Is nothing sacred?

TwoKopeiki

This really upsets me:

1824, Durango Hookneck (die combination F8/L15)

Can anyone guess why?

~Roman

Hyperion

because someone stuck it in the blast 'n peen ???



?

coinkat

re-engraved?

dan8402

It looks like something was engraved in the cap?

TwoKopeiki

This Durango hookneck is a counterfeit. Second ring (seam) after the denticles gives it away. For those with Hubbard and O'Harrow book "Hooknecks" - it's the one on page 216. These were made in Mexico in 1956 and sold for $1 and they were cast (this interesting tidbit I didn't know, but a fellow collector follows these things closely and was able to add a bit of "history" to my suspicions).

The coin is imitating is the one I will one day own. The die combination F8/L15, with both the superscript "s" and the terminal dot overlap a primary ray and another ray touches the "R" in "8R", as well as the fold of the snake being very shallow with the head near an acorn. Folded snake, Large Libertad, Rounded Head, Staggered Ray...

I love hooknecks and hope to own a sample when I can afford one.

I have alerted the seller, but the auction is still going. I can't believe the price it's going for.

~Roman

dan8402

<< <i>This Durango hookneck is an obvious counterfeit (even I was able to detect it). Second ring (seam) after the denticles gives it away. For those with Hubbard and O'Harrow book "Hooknecks" - it's the one on page 216. These were made in Mexico in 1956 and sold for $1 and they were cast (this interesting tidbit I didn't know, but a fellow collector follows these things closely and was able to add a bit of "history" to my suspicions).

The coin it's imitating is the one I will one day own. The die combination F8/L15, with both the superscript "s" and the terminal dot overlap a primary ray and another ray touches the "R" in "8R", as well as the fold of the snake being very shallow with the head near an acorn. Folded snake, Large Libertad, Rounded Head, Staggered Ray...

I love hooknecks and hope to own a sample when I can afford one.

I have alerted the seller, but the auction is still going. I can't believe the price it's going for.

~Roman >>



I was going to mention all of that too...

TwoKopeiki

Well, it's over - sniped for $380. When will people learn - when it looks to good to be true (especially on EBay), 99% of the time IT IS.

1jester

Not only do the denticles give it away, but it's easy to see the cast lines around the rim.

TwoKopeiki

Looks like the buyer listened - I received this message from him when I checked my mail this morning:



<< <i>
You are right!!!! I'm loking the page 216 of my book and is the same coin. Thanks again! I will tell this to the seller and of course i will not pay for this coin.
>>

Ricke

would that fellow collector happen to be swamperbob?

I have never met a person with as much knowledge of counterfeits. I can spot them quite a bit of the time, but bob has a wealth of information on the subject. Quite an interesting fellow.

Here's to hopes that his collection stays in one place!

TwoKopeiki

<< <i>would that fellow collector happen to be swamperbob?

I have never met a person with as much knowledge of counterfeits. I can spot them quite a bit of the time, but bob has a wealth of information on the subject. Quite an interesting fellow.

Here's to hopes that his collection stays in one place! >>



Yup, Swamperbob is amazing. He can tell which group of forgers manufactured certain pieces, which dies were used, what year, who the main sellers are, etc. He's the reason I am now looking at every pillar/portrait/cap Reale on EBay first as a fake, and then try to prove to myself that it's not. I try not to bother him with smaller things, but when a Hookneck like that gets over a few hundred dollars in bids - I contact Bob with my suspicions. That man should write books

~Roman