1879 CC - Real Or Fake

Horribly cleaned and looks fake to me. I doubt if it is a genuine US Mint coin and also doubt that the slab is a genuine PCGS product.

Others may have a different opinion.

My guess is counterfiet. That model of PCGS slab is often faked.

Doesn't look genuine, must less MS.



to the CCF!

This is from PCGS website regarding the barcode on this coin

Verification of certification numbers on the PCGS Certification Database does not eliminate the risk of buying counterfeit and altered coins. Though uncommon, counterfeiters may also counterfeit PCGS grading inserts using actual certification numbers derived from public sources.

Run from this coin.
Always buy the coin and not the holder.
The image of this item is not MS 63 quality

The photos are a bit dull and somewhat blurry but the formation of the letters especially on reverse look much more " fatter " on the detailing when comparing to an actual example from PCGS or NGC.

Run from it, I'm convinced it is fake. Beijing / Shanghai product

Here's an image of a genuine PCGS slab in about the same certification number range (the blacked-out parts are, of course, my doing). If you compare this to the holder pictured in this thread, there are some fairly obvious diagnostics for recognizing the latter as a fake -

1. Notice that there aren't the four locator posts/holes surrounding the coin.

2. See how the label fades out to white in the number/barcode area.

3. More recent PCGS slabs have the three distinct prongs holding the coin in place.

I agree with the upthread comments. This is a one-look counterfeit. The "CC" mint mark does not match style or location of any known 1879-CC Morgan.

PCGS can tell you if it's likely a fake from a whole slab photo, there are some tells hidden in the holder that they do not divulge to keep the counterfeiters at bay. If you have not already watched my video posting on the subject, I'd suggest a watch, everyone that buys coins or bullion should see it too.

http://goccf.com/t/352632