My 6-Month Journey with the American Eagle 2025 Palladium Reverse Proof Coin: Hard-Earned Lessons on Low Mintage Investing
September 12, 2025The Hidden Risks of Coin Collecting: Expert Analysis on Spotting Counterfeits and Overpaying
September 13, 2025I 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
- Magnification: My 10x loupe stays in my pocket for casting seams and tool marks
- Scale Check: Real Morgans weigh 26.73g – no exceptions
- Magnet Test: If it sticks, it’s junk
- 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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