What do you believe this is? 0

[Zebo]

describe what you believe this piece is and also any details about the portrait that stands out to you. Why was it made? What was it purpose? Also, what do you think is on the other side of it.

 

 

Edited October 20, 2023 by Zebo
Clarification

[bsshog40]

Looks like a portrait of Ebenezer scrooge. Is the Grinch on the other side? 

[Zebo]

On 1/4/2023 at 6:27 PM, bsshog40 said:

Looks like a portrait of Ebenezer scrooge. Is the Grinch on the other side? 

Not who - what is it? How or why was it made. What characteristics does the portrait have. That sort of thing.

  It does remind me of Ebenezer now that you mention it.  

[Zebo]

Because this is a hard one - I’ll provide hints along the way.

1st hint - its British 

[CIII]

It looks like Field Marshall Roberts.

[Zebo]

2nd hint - it was struck at a mint in England during the first quarter of the 1800s.

[Hoghead515]

Its driving me crazy. I spent 2 straight hours trying to figure it out. 

[Just Bob]

I am going to guess die trial.

[Hoghead515]

On 1/5/2023 at 6:03 PM, Just Bob said:

I am going to guess die trial.

That came to my mind. Was thinking that or some kind of expirmental piece. 

[Fenntucky Mike]

I was thinking a trial strike but there looks to be too many raised areas on the surface for me. Looks like the outer periphery has lots of bubbling, perhaps something to do with producing the piece or type of material used? The effigy seems quite a bit off center as well and has some areas of both weakness and good details.

I have no idea what it is but I'll guess that there is no design on the back.

Is this from Soho?

[Hoghead515]

Is it some kind of expirimenting with the alloys. Or an off metal of some kind. Looks like brass or copper but the rough surface and bubbles may have been an inproper mixture or some other metal mixed in. 

[Zebo]

On 1/5/2023 at 6:03 PM, Just Bob said:

I am going to guess die trial.

I didn’t think I’d have an answer so quick or be able to give the answer tonight as I was headed toward the FUN show, but things happen.

You guys are good. Bob is right  - It’s a Trial Proof or Die Trial. You will notice the cuts on the obverse where the engraver was marking possible modifications of the bust and location adjustments. The final photo is of the final design. 

Mike - it is from the Soho Mint.

the original photo is deceiving as it is of the reverse, if you can call it that. The image looks raised (at least to me), but is actually incused. 
Reverse:

 

obverse with engraver cuts/adjustments 

 

final design

 

Edited October 20, 2023 by Zebo

[Hoghead515]

I almost said die testing earlier today. I was reading up about it trying to find out what it was. Then in my reading it said it was called die trials when they was testing the dies. I wasnt sure that was what it was though so I didnt mention it. That was fun and I learned a few things while I was searching allthe possibilities of what it could be. Thank you for sharing. 

Edited January 6, 2023 by Hoghead515

[bstrauss3]

Repoussé

[zadok]

On 1/6/2023 at 9:52 AM, bstrauss3 said:

Repoussé

...im not sure ur allowed to say that word here ....