I have one of these. Obvoiusly I want to know if its a fake or not. Any way to disqualify it right away so I dont waste my money having it checked out?
It's pretty hard to tell based on the pics - but it appears as if it may be a cast copy. On one edge of the coin it looks as if a thin piece of metal protrudes from the edge. Is this correct ? If so it may be suspect. I'll readily admit I know very little about this type of early colonial coinage. But that piece of metal - if that's what it is - is commonly found on cast copies.
I believe it's a reproduction of a Massachusetts Oak Tree Shilling. These are very common, and can be purchased at colonial tourist sites such as Williamsburg, VA. I have also seen them listed on eBay, and online direct from the manufacturer. But please understand, this is only my opinion.
While there are several varieties of this particular issue. It would appear that your photo is one of a copy.The 6 is almost verticle. All of the originals the 6 curves greatly at the top. Also the X is a little wide on the left where as the original is wide on the right. For better pics of an original refer to page 18 in the RED BOOK.
