Is this a Contemporary Counterfeit Trade Dollar?

NumisOxide

You don't see many contemporary counterfeit trade dollars. On the LSCC site, I saw an 1875-S die struck example in brass. This 1876-S piece looks like a brass cast piece in which the reeding was added later. Weighs 15.65g Not sure by hand or machine. For $34 I took a chance. I took a few shots around the edge as well. Thoughts my friends?

TomB

In my opinion, with a stress on opinion, this looks less like the quality and craftsmanship of a Bogus Bustie (contemporary counterfeit Bust half) and more like a modern piece made to look old.

NumisOxide

@TomB said:
In my opinion, with a stress on opinion, this looks less like the quality and craftsmanship of a Bogus Bustie (contemporary counterfeit Bust half) and more like a modern piece made to look old.

It's definitely crude in craftsmanship, much like many contemporary counterfeits.

braddick

I think the OP got a real bargain.

jayPem

Does it seem to have been silver plated at one point?
Without the silver wash, seems unlikely that it was passed as real...🤔

CaptHenway

Possibly a contemporary counterfeit, but I don't know how you could ever prove it.

braddick

The reeding, done by hand- is a 'tell' for me.

NumisOxide

@jayPem said:
Does it seem to have been silver plated at one point?
Without the silver wash, seems unlikely that it was passed as real...🤔

I was thinking that the black areas around the devices, lettering and edge were from some kind of tarnished plating or wash.> @braddick said:

The reeding, done by hand- is a 'tell' for me.

I was skeptical until I saw the reeding. It's an interesting piece nonetheless.

Aegis3

Any evidence of a casting sprue?

ricko

Interesting brass counterfeit... Probably was planning on silver plating it .... Just did not get around to it.... Cheers, RickO

BadMetal

@CaptHenway said:
Possibly a contemporary counterfeit, but I don't know how you could ever prove it.

I agree. I wouldn't be prepared to say one way or another.

DDR

My guess is that it is not a contemporary counterfeit. Trade dollars were made to be shipped to Asia, and the vast majority were. Especially those from the San Francisco mint as this one is. Chinese bankers/schroffs/traders were pretty astute in picking out counterfeits, which I am sure was known by those trading with them. This copy is so crude I doubt it would even make it on the ship.