Is This 1857 Large Cent Genuine Or Fake?

If your deeply concerned whether it is a fake or not, and want to learn from here as well as other experts, you could send it in for attribution to some one like John Wexler or other service that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. ANACS is cheap as well, maybe 10 bucks per coin, but I believe there is a minimum of like 5 coins or so. That will allow some one thats a grader to handle the coin and look at the details and determine its fate.

To me the coin's date took a hit especially on the 8 and part of the 5. Its tough to tell. I know there are advid collectors of these, but coin production is far from perfect, especially mid 1850's. The Dings on the rim look about 180 degrees out. I see that alot on the Lincoln's, right out of a mint sewn bag.

In the end, do what you feel comfortable with. Weigh the cost of sending the coin in for attribution vide the initial cost. Add in peace of mind and in the end you can sell the coin and look for another if you wish.

Also, David1: You have your emails turned off. Please send me an email about this coin. Thank you.

It's a fake.

It's a small date. There are four varieties of 1857 small date, N-2.3 and 4 have the point of the curl over the inner curve of the 8 so those are out. N-5 does match the point of curl on this coin, but it is a proof only variety, and on N-5 the date is up close to the hair with the point of the 5 very close to the hair curl. The date on this one is too low.

I am new to this and you guys have REALLY helped me out. Your expertise is light years ahead of me.

BTW I did strongly consider sending this coin in to ANACS or PCGS or NGC to see what they would say, but I'm on a timetable with my refund. I've only got 2 weeks, and when I've sent coins to ANACS in the past they sometimes can take a month to get them back. So I opted to benefit from your expertise and feedback which is almost instantaneous. I owe you guys big time.

BTW I noticed just now this seller has a 1932S Washington quarter for sale on ebay. The pictures aren't that great, but it doesn't look right. The serifs on the S are not pronounced and the 3 is not the right shape.

I've learned my lesson. If it's too good to be true, there's probably something wrong with the coin which is why no one else bid on the one I bought. Oh well. Thanks again.

Welcome to the CCF, David1. Your membership is certainly off to a flying start!

Oftentimes, counterfeits are mixed in, hidden in effect, among a group of genuine coins. The association then tends to "legitimize" them in a buyer's eye.

Fine catch, folks.

Like 1893S stated, I believe it has an altered date.
That 7 looks fashioned from something.

I'm with 1893S as well. I'm new to the EACs but have pretty much every reference book so far and I can't match this one up. FAKE? I can't say positively - for sure. But if it doesn't match - it doesn't match. There is almost no chance that this is a new die variety after so many years . Large cents are probably the most studied and referenced coins in the entire United States coinage. This sure looks like an amazing fake though, the surface and details are so dang close to a genuine cent of the era it's down right scary! I'd like permission to post the link over at the EAC board if that is okay with David1 (the original poster). Those guys have decades of experience doing this sort of detective work.