Yes - I have quite a lengthy list - but without a picture of each example (for a die type match) the list alone is not adequate. There are many dates with multiple dies and there are many re-matings. I can tell you that right now the list includes every single date and mint mark US dollar from 1794 to 1804 and 1878 to 1921 as well as every
US Trade dollar ever made including 4 patterns. The
Gobrecht dollar is not yet copied, but I have asked about that and I hear that one is in the works. The
Peace dollars are incomplete right now but the list is getting close. Even Eisenhower, Anthony and
Sacagawea dollars have been copied. They are making key dates in every series of
US coins from
Half Cents to Half Dollars (except for silver 3 cent and 5 cent coins). Gold coins are not targeted yet by the Chinese.
The Chinese were making only about 200 varieties as little as 3 years ago, but they have multiplied that number by many times. The favorite targets are common dollar and half dollar sized coins of all countries. They are shifting to real silver and to more common coins as targets. Recently German States issues have been popping up in large numbers.
About a year and a half ago, I was able to communicate with one of the Chinese wholesale distributors of these coins. At that time, he indicated that he had access to over 1,000 different types. He would not provide a list but I requested 12 different countries and he supplied them all. That number has to be higher today.
The best defense is to look at and get familiar with the problems these current copies have. Only a very high definition photo will show the tiny surface lines, but the dead color is often unmistakeable. I suggest everyone get familiar with these as a measure of self defense because they are showing up at EVERY coin show.
The coins being sold by the dealers I referred to above are all supposed to be marked copy or replica. All of the pictures show such markings. However, I have ordered several and NONE has arrived with any marking at all. Also, I have found the Chinese forgers to be suprisingly honest regarding sending the coins. I have had many more problems with US based sellers. If you want some nice cheap space fillers - this is the best source - BUT MARK THE COINS ONCE YOU GET THEM.
Posted 12/31/2007 07:25 am
