Chinese 1903 "Pattern" Coin????

terrym280

Hi, someone recently gave me a coin that I've found very difficult to research. I have found that some Pattern Tael coins were minted in Tianjin in 1903, but I haven't been able to find much more on the coin. I realize it's corroded, but I'm wondering if it's worth at least sending in to have authenticated. Any Chinese coin experts who can help me out with some info?

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Thanks

CIVITAS

I'd be curious to know the weight of the coin. My gut reaction is that it is a modern forgery that someone exposed to harsh chemicals to make it look old.

Andres

Both Diameter & weight please, looks like a forgery as CIVITAS already mentioned.

terrym280

Hi,

The coin weighs 28 grams (1 ounce) and 31.8 mm (1 1/4" in diameter).

Thanks for taking a look at it.

Terry

Andres

Are you sure ? Diameter should be 39 mm - weight max 27 gram

terrym280

I'm using a small postage scale (that does both oz. and grams), so it could be off a little. I checked again and it came up as 26 grams. I know someone that has a better scale, so I 'll run it by there and get a more accurate weight.

Edited: I weighed it on a digital coin scale and it weighs 27.1 grams (.955 ounces). It's also 1 3/4" (44.4499999 mm). It's a large coin!

Andres

Dragon silver Tael Hu Poo 1903

Compare this original coin (click on the pic) with your coin

Sapyx

Just mentioning an obvious test: have you tried a magnet? Because that really looks like rust.



Plenty of fake/fantasy Chinese dollars are made of steel and will stick to a magnet. No genuine ones will stick to a magnet.

terrym280

Sapyx,

Great suggestion! I put a magnet on the coin and it stuck! It's a fake (unless they tried to make pattern coins that stick to magnets (lol). Thanks to all who provided input.

Terry

ShadyDave

Originally posted by: CIVITAS

I'd be curious to know the weight of the coin. My gut reaction is that it is a modern forgery that someone exposed to harsh chemicals to make it look old.