Halfpenny Trial?

[Coppers 58]

Just noticed the following auction on ebay. If it is genuine, the seller could end up parting with his coin for pennies on the dollar (or in this case on the pound). I can't help but wonder if it is simply plated in some way. Any opinions?

Ebay "Trial" Halfpenny

[Guest Panterex]

I don't know man, but to me, it looks quite real, but do you think it has been cleaned? In some sort of chemical thing or something? It just looks too clean, you know...even between coin rim teeth I'd say 99.9 % bacteria are killed.

[Chris Perkins 228]

It's one of those things that quite possible is real, but that you'd not want to risk £50 on unless it was a known reputable coin dealer selling it, or had some kind of paperwork with it from the Royal Mint or a reputable coin dealer!

And if it is real it's not a 'trial' coin but rather an error coin struck on the wrong metal.

[Gary D 76]

It's one of those things that quite possible is real, but that you'd not want to risk £50 on unless it was a known reputable coin dealer selling it, or had some kind of paperwork with it from the Royal Mint or a reputable coin dealer!

And if it is real it's not a 'trial' coin but rather an error coin struck on the wrong metal.

I go with Chris, it's likely an off metal strike similar to the one in my sig. To me it looks a bit claggy around the rigging to plated is not out of the question.

[scottishmoney 29]

Don't discard the possibility that the coin is NOT cupro-nickel, but has been chemically treated to lighten the surface. I have seen this done with cents and pennies before.

[Dg43 0]

Looks like the same seller is at it again.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1964-Elizabeth-II-PR...bayphotohosting

[Rob 3,152]

So it's likely that both aren't right. It's very rare to find an oddball piece such as these in a proper coin auction, but ebay has dozens during the year. That should tell you something.....