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 Replies: 8 / Views: 2,207 |
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Pillar of the Community
Philippines
1156 Posts |
 Greetings! I was browsing on ebay about available Morgans and was surprised to see Replicas for sale. I took a closer look and really could not see  the difference, Requesting some advise on any detail? and where to look for it on the coin?, to distinguish a real morgan from a replica. Big Big Thanks!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3077 Posts |
I think weight is one thing they never get right on copys but I am sure some of the experts can tell you what else to look for
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2797 Posts |
Step one: Check to see if the seller has made any recent purchases from China! Sounds ridiculous but some sellers can't wait a week. Also check feedback for any history of a counterfeit coin sale. If you have any doubt about the seller's integrity, pass.
Step two: Pay particular attention to the date. Check a genuine coin at the Coinfacts page. On many Morgan counterfeits the serifs are different, the width of the numbers or style will show subtle differences. If there's any doubt, pass.
Step three: Make sure the seller has a viable return policy. Weigh the coin upon receipt and return it if it's underweight/overweight (insist the seller assume shipping costs to and from).
These steps won't insure you're not stuck with a counterfeit, but they may minimize your risk. As the Chinese become more sophisticated, it becomes harder and harder.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
14454 Posts |
I agree with all above, there is no sure fire way of looking at a picture of a "good" counterfeit made in China right now. They have gotten very good at it and they are only going to get better, the only thing they can't get correct is the composition of the metals but they are trying hard and some get really close. I would just go with what was said above and just hope for the best but I usually go one step further, if its a coin I am not familiar with or don't know much about I either buy slabbed by a reputable TPG (and reputable seller) and learn or try to learn what all the new copies of the slabs from each company look like so you can try to spot one in a photo. As was said this will in no means you will not end up with a counterfeit but can greatly reduce your chances |
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Pillar of the Community
 Philippines
1156 Posts |
Thanks friends!  detailed info noted and appreciated. Got so interested in this, went back, took time and looked magnifyingly close 400x at three items, here's some feedback: Morgan Replica - aside from the stamped word "replica" really could not differentiate any detail,it even looks more detailed! notice on Rev, the eagle feathers show above the cross of the arrows. that's more detail than the orig  Peace dollar 1923 - the replica Obv has no "T" on word "trust" and #1923 date embossed height is flattened at the edges. On the Rev, the word "O" in "One" dollar and the "C" in america, are both incomplete. 1851 US one Dollar indian head - I was surprised the indian head face (side-view) of one coin is different from the indian face of another such coin! more than one type of these shockers going around! Thanks again! |
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Valued Member
United States
80 Posts |
Myself, I utilize the counterfeiters guide. It is a
small flip book that gives multiple guides. I have
a friend who purchased a roll of 21 Morgans that were all
counterfeit on e-bay. When I am dealing at a coin show
I weigh each Morgan, so far all counterfeited coins weigh
more than a true coin, the rim and/or stars are off.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
12437 Posts |
I don't get it  Are you saying that every counterfeit Morgan you come across is heavier than the real thing? That is quite the opposite from the vast majority of counterfeits made of generic white metals, they are usually 2-5 grams light. The only way they could be heavier is if they were made of pure lead and it should be easy to distinguish lead from silver just by sight alone(in addition to being soft enough to dent with a finger nail  ). |
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Pillar of the Community
Philippines
1156 Posts |
copy that Richardschornak, so a digital weigher would settle the matter. For a guess they must be using carbon steel or black iron, easy to stamp soft when hot and then silver plated. Copy that biokemist6, perhaps copper base, then silver plated. My 1851 US1$ Indian replica, got it 20 years ago, was tarnished silver, couldnt resist cleaning it then, during polishing, the silver disappeared and the copper came out. It's now filed in my album of tokens, medallions, amulets and game-house machine tokens, together with a 1979 Brass train ride token from New York City Transit Authority, I also collect metal disks that look like coins. Have to get a digital weigher somewhere |
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Rest in Peace
United States
2668 Posts |
Well, there ya go. And to test gold, just dip it in mercury. If it disappears, it's real.
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Replies: 8 / Views: 2,207 |
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Posted 07/27/2009 12:34 pm
