any body know about these?? i was told by seller it is a pattern coin, low mintage, i paid about 11.00 does anyone know if real and what it is?? thanks for the help...john
A 'pattern coin' is a type of coin that is usually made as an example of a proposed design by the official mint and are extremely scarce, however the coin above is considerably smaller than even a dime when a Sovereign is 7.99g/22mm, and a 1/2 Sovereign is 3.99g/19mm. In this case, this coin is neither a pattern, nor a low mintage issue, but just a fantasy token of a Victorian gold sovereign! and I'll be asking the dealer for a refund.
The name of the manufacturer is on the coin - Lauer. These are generally termed "Toy money". They were produced in large numbers for schools and home enjoyment and education. Some, like the one shown, are close in design to the copied coin, whilst others are more fanciful. There are a number using Edward VII's portrait but as Prince of Wales. Although interesting, they are not scarce of valuable. I usually sell them at £1 or £2 as curios.
Not a pattern and not low mintage. Sadly the seller took advantage of you. But at least it wasn’t that expensive.
This is a model penny from about 1840... The token you posted could be confused with the center of a model penny... by some who wasn't 'in the know' so to speak. Lauer Toy Coins (Nurnberg, Germany) 1830 to 1910,these coins are essentially play money for the British market. The inscription LAUER refers to the Lauer family who were famous for making tokens and medals. (Lauer, L. Chr.) based at Nuremberg in Bavaria, made many issues of toy coins for the English market and around the world. Their coins were sold through numerous agencies and companies within England. Lauer died in 1873 but the company continued to trade in his name. It was run by his widow and then their three sons, but after this it passed out of the control of the family. The company survived World War I but was destroyed before 1945. Lauer made a lot of high end medals for the European Elite. Some of which are now in museums.
IMO, you bought a decent token in high grade for a nice price. I'm sure they are more common and considered to be cheap junk in England so cost much less over there.
Go to Numista and type in Lauer. I never knew there is so many attributes. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/exonumia41158.html
Some of these are well made! Here is one of mine not sure if this is made by Lauer as I cannot find an Numista entry for this type. Purportedly from the end of the 19th century.
Some of these pieces are a very well made testament to craftsmanship that is hard to find in your modern world.
