Circulating Contemporary Counterfeit U.S. Coins

Undated Wood and Metal Coin Mold for Making Counterfeit Shield Nickels.

95 mm x 35 mm x 40 mm when assembled. Two hardwood sections, each with a lead reversed intaglio image of the two sides of a shield nickel. The two pieces can be precisely fit together by a pair of nails that fit into a pair of appropriately sized holes on the opposing half of the mold. A funnel-shaped hole on one of the longer edges allows molten metal to be poured in to make the cast fake. The reverse seems fairly accurate and probably originally capable of making a good replica, but the obverse does not seem to be recessed enough and is so worn and damaged that not even the date is decipherable. It is possible that the last coin produced in this mold became stuck to the device and could not be released. A fascinating and cleverly made antique counterfeiter's tool.

From the Steve M. Tompkins Collection.

Estimate: $ 750