Cast Chinese authenticity

Hello all,

I recently acquired several dozen older Chinese coins, several of which have been accepted as new for the Numista catalog. I added this coin, a 10 Cash Xian Feng zhong bao, but based on the photos, a question was raised from one of the reviewers regarding its possible authenticity. I am asking for the opinion of those more knowledgeable than I for help determining if this coin looks authentic or not. The back story on this is that the owner of my local coin shop bought around 40 coins from a woman in her 70s who said they belonged to her father-in-law who was a merchant marine in Asia. Among the coins I bought were quite a few whose authenticity is not in question (very common 1 cash coins, frequently worn). There were also a few that were likely early reproductions which were discussed here:

https://en.numista.com/forum/topic76629.html

Does anyone have any insights into this coin? Using Hartill's "Cast Chinese Coins", the size is good for this piece and the contrast in the photo was slightly increased to emphasize the characters.

Thank you!

Hello,

Personally I am leaning towards fake but it is nowhere nearly as straightforward to tell, with these higher denomination cash coins. It still has a fair chance of being authentic in my opinion.

If it's authentic it would be this coin:
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces43107.html

Indeed, even today these coins are made as lucky charm.
It is always difficult to say if they are replica or real.
perhaps this can help:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/c6cidiqnu6hpsu4/Catalogue_Chinese_Coins_7thcBC-621AD.pdf?dl=0
It is not the most accurate, but it is free....