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 Replies: 27 / Views: 9,485 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
591 Posts |
I had inquired as to experience with these counterfeits recently here: https://goccf.com/t/251989&whichpage=2#2124959Link to that PCGS article is there too. I agree about potentially getting raw coins for less $, but for peace of mind it does seem slabbed coins would be better. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
591 Posts |
I was at the local coin show last weekend and a dealer had a Indian Head 1/4 eagle that he said was counterfeit. Had it in a case with other counterfeits (silver). I looked at it closely and couldn't tell. He claimed a slight ring through the stars was the primary indicator. But I wondered if that couldn't also be caused by it having been in a coin ring. I'm not the expert, he is, so I guess I have to defer to him. But he said it was within .03 grams of what it is supposed to be.
Edited by one_fine_dime
02/26/2016 5:14 pm
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Valued Member
146 Posts |
First of all, follow the advice here. Do not buy a raw coin unless you know the dealer and have a guarantee. One alternative is to choose a coin and have the dealer send it in to a TPGS for you. This was done often in the past.
The "ring" around the coin is often seen on $2 1/2 struck in Denver. It does not indicate a coin is fake. Coins that were in a bezel often have an original surface that was covered by the ring. Thus two-toned color at rim.
The poster who told you to only buy NGC or PCGS coin is not informed. All four major service can authenticate these coins. The ANACS or ICG coin will generally be discounted. Now, if you are going to sell the coin, an NGC or PCGS coin of the same date and quality will bring more money. Go figure!
Incuse Indians are often counterfeited. Check these qualities:
1. Color. Most older fakes were made from a lower alloy of gold. An experienced collector can spot one easily. You are not. So, have the dealer show you several coins at the same time. The dull gold coin with no "life" is possibly c/f or cleaned.
2. Sharpness. The incuse design should appear sharp and not rounded down into the letters. You should see mint luster coming from the interior of the design and stars as that part of the coin does not get worn. That gives the coin the "life" mentioned above.
3. c/f weigh correct so forget about a scale.
4. The edge reeding of many fakes feels sharp to the touch.
5. Look for tool marks inside the letters. I don't have time to explain further except they usually appear as raised gouges inside the recess.
Good Luck.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1450 Posts |
You know you can buy graded and slabbed coins on ebay for the same price as raw in my experience. If you are going to plunk down $500 or $1000 why not buy a graded coin? And as all say they are easier to sell with little argument about condition from most people. There can be small but very expensive differences in coins like full horn or 3/4 horn on a Buffalo. I bet only collectors who know would ever notice a three legged Buffalo as opposed to one with four legs.1918-D 8/7 is even worse and that is a coin I would want to buy graded by PCGS or NCG.I see horrible photos of 8/7 buffs asking $600 raw. I can't even see the date and the guy wants close to $1000. |
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Valued Member
 United States
265 Posts |
Thanks for info , especially dipper.
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Valued Member
United States
265 Posts |
Guess there's only one way to become an expert.
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Valued Member
United States
152 Posts |
I mainly collect/buy/sell $2 1/2 Indians. Feel free to post pics of coins you are interested in or have purchased, and I will take a look. I can spot most fakes. Hard to explain how to spot them though.
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Valued Member
146 Posts |
@jwitten I mainly collect/buy/sell $2 1/2 Indians. Feel free to post pics of coins you are interested in or have purchased, and I will take a look. I can spot most fakes. Hard to explain how to spot them though.
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Valued Member
United States
152 Posts |
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Valued Member
146 Posts |
@jwitten
I wrote you a note but for some reason it did not post :(
Now I don't remember :)
Are you on Coin Talk as jwitten?
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Valued Member
United States
152 Posts |
ya, I mainly post there, just recently joined here
Edited by jwitten
03/04/2016 2:10 pm
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Valued Member
146 Posts |
I mainly post there,
I prefer "there." IMO, easier to navigate and use.
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Replies: 27 / Views: 9,485 |
First Page
Posted 02/26/2016 5:14 pm
