Weird brass or bronze coin?

[CalDoug]

I found this the other day in the same vicinty as an old Irish halfpenny. I don't know what it is. It seems to be made of brass, but I don't know for sure. I am fairly new to this coin hunting stuff, but my MXT seems to be working well. Any identification help would be appreciated. Value is of no concern, because I will never get rid of this coin (even if it is junk). I found it in northern California.


Thanks!

Doug

 

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[TreasureTales]

Howdy newbie, CalDoug. Nice to have you aboard. Nice looking coin. Could it be Spanish? I live in No. Cal. and think you found my lost coin. LOL Only joking. There are many extremely knowledgeable people on this forum, someone will be along soon to answer your question. Welcome, and have fun!!

PS what part of No.Ca? I live in the Northcoast area.

 

[fossis]

Welcome, verynice!!!!
Fossis.................

 

[DANGLANGLEY]

Just a guess but was it that shiny when you dug it up?....Don't want to get your hopes up but if it was.....could it be gold?

 

[CalDoug]

Unfortunately, it really isn't as shiny as it appears in the photo, and it came out of the dirt looking ugly. I am 98% sure that it isn't gold. Well, at least I am pretty sure it isn't gold. I live in Lake County (north of the Napa Valley), where I found the coin. It was on my grandmother's homestead. She had always claimed that her coin collection was lost by the kids, but nobody believed her. Since finding this coin and the Irish halfpenny, people have changed their minds about that. This particular coin is about the size of a silver dollar, but a little thinner. To date, I have found over 75 coins on the property, but none like this one!

thanks



Doug

 

[Jeff G]

Unfortunately, it really isn't as shiny as it appears in the photo, and it came out of the dirt looking ugly. I am 98% sure that it isn't gold. Well, at least I am pretty sure it isn't gold. I live in Lake County (north of the Napa Valley), where I found the coin. It was on my grandmother's homestead. She had always claimed that her coin collection was lost by the kids, but nobody believed her. Since finding this coin and the Irish halfpenny, people have changed their minds about that. This particular coin is about the size of a silver dollar, but a little thinner. To date, I have found over 75 coins on the property, but none like this one!

thanks



Doug

All I can say, it looks like spanish gold....
You might want to have the specific gravity checked to be sure.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Here's something close . . . Potosi mint 8 Reale coin, 1657 . . . but that was in silver. Such coins, I believe, are called "cobs" and were minted in Spain & Mexico. Don't know of any done in brass or bronze, though.

http://www.newworldtreasures.com/cobs_potosi.htm

 

[Montana Jim]

I'm going out on a limb... I dont think it's a coin... while Charlie is closest with the Potosi minted look, too many other features are not there... maybe it's my eyesight or age but your speciman seems to be just random squiggly lines on the obverse with the cross. And I cannot find a reverse even close.

I hope I'm wrong Doug... really do. And I prolly am so keep up your hopes till someone smarter than I finds this post and identifies it! I have been wrong before...

Hopfully it's one of your long lost coins collection coins!

 

[CalDoug]

Yeah, that has been one of my concerns. There are no discernible or identifiable marks on the coin, except for the cross. Most cobs that I have seen are certainly similar, but this thing of mine never "fits" with anything. I worry that perhaps it was someones' attempt to recreate or fake a cob. Either way, it certainly is interesting, though, and I will treasure it always.

 

[Montana Jim]

Disclaimer: "I am not a professional coin dude... please remain optimistic until someone speaks to this coin with authority!"

 

[TreasureTales]

Disclaimer: "I am not a professional coin dude... please remain optimistic until someone speaks to this coin with authority!"

CYA time, huh MJ? lol

 

[Montana Jim]

Disclaimer: "I am not a professional coin dude... please remain optimistic until someone speaks to this coin with authority!"

CYA time, huh MJ? lol

8)

 

[dugupfinds]

From the pictures it looks like a moulded copy, rather than a hammered cob.

Just my best guess.

 

[downindixie]

In the pictures the color appears to be gold.It would be simple to take to a jeweler and let him test it for gold content.If gold then I would go from there.

 

[DANGLANGLEY]

In the pictures the color appears to be gold.It would be simple to take to a jeweler and let him test it for gold content.If gold then I would go from there.

Sounds like the easiest place to start. Good luck to you!!!