I would be interesting in hearing your opinions on this coin I just received. I've been really excited about it. It wasnt a bargain and i really have no reason to believe its fake. I just want comfort. Diameter checks out spot on. 30.7 mm. No questions there. The weight however.... I can find a stated weight of 12.96 grams but i can also find literature that explains even back in 1793 they found the weight would vary on these. They discovered it while trying to keep a mint count. They weighed batches but discovered some runs the coins had differant weight. So my question on weight? What is a accepted tolerance? The thicknesses measures -28.4 on my caliper. Maybe i dont have it set right? This is all new to me as far as authentication of a coin. I don't have much experience with it.
In my opinion, this coin seems to be genuine. I wrote a brief introduction to the type on CT, which you can find here. Within my write-up, you can find the Sportack article that I reference. These pieces ranged from 210 to 250 grains (i.e., 13.61 to 16.20 grams) if memory serves, so your piece is good to go.
Coinsandmedals, Thank you very much for your input. It's genuinely appreciated. I looked at your write up. Most of that I learned while researching this buy. I have to credit hiddendragon if i remember right for pointing me on this type. Maybe he pointed me on a 1788 Barbados Penny cant remember but it turned into a 3 coin buy. (1) 1792 Barbados Penny (1) 1788 Barbados Penny (1) 1793 Bermuda Penny. I cant describe the focus and excitement while making these purchases over about a 2 week period. So I am delighted by your opinion. I have also the 1792 Barbados Penny that arrived 2 days ago. It looks legit. I will likey put it on the scale tonight as well. Perhaps I will share. The 1788 Barbados Penny is still enroute should arrive shortly. I am looking high and low for the next pc that captivates me like these 3 did. What a rush! I really feel like these enhanced my world collection greatly. I have some nice stuff but these additions are something I am proud of. BTW ... very nice example you have. I didnt see anything on the market like that. Congratulations on such a nice example. I am already looking for higher grade examples. I believe i will end up owning several of each. I like them that much. In closing... I would hope the example I chose will hold up against the majority. That was my goal. Than I saw yours!
At one point, I had assembled a collection of the different varieties of the Barbados tokens, but they have all since found new homes. My current collecting efforts are almost entirely centered on the coins, tokens, and medals produced at the Soho Mint, so the Barbados tokens miss the mark. It is interesting to note that these tokens were almost struck the Soho Mint, but the arrangement fell short before any real progress could be made. It appears that at least one obverse die and punch were completed as they were sold as lot 240 in the liquidation sale of the Soho Mint.
