Counterfeit copper

Blackhawk

Does any member collect or have a witten resource regarding the counterfeit or evasion coppers of the late 1700's? I have one that I have not been able to ID using what little I have and the internet as a resourse library.

Thanks!

Bill





There is the coin in question. The flan has areas of pitting or pocking, which makes me wonder if it was bad before striking. Any ideas on the coin's ID?

Teg

Hi,
The best resource for these is Clem Schettino's CD
Copperclem
He has recently updated the CD - if not his site.

This coin is a counterfeit rather than an evasion, as it has the same lettering and basic design as the original.
So 1775 George III copper 1/2d made in the UK between 1775 and about 1797. Farthings were also counterfeited - this
looks like a 1/2d though. 1775 was the most common year to date the coins.

These as you know have a strong following in the US - and very little interest in the UK. They did circulate in the US, so tend
to be regarded as early US copper coinage.

The flans used varied enormously in quality. Most GIII ctfts are struck rather than cast, so what might appear to be bubbles/ air pockets from casting are probably metal flaws.

Specialists break down the many types of ctfts into different families and groupings - based on linking together the dies used etc.

Here is 'I think' a 1775 1/2d ctft 'Young Head Lopsided shield' - showing pitting around Britannia's head.
George's ribbons are almost straight - looks similar to yours.

Maybe I should stick to farthings!

Teg

Conder101

GREAT! I've often wondered where I could get a source of information on the contemporary counterfits other than Vlack's work on the Machins Mills coinages.

coachleonard

Don't forget 'Forgotten Coins Of North America' by Anton and Kesse, put out in 1992. EXCELLENT source with lots of plates showing George II and George III counterfeits. Your particular coin definitely appears to be a counterfeit, and in super excellent shape