The Escalating Threat of Counterfeit PCGS Slabs: My Collector’s Insights

As a longtime coin collector, I’ve watched the flood of fake PCGS slabs grow more alarming by the day. Just last week, another collector showed me a counterfeit that nearly fooled me too. In this post, I’ll share what I’ve learned about spotting these fakes and how we can protect our collections together.

Spotting Fake PCGS Slabs: What I Look For

After examining dozens of questionable slabs, I’ve found several consistent warning signs. Here’s my personal checklist:

• Label Details: PCGS only lists ‘Morgan’ on labels for 1921-P dollars. If you see it on an earlier date, walk away.
• Logo Placement: Check that PCGS logo in the slab’s lower right corner – fakes often shift it slightly or get it wrong.
• Barcode Blunders: Always scan the barcode with your phone. Counterfeits often link to dead pages or wrong coins.
• Font Flaws: Compare text weight and spacing to a known authentic slab. Fakes often have slightly thicker or uneven lettering.
• Coin Characteristics: Cross-check details against trusted references. For Morgans, I look for missing VAM markers like that telltale ‘slash’ on the eagle’s breast.

Why This Matters to Collectors

This wave of counterfeits hits hardest when I think about new collectors. I remember buying my first slabbed coin, thinking it was safe – only to discover later it was fake. We risk pushing beginners out of the hobby when the learning curve gets this steep. Unless we tackle this head-on, we might end up like ancient coin collectors: relying completely on self-education and dealer relationships, always knowing some fakes will get through. It’s not just money at stake – it’s the trust that makes collecting rewarding.

Protecting Your Collection: My Approach

Here’s what works for me to avoid fakes:

• Build Your Knowledge: Live with your Red Book and attribution guides. Study genuine coins until details become second nature.
• Use Tech Wisely: Let’s push grading companies for QR codes or better security. Meanwhile, your phone scanner is your best friend.
• Buy Smart: Stick with dealers whose reputation is gold. I avoid anyone whose “too good to be true” listings keep reappearing after being pulled.
• Compare Visually: Keep reference images of real and fake slabs on your phone. Side-by-side comparisons reveal subtle differences.
• Share Findings: Use free online resources, or like me, keep your own cheat sheet of known counterfeits. Our collective knowledge is powerful.

Keeping Our Hobby Strong

Despite these challenges, I’m hopeful. That dealer who tried passing fake Morgans to me? Taught me more than any book could. By sharing what we know and demanding better protections, we can stay ahead. Let’s keep pushing grading companies to innovate while supporting fellow collectors – because at its core, this hobby should be about passion, not paranoia.