Would this be considered a contemporary counterfeit?

tommy44 · February 11, 2018 2:56PM

I've had it for about 30 years. Looks like lead but only weighs 9 grams. Might be pewter?

CaptHenway · February 11, 2018 3:00PM

Yep.

tommy44 · February 11, 2018 3:15PM

Thanks, CaptHenway.

BustDMs · February 11, 2018 3:17PM

My definition of contemporary counterfeit is on3 that was made to SPEND, not to fool collectors.

So, yes I would consider that one a contemporary counterfeit.

tommy44 · February 11, 2018 3:20PM

Thanks, BustDMs. That was my thought also. I suppose a real one could look this bad but put it up next to a real one and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

BillJones · February 11, 2018 3:54PM

@tommy44 said:
Thanks, BustDMs. That was my thought also. I suppose a real one could look this bad but put it up next to a real one and it sticks out like a sore thumb.

It would be hard to locate a real one that would look this bad. It would either have to be corroded and cleaned severely or dipped for a time in strong acid. It's hard get silver to pit like that.

BustDMs · February 11, 2018 7:19PM

I have seen MANY walkers like this which tells me they were, at least, somewhat successful.

Think, it is the middle of the depression. The counterfeiter is likely trying to pass his work off on an illiterate public. An excuse of “it was in a fire” may work. The receipient may be so desperate for money that they overlook the crudeness. After all, how long had it been since they saw a REAL half dollar?

Are things looking a little different through the eyes of a desperate, illiterate citizen?

WoodenJefferson · February 11, 2018 7:41PM

That's what the little marble slab on the cash register was for, to tap the coin to see if your getting a slug.

ricko · February 12, 2018 7:58AM

Certainly a counterfeit.... likely contemporary....Interesting specimen, where did you get this? Cheers, RickO

Treashunt · February 12, 2018 8:05AM

yes, contemporary.
I have one in lead, from change back about 35 years+

and a Standing Lib quarter that I got in change back about 1965 or so.

CaptHenway · February 12, 2018 9:18AM

Possibly zinc, or zinc and lead, or possibly the alloy they used to use in linotype machines at newspapers.

I am sure that this looked much better when new. When I started at Coin World they were still using hot "lead" from a linotype machine to set type, and the freshly-cast lines of type were shiny.

This piece is heavily oxidized, and has lost its original surface.

bigjpst · February 12, 2018 9:26AM

I have one that looks like similar metal somewhere. The design on mine was nearly scraped off. Probably by the last person who was fooled by it.

logger7 · February 12, 2018 9:29AM

This Barber quarter showed up in a club auction:

Not silver "two bits" not sure what it was made of.

tommy44 · February 12, 2018 11:24AM

@ricko said:
Certainly a counterfeit.... likely contemporary....Interesting specimen, where did you get this? Cheers, RickO

RickO, I honestly can't remember where I got it. I know I've had it at least 30 years or more.

mannie gray · February 12, 2018 11:10PM

@tommy44 said:

@ricko said:
Certainly a counterfeit.... likely contemporary....Interesting specimen, where did you get this? Cheers, RickO

RickO, I honestly can't remember where I got it. I know I've had it at least 30 years or more.

Interesting is that I have seen quite a few of these fake contemporary Walkers in the last 40 years or so.
Most I have seen were "dated" 1920 like yours.

Treashunt · February 13, 2018 5:38AM

@logger7 said:
This Barber quarter showed up in a club auction:

Not silver "two bits" not sure what it was made of.

How can BillDugan1959 'disagree' with the post?
You disagree that it exists?
The posted made no comments except that is was in a club auction.

logger7 · February 13, 2018 7:25AM

@Treashunt said:

@logger7 said:
This Barber quarter showed up in a club auction:

Not silver "two bits" not sure what it was made of.

How can BillDugan1959 'disagree' with the post?
You disagree that it exists?
The posted made no comments except that is was in a club auction.

The BillDugan character left me a lot of disagrees overnight, not sure what his problem is as he has been reported numerous times.

Treashunt · February 13, 2018 8:20AM

@logger7 said:

@Treashunt said:

@logger7 said:
This Barber quarter showed up in a club auction:

Not silver "two bits" not sure what it was made of.

How can BillDugan1959 'disagree' with the post?
You disagree that it exists?
The posted made no comments except that is was in a club auction.

The BillDugan character left me a lot of disagrees overnight, not sure what his problem is as he has been reported numerous times.

Oh, makes sense now.

tommy44 · February 13, 2018 9:17AM

@CaptHenway said:
Possibly zinc, or zinc and lead, or possibly the alloy they used to use in linotype machines at newspapers.

I am sure that this looked much better when new. When I started at Coin World they were still using hot "lead" from a linotype machine to set type, and the freshly-cast lines of type were shiny.

This piece is heavily oxidized, and has lost its original surface.

Never thought of that. Now that you mention it I have an acquaintance that "collects" old printing equipment and he has a couple of Linotype machines and buckets full of type. It could be easily melted and cast into 1920 halves.

Insider2 · February 13, 2018 9:44AM

@logger7

I too have had the same problem. Fortunately, when my trolls were reported, I believe that the mods decided that they were not adding anything to CU and they were finally banned. Unfortunately, some members DO ADD significant good content to many discussions here and I don't think they will ever be banned.

Keep posting, and know that you are giving some here a chance to show a disagreeable character. Additionally, know that you are bringing a little pleasure into their life. Bless you.

Would this be considered a contemporary counterfeit?

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