1776 8 Reales. Good Fake Or Real Deal?

realeswatcher

I know that you are a champion of the other side when it comes to several coins. I do not presume that the coin is either genuine or not UNTIL a scientific range of tests are run on the coin.

The Potosi mint is as I also understand noted for its poor control of assay and somewhat substandard die craftsmanship. However, poor craftsman ship is not involved here. When dealing with metal fatigue you need to consider how long die punches could possibly survive when they are used to make dies. Remember die steel used for making working dies is virtually in the same class as the punches used to create the impressions. The difference lies in the ability to soften iron in one case and harden it in the other. So how long did die punches last in practice? That is the key question.

Based on what period records still exist (mostly for Mexico City) die punches were replaced quite often. Matrix sets of punches were secured by the mint officials and were replaced when breaks occurred. A die maker was retained on staff for that reason. Based on discussions I have had with Dave O'Harrow, he believed that the smaller punches were replaced several times a year.

When he wrote "Hooknecks" it was along with his partner Clyde Hubbard one of the very few American citizens who has ever been allowed to examine the collection of the Mexico City mint including all of the dies and die making equipment that are normally kept from view. I had lengthy discussions with Dave O'Harrow on the topic of just how long die punches survived. That was back when I was considering an attempt to do a study like Overton did for US Bust half dollars. He cautioned against any such attempt because of the enormous number of dies used annually in all high output mints. The number was not in the hundreds per year but thousands. We also discussed individual die making tools and how dies were made. He indicated that a blacksmith was employed specifically with making die punches. Hubbard was the source of the information I put in my first book about how coin blanks were edged. His description of the process was what I used for my book.

However, I see it is far better to rely upon science to settle the issue. Weight is one thing, but density is far better as a test of authenticity. XRF is better still.

You said about the coin
Perhaps it is, but it could equally well be artificial toning applied by a very good Numismatic Forger.

I will wait on making a decision until more scientific data is available.

30FromTheNorth

Thanks for posting the weight. It is within normal range for an 8R but that is absolutely no guarantee that the coin is genuine.

The other four coins you posted represented a wide range of collecting types. Were they found together?

If all of those items were found in the "same location" they may have come from the same source. When I saw the grouping, I wondered if it was part of a stolen coin collection.

So, all the coins came from a dumpster. The charity is definitely doing a very poor job of reviewing donations. Coins should always be referred to a dealer or collector because virtually every coin has some value.

I find it difficult to believe coins are not collected for periodic review. Perhaps you could go to someone in charge and ask about the coins. For a couple bucks they might agree to toss them all into a box. That way you could possibly help them out.