Matron large cent with Asian character

[UnQle Rob]

I was out on a hunt this past December and uncovered this marvelous coin. The coin is stamped with Asian characters. The characters are not scratched or gouged into the coin. I am trying to determine if anyone has seen such a coin before, what the characters mean, and any other historical information. Thanks in advance.

 

[Jeff H]

Interesting but too hard to see. Perhaps do a pencil rubbing and post that.

 

[mick56]

I too, cannot see anything.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

My poor eyes, I can't see in the dark....

 

[rick67]

Lots of Chinese worked building railroads in the 1800's. Perhaps it came from one of them. They were bored and chiseled it in.

Can't see it either. Just going on description.

 

[UnQle Rob]

Lol So, when you know what you're looking at and looking for, it never occurred to me that it couldnt be seen. I will try to use better lighting and then post another photo. Btw, it took me a few days to see it well too.

 

[joesmarbles]

Could be what is called a chopmark, used on many types of coins to guarantee authenticity.....Joe McDonough

 

[UnQle Rob]

Did the best that I can to highlight the marks.

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

Try and take a picture in natural light that might help and a dark background the light colored counter is reflecting the light making it harder to see coin.

 

[HuntinDog]

Try sprinkling flour or corn starch on it and lightly wiping it off.
Light it from the side to increase shadows.
and also what Bach-of-the-boat said use a darker background.