Hello everyone, I would like to ask for help with an unusual edge inscription

Hello everyone,

I would like to ask for help with an unusual edge inscription on a 1915 KB 1 Korona (Franz Joseph I, Hungary).

The standard edge inscription for this coin should read: BIZALMAM AZ ŐSI ERÉNYBEN

However, on my coin I clearly observe the following differences:

• the word "AZ" is missing between BIZALMAM and ŐSI
• the spacing between words is significantly tighter than usual
• separator symbols appear in a different position and seem to be offset from the normal layout
• the overall composition looks compressed compared to standard examples

I have checked many auction listings and catalog images (including Numista and other sources), and I could not find a single matching edge.

The lettering on the edge is sharp and evenly struck, not worn.

Because of this, I am considering that this might be:

• a different edge collar
• or a possibly unrecorded edge variety

Weight: 4.9 g

I would greatly appreciate opinions, especially from collectors familiar with Austro-Hungarian coinage and edge varieties.

Thank you in advance.

Welcome to Numista. I tried to clean up some of the photos so that someone who is better qualified than myself  can better help you  with your coin and observations. Very difficult to be clear and address the topic with the photos you provided.

N#12865

Tagging editors for visibility.

This is a 1915 KB 1 Korona with missing “AZ” in the edge inscription. I could not find any matching example.

Any expert opinion would be highly appreciated.

KLYJ

Tagging editors for visibility.

This is a 1915 KB 1 Korona with missing “AZ” in the edge inscription. I could not find any matching example.

Any expert opinion would be highly appreciated.

Numista does not have editors.  You might tag the Hungarian coin referee or send a PM.  Otherwise posting here is the best way to get the opinions of the Numista members.

https://en.numista.com/team.php

Thank you for your reply.

However, I would like to clarify that the issue is not only the absence of "AZ" on the edge.

The main difference is that the entire edge inscription appears to be arranged differently compared to standard examples. The spacing between letters, the positioning of symbols, and the sequence of elements do not match typical 1 Korona 1915 KB coins.

I have carefully compared my coin with many verified examples, and I could not find any with the same edge configuration.

This suggests that it may not be a simple missing-letter error, but potentially a different edge die or an unrecorded variety.

I would greatly appreciate if someone with deeper expertise in Austro-Hungarian coinage could review this and provide an opinion.

Thank you in advance.

KLYJ

 

This suggests that it may not be a simple missing-letter error, but potentially a different edge die or an unrecorded variety.

Or a fake. You can't rule that out either.

Thank you for your opinion.

I would like to address the possibility of this coin being a counterfeit.

In my view, this is unlikely for several reasons:

– The coin matches the correct weight, diameter, and overall appearance of a genuine 1 Korona 1915 KB.
– The details of the obverse and reverse are sharp and consistent with official minting, with no signs of casting or modern reproduction.
– The edge inscription, although unusual, is cleanly struck into the metal and follows the same depth and style as genuine edge lettering, rather than appearing artificially engraved.

Additionally, altering the edge inscription in such a precise and consistent way would require specialized minting equipment, which makes post-mint modification highly unlikely.

Therefore, the differences observed on the edge seem more consistent with a different or misaligned edge collar used during minting, rather than a counterfeit.

I would appreciate further expert evaluation specifically focusing on the edge structure and strike characteristics.

Thank you.