British India: 2 Annas, 1887, with a funny obverse

[Overlord]

Any opinions on the obverse? Do you think this coin was defaced intentionally or is the damage more likely to be accidental (e.g., caused while cleaning). Could this be a counterstamp? Or do I have a special World Goitre Day/Hanuman Jayanti commemorative? 

Obverse


Reverse

[Figleaf]

Time for the ping test. I have seen cast forgeries of this coin and this looks like at least two trapped air bubbles.

Peter

[translateltd]

The letters on the reverse look misaligned to me, which could cast some doubt on its authenticity, too.

[BC Numismatics]

Amit,
  This looks like it is made from lead & chemically treated to make it look like silver,as it is a very dull grey colour.Silver has a whiteish appearance.

This is a very deceptive forgery.

Aidan.

[Oesho]

I have the impression that it is a genuine 2 anna (1/8 rupee) used as jewellery or button. The hook or eye has been removed and subsequently a lot of solder and filing marks remain. Such objects are often encountered in tribal areas and also among people in Rajasthan were small silver coins were used for buttons. Almost all post 1900 small silver coins of Jodhpur and Kishangarh have been used for this purpose.

[Md. Shariful Islam]

Time for the ping test. I have seen cast forgeries of this coin and this looks like at least two trapped air bubbles.

Peter

Is air bubble a symptom of fake? I am afraid, I have 1936 Saudi silver 1 Riyal where I see a bubble like thing...

Islam   

[Md. Shariful Islam]

An old thread but still I want to comment as I have a reflection. I notice extra metal on the face of the queen. I think this was used as a weighing jewellery during purchase. Extra metal added to fool sellers. Extra metal has been added on the obverse and the reverse where 'two anna' is incribed is not distorted.

Islam

[ZYV]

I agree with Oesho.
The coin was used as button.
And then it was "repaired".

[Md. Shariful Islam]

Button is possible. But I don't see any hole on the other side. And secondly even if they were used for buttons, must be or should be for richer class as they are made of silver and even during those days these two annas could buy many things. I have heared from my father. So, using them for buttons is rather luxury if it was used as buttons even during fifties.

Islam

[Abhay]

Why only buttons, old silver coins have been used in all forms of jewellery for very long times. Just see the images.

Abhay

[Md. Shariful Islam]

Thanks Abhay Daa for the pics. One interesting observation from the pics is that the obverse of the coins have used as face. Logically so. But in case of the subject coin of this thread the obverse is distorted. If it was used as button the reverse was used as face.

Islam