Hello, I'm looking for info on a cut 8r coin. It's halved, just under 2 cm wide & almost 4 cm top to bottom. Weight of .316 oz, 8.97 grams. Very worn but still readable date and letters. '80 showing. Reverse is stamped Tortola. I'm wondering how frequently this cut/ counter stamp was done. I've read that Tortola is the most common marking but am having a tough time finding info/ varieties of Tortola stamps. Any shared knowledge is appreciated! I do realize this piece is probably not valuable but the history is interesting. I'm already ahead on this purchase as it's absolutely silver, found it hiding in a tub of Buffalo nickels & paid $1 on a whim
Interesting! I didn't think it would be worth much but a casual search suggests otherwise, assuming it's a real reale. http://www.coinarchives.com/w/results.php?results=100&search=counterstamp (Use your browser's 'find on page' function with the search term 'Tortola') Looks like there is potentially great value for your coin! Here's a similar half which sold for $895 (plus Buyer's Premium) in January 2014: http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotvi...ot=27522&Val=59306ad4be83a208430ccf11704a0e19 And here's one which sold for $5,250 (+ BP) in January : http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotvi...ot=23227&Val=9933e5c2287e69783bf61c422a79da44 Here's a quartered 8 reale with Tortola counterstamp from an eBay sale. It sold for $400. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/British-Virgin-Island-Tortola-counter-stamp-on-1-4-cut-of-8-Reales-coin-RARE-/271227549203?nma=true&si=fr6FNS01Wbwy0CYyICy%2FCuUGKTs%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Very interesting type. Like TIF says, if it is a cut 8 reales it seems to be a bit underweight. This site lists auction prices realized many similar types: weight ranges from 11-14 grams. Wear and the fact that not always exactly 1/2 of the host coin was cut may account for the variance. http://www.mcsearch.info/search.htm...=1&de=1&fr=1&it=1&es=1&ol=1&sort=&c=&a=&l=#45 I hope for you it is real (but it is a bit light). You may want to send a picture of it to Frank Sedgwick. He is an expert in this type of coinage.
Thanks for the input. Those values are pretty exciting. The weight is wrong. That points toward fake, but I've read about variances in the weight of these. I do fully expect this is counterfeit, but I'm not missing the dollar I spent on it.
Looks like it's cast. I love counterstamps and that would be a valuable coin if it were real. Still fun and I wouldn't miss that dollar either. Keep searching
Since I am not sure, are these coins measured by the troy ounce (31.10) grams rather than avoir. ounce (28.35 grams) ? I am not sure which of Nates measurements was accurate, the grams or the ounce figure. If the grams~ OK, if measured by avoir ounce and converted to grams, it could be off if troy.
