Would anyone be able to tell me for certain if this is a real coin or a counterfeit. I thought I had it tagged as China Empire y#127 until I realised the weight was wrong. I don't remember why or where I got it, maybe off eBay.
I lost what little info I had on deciphering a date for Chinese coins, so I don't even know what year it's supposed to be.
The Obv looks OK to me, but the rev (dragon) appears as though it may be cast. The edge is reeded.
China Hu-Peh Province 7 Mace and 2 Candareens (Weight 18.48g Diam. 39mm)
(http://www.australian-coins.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10007/China_Hu-Peh_Province_7_Mace_and_2_Candareens_18_48g_39mm.jpg)
I found this link that may help Nevol.
Comparing the real to the counterfeit shown, your's appears more real.
http://www.silver-coins.org/chinese_dragon_hu-peh_province.html (http://www.silver-coins.org/chinese_dragon_hu-peh_province.html)
I hope this helps.
Geez no wonder it's so hard to determine the date.
I think I've identified the emperor as Emperor Guangxu
(The lower large symbol in the inner circle).
緒
I got this from here......
http://www.worldcoindatabase.com/datesystems.php?page=cn (http://www.worldcoindatabase.com/datesystems.php?page=cn)
The rest has me stumped so far, but this may help.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexagenary_cycle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexagenary_cycle)
..... I love a good mystery ..... so I hope this helps more
This one is from the Hu-Peh (or Hubei) Province from 1894-1907
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces15997.html (https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces15997.html)
The 4 symbols within the circle appear the same as your coin, so too the outer lower 6 characters.
The first and last of the upper 4 also appear the same, so it must be just a slightly different date.
The weight is my only concern so far with the one linked being considerably heavier.
I actually posted a similar message & Pics on CCF and it seems that my 'coin' is definitely a fake.
I was already prepared for that outcome, but just needed some rational input from people with more experience in 'exotics'.
Thanks Uni for your assistance. :biggrin: