✅ SOLVED Real, counterfeit or play 1837 Large Cent?

[invent4hir]

All, found this coin near a home built by a Quaker family in 1833 and later owned by a blacksmith for 60 years. The home has been inhabited ever since and the property farmed.

First thing I noticed when I pulled it out of the dirt was how thick the rim was (3mm) — compare to a modern quarter in the first photo. Next the interior of the rim on the reverse side has edges (second photo) like a Susan B. Anthony dollar coin. Then I saw the Liberty head facing left (third photo).

When I got home I looked at 1837 coins in my book and saw none with a reverse side with edges like the coin I found. After some cleaning I could make out part of the branches on the reverse side, as well as, part of ONE CENT and STATES OF AMERICA. The diameter of 26 mm is slightly smaller than the 27.5 mm of a 1837 Large Cent.

Before posting I searched TNet and compared it to other counterfeit LGs found and a 1837 Hard Times Token. No match.

So is this a real, counterfeit or play 1837 Large Cent?

 

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[cudamark]

I believe it to be a genuine 1937, just been hammered on the edges to give it that look and thickness.

 

[GaRebel1861]

I think is genuine as well but, lived a hard life. Cool find.

 

[invent4hir]

I think is genuine as well but, lived a hard life. Cool find.

GARebel1861, thanks for your thoughts!

 

[invent4hir]

I believe it to be a genuine 1937, just been hammered on the edges to give it that look and thickness.

cudamark, thanks for the interesting possibility. Have to admit I was leaning more towards counterfeit or play - but w/ your comment will re-think.

 

[nkellam22]

I would say definitely real. I've seen coins hammered like that on the edges before. Don't know exactly why did that but I've heard it could have been in order to turn it into play money.

 

[invent4hir]

I would say definitely real. I've seen coins hammered like that on the edges before. Don't know exactly why did that but I've heard it could have been in order to turn it into play money.

nkellam22, had a chance to re-examine the coin - and yes I believe you all are right - that it is hammered. Holding it sideways and turning, the spots where the rim is thickest corresponds to an area where a corner isn't. Also running my finger across the edge, I feel flat spots that are hard to see w/ a naked eye. When I donate it to the local historical society, part of the description will include the possibility of turning it into play money. Will mark this thread [SOLVED]. Thanks to you, cudamark, and GaRebel1861 for solving Happy Easter!