Cromwell Shilling

[loose54 21]

Hi all, I purchased this shilling recently from a Heritage auction. I have been looking for an affordable example for quite some time and ended up acquiring two in the space of a couple of weeks (always the way it goes)! I was therefore preparing to move this one on but after really studying it I have a slight reservation about it. I have never had a problem with anything I have purchased from a Heritage auction previously but this one just makes me question for some reason. The coin is worn and has previously been gilt but this is not the issue. My issue is that the lettering just doesn't seem perfectly correct to me. The serifs just don't look as sharp and 'pointed' as other examples I have seen and this coin has a fully struck 'P' in 'PRO' on the obverse, a characteristic that doesn't appear on even high grade examples as far as I can see. I never really doubted it as a genuine example because I do hold Heritage in quite high regard but I would hate to sell it on without being sure as to its authenticity. If anyone has any pointers I would be most grateful. Thanks as always!

P.s the weight is 5.8 grams.

[Rob 3,152]

Looks iffy to me. Compared with mine the letters are far too thick even allowing for the high points worn nearly flat.

[Rob 3,152]

and the reverse. Look at the loop of the P and the amount of internal space is minimal on yours.

[loose54 21]

Hi Rob, thanks for your images. I agree, some of the spacing is slightly off. I am fairly convinced that it is not a genuine article. I guess I will have to get in touch with Heritage and see how they respond!

[copper123 1,487]

The more I look at this coin the less I like it

[Paulus 1,975]

I agree with Rob i.e letters far too thick. What did the Heritage description say exactly?

My lesser-grade-than-Rob's example below:

[Peter 615]

There should be no problem on refunds as it must of been slabbed.

It must of been a contemporary copy as even Ali Ba Ba wouldn't recreate a worn example.

I think you have a few miles to go to sort this.

[Paulus 1,975]

What does a Dutch copy ( (old) Esc 1006) look like? Anyone have one or a pic of one?

[Bernie 203]

I don't know anything about Shillings. If it's a fake it is a bloody good one !

Most fake coins are made of a cheap metal... try placing a magnet next to it.

[Paulus 1,975]

The weight seems about right for such a worn coin though ... (supposed to be 6.0 g for an unworn old shilling - I believe)

[Peter 615]

I don't know anything about Shillings. If it's a fake it is a bloody good one !

Most fake coins are made of a cheap metal... try placing a magnet next to it.

I bought a special magnet from the US to check coins.

It was the size of a watch battery.Bu**ed if I can find it.

There is also a tissue test to check for silver.

All this info is on Coincommunity.com

If you can wade past the love from US collectors for modern coins it is a good site.

[pies 33]

All the L's seem too thick

[rpeddie 119]

www.cromwellcoins.com

http://www.sunandanchor.com/

Both my go to

Edited December 15, 2015 by rpeddie

[Paulus 1,975]

Nice links RP, hadn't seen those sites before

[Rob 3,152]

The first quarter of the shield has notable differences in the shapes of the angle voids to the St. George's cross. It all looks a bit bulky and clunky to me.

[Nordle11 564]

www.cromwellcoins.com

http://www.sunandanchor.com/

Both my go to

Add them to the useful links thread!

[loose54 21]

Thanks for your opinions all. I have contacted Heritage and they have said that I can send it back to them and if it is a counterfeit they will obviously refund me. I will describe to them the pointers that have been discussed here and hopefully they will agree!