Here is another coin I have no idea about. This one is apx. 1 7\8 inches long and has a sticker on the back that says something. Once again any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Ben
The label says 2-1/2 Ryo, but whether that is the "denomination" of the piece, or the value set on it by some owner, is unclear to say the least.] The calligraphy on the front(?) appears to be in a classical Japanese style that went out of fashion prior to the Tokugawa period, and can currently be read only by a small number of experts. Ben - where on earth did you find all these pieces
My Father just purchased several foreighn coin that neither of us have seen before. I will post a few more in a couple of days. I apreciate all the help. Ben
Roy, are you well aware that the same Chinese characters could consist of the exact same Japanese characters? Two in the traditional chinese format could easily be written as such as well as I wouldn't be surpised if it is Chinese.
i am no expert in these type of money... but i have seen some replica/imitation qing dynasty silver taels around ... most of them were made of cast-iron plated with silver, then artificially aged... and yes, even countermarked. I can't tell if yours if genuine, ... my suggestion is to get it weighed... Silver taels like these don't come cheap, especially in the state of preservation like yours... I have some doubts on the authenticity, but i could be wrong.
Hello again, I took this one to the post office and they weighed it for me and it is 3.9 ounces. I also tried a magnet on it and it did not stick. If it is genuine any idea what the value may be? Thanks again, Ben
The real trouble is to identify whether it is genuine or not, as well as to identify what it is. Counterfeited taels doesn't have to be iron, but as well as lead, but usually poor plating. If you don't mind sharing, do you have any idea where your dad got such coins / pieces? They are indeed very interesting but most definately beyond mine / others knowledge.
oops, sorry Ben... no matter how many times I study the images, i still can't tell if yours is genuine or not. not my area of expertise... yeah, could be made of lead, then plated with silver... ok, guess what? I found something that looks similar to your tael... here: http://www.charm.ru/library/sycee10.htm (last image) ... u can make some comparison on the weight and measurements... by the way, you tael states that it's from qing dynasty, emperor guangxu reign year 2 (1876).
Hello, Thanks for the info. It appears to me the shape is the same but the markings are different. I will check the weight and exact measurements and let you know. Thanks again, Ben
Krause has a list of the weights for these pieces,which are called 'Sycee' (pronounced 'sigh see').The tael is a traditional Chinese measure of weight. Aidan.
well Ben, u see, the problem with measuring these chinese taels is that they don't come in standard shape and weight. silver taels were made at many places and mints, even at private mints(thats why some taels carry names of companies). taels made at the same mint also has weight and measurement tolerance. it's difficult for u to make direct comparison with the genuine piece on the web, but u can certainly compare using the weight:measurement ratio... see if you ratio is close to the real stuff... as for markings, they depend on mints as well.
here's an interesting article on sycees(thx aidan, for the correction on term) : http://www.coinworld.com/sycee_0228.asp
