Need id on a coin.

johnreb1980 · Oct 5, 2008

Went and done a little digging in Resaca yesterday evening. It was beautiful weather and perfect for digging. I didn't light the world on fire,but managed a few items. I believe I have found a counterfeit coin,but not real sure. That is why I need the experts help and opinions. I believe they were trying to make a shield nickel. I noticed that most of the shield nickels were without rays. I cant see any on this one either. Maybe they just did not pick up on this one. I believe it is lead. Any help will be greatly appreciated,Jonathon.

Blacksheep · Oct 5, 2008

How thick is this piece, is there detail on the back side?

Don in SJ · Oct 5, 2008

Someone used an existing 1867-1883 Variety 2 Without Rays Shield Nickel to make this piece you have, here is the counterfeit flipped (negative view for better clarity) around to show that it was made from a Variety 2 Nickel.

That is a cool find to have in your collection.

Don

doublet2a · Oct 5, 2008

Isn't that "5" backwards

If it is lead,, Maybe they just pushed it into the hot lead to get the impression of the coin??
Figuring now one would look that close ??
They used to Gold Plate the "V" nickles to pass for gold

Tim

johnreb1980 · Oct 5, 2008

Thanks guys for the help. The other side is blank as far as I can see. Who ever done it was pretty good as it is the same size and thickness as an original shield nickel. Don you did great work on the photo. Thanks a bunch,Jonathon. :thumbsup:

johnreb1980 · Oct 6, 2008

Well,I thought the front side was blank, but after carefully looking at it I can see signs of the stripes on the emblem on front. So Don, can you please work your magic on this pic of the front side. I sure wood appreciate it. It would be nice to pull a date off this thing,Jonathon.

Don in SJ · Oct 6, 2008

Magic went Poof :tongue3:

Well, this is the best I could get, the photo is flipped and in negative just like the other one I posted. You might want to try a rubbing or perhaps when that does not work, maybe gently with a pencil eraser see if any of the date shows up more with some rubbing. But try that on the left side first, where the 18 would be, so that if it does not work you do not further destroy the last two digits if you can.

Don