What do y'all think ... could it be real?

Askari

rare old Chinese silver Yuanbao coin with dragon

So much Chinese material is counterfeit these days, it's hard to trust anything "perfect" coming from there -- especially when the guy has been on eBay less than 6 weeks and uses private auctions. For those more familiar with Chinese coins, what's the likelihood this is legit and what would be a reasonable price for an authentic one in this condition? TIA

MSD61

I have my doubts about it. As you said there has been so much conterfeit items coming from China that I would doubt this being the real deal. Not only that this seller's time on ebay and the fact he has private auctions make me suspect the items he sells are real.

historygeek

FAKE! Without a doubt.

Askari

<< <i>FAKE! Without a doubt. >>

Explain, Geek -- this is an educational thread.

laurentyvan

I'd feel a lot better about its authenticity if it looked like this one; the other one looks too well made-wouldn't the original manufacture of these have been cruder, just good rough bullion?

Askari

Yep, that's more like I've usually seen them ... but I've never seriously hunted them and didn't know to what extent better-looking examples might exist.

historygeek

Check out these websites:

http://sycee-on-line.com/

http://www.sycee.net/main-en.html


That thing does not look like a sycee at all.

Askari

Gracias, amigo!

laurentyvan

Askari, be careful. Remember, I talked my self into that beautifully mounted Gothic Florin, and wasn't that son-of-agun polished to a fare-thee-well. Well the item you're looking at has that just-minted (minty fresh!) look.

Askari

Thanks -- that's why I posed the question for the experts! It looked too good to be true -- which is the best warning sign -- but I've never seen a "mint state" example. Don't worry, I'll pass on this one.

1jester

Well, at least the price is right...