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June 23, 2025
My Wake-Up Call to the Fake Slab Epidemic
After decades in this hobby, I’ve watched counterfeit PCGS slabs go from rare finds to an everyday headache. Just last week, eBay had multiple fakes listed daily—I spotted bogus 1893-CC and 1880-CC Morgans before breakfast. This isn’t occasional trouble anymore; it’s a full-blown crisis hitting our community, especially with certain sellers flooding the market. As someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes coins, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you steer clear of these traps.
Spotting Fake Slabs: Key Red Flags I’ve Learned
Catching these fakes means training your eyes on both the slab and the coin. Start with attribution—cross-check against known varieties like VAMs for Morgans. But the plastic coffin often betrays itself. Here’s what I always inspect:
- Label quirks: PCGS only used ‘Morgan’ on labels for 1921-P coins—if you see it elsewhere, run. That PCGS logo belongs in the lower right corner of the obverse; anything else screams trouble.
- Font and barcode tells: Text often looks fuzzy or wonky on fakes. Try scanning the barcode—if nothing pops up, that’s your first clue something’s off.
- Coin flaws: On CC Morgans, check the reverse for the missing ‘slash’ across the eagle’s breast—a classic counterfeit giveaway. Always compare against certified images from reliable sources.
Nothing beats seeing fakes side-by-side with real slabs. I’m putting together a visual cheat sheet to help collectors spot the differences at a glance.
The Harsh Reality: How Fakes Are Changing Collecting
This isn’t just frustrating—it’s warping our hobby. I remember being a new collector trusting slabs as gospel. Back then, I’d have bought a fake without blinking. Now? When counterfeits fool dealers and slip past grading services, collecting feels like walking through a minefield. That risk could drive beginners away, and frankly, that terrifies me. I’ve felt the sting of dealers mocking buyers over fakes—it happened to me early on, and that humiliation sticks with you.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Collection
Slabs aren’t armor anymore. Here’s how I stay safe:
- Know your coins cold: Live in the Redbook, haunt collector forums, and master details like VAMs. Start with one series and grow from there—it’s like building muscle memory.
- Trust your gut: Buy from established dealers, but verify slabs yourself using those red flags. If your spine tingles, walk away.
- Use tech wisely: Demand grading companies add QR codes or anti-fake features. Meanwhile, scan barcodes with apps and cross-reference online images.
- Watch each other’s backs: Share your finds—I’m drafting a free PDF guide on spotting fakes. Report shady listings immediately; they often reappear, so stay persistent.
Yes, it’s extra work, but I’ve saved thousands by staying sharp. Better safe than sorry.
Looking Ahead: Keeping the Hobby Alive
Despite the gloom, I haven’t lost hope. We’ll adapt like ancient coin collectors do—by learning relentlessly and leaning on trusted networks. Guys like Jack D. Young inspire me, exposing fakes daily to protect us all. Let’s push for better industry safeguards while supporting fellow collectors. Remember why we started: for the rush of holding history, not the fear of fraud. Keep questioning, keep learning, and happy hunting!
