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 Replies: 5 / Views: 1,381 |
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Valued Member
United States
128 Posts |
I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for any books, web articles, videos, etc that dealt with identifying fake and counterfeit coins.
I do a lot of coin buying at flea markets and antique stores, almost always un-slabbed "raw" coins. It's a risk but it's been very fun and I've been lucky enough to find quite a few rarities.
But recently more fakes are popping up with growing frequency, and they're getting scary good. I used to be able to spots the fakes by how "Blurry" the details were in the design, but now the only way to be certain is to measure/weight the coin with a gram scale and digital calipers, which I can only use on the coin after I'm home. (Well I guess I could wander around the flea market holding a scale and calipers, but that might look a little weird!)
I refuse to give up hunting coins in the wild, now matter how difficult that may become, It's the most fun part of this hobby to me. So if anyone has any references that might help in spotting fake coins, like what to look for at a glance, what the details on a real coin should look like, etc, i'd be very grateful. Thank you!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8715 Posts |
 to the CCF! I purchase raw coins at antique dealers or antique malls all the time, and I haven't purchased any fakes because of a few rules I always follow: - Always examine the coin closely for evidence of "mushy" details. This will eliminate most poor counterfeits.
- Examine the surfaces carefully for any raised bumps of metal on the coin. If a coin has raised bumps on the surfaces (except for a known variety which does) it is most likely fake.
- Check the date and mintmark carefully to make sure they have not been altered.
- Do not buy high-value coins from anyone except a reputable dealer. Stick to less valuable coins from stores like antique shops. For example, common date Morgan/Peace dollars, or common date Liberty Walking half dollars.
- If a coin looks "off" to you, don't buy it. Chances are it's a counterfeit.
- If a coin has steel-colored surfaces and brown or black toning around the edges, along with no luster, it's one of many Chinese fakes seen on the market.
- Purchase the latest edition of the Red Book. Every colelctor needs one. It provides much information about US coins.
If you have any questions, feel free to post pictures before you buy something. We'll be happy to help.  |
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Valued Member
United States
295 Posts |
When I want to be more confident that a raw coin I'm considering buying is authentic, I go on PCGS CoinFacts and look at the pictures of certified coins there. CoinFacts is a very useful resource for US coins, as they have numerous pictures of PCGS-certified coins of just about every type, date, and mint mark combination ever made. I've found that a lot of the cheap Chinese counterfeits often get the details of the date incorrect, so that's generally the first thing I compare to assess authenticity. Also, if you're buying online, it's a good idea to stick to reputable sellers who have high feedback and have sold many coins. On ebay, the dealers who have the PNG logo next to their name are particularly well-established, and you can be confident that you are purchasing the real deal from them. Quote:
I refuse to give up hunting coins in the wild, now matter how difficult that may become, It's the most fun part of this hobby to me. I agree fully. One of the most exciting parts of the hobby for me is purchasing a fair share of raw coins to submit for certification myself. Of course you won't be satisfied with the results 100% of the time, but well, you win some, you lose some. I tend to stick to coins under about $200 when purchasing raw; any higher and I'll just buy it already certified to minimize the risk of dissatisfaction. |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
It seems as if you are a collector modern coins, not ancients. For this purpose, be best book reference I have found is: NUMISMATIC FORGERY, by Charles M. Larson, copyright 2004, (lots of illustrations, 198 pages), ISBN 0-9742371-2-4, publ. by Zyrus Press Irvine, Ca. Describes all of the methods of casting die striking, manufacturing of false molds and dies, and the alteration of genuine coins. Book endorsed by: Ken Bressett, - past President of the ANA, and Mark Salzberg, - past President of NGC and James L. Halperin, - past Co Chairman, - Heritage Galleries and Auctioneers. Fake coins generally are exposed by the tell tale signs left behind by their methods of manufacture. (My copy came via public auction) I have five other very good references, but they mainly refer to ancient coins. Also have a reasonably extensive 'black' collection, for my own education. |
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Valued Member
 United States
128 Posts |
Thanks for all the replies, and that book recommendation! I searched all over Amazon for books about Counterfeits and found a few, but "Numismatic Forgery" never came up. looks like a great read, definitely going to check it out. (Wish they had an e-book version, but paperback is fine too.  ) And yeah right now I'm mostly collecting coins from the 1700's to the mid 1900's. Ancient coins are beautiful but I've heard fakes are even more of a problem in that field than the modern ones, so I'm definitely going to study up a lot on modern fakes before I get into collecting those. |
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
Not sure where you are located, but I signed-up for a 2-Day Problem Coin Grading Seminar in Philly as part of the Worlds Fair of Money show. It is a full 2 day seminar, and for the cost, it looks like a great investment in time. If it saves me from buying just one bad coin, it will probably pay for itself. Here is info. in the class: https://www.money.org/WFM-seminarsRegards, Michael |
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Replies: 5 / Views: 1,381 |
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Posted 05/11/2018 8:07 pm
