Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Straits Settlements Coin

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Expert: - 12/26/2010


Question
Hi Dimitri,

I bought a Straits Settlements 1916 Square Quarter coin recently. But when I Google it, results only shows the round version and not the square version.

Can you please advice on the authenticity?

Regards,
Kenny

Answer
Hi Kenny,
You have certainly peaked my curiousity.
Well, I can confirm that there were no such square coins issued for the Straits Settlements. In fact, the first square coins from this area came into use in 1919.
That pretty much rules out a genuine 1916 coin that was struck on a planchet meant for a different coin, as sometimes occurs.
If you could take a clear and large picture of the portrait side I can give you better information. When it comes to authenticity the details of the design tell the story. Any opinions without clearly seeing the coin are pretty much speculative BS.
Thanks for the question! =)

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Dmitry Livshits

Expertise

My specialty is world coins from the 18th to 20th centuries, primarily non-US foreign coins and related areas such as errors and exonumia (tokens, medals, etc.). I can answer questions relating to identification, grading, selling, preservation and evaluation of such items. In addition to catalog value, I can give you the practical market value and trends for specific types of coins. I will also take questions regarding counterfeits (both modern and antique) and on how to identify them. I am NOT knowledgeable in paper money/banknotes, ancient or "shipwreck" coins. Thank you.

Experience

Collector of world coins since early childhood. Access to a variety of auction records and reference material. You can also find me on Facebook.

Education/Credentials
A.S. in Psychology (2006), B.A. in Forensic Psychology (2008), M.A. in Forensic Psychology (2011).

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