1838-D $5 uniface copper replica thing
OK, so this clearly isn't a mint product, and it isn't particularly deceptive either. Now that we agree what it isn't... what IS it?
It is a copper planchet, struck on one side with an image of a 1838-D half eagle obverse, the other side struck with a blank token die having nothing but denticals. The obverse design is cartoonish, but far from amateur. Outer diameter is 26.9 mm, putting the diameter of the inner $5 image at about 22.6 mm, which is just about right for a real 1838-D half eagle.
The toning is mellow, and there is some corrosion around 8:00, suggesting that whatever this was produced for, it wasn't produced recently.
The blank reverse has JA or possibly JP scratched into it.
Have you ever seen something like this before?

It is a copper planchet, struck on one side with an image of a 1838-D half eagle obverse, the other side struck with a blank token die having nothing but denticals. The obverse design is cartoonish, but far from amateur. Outer diameter is 26.9 mm, putting the diameter of the inner $5 image at about 22.6 mm, which is just about right for a real 1838-D half eagle.
The toning is mellow, and there is some corrosion around 8:00, suggesting that whatever this was produced for, it wasn't produced recently.
The blank reverse has JA or possibly JP scratched into it.
Have you ever seen something like this before?

0
Comments
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
What are the initials scratched in the reverse?
<< <i>What are the initials scratched in the reverse? >>
Either JA or JP. They're more or less upside down, the way the picture is oriented. That's my read, anyway.
I've got a number of these store cards around the house, and they are well executed.
Ed. S.
(EJS)
Interesting- it certainly looks like his piece might be a die trial for the token I have.
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.
<< <i>Just ttt'ing this thread in the light of this other thread. >>
Hah! Neat! Thanks!