Kelso & ObscureMint
Kelso Kelso
Hey, have you ever come across a coin everyone swears is a genuine medieval mint but turns out to be a modern forgery? I’ve been digging into the so‑called “Silver Giraffe” lately—thought you might have some clues.
ObscureMint ObscureMint
Yes, there’s a well‑known case that matches that description. The “Silver Giraffe” was sold as a 14th‑century mint, but a few detail checks turned it into a modern forgery. First, the edge of the coin is too clean—medieval edges are usually ragged, with the metal’s natural abrasion. Second, the giraffe’s tail is unnaturally symmetrical; a genuine die would show some asymmetry from the hand‑carving process. Third, the lettering is too crisp for the age; the strokes lack the microscopic scratches that accumulate over centuries. And if you look under a magnifier, the mint mark on the reverse is positioned too precisely; older coins often have a slightly off‑center impression. If you want to be thorough, you could run a simple magnet test—most medieval silver is unmagnetized, whereas modern alloy forgers sometimes use slight iron content. That should give you a good clue about whether your “Silver Giraffe” is a true medieval relic or just a slick contemporary copy.
Kelso Kelso
That’s a slick set of clues—pretty much a detective kit for a coin con. Makes me wonder if my old pocket‑watch is the next “Silver Giraffe” in disguise. Need a pro’s eye on mine?
ObscureMint ObscureMint
Sure thing. Drop me a picture of the watch’s face, the back, and any serial or maker’s marks. I’ll check the metal composition, the tool marks, and compare it to known genuine pieces from the same era. Just remember, a true antique will show the quirks of time—rust, patina, slight wear—while a modern replica often looks too clean. Send the photos, and we’ll see if your watch is a genuine relic or the next “Silver Giraffe” in disguise.
Kelso Kelso
I’ll snap one up later—got to keep the mystery alive. But hey, you’re probably going to find a cleaner edge and a tail that looks like it was pulled out of a 3‑D printer, right? Let's see what you uncover.
ObscureMint ObscureMint
Sure thing, just keep the camera steady and remember to zoom in on those fine details—if it’s truly a forgery, the edges will be unnaturally neat and the tail will have a robotic symmetry that even a skilled artisan can’t hide. When you send it over, I’ll let you know if it’s a genuine timepiece or the next “Silver Giraffe” in disguise. Good luck hunting the mystery!
Kelso Kelso
Sounds like a fun challenge—let’s see if your watch’s got the same sleek, too‑perfect vibe as the giraffe. I’ll shoot some pics soon. Stay tuned!