Took the words right out of my mouth! I know it's easier when the coin is in hand (magnets). I know not to buy coins being sold from sellers outside the USA. I know research about the sellers history and feedback can help. But I want more information/experience. What are the top visual red flags that can be detected from a photo?
WEIGH IT, CHECK IT WITH A MAGNENT AND MEASURE THE DIAMETER. USUALLY THE OLD SAYING IS TRUE WITH COINS, IF THE DEAL IS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE - IT USUALLY IS A SIGN TO BE WARY.
THE COINS YOU SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR ARE THE KEY DATES. 1914D./1922 NO D STRONG REVERSE. THE 1909VDB.S/. THESE ARE THE MOST ALTERED OR COUNTERFIETED COINS
YES. ON THE 1914D THEY TAKE A 1944D SHAVE THE V. OFF OF THE FOUR TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE A 1914D. THE WAY TO TELL ITS BEEN ALTERED IS THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE NINE AND ONE WILL BE TO WIDE. THE 1922D THE TRY TO REMOVE THE D. TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE THE DIE TWO. A DIE ONE HAS A STRONG FRONT AND REAR WITH A D. WORTH NOTHING. THE DIE TWO THE ONE YOU WANT AS A WEAK OBVERSE STRONG REVERSE. PLUS THE W. IN WE SHOULD BE MUSHY. AND THE L. SHOULD TOUCH THE RIM. AND THE SECOND TWO IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN THE FIRST TWO. THE DIE THREE HAS A WEAK OBVERSE AND A WEAK REVERSE WITH NO D. THIS COIN IN GOOD CONDICTION IS STILL WORTH MONEY BUT THE DIE TWO IS THE MONEY COIN. JUST WATCH FOR ANY MARKS UNDER THE DATE SHOULD BE NONE. HOPE THIS HELPS YOU A LITTLE. JACK KING.
It is fairly difficult to spot some of the fakes coming out these days, especially if the seller takes BAD photos (intentionally or otherwise). The best way of spotting a fake is simply by having a lot of experience in the coin world ie. knowing for yourself what the real deal should look like. It's a trial by fire, but if we can help, feel free to post the listing here and we'll give you our opinions. :-)
Most replicas are cast copies. The surface of the coin would be porous. Check the rim for a seam. Weigh the coin. Put calipers on it to check diameter....The details are most of the timeare not as sharp. sometimes with a good fake you can only tell by small differences. Take a Bust Half for instance. Some are determined to be fake because a certain point of a star points in the wrong direction. Or an olive leaf isnt positioned correctly.
I recently spoke with my local dealer about a 1913 s type 2 buffalo. To make the story short The buyer mentioned that shipping conterfit coins will intrest the us postal service. Can you say felony charges?
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
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