RSM9292 Posted November 28, 2023 Share Posted November 28, 2023 I have an 1805 mexican 8 reales coin with the assayer initials “FM.” Is it possible this is authentic? All the other 1805s I see have “TH” assayer initials. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandon Posted November 28, 2023 Share Posted November 28, 2023 Welcome to the NGC chat board. My fourth edition of the nineteenth century volume of the Standard Catalog of World Coins (2004) indicates that the "FM" assayers' initials do not appear on colonial Mexican coins dated after 1802. The NGC World Coin Price Guide lists two varieties for the 1805 Mexico 8 reales, both with "TH" assayers' initials. World Coin Price Guide and Values | NGC (ngccoin.com). Therefore, your coin is likely counterfeit. Photos would still help. R__Rash 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted November 28, 2023 Author Share Posted November 28, 2023 Thank you this is helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWB Posted November 28, 2023 Share Posted November 28, 2023 Geeee...Didn't realize the Franklin Mint was in business back then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandon Posted November 29, 2023 Share Posted November 29, 2023 I'm not an expert on this series and am hoping that a member who may be more familiar with Spanish colonial coins, such as @World Colonial, might be able to offer a more learned opinion. However, your coin doesn't appear to match either of the date styles on the 1805 varieties listed in the World Coin Price Guide, which I am unable to access this evening. The raised rim on the reverse suggests that the coin was struck in a close collar, which is also inconsistent with the photos I've seen of genuine examples of this type, which appear to be "open collar" strikes. Other characteristics, such as the color, look odd as well. Everything so far points toward the coin being counterfeit. R__Rash 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fenntucky Mike Posted November 29, 2023 Share Posted November 29, 2023 It's a counterfeit. I'm not very familiar with these other than I've seen this question asked several times. If I remember correctly the consensus was that these are either bullion pieces produced at a later date and used for trade or it's a counterfeit of a counterfeit produced in China. Also, again if I'm remembering this correctly, the assayers initials, FM, used with the wrong date was done on purpose as a way to identify these? If I have time I'll try to find a more definitive answer. zadok 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted November 29, 2023 Author Share Posted November 29, 2023 Thanks everyone. It weighs 27 grams on the nose. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RWB Posted November 29, 2023 Share Posted November 29, 2023 Sharp photos would be helpful. I've found no mention of assayers F. M. for 1805....only T. H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TwoKopeiki Posted November 30, 2023 Share Posted November 30, 2023 The coin is a counterfeit. Design elements and legend punches and spacing is wrong. Weighing "27 grams on the nose" is an interesting tidbit. Do you know how to perform specific gravity testing? What is the diameter and thickness? Given that your obverse and reverse picture quality is not great, i think it's too much to ask for edge photos all the way around? Fenntucky Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 I will try again with the photos but photography has never been my strong suit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 I will try again with the photos but photography has never been my strong suit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 Fenntucky Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted November 30, 2023 Author Share Posted November 30, 2023 But now I can see the edges are all screwed up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
World Colonial Posted December 22, 2023 Share Posted December 22, 2023 Sorry, not my series. I'm also not the most qualified to express an opinion on authenticity. There are a lot of fakes for Bust 8R. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RSM9292 Posted December 22, 2023 Author Share Posted December 22, 2023 I have determined it is a fake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henri Charriere Posted December 26, 2023 Share Posted December 26, 2023 On 11/30/2023 at 5:10 PM, RSM9292 said: But now I can see the edges are all screwed up. Da Vinci code. Lemme run it thru my Enigma... it reads "the coin may look irregular, but it's not. Trust me." So there you have it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
