Counterfeit Hibernia George III ha' penny on Ebay

MSD61

I was looking threw ebay this moring and ran across this auction. I am not sure if the seller realizes that this is a counterfeit George ha' penny. He has it listed as a George II halfpence which this is not. This in fact is a counterfeit George III ha' penny. What gives it away is the
poorly engraved laurel leaves on the bust and the poor quality of the bust itself. I have posted an image of a true specimen of this coin for you to compare with the seller's coin. Even in the condition of the seller's coin you can see the stark differences in the bust area. Mostly in the area around the chin, nose and truncation of George and also the laurel leaves. I have also included an image of a George II half as well.
I just wanted to give the forum members a heads up. These 1766 Ha' pennies were widely counterfeited at the time they were struck and later. I have sent an email to the seller to let him know if he is even concerned.

Link
Seller's Coin



Real George III Ha' Penny


George II Half

AuldFartte

Thanks for the pointers on identifying the counterfeits

... I need all the help I can get in that area, too

lreneadler

if it's a counterfeit it's worth more than the real thing. If it's not, it's not worth the opening bid. The regals come by the ton but the counterfeits, although even more numerous, have countless varieties.

MSD61

Yes, as strange as it seems the counterfeits are highly collectable because of the various varieties and often bring more than the originals.

farthing

The seller is a great person to deal with. I've never had any problems with Bruce.

And I agree, as a counterfeit it's much more interesting than the same regal coinage.

AndyBruce

Like Farthing, I've bought from the seller (CG) before and not had any problems.

Interesting counterfeit.

MSD61

It's great to know that the seller is a great person to deal with many are not. Thanks Farthing and Andy for the heads up

PuddlePirate

This is a fine example of knowing your material. If I were selling that coin I would not know it was a counterfeit as I am just starting to learn GB coinage. I think it is pretty cool that the seller's reputation offsets the "intent" of the auction. I'm curious if anyone has told him the item is counterfeit, he may not know.

0john0

Hey, you are back. Good to see you!!!
-j

lreneadler

I asked one of the many experts about this coin and he told me that a few months ago, a similar counterfeit sold on Ebay certified by NGC (ie they certified it as regal/genuine)

Conder101

Quite often the servces can't tell the genuine and counterfeits of these early British coppers apart.

lordmarcovan

The 1782 I dug here on St. Simons Island is definitely a (contemporary) counterfeit.