If weight, diameter and thickness are the same as a real one, there are few (if any) alloys or metal combinations that could emulate the real thing and would not be worth the effort for a counterfeiter unless the coin is a much higher premium than the melt value. That being said, my estimation is that this one is XF+ to AU with rim damage and the catalogue lists it at $400 in XF and $800 in Unc. That would definitely be an incentive for a counterfeiter to use the real 90% silver alloy. The rim damage is unusual and the field behind her shoulder and between the letters of HELVETICA appears bumpy in the picture, which could be toning, but do a close examination of all the fields for any bumpiness or bubble-like blemishes, which would indicate a cast fake. Those cast fakes are being made in China by the thousands. These counterfeiting operations buy a genuine high premium coin, cast a mold and use the actual alloy of the coin when casting. Absolutely frightening, but it is happening more and more because it is so profitable. If you got it for cheap, more evidence that it isn't genuine, but that doesn't prove anything. If I had gotten that coin on the cheap, I would have it certified before offering it for sale.
Posted 10/03/2015 7:45 pm
