Hey folks, This seems like a straight forward identification. But take a closer look. The center core designs are very different artistically than what is posted in Numista. Is this a different variation that is not posted, or could this be someone playing a trick by switching out the center core from a different coin? Thanks !!
Hello Frenchlover, and anyone else that would like to give their educated opinion,
I've been thinking about this for a while, and I really don't have a conclusive answer of which I am satisfied. In my original post, I conceded that this may be a "trick". And although I was really hoping that this may be an "ERROR" from the mint, or even a "DIE TRIAL", I personally would not know how to verify this.
It is obvious that there is no "silver" color on this coin. That was never a question. (OK, so I was curious if the "silver" color may have possibly been worn off over time or "cleaned", but we can dismiss that idea.)
Here is my Main question... If this is a "fake", then where in the world did the center core come from? It appears to be a high quality (artistically and technically) strike of some other coin. If it is indeed from a different coin, then that is exactly what I would like to know...Which other coin? And if it is "of unknown origin", then what type of person would go through the challenge of creating such a beautiful (In my opinion) variation of the center core, simply to exchange it with an authentic core of a coin that is legal tender? Is it possible that the metal of the center core of the authentic coin is of greater value than what it was replaced with? Or is this just what artists do when they are bored or experimenting with their craft?
It's definitely a counterfeit, but that said, there are a few additional questions. Is the outer ring real, and just the core fake (i.e. the counterfeiter just wanted to steal the silver center)? How was the core made (i.e. shaved coin, token, or struck just for this purpose)?
My guess is, the outer ring is authentic, and the center came from a token (the snake, eagle, and cactus all appear to be very crude when compared with the images from real coins).
Hello Steve27,
Thank you for your assessment. I am in agreement with you that the outer ring is authentic. At first, when you said the center core appeared to be "very crude" I was surprised because I actually like this design better than the authentic coin. However to your point, it does appear to be a simplified design.
The one thing I had not considered until you mentioned it was that the center core could be from a mass-produced "token" or medal. That would make sense... The authentic center core is silver and therefore of value. If there is a readily available replacement at low cost (such as a token), then there is an opportunity for a scoundrel who wants the silver. Thanks again!
