How I Identified a Counterfeit Coin (And What Every Collector Should Know Before Buying)

I Got Fooled By a Fake Coin – Here’s How You Can Avoid My $174 Mistake

My hands shook when I realized I’d been duped. That “perfect” 1883-CC Morgan dollar I’d proudly purchased? A total fake. As someone who’s handled hundreds of coins, the embarrassment stung – but the lesson was priceless. Let me walk you through exactly how I got tricked, and more importantly, how you can spot counterfeit coins before they empty your wallet.

Step 1: The Moment I Fell for It

The antique shop’s glass case made the coin look flawless. For $174, I thought I’d found the deal of a lifetime. Here’s what caught my eye:

• That mesmerizing silver glow under the store’s warm lights
• Crisp details that seemed textbook-perfect at arm’s length
• No obvious scratches or cleaning marks

My Critical Error: I let excitement override common sense. No loupe. No second opinion. Just a rushed decision I’d regret.

Step 2: The Heart-Dropping Realization

Sunlight doesn’t lie. As I walked to my car, the truth emerged:

5 Obvious Signs I Should’ve Noticed

• A raised line on the eagle’s breast (later confirmed as a classic counterfeit flaw)
• Mushy details that looked like a photocopy of the real thing
• Bubbly metal imperfections near the date
• An unnatural “orange peel” texture when magnified
• A hollow ping instead of silver’s signature ring when dropped

Step 3: Getting the Hard Truth

The veteran collectors on CoinTalk didn’t mince words:

• “Modern Chinese counterfeit – see these weekly”
• “Weight is off by 0.8g – instant fail”
• “That die crack is on every fake CC Morgan this year”

My Foolproof Checklist After Getting Burned

Here’s what I do before every purchase now:

The 4 Non-Negotiable Tests

1. Magnification: My 10x loupe stays in my pocket for casting seams and tool marks
2. Scale Check: Real Morgans weigh 26.73g – no exceptions
3. Magnet Test: If it sticks, it’s junk
4. Edge Examination: Fakes often have telltale seams

Red Flags I’ll Never Ignore Again

Looking back, the warning signs screamed at me:

• The price was suspiciously low for the supposed grade
• The seller specialized in furniture – not numismatics
• No authentication paperwork or return policy

Turning My Mistake Into Your Advantage

Here’s what that counterfeit coin taught me:

• Reputable dealers matter more than “great deals”
• A $20 loupe saves thousands in heartache
• When your gut says “something’s off” – listen

That fake Morgan now lives on my desk as a $174 paperweight – the best (and most embarrassing) education money could buy. Let my mistake help you collect smarter.

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