171
differences affords the numismatist unbounded satisfaction.
In China the early issues of Hong Kong ten cents
are said to be under suspicion as forgeries. The punches and
dies discarded in 1883 were not preserved and cannot, there-
fore, be now produced as rebutting evidence against this
opinion. But the existence in our Museum of early-dated
specimens agreeing in the particulare specified with the coine
sent for examination should dispose of any doubts of their
genuineness.
The four coins are of the standard diameter (0.7"),
and their weights are as near to the standard (41.90 grains)
as could reasonably be expected in the case of coins taken
from currency,
The weights are:-
as these seem to be.
(1) 1866 41.45 grains.
1880 41.20
14
1897 41.30
14
1899 41.35
H
It may be added that in 1866 ten-cent pieces were
struck without mintmark both in London and in Hong Kong. It
is not possible, therefore, to decide what is the exact origin
of the coin above of that date.
(Intlld.)
W.J.H.
4 Dec., 1915.
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