Here's A Fun One: Which 1799 Dollar Is Real? :-)

Ok, the gig is up. I admit that it was a trick question.

Everyone who said "none of the above" is correct. All three are counterfeits.

If you're going to be a curmudgeon about it and not enjoy this post for what it is, allow me to give a bit of background as to why I decided to share them:

I tend to get a lot of donated counterfeits as well as obtain them from coin dealers and cash-for-gold establishments for The Black Cabinet.

Doing my "normal rounds," there has recently been a glut of dud 1796, 1797, and 1799 dollars (the latter having the most variety, as you can see). So be on the lookout and inform the more casual or newer members of our hobby.

That is all. :-)

EDIT: Just a quick "PS," it makes me feel rather wonderful that so many of you picked up on the fact that they were all bogus. All three of these coins pictured here passed as genuine before they came into my possession. Keep up the good work.

If a lot of us could tell they were all fake, who passed these as genuine - the sellers?

SteveCaruso
Actually did a great job! we are all supposed to be noticing fine details


notice the italicized. NOW that is cool!

The one on the left, nose bridge blends into the field. Poor strike although the other details are better!

What surprised me was how many people chose one as being genuine because that was the only choice in the pole. When your gut tells you something might not be right, stick to your guns and don't fall for it, walk away.
Steve I think this post was very valuable, thank for doing it.

Great post Steve! Might I ask what the Black Cabinet is?
Also, you mention lots of 1796, 1797, 1799 fakes - I have a raw 1798; are fakes rare for '98?

when I saw the pic, I was like all three are fake, no way one of those is real!