I’ve been examining an 1832 Mexican Republic 8-Reale that a friend of mine recently purchased. I am intrigued by this coin which I believe is a counterfeit and appears to have been circulated.
The color is off. Weight is 28.45 (27.07 expected). Diameter is 38.54 (38.9 expected). There is a bell tone, but it is shorter in duration and higher pitched than a genuine silver reale. Surface does not show bubbles. No evidence of die erosion. Reeding not consistent. Overall loss of fine detail. Low relief, and mushy lettering. And medal alignment instead of coin alignment.
My question is what type of counterfeit is this? I am thinking it was struck from a set of cast dies and not simply a cast counterfeit given the tone and lack of bubbles.
Also, is this a contemporary counterfeit?
Thanks!
3 years ago