My Deep Dive into Another Bad Coin in a Good Holder: The eBay 1806 Half Cent Scandal

As a longtime coin collector, I’ve watched with growing concern as deceptive fakes keep showing up in genuine third-party grading holders. That recent eBay 1806 half cent incident really drove the point home. I first spotted this pattern of sophisticated counterfeits years ago, and now, with more than 16 cases documented, it feels like we’re fighting a never-ending battle against fraud in our hobby.

The Counterfeit Coin Problem

I’ve spent years researching and writing about this particular group of fakes, tracking them back to 2008. What really worries me is that six of these coins—and counting—have turned up in legitimate TPG holders, with the newest ones appearing on eBay just this month. Take the raw coin that a seller claimed came from a cleaning lady in Boston, or the AU-58 fake with artificial toning so convincing it fooled even seasoned dealers. We’re not looking at isolated cases but a series of die states where the forgers are actually trying to fix flaws like that telltale cut above the ‘A’ in ‘AMERICA’.

How These Fakes Get Past Graders

You’re probably asking how these counterfeits slip through companies like NGC. Here’s the kicker: the holders are real, but the coins inside aren’t. These fakes copy details so well that they hold up until you put them side-by-side with the real thing. Graders sometimes miss subtle differences in die characteristics or toning during routine checks. That latest 1806 half cent had toning that didn’t match period patterns, yet it still got certified. What really concerns me is that these aren’t old replicas—they’re modern productions from a ring I traced to College Station, Texas, back in 2015.

Practical Advice for Spotting and Avoiding Fakes

Based on what I’ve learned, here’s how you can protect yourself, especially when buying online:

• Compare die details: Focus on reverse flaws—circling four key areas on the coin can help spot inconsistencies in fakes.
• Watch out for artificial toning: Get to know natural patinas on half cents; unnatural colors are a warning sign, like we saw in that AU-58 fake.
• Don’t rely on dates: Counterfeiters make whole sets, such as the fake Seated Dollars in a counterfeit Dansco album. Check the rarity—for instance, the 1805 half cent is much scarcer than the 1806, but fakes can copy any date.
• Buy from trusted dealers: Even the pros get fooled sometimes, so try to inspect coins in person or ask for high-res images. Remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Final Thoughts

This whole mess shows the risks we face in our hobby, particularly for popular coins like early American coppers. Half cents, like the rare 1805 C-1 with its stemless wreath die, are prime targets because they’re so scarce. My advice? Stay alert and keep learning—reading up on details or talking to experts can save you a lot of trouble. Sure, this ongoing problem is frustrating, but sharing what we know makes our community stronger and harder to fool. Keep collecting smart, and always take a second look at what’s in that holder!