NGC -
This fake of a common-date coin has some thick letters and a little too much silver.The
Morgan dollar series has some fantastic rarities, but the 1900-O issue is not one of them. With a lofty mintage of 12.59 million, this is one of the most common Morgans around, and Mint State examples can be found for under $100. (There are some interesting varieties, mostly involving the O mintmark, but they are not relevant to this column.)
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Genuine 1900-O Morgan DollarNGC recently received a purported example of a 1900-O Morgan. Overall, the coin has an odd color, as well as a soft, muted luster. Though it has the correct weight of 26.7 grams, its silver content is actually a bit too high: 94% instead of the expected 90%. (But with silver at record-breaking levels in late 2025, this counterfeit has considerable melt value!)
Counterfeit 1900-O Morgan DollarThe coin has soft details overall, which is reflected in many places, including the letters and the denticles. Note also on the obverse that there is damage consistent with considerable die scratching near the rim at 3 o'clock on the obverse, at the letter M.
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Close-ups of the obverse of the genuine (left) and counterfeitThe problems continue on the reverse, where the "In God we trust" motto appears much too bold. Design elements that rise above the fields on the surface of a coin are actually incuse on the die, so clearly the counterfeiter was having trouble with some of the fine strokes of the letters, which is especially obvious with the thick lines of the 'e' wiping out its eye. It is also evident in the word STATES above the motto.
Close-ups of the reverse of the genuine (left) and counterfeitWhen a counterfeiter targets a common date with a limited numismatic premium, it is often because they are counting on the coin's buyer to skip the certification process.
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Posted 12/17/2025 5:15 pm
