18th Century Silver Spanish Coin.

Now, THAT'S scary!!!!!

 

I'm betting those are collected in their own right, like counterfeit US Confederate banknotes. The forgeries have their own following.

 

While I'd like to believe AF and EvelyB, and think they're probably right, I'd still like to get it checked and tested. As Davy said, fakes are nothing new. Even back in the 1700s and 1800s they were churning out fakes and copies.

It certainly looks and rings like silver, but I would like to be absolutely sure.

I'll try and get away today and visit my local jeweler. See if he can perform a magnet-test, and weigh the coin as well. If not, I know plenty of people in the local antiques industry in town. I'll ask around and see what they recommend.

If that doesn't work, I will take it to a local auction-house which I know of, and see if one of their experts can help me.

 

I see at least one strange thing on the coin.The upper right lion is severely worn while the frame around it shows virtually little wear.

 

I'm not a coin collector, the condition doesn't bother me. I like it for its historical value and interest. I bought it because it was silver, and because it was a famous coin.

 

Better photos:

 

Took it to the local jeweler's. They weren't able to confirm the metal, but the weight is 6.2g.

 

Well, I did say that it's a very thin coin - only 1mm thick.

 

Sorry for the late reply.
It would be a 1788 ME IJ Peru 8 Reales. Lima mint I believe.
https://www.ngccoin.com/price-guide/world/peru-2-reales-km-76a-1785-1789-cuid-13244-duid-44591

Its about 10-15$ is that condition.
Remember at this time Peru was still a colony of Spain

 

I posted these before. This bag was in my mother's stuff and these coins were in it. Nothing spectacular, but obviously she cared about them. I just think it's cool to hold something that ordinary people would have used two or three hundred years ago.

 

Hi Bev,
Reminds me of the finds when the Govnt put I-95 through the waters edge of Philadelphia in the 70s I was lucky enough to find an Elizabeth the First coin from the 1561 and a French Sou coin Henry IV coin from 1594 plus a dozen or so of silver dollars from the 1880s, They are my lucky coins.
greg

 

Looks like you have a few George III coppers that would have circulated in the colonies.

Over the years I have sold quite a lot of these well worn coins to US buyers, because in theory they could have been used in the colonies and they are reasonably common over here. Yours may have crossed the ocean several times in some sailor's pocket and bought beer in rough taverns.

 

Greg - makes you wonder what else was in there , and what's been paved over. The Brits found Richard III under a car park. Maybe Jimmy Hoffa and Blackbeard's treasure are under I-95?

 

they would have looked like this when new.

 

One of them is an 1837 Province Du Bas Canadian Half Penny. Since my grandparents came down from Quebec in the late 1800s, I'm fairly certain that one came with them or from one of the relatives.