I’m Fed Up with This Fake Coin Garbage Making Me Sick!

I’ve been collecting coins for decades, and I thought I’d seen it all. But the recent flood of fake mint errors and scams? It’s enough to make me sick. I’m fed up, and I want to share some straight talk and hard-won advice to help you steer clear of this garbage.

The Epidemic of Bogus Mint Errors

Lately, browsing online marketplaces feels like walking through a minefield. eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist – they’re crawling with laughable “rare error” listings. Remember that “IN COD WE TRUST” coin? Pure nonsense! What really grinds my gears is how these fakes target unsuspecting collectors while demanding outrageous prices. Just yesterday I saw a Kennedy half-dollar hyped as “MOON money,” while an actual nickel struck on a cent planchet – a real error – trades around $300. This garbage is poisoning our hobby’s well.

Why This Scourge Is Exploding

Here’s the ugly truth: when genuine mint errors make headlines, scammers smell blood. Online platforms have zero barriers – no fees, no expertise needed. Facebook Marketplace and what I’ve nicknamed “Craig’s Dumpster” are overrun. Now AI-generated descriptions make it worse, slapping phrases like “unique addition to any collection” on obvious fakes. Every junk coin gets presented as a treasure. Frankly, it makes you want to start the hobby over from scratch.

Spotting Fakes and Protecting Yourself

Trust me on this: approach every “error” coin like it’s guilty until proven innocent. Here’s what works:

• Check with the Experts: Real mint errors are rare and documented. Always verify through PCGS or NGC. If the seller can’t explain it properly, walk away.
• Spot the Obvious Signs: Misspellings like “COD” instead of “GOD” or descriptions that sound like word salad mean trouble. If it reads like a robot wrote it, assume it’s fake.
• Bring in Backup: Show potential buys to a dealer you trust. I’ve seen $500 fakes get busted in seconds by a pro.
• Choose Where You Shop Wisely: Stick to established coin forums or auction sites with buyer protection. Those shady marketplaces? They’re scam central.

How This Affects Our Beloved Hobby

This isn’t just annoying – it’s threatening coin collecting’s future. When I introduce newcomers to the hobby, I see their enthusiasm wilt when they encounter these scams. Who wants to dive into a passion where you’re constantly watching for cons? It stains the history and joy we find in coins. But here’s the good news: when we stay alert and share knowledge, we fight back.

Sure, there’s always going to be a sucker born every minute, but I won’t let these scams kill my love for coins. Sharing what we know helps build a community that’s tougher on fakes. So keep your eyes open, collect smart, and let’s take out the trash together!