Counterfeit coins — how to spot them
Read about counterfeits at a coin show. The it didn't ping right.
Always check the weight. What fakes have you encountered?
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Read about counterfeits at a coin show. The it didn't ping right.
Always check the weight. What fakes have you encountered?
Log in to reply to this discussion.
9 Replies
The ping test works great for silver coins. Real silver has a distinctive ring when you drop it. Weight's good but I also look at the details - counterfeits usually have mushy lettering or wrong fonts. Been to probably 200+ shows around Philly and the fakes are getting better every year.
Weight is definitely the easiest tell. I always carry a small digital scale to shows now. Seen too many fake Morgans and Peace dollars that look decent but weigh wrong. Also check the reeding on the edges - counterfeiters often mess that up.
Don't know much about coins but same principle applies to everything - if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut. I stick to reputable dealers whether it's guns or coins.
Frank's right about the details. On Morgans specifically, check the hair lines above Liberty's ear and the eagle's breast feathers. Fakes almost never get those right. Walking Libs, look at Liberty's left hand - should have clear finger definition. Always buy the holder with key dates unless you really know what you're doing.
Anyone else run into this? I thought I was the only one.
I run a similar setup and it's been flawless. Good choice.
Facts. I switched to the same thing about 3 months ago and it was a game changer.
I'm in the same boat. Let me know what you end up going with.
I run a similar setup and it's been flawless. Good choice.