Is Your 1889 Gold Dollar Real? How to Spot a Fake

Authentication Guide: 1889 Gold Dollar

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this item is critical. This authentication guide covers weight, magnetic properties, die markers, common fakes, and testing methods for the 1889 Gold Dollar.

Historical Significance

The 1889 Gold Dollar represents the final year of this denomination, making it a popular choice for type collectors. These coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a composition of 90% gold and 10% copper, weighing 1.672 grams with a diameter of 14.3mm. The type 3 design features Liberty’s head facing left surrounded by thirteen stars, with the reverse showing a wreath and the denomination.

The 1889 is objectively the best type coin if measured on a “grade per dollar” basis, which allows maximizing the overall collection on a limited budget.

Identifying Key Markers

Weight Verification

Authentic 1889 Gold Dollars should weigh exactly 1.672 grams. Any significant deviation from this weight is an immediate red flag. Use a precision scale accurate to at least 0.01 grams for verification.

Magnetic Properties

Gold is non-magnetic, so a genuine 1889 Gold Dollar should show no magnetic attraction. However, many counterfeits are made from magnetic materials like tungsten or steel cores with gold plating. Always test with a strong neodymium magnet.

Die Markers

Authentic 1889 Gold Dollars often show specific die characteristics:

• Liberty’s portrait should have sharp detail with clear hair strands
• The stars around the obverse should be well-defined
• Look for die cracks, particularly on the left side of the reverse
• The wreath should show distinct leaves and berries

Common Fakes

Counterfeiters typically target these coins because of their gold content value. Common fakes include:

Gold-Plated Tungsten

Tungsten has a similar density to gold, making it difficult to detect through weight alone. These fakes often show poor detail and may have a slightly different color than genuine gold.

Gold-Steel Hybrids

These counterfeits use a steel core with a thin gold plating. They’re magnetic and often show signs of corrosion at the edges where the plating has worn away.

Cast Counterfeits

Low-quality fakes made by casting often show surface porosity, rounded details, and incorrect weight. The surfaces may appear grainy or have bubbles.

Testing Methods

Visual Inspection

Examine the coin under magnification (10x loupe minimum). Look for:

• Sharpness of detail – genuine coins have crisp, well-defined features
• Surface texture – counterfeits often have unusual luster or lack of luster
• Edge reeding – should be sharp and consistent
• Any signs of casting (bubbles, pits, or unusual texture)

Specific Gravity Test

Calculate the specific gravity by weighing the coin in air and then in water. A genuine 1889 Gold Dollar should have a specific gravity close to 17.3 g/cm³.

Acid Test

Professional dealers use gold testing acids to verify karat content. This test should only be performed by experienced professionals as it damages the coin’s surface.

Professional Authentication

When in doubt, submit the coin to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. They use advanced testing methods including X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to determine composition without damaging the coin.

Die Polish vs. Hairlines

A common authentication challenge involves distinguishing between die polish lines and post-mint hairlines. Die polish lines typically appear as parallel, uniform lines that follow the die’s polishing pattern. Post-mint hairlines are usually multi-directional, wispy, and stop before reaching devices.

In the case of the 1889 Gold Dollar discussed in the forum, the wispy, multi-directional lines that stop before devices are more consistent with hairlines than die polish. This is particularly important for coins designated as semi-prooflike, where surface characteristics are more visible.

Market Grading Considerations

Market grading can sometimes result in coins receiving grades that account for minor imperfections. A coin with otherwise exceptional qualities might receive a grade that reflects its overall eye appeal rather than strict technical grading. This is particularly relevant for semi-prooflike coins where hairlines are more visible.

Conclusion

The 1889 Gold Dollar remains a popular choice for type collectors due to its historical significance as the final year of issue. When authenticating these coins, focus on weight verification, magnetic properties, die markers, and professional testing when necessary. Be particularly cautious of counterfeits made from tungsten or steel cores with gold plating.

Remember that even certified coins can have authentication issues, as evidenced by the discussion about CAC approval of a coin with noticeable hairlines. Always perform your own due diligence and consider professional authentication for valuable specimens.

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