This was in a bulk lot of Asian and Middle East that I purchased. It is Korea KM# 143 from 1866. First, does it look real? Seems to be in pretty good shape for a cast bronze coin. Second, could it be a seed coin as Krause calls KM# 143s (coin perfectly round with sharp characters, used in preparation of sand molds)? If not, what grade would you give it? Could fact that this is cast coin and possibly of copper or bronze account for different weights and sizes among Krause, Numista catalog, and my coin? Thanks in advance for any comments.
26.00 g (2 grams heavier than Krause)
39.03 mm diameter (smaller than Numista catalog, fits Krause illustration very closely)
3.3 mm thick
these cast coins are not always accurate (in both diameter and weight) with the value from the catalog so don't worry much if there is a little difference.
I have one of this coin also, but there's a "repair" spot and that spot is obviously different colour with the coin itself... So I should say you're lucky to have a complete and nice coin on your hand.
