Authenticating the 1936 Gettysburg Commemorative Half: Weight, Die Markers, and Gold CAC Verification

The Forgotten Battle: Authenticating 1936 Gettysburg Halves

Collectors beware: counterfeiters have declared war on one of America’s most poignant commemoratives. As an authentication specialist who’s handled hundreds of these silver treasures, I can attest to the alarming sophistication of modern fakes targeting the 1936 Gettysburg Half Dollar. Just last month, I examined three counterfeits masquerading in what appeared to be flawless PCGS Gen 2.1A holders – complete with forged Gold CAC stickers. Let me share the critical diagnostic points that separate true historical artifacts from clever imposters.

History Struck in Silver: Why This Coin Matters

When this 90% silver commemorative was struck for the 75th anniversary of America’s bloodiest battle, the Philadelphia Mint created more than currency – they forged a monument. The coin’s exceptional artistry combines with its modest 26,928 mintage to create extraordinary collectibility. As veteran numismatists know, specimens maintaining original luster and strike quality in PCGS holders with Gold CAC verification represent the gold standard – quite literally. These survivors of time regularly achieve 300%+ premiums over melt, their numismatic value cemented by pristine eye appeal and unimpeachable provenance.

Five-Point Authentication System

1. The Weight of History

True Gettysburg halves balance on a knife’s edge – exactly 12.50 grams (±0.10g). Counterfeiters stumble here:

• Type A Fakes: 11.8-12.2g (thin, modern planchets)
• Type B Fakes: 13.1-13.5g (poor alloy mixture)
• Pro Tip: Use a jeweler’s scale calibrated to 0.01g sensitivity

2. Silver’s Secret Song

Genuine 90% silver has distinctive physical properties:

• Non-magnetic – should drop like a stone in hang tests
• Conductivity reading: 7.3-7.5 MS/m (Sigma Pro values)
• Distinct copper-silver sandwich visible on edge

3. The Mint’s Hidden Handshake

Three die markers separate the real from the reproduction:

• Obverse: Telltale micro-serifs on ‘LIBERTY’ (3-4 o’clock position)
• Reverse: Olive stem perfectly aligned below ‘UNITED STATES’
• Edge: Precisely 147 reeds – count them!

4. Known Counterfeit Profiles

Our lab has identified these common fakes:

• Type A: Cast blanks with “mushy” details and weak strikes
• Type B: Struck counterfeits using altered Morgan dollar dies
• Type C: Date-altered common commemoratives

5. The Holder’s Tale

For PCGS Gen 2.1A slabs with Gold CAC:

• Holograms should shimmer with unique UV patterns
• Gold Bean stickers reveal microprinting at 10x magnification
• Always verify certification numbers – fakes often reuse old numbers

Beyond the Loupe: Advanced Verification

When dealing with high-value specimens, we deploy:

• XRF spectroscopy (89.5-90.5% silver content)
• 60x microscopy for original die polish lines
• Ultrasonic testing confirming 1.79-1.82mm thickness

The Golden Standard: Why CAC Matters

As discussed passionately in collector forums, Gold CAC verification elevates Gettysburg halves to museum-quality status. Only 1 in 5 PCGS-graded examples earn this prestigious designation. CAC experts examine:

• Surface quality under calibrated fiber-optic light
• Natural toning patterns forming over decades
• Strike sharpness compared to mint-state references

Guardians of History

The 1936 Gettysburg Commemorative isn’t just silver – it’s solidified memory. Every fake that slips through our defenses diminishes our connection to those hallowed Pennsylvania fields. By mastering these authentication techniques – from weight thresholds to die markers and CAC verification – we honor both the fallen and future collectors. That exceptional PCGS-certified, Gold CAC-approved specimen lighting up forum discussions? It’s more than a coin. It’s a time capsule we’ve sworn to protect.

“In numismatics, knowledge isn’t just power – it’s preservation.” – Professional Authentication Guild

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