Emperor Gao Zong (1736-95)
Qian Long Tong Bao 10 cash Palace Coin.
Rev Boo Ciowan (Board of Revenue, Beijing)
Jen 713
Diam41.5-42.2mm, 30.3g
These coins were supposedly issued on the Emperor's birthday to officials of the court. They were not intended for circulation. The coin is not listed in Hartill, and expert advice I have received indicates that this is a fairly recent fake, even though it matches Jen's listing in all respects. Jen is said to have listed several fakes in his book.
One giveaway is that a coin of this period would normally have diagonal file marks, whereas this has concentric finishing marks (very faint).
Still, it's an impressive piece.
Very imposing piece - I love broad rims. Like many of my Qing large cash, variances can usually be explained by 'private' issues of the day. Not likely for a birthday coin though. I keep wondering where you go to get the intuitive knowledge that the 'feeling' of the fabric is not right.
This piece "feels" right to me, but on the information given to me by Robert Kokotailo from Calgary Coins I have to accept that it's not. Sad, as I paid quite a lot for it.