Struck Counterfeit Colonial 1723 “Silver D:G REX Hibernia”
burfle23
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I was part of a C4 (Colonial Coin Collectors Club) research meeting on November 10, 2017 at the Baltimore Whitman Coin Expo with a group of Colonial Coin Experts reviewing the following two known examples of 1723 D:G REX Silver Hibernias “in-hand”, as well as the images from this research; the results are documented in conclusion at the end of the referenced Coin Week article…
This research begins at the same point as the 1785 Bar copper, with excerpts from a 1979 article written by Eric P. Newman for The Numismatist; in that article Newman documents and discloses several of what he considered to be deceptive cast counterfeit Colonial “coins”. This current article starts with one of the eight varieties discussed there, a copper D:G REX Hibernia. I have identified example “#3” as the apparent subject of that discussion behind the two silver examples that are the focus of this article (#’s 1 and 2); provenance indicates this example was from a 1978 auction, and reported as “withdrawn”.
“Copper” Example #3
Matching circulation marks and a distinctive edge “clip” among copper and silver examples is a good indication one or more are counterfeit!
The Coin Week summary article can be found at https://coinweek.com/counterfeits/struck-counterfeit-coin-week-1723-silver-dg-rex-hibernia/
Best, Jack
Comments
I can only imagine the work that goes on when tracing down the source coin for a counterfeit. I think all collectors owe those involved in this endeavor sincere thanks.
Excellent research!
Alot of that work is done by hobbyists. Many thanks to them and all!
Agreed; there is a large group focused on this threat to the Hobby.
That is some serious detective work.....Very impressive.... Cheers, RickO
Thanks all for the kind comments- this is one of the most deceptive ones we have reviewed to date.
Best, Jack.