Is This A Genuine 2003 1 Oz. Eagle?

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I saw this today at a shop that has been around for a long time. It is not a coin store but they do have a few coins from time to time. It is purported to be a 2003 1 oz. eagle. It is in a PCGS holder and is graded MS-69. The PCGS number checks out OK. Something about the surface of the fields just didn't look right to me. But I've never looked at a lot of eagles close up before. Both the obverse and reverse fields seem to have a texture. I was expecting something smoother. Does this look like a normal surface to you guys? Could the plastic holder be creating an illusion? Could this be a counterfeit? If someone could counterfeit a gold coin they could probably also counterfeit a PCGS holder. The ladies that run the shop were a little hesitant when I asked them if they could guarantee it was genuine. They did say they bought it from someone they trusted. Should I buy it or trust my instincts? I almost bought it today. I even went home to get some cash and went back.

Edited by Ynnad
05/25/2023 8:18 pm

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Shouldn't that label be blue?
https://www.PCGS.com/holdermuseum/Gen4.1

Looking at that link from 1/2 a mind. the color would probably depend on what year it was sent in for grading.

However, looking at that link - not one show the date under the TPG name and grade. It is usually up in the upper left corner where it currently says "Eagle" on this coin here.

The coin here is not a proof, but it looks kind of rough on the fields.

Question - ~~What is their asking price for this coin?~~ I just saw the price sticker on the slab..

Edited by Dearborn
05/25/2023 9:35 pm

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I looked up that cert number and this is what I got:
https://www.PCGS.com/coinfacts/coin...agle/9968/69
Now is that image on PCGS the actual coin image or a generic one?
But there certainly is a different looking from the one you are looking at.
Me, I would pass.

This one on the bay looks identical other than the cert number.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185891904235

I scan the bar code using PCGS Cert Verification on my iPhone and it verified, unless counterfeiter can now duplicate it, I don't think this is fake.

The surface could be a problem in the Mint finishing, just speculating. I have seen gold eagle with a different surface from certain year, will have to pull it out to check.

Agree, not fake. Plenty of 2003 in other denominations with similar verbiage orientation.

At first glance, the pebbly fields turn me off. They should be smooth and reflective. Why take a chance on this when you could get a certified and guaranteed one for just over a hundred bucks more?
It's a strong pass for me.

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