Fake Maria Theresa countermarks
hessilverdollar
Posts: 5 ✭
This seller apparently has a plethora of false counermarks on Maria Theresa Talers - buyer beware! The only true countermarks on these Talers, besides Chinese chopmarks, of which l am aware, are from Mozambique, from around 1887 (and possibly Java); the host coin, the coin on which the counterstamp is made, must date to before the period in which the counterstamp was supposedly made. Although smaller denomination non-silver coins were often counterstamped, not so with large silver coins. It is also helpful to remember that in many areas countermarks were considered damage which reduced the value of the host coin, so when the Portuguese had a bad experience with their counterstamped large silver coins being accepted at less than face value, others learned that counermarks were not the thing to do. Later spurious fantasy "concoctions" began appearing in auctions in the 1960's, and apparently they have seen a market resurgence with later "creations". I had seen the ones supposedly from the Qaidi State ones and the Hejaz and Nejd ones for years, but these are certainly new to me!
Comments
That’s good information. There is a Mel Wacks. “Bicenthaler” counterstamp that I guess we can call “real”
At least the seller describes his items as “Fantasy” pieces in his item description. That’s all that needs be done
I am surprised that anyone is bidding on these; damaged coins. I couldn't figure out whether the guy was trying to say "fancy" or "fantasy", as it also states "unsure about originality of countermarks" . A P.T. Barnum sort of thing l suppose, and it is their money to lose!
What do you think is the difference between a "Countermark" and a "Counterstamp?" There is a difference.
Welcome, enjoy your stay.
bob
I always assume that all MT counterstamps (except for commem ones) are fake/fantasy. I know there are a couple real ones but I think even those are being faked.