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Chopmark Experts -- HELP Please
EXOJUNKIE
Posts: 1,640 ✭✭✭✭✭
I've owned this "chopped" Peace Dollar for over 20 years and have no idea if it is legit or not. The symbols don't look Chinese, but what do I know?! I only paid $10 for it, and I know chops on Peace Dollars are rare so I'm ready for the verdict either way -- let me have it! 
I'm addicted to exonumia ... it is numismatic crack!
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
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It looks like an ampersand symbol with the very top and left side missing as if it were on a block that had those edges cut off.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Could you tell us more about an ampersand symbol ?
An ampersand is the symbol used in place of the word "and" in names or titles such as with law firms "Dewey, Cheetem & Howe" or the like.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Thanks Tom.
It is like Tom said an ampersand. "&"
That's my vote, too.
Yup. I saw an ampersand right away, too. Whereas Chinese chop marks are unfamiliar to the eye, these marks immediately looked familiar.
mbogoman
https://pcgs.com/setregistry/collectors-showcase/classic-issues-colonials-through-1964/zambezi-collection-trade-dollars/7345Asesabi Lutho
I agree with the opinion on this piece that have already been expressed. Any chopmarked Peace Dollar is subject to extreme scrutiny, as the practice of chopmarking coins was in extremely late stages by the time the pieces were available. It is believed some made it to China, but they were by no means a trade coin, and their bullion value was superseded by their value as currency in the United States. Frank Rose illustrated a piece that he believed to be genuine, which I have never seen, but I have never held a chopmarked Peace Dollar in my hand that I felt was authentic.
Several Peace Dollars, among other US and foreign issues, were stamped with chopmarks of Yong Kim Hong, a merchant out of Bangkok, with a genuine chopping tool by the noted dealer Hans Schulman in the 1960's, who had been involved in the Farouk sales. Today all such coins must be considered fakes. An example of the chop, as typically applied by Schulman, one on either side of an obverse figure:
Thanks guys. I see what you're saying. The reverse mark looks different though. Any thoughts?
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
The reverse mark is the same punch, but the angle is different.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
That is a little scary. For some reason I immediately saw an ampersand on the obverse but not the reverse because of the different orientation. But, of course, you are correct - it is the same punch. A modified (partially ground off edges) ampersand punch. Unless someone created that as their personal mark (not in China) then it was done as an attempt to deceive with an assumption that to us all Chinese writing is just chicken scratch.
Did that fly under everyone's radar?
@gonzer... No,I saw that and I chuckled ...
Yes... I agree with all the previous posts... definitely an ampersand...(derived from 'and per se and') ... Likely an attempt at faking a chopmark to dupe the unsuspecting..... Cheers, RickO
If I remember correctly, that Law firm was used in an old Three Stooges episode.
Thanks for the comments everybody ... I appreciate it!
ANA LM
USAF Retired — 34 years of active military service! 🇺🇸
Yes, I caught that, and also associate it with the 3 stooges..... always love when a reference like that can be worked into a serious discussion.
Well...........this one might also work if this coin was stamped to deceive.
I Fleecem
Pete
Wise guy, eh?
Very unlikely to be a chinese chopmark. The practice was both unwelcome and outlawed by this time. Banks and merchants had switched over to using ink chopmarks, as this example...