A poster from Australia on the Antiquers forum put this watch chain up for discussion. I think they are not genuine, I think they are fake, they are just too good for that age for someone to silver solder them onto a chain. The hairlines are virtually unmarked with no wear. He believes they are real, however he is not a coin collector and has posted fake Spanish Reals before. What you say ?
I think it's real. Coins were very frequently used in many countries at the time these coins are dated to make jewelry, but I think this chain was probably made much later given the mixed lot of coins. Plus, to me the loops for mounting look too good for an old piece. I have seen similar jewelry pieces, but they used coins from the same country/region. This has coins from Canada, Mexico, Germany and the Philippines under Spanish rule. These are heavily circulated examples and a person making jewelry out of coins is not necessarily worried about the numismatic value of the coins they are using. These are common coins and individually not worth much even without the damage of being made into a watch chain. I'm sure a little faux aging to get that patina was added too, though I have seen junk bin coins have that same look. I would strongly recommend the owner do the magnet test. None of these coins should stick. If they don't, I think it's the real deal.
Thanks for the reply. I agree made well after the 1900's but I was more concerned about the condition. Especially these two which look too good to be true. They have that look of counterfeit coins which we all to often see.
If they aren't magnetic, I think this "patina" and look was achieved by adding a chemical paste, rubbing it in, then wiping the excess. Possibly a very harsh chemical dip too. I've seen some lower grade world coins in pretty dark condition and it just takes a few seconds too long in a silver dip to strip all luster and the coins come out looking like this. One could add up all the correct weights for each coin and then weigh the entire piece. I think if the weight is within 2 grams or so, it's a safe bet it's ok. I haven't seen these coins faked before, though I'm sure they possibly are. I own a couple Puerto Rican counterfeits and they look very convincing until they are weighed and they are severely underweight! In my younger days I bought them in eBay because I didn't know better. Many of the fakes can be detected by a magnet and weight.
Every one of those coins has the look of a contemporary Chinese fake, IMHO. The coloring, the letters, the dentils.
