![]() ![]() This first coin looks genuin to me with the right patina. I agree with Martin that the copies are not necessarily made to deceive, but they are never marked "copy" and the makers would be proud to learn that their work was taken for genuine. I can't think of any area that's worse afflicted with coin forgeries, though Indonesia is making a brave attempt. ![]() Only in Singapore and the Russian Far East can you still expect to find real Chinese coins in some quantity. Non-specialized US dealers's stock is to some degree made up of imitations. On ebay, most (maybe all) Chinese coins sold by Chinese are imitations and they get better all the time. When I pointed this out to the (Asian) seller I got no response. On one of my last encounters with a seller of Chinese coins, a stall in London, every single piece, silver and copper, was a fake. They understand that Westerners (an inferior species anyway) consider these issues differently, but often fail to grasp why they should humour them. Beauty and art are considered priceless and therefore scarcity doesn't enter the equation. Modern artists regularly copy (copies of) old and famous pieces of art, believing that they will learn from copying. The Chinese see no harm in copying, because they sincerely believe a copy can be better than the original. How widespread IS the coin fake industry? What do you think? On the other hand, I guess $10 for a slug of copper is a pretty good deal. ![]() It is true that the coin is in excellent condition, but even if this cash coin was in VF condiiton, would the value of such a coin be much in excess of $10? Why would someone make a fake of a pretty common cash coin when there are rarer and much more valuable cash coins to copy? I received it in trade from a friend who didn't know the value (if genuine) or even the exact (alledged) origin of the coin. Even though I now "own" the coin, I feel no disappointment at the possibility that the coin is a fake. Thanks so much on your take on this coin. Genuine coins are usually common enough for them to have only a moderate retail value in most cases. Common Chinese cash coins are regularly reproduced, not necessarily to deceive, but sometimes simply for use as jewellery, or to make up "sets" for tourists. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |