5 Critical Mistakes Collectors Make with 1915 Coca-Cola Pan Pac Medals (And How to Avoid Them)

I’ve Seen These Coca-Cola Medal Mistakes Destroy Collections – Here’s How to Avoid Them

After thirty years studying 1915 Pan Pac medals (the Jankovsky-740 brass facsimiles to collectors like us), I’ve watched good people lose thousands to the same avoidable errors. These medals have a wild history – English origins, Taiwanese knockoffs, shady dealers – that makes authentication a nightmare. Let me walk you through exactly where collectors trip up and how to protect your hard-earned collection.

Mistake 1: Ignoring the Weight Discrepancy

That Critical 1.1 Gram Difference

Here’s what most collectors miss: English originals weigh exactly 39.3 grams. Taiwanese fakes? They typically land at 38.2 grams. Don’t shrug this off – that tiny gap screams “fake!” Why?

• Chinese counterfeits use cheap zinc alloys under thin brass plating
• Weight variations reveal sloppy knockoff production
• Good digital scales cost less than dinner for two (under $25 on Amazon)

Do This Now: Weigh every medal candidate with calibrated jewelry scales. If it’s not between 39.2-39.4 grams? Walk away.

Mistake 2: Overlooking the CC Initials

The Microscopic Marker Even Experts Miss

On the reverse owl’s perch, original medals hide tiny “C.C” initials. Through my loupe, here’s what separates real from fake:

• Authentic: Crisp 0.3mm letters carved into the branch
• Fakes: Missing initials or smudged blobs
• This detail wasn’t public knowledge until recent collector forums

Mistake 3: Confusing Packaging Provenance

How Fake Boxes Trick Even Savvy Collectors

Original medals came in specific red boxes with gold lettering: “Drink Bottled Coca-Cola, Delicious and refreshing, Convention 1915 USA”. Spot fakes by their:

• Dull matte finish (originals were glossy)
• Wrong font weight on “Delicious”
• Flat borders without authentic embossing

Here’s the kicker – Taiwanese fakes never included boxes originally. Yet I’ve seen modern scammers pair fake medals with reproduction packaging. Always compare boxes side-by-side with verified examples.

Mistake 4: Falling for Associated Fantasy Items

The Tiffany Belt Buckle Scam That Still Snares Collectors

The same dealer behind these medals pushed fantasy “Tiffany” Coca-Cola belt buckles using familiar tricks:

• Phony letters claiming “records burned in a fire”
• Initial high-quality English-made batches
• Later Taiwanese copies with terrible craftsmanship

If You Bought One: Contact the American Numismatic Association’s Authentication Bureau before trying to resell – they’ve seen these before.

Mistake 5: Trusting Grading Company Labels Blindly

When Slabbed Medals Still Turn Out Fake

I’ve held “certified” medals in NGC/PCGS slabs that were obvious Taiwanese fakes. Protect yourself with this 3-step check:

1. Verify certification numbers directly with the grading company
2. Check for inconsistent descriptions (“Facsimile” vs “Fantasy” matters!)
3. Demand close-up photos of edge reeding before buying

The smoking gun? Real English medals have 140-150 reeds – Taiwanese fakes always show 120-130.

Recovery Roadmap for Victims of Fraud

If you’ve bought a fake medal, don’t panic:

• Document Everything: Snap detailed photos of markings, weight readings, and packaging
• Act Fast: Contact eBay/PayPal immediately – their fraud protection windows close fast
• Report It: File with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) – they track collectible scams

Your Defense Against Coca-Cola Medal Scams

Getting these five details down cold – weight tolerances, hidden initials, box quality, manufacturer history, and slab verification – will save you from most Jankovsky-740 scams. Remember: that rush of finding a “rare” medal clouds judgment. Keep your scale handy, your loupe closer, and happy collecting!

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