Interesting Fake 1907 $20 Liberty Gold

Windycity

This is a fake $20 Liberty gold dated 1907. The story behind this is the gentleman I purchased this from bought the coin on the streets of Iran about 30 years ago. He asked the vendor if he could assure him that it was in fact gold and the answer was "YES... if it was not gold and I sold it, they (the government) would cut off may arm!" I tested and weighed the coin today. It is 32.2 grams and test positive for gold. Not the "Rgoo" on the reverse... obviously put on the die prior to making these coins. I guess their way of trying not to "counterfeit" US coins.

CaptHenway

I believe that is "R900," as in 900 fine.

Edited to add: I did a story in Coinage last year about foreign made gold counterfeits where the maker marked the coins with their fineness so that everybody knew they were getting good gold.

MsMorrisine

<< <i>I believe that is "R900," as in 900 fine.

Edited to add: I did a story in Coinage last year about foreign made gold counterfeits where the maker marked the coins with their fineness so that everybody knew they were getting good gold. >>



funny

LanceNewmanOCC

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holy crapola that looks good!
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TheBigB

That is a neat piece. I'd be interested in the result of a XRF analysis.

CaptHenway

A simple specific gravity test should be sufficient. The ones I had in my article all had "close enough" s.g. readings.

Pokermandude

There are many examples of middle eastern "fake" coins which were made of the exact same metal content and specifications as original coins. British sovereigns especially, but also even some 1912-1914 Canadian gold pieces. They were used in local trade, presumably on par with original coins as they all contained the same precious metal content.

ricko

The purpose of 'counterfeiting' with real gold was basically to inspire confidence in trade, since the American, British, Canadian gold coins were respected. Cheers, RickO