1836 First Steam Coinage Medal 20th Century Restrikes

coinsarefun

How does one determine if you have a 20th Century re-strike, such as a Julian MT-21
or a contemporary token/ re-strike(fake)?



Here is mine

denga

<< <i>How does one determine if you have a 20th Century re-strike, such as a Julian MT-21
or a contemporary token/ re-strike(fake)? >>



Prior to about 1901 the Steam Coinage medals had a fine proof-like finish, which varied
in darkness. Pieces made prior to about 1890 were usually lighter in color and referred
to as having a Mahogany finish. Pieces struck after 1901 have a fine sand-blasted surface.

In addition Steam coinage medals struck since 1901 are made of bronze while earlier
pieces were of copper and called copper-bronzed as the bronzing was applied after
striking.

Contemporary pieces, struck in March 1836, were made from large cent planchets and
not bronzed.

Steam coinage medals struck prior to 1862 have a reverse die in which MAR 23 is punched
over FEB 22.

edix2001

This one is circa 1901:


and this one 2000:

jonathanb

In other words, that's a restrike. Sorry.

coinsarefun

<< <i>In other words, that's a restrike. Sorry. >>




Restrike, ok......but a recent one?

coindeuce

Here is my "real deal" copper bronzed, proof quality contemporary March 23, 1836 strike. Notice the rim cud below the brim of the cap. The rim cud does not appear on any of the later restrikes.

jonathanb

<< <i>Restrike, ok......but a recent one? >>

Unknown, and unknowable. Yours is a "20th Century Restrike", as in "struck after 1900". The one posted by coindeuce is a 19th century production, for the reasons described.

Based on the coloring, I'd speculate that yours is from the 1960s or 1970s (and the same for the one posted by edix2001). It could just as easily be 50 years older but well-preserved. Since there's no way to tell, there's no price difference for different flavors of 20th century strikings.

coinsarefun

<< <i>

<< <i>Restrike, ok......but a recent one? >>

Unknown, and unknowable. Yours is a "20th Century Restrike", as in "struck after 1900". The one posted by coindeuce is a 19th century production, for the reasons described.

Based on the coloring, I'd speculate that yours is from the 1960s or 1970s (and the same for the one posted by edix2001). It could just as easily be 50 years older but well-preserved. Since there's no way to tell, there's no price difference for different flavors of 20th century strikings. >>







Thanks very much for the info

BillJones

The piece you have has the "yellow brass" finish which is indicative of the 20th century strikes.

Here's another example of the 19th century strike with the "mahogany" finish.

coinsarefun

<< <i>The piece you have has the "yellow brass" finish which is indicative of the 20th century strikes.

Here's another example of the 19th century strike with the "mahogany" finish.

>>







Would it be fair to say that mine is like This one in the Heritage Auction?

Or this one at Stacks?

obviously mine is not as in such a good grade

BillJones

I would say that their pieces are from 1908 to say... 1920s eras when the Matte finish was first coming on line. I would say that you coin is from the 1960s to the 1980s when the "yellow bronze" look got really pale in color.

I had one of the pale yellow bronze pieces that I sold at my local club for like $20. Maybe that was too cheap, but I bought that piece directly from the mint in the mid 1970s.

Dating this stuff is tough sometimes, especially if someone has been playing with the surface finish.

jonathanb

Be careful reading too much into those sales at Stack's and Heritage. 20th century restrikes of this type typically sell in the $10 range. I've bought several 19th century versions in the $50 range. Expecting that yours would be worth $200 just because a couple of them sold for that money would be... optimistic.

coinsarefun

<< <i>Be careful reading too much into those sales at Stack's and Heritage. 20th century restrikes of this type typically sell in the $10 range. I've bought several 19th century versions in the $50 range. Expecting that yours would be worth $200 just because a couple of them sold for that money would be... optimistic. >>






Ohh no, I was not looking at that. I was just trying to get an approximate date on mine
and it looks like BillJones helped me find the answer.

I gave those links only to provide images

GAB

Here is a real old one, with the FEB overstrike.
(It'd cost you a quite a bit more than $200 - probably )
<

>

Smittys

<< <i>Here is my "real deal" copper bronzed, proof quality contemporary March 23, 1836 strike. Notice the rim cud below the brim of the cap. The rim cud does not appear on any of the later restrikes.


>>



I member that one ...

partagas

Is this the old restrike or the new one? Any help would be appreciated.

coindeuce

Your piece appears to be of yellow bronze composition, with a bit of patina, suggesting that it is a late 20th century restrike. Yours also has the grainy surface texture, unlike the proof & prooflike surfaces of the originals and 19th century restrikes.

EagleEye

This has the date repunched March 23/ Feb. 22