I just ran across this Chinese dragon dollar and was wondering if it is a genuine item or a fake. It weights 26.86 grams and is larger in diameter than a silver dollar.
That's a beautiful piece, unfortunately you have to assume it is fake until proven otherwise. I think yours weighs right, but does it sound like silver? The chinese are masters of fakery. I had a dozen half dollars that all turned out to be fake- they looked convincing, but when I took the magnet to them, it stuck. To learn more about the coin itself goto zeno and china rare coins dot com. If it's real, you have a very valuable piece!
This is a very rare "one tael" coin that was struck in 1903 as a "pattern" only. Authentic pieces have a diameter of 43.3 mm and a weight of 34.8 grams. If real it would be worth more than $150,000 but, unfortunately, it is a fake. Gary
I think the coin is suspect. Amongst other things, I see pimples on the field at HSU. Some may say rusted dies but IMHO it is suspect.
I picked up this and another one similar to it at a gun show awhile back. Mine were fake. However, it does have silver plating. Some info for you to check out: http://www.silver-coins.org/chinese_dragon_hu-peh_province.html It shows the difference between a real and counterfeit coin. Also check out: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/fakes/displayimage.php?album=12&pos=29
Manymore gave you your definitive answer. Unless I buy these from a collection I know is 20 years old or more I assume fake. Even older ones I verify. These were heavily faked in the 70's, and now its not even funny. The fakes are getting better, which like any post cash valuable Chinese coins I am a believer in TPG, even though for most other purposes I am not.
