Another Bad Coin in a Good Holder: My Insights on the Latest eBay 1806 Half Cent

As a long-time collector of early American coppers, I’ve seen my fair share of deceptive coins, but the recent eBay saga with an 1806 half cent really hit home. I’ve been researching and documenting these counterfeits since 2015, and this latest find underscores just how sneaky modern fakes can be—especially when they’re nestled in genuine third-party grading holders.

My Journey with Deceptive Fakes

I’ve written five published articles on this specific group of counterfeit half cents, starting with the first one I spotted back in 2015. To date, I’ve personally documented 16 examples, with six of them originally encapsulated by reputable grading services. The most recent addition came from an eBay seller who specializes in Chinese coins; after some back-and-forth, I acquired it and confirmed it was a fake. The seller mentioned it came from a cleaning lady who cleared out a defunct coin shop in Boston, which adds a layer of intrigue to the story.

Key Attributes and Die States

Through my research, I’ve identified two distinct die states for these counterfeits, with telltale signs on the reverse that help spot them. In my articles, I’ve circled four main attributes that are dead giveaways:

• A noticeable cut or repair over the ‘A’ in ‘AMERICA’ on certain die states.
• Inconsistencies in the wreath design, like unnatural gaps or details.
• Artificial toning that looks too perfect—recently, an AU-58 example had a suspiciously vibrant patina that doesn’t align with natural aging.
• Subtle flaws in lettering and denticles that deviate from genuine coins.

These fakes are so convincing that they often slip past initial grading, but side-by-side comparisons reveal the truth.

Market Observations and eBay Finds

Just this month, I encountered two more on eBay. The first was raw and ungraded, but the second was in an NGC holder—I negotiated a price and it’s now part of my collection. After confirming it was counterfeit, I notified the grading service, and they promptly amended the online certification. It’s baffling how these keep getting through, but it highlights a flaw in the system: these counterfeits are expertly crafted to mimic the real deal until scrutinized closely. The dealer involved is well-known, which makes it even more alarming for the market.

Origins and Counterfeiting Insights

Contrary to what some might think, these aren’t historic counterfeits—they’re modern productions dating back to around 2008. I traced their origin to a counterfeit ring based in College Station, Texas. Why target half cents? Simple: they’re less scrutinized than higher-value coins like dimes or dollars, making them easier to pass off. As one collector pointed out, contemporary counterfeiters wouldn’t bother with such low-denomination coins due to limited profit, but modern fraudsters see an opportunity in overlooked areas.

Grading and Detection Tips

Based on my experience, here’s how you can protect yourself from similar scams:

• Always compare coins to authenticated examples—focus on reverse details like the wreath and lettering.
• Be skeptical of artificial toning; genuine coins have uneven, organic patterns, while fakes often look overly uniform.
• Don’t rely solely on the holder; verify certifications online and check for amendments.
• Expand your checks to other dates—crooks can fake any year, as seen with counterfeit Seated Dollars in phony albums.

For instance, an 1805 half cent (like the C-1 stemless wreath variety) is scarcer, but it’s not immune—know the specifics of common varieties to spot inconsistencies.

Practical Advice for Collectors

In this hobby, vigilance is key. Always request high-resolution photos when buying online, and seek provenance details. If something seems off, consult trusted resources or experts—I’ve shared more in-depth analysis on my Proxiblog. Remember, even ‘well-known’ dealers can be duped, so build your knowledge base and stay connected with the community to share findings.

This ongoing issue with bad coins in good holders is a wake-up call for all of us. By staying informed and critical, we can safeguard our collections and keep the numismatic world honest.