I am a member of several Facebook coin groups, especially ones dedicated to identifying coins, and am startled at how many fakes are on these platforms. More experienced collectors see these coins (all fake above) so many times that they get irked, not only because counterfeits are ruining the hobby, but because posters making inquiries think they have rare coins worth thousands.
Often, more experienced collectors just comment, “Fake,” without explaining why. They should at least cite a few factors, such as “plated,” “China counterfeit,” “Etsy fake,” etc. Others reading comments also learn from experienced collectors. .
There are reasons many such group members refrain from giving detailed information, or worse, answer in a snarky manner. First of all, counterfeit detection requires experience, skill and research. You can find many such sites on the internet. Here’s one by NGC: Counterfeit detection. But a second reason concerns that people posting photos of fake coins aren’t really interested in the hobby. They just want a value, and when told their coins are fake, resist and trigger more rude comments.
That taints the entire group.
So here are SIMPLE ways you can detect a counterfeit. Let’s start with coins in fake PCGS holders:
The Chinese also have a difficult time with fonts.
Another issue with Chinese fakes concerns whether they use the correct reverse. For instance, this coin purports to be an 1889-CC Morgan, a valuable coin. But it should have a rounded breast on the eagle and slanted top feather.
Go to PCGS CoinFacts or another comprehensive site (or Red Book) and look up the year, mint mark and denomination of your coin. Recently a Facebook member asked about the value of an 1846-CC dollar. If you look that year up, you won’t find anything. The Carson City mint started producing coins in 1870.
When you can’t find the year/mint mark in these guides, you have a counterfeit.
When you do identify your coin, look at two measurements: diameter and weight.
You can also test for silver by simply using your ear. It’s called “The Ping Test,” which distinguishes between silver and base metal. Train your ear. Here’s a YouTube video on how to do the test:
Also, many ancient coins are replicas (museum, souvenir pieces) or counterfeits. I just posted about fake shekels of Tyre, a much sought after coin, because it is believed Judas Iscariot received this in the 30 pieces of silver story in the Bible.
Knowing die markers for rarities, which are often faked, is essential when purchasing or commenting online. Proxiblog has expert counterfeit contributors who regularly use die markers not only to identify authentic coins but also fake ones. Here are some of their articles:
Once again, this counterfeit family reminds me to advise newer collectors to follow these general guidelines:
- If you are ready to bid hundreds of dollars on a coin, resist buying a raw one and shop for one holdered by PCGS, NGC, ANACS and CAC.
- Be especially careful when purchasing raw coins from eBay and other online venues. TAI bots cannot detect counterfeits, so you are on your own.
- Make sure the seller takes returns and has good reviews. Also, the number of positive reviews is a good indicator. If someone has 0 sales or even fewer than 100, do not take a chance.
- Weigh the coin and go to PCGS CoinFacts for the date and mintmark, checking your coin against weights and dimensions.
- Subscribe to Proxiblog.org
If you are ready to bid hundreds of dollars on a coin, resist buying a raw one and shop for one holdered by PCGS, NGC, ANACS and CAC.
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You can find more information about types, varieties, errors, grading, bidding and buying in Coin News Updated: The Essential Guide to Online Bidding. Please consider buying or gifting the work for a friend, as it underwrites this hobbyist blog. Thank you.
