of the restrikes have the die cracks. Here are a couple nice examples from auctions (not mine). Interpretations are my guesses--I don't think the auction descriptions mention restrike or not. Probably original series: Probable restrike: Irregular surface due to die corrosion The one I assume to be a restrike doesn't really have much wear, but the surface is highly roughened, I assume from die corrosion. I haven't seen enough examples to be sure, but that's my opinion. I don't know the relative populations either. Looking at mine (original post), I think it's probably a restrike, but it has enough wear to be harder to judge the condition of the original surface. As an added oddity, we weren't able to find any of this series of coins in the 1801-1900 Krause catalog at all, though they show up in my older (1995) version.
I'm sorta looking at this one. I like it mostly. It's got a couple bugers on it though that are stopping me. Can't figure them out. Going off of your best guess on surface condition I would say it's original? Your theory makes sense btw. There's another slabbed example that is pretty nice but details erosion. I can't See erosion. Heck I might buy a couple examples. I sorta like the ones with die cracks as well. Weird that there is so little info.
I can't answer your question but here are 2 in my collection with the seller's descriptions. I picked up the first because of the number of die cracks and the second one for the lack of them. Brass 10 Centimes 31mm. 10.37g. Phnom Penh Mint. Local strike from shattered dies. Obverse: Head left Reverse: Arms Lecompte 25 or26 Struck circa 1875-1899. Examination of mint records suggests that the date 1860 represents the accession date of Norodom I and not the date of issue. It is likely that the first issues of the series were struck in 1875 and continued to be struck sporadically in both the native Cambodian and European mints until the late 19th century. The series has yet to be studied closely enough to allow individual issues to be assigned to the various mints, but it would appear that the pieces struck from very worn dies, such as this example, can be attributed to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Diameter: 31mm Diameter: 10.37g Obverse: Head left Reverse: Arms Lecompte 25 or26 Struck circa 1875-1899.
Both very nice. I will probably buy my 1st pc by end of tomorrow. I already checked my LCS today while I was there. They don't have any. There's one example online that is completely chowed up with cracked die. Similar to your but more profound. Kinda looks damaged. Yours is perfect in my opinion. Good pick.
That one definitely shows signs of circulation. I'm not sure mine ever did. I have often wondered how a die can be that damaged and not just fall apart.
They were moved to the Krause "Unusual World Coins" issue as "medallic coinage". KM#43 is now X#M3. Cambodia 5 Centimes 1860 Cambodia 10 Centimes 1860
Well I settled on this example so far. I guess if you put me in a corner I would say it's the re-strike. If you disagree I would be interested in your reasoning. I am working on an original now. There's a few out there but nothing that I am fully happy with....but close. Anyhow... for right now I really like this one. Sellers pic..cant wait to receive it. It's on its way.
Did the post office quit? My business strike has been stuck in Miami customs for like 10 days...collecting dust.
I have 3 coins stuck in customs with no movement for weeks. This morning I had 5. This coin and a Bogata showed up. They still say sitting in customs on the tracker.
