My Experience Spotting a Suspicious 1916-D Dime on eBay

Spotting a Counterfeit 1916-D Dime

While browsing eBay last week, I stumbled on a listing for a 1916-D Mercury dime that made my collector’s instincts snap to attention. Having handled enough rare coins over the years, I’ve learned that when your gut says “something’s wrong,” it’s usually worth listening. With key dates like this fetching serious money, taking a closer look isn’t just smart – it’s essential.

Key Red Flags I Noticed

• The PCGS slab didn’t include a TruView image, but the auction history showed one existed. That gap always makes me nervous about altered holders.
• Scanning the barcode? It pulled up details for an 1893-S Morgan dollar. Total giveaway – like finding a Chevy engine in a Ferrari.
• That artificially aged look screamed fake. Genuine AU50 coins don’t wear that kind of costume.
• Subtle flaws in the lettering and olive branch might seem small, but on a coin this valuable, they’re flashing neon signs.
• Priced at just $4,000 when Greysheet puts it around $8,600–$11,000? No honest dealer would take that bath.

Grading and Counterfeit Detection Tips

From what I’ve seen, fakes often trip up on mintmark placement and rim details. This one hacked off part of the ‘O’ in ‘One’ – a dead ringer for counterfeit work. Remember: authentic AU coins won’t have that artificially grubby surface. My best advice? Keep reference images handy and run certification barcodes through free scanner apps right then and there.

Market Observations and Seller Risks

Digging deeper, this seller had other fishy listings – multiple 1889-CC Morgans with invalid slabs and eagles sporting unnatural chest scars. Nearly $18,000 in likely fakes! It’s scary how easily collectors can get burned, especially with sellers sporting low feedback or sparse histories. Always check completed sales and beware of auctions ending too quickly for major rarities.

Practical Advice for Buyers

• Grab a free QR scanner app – it’s your first line of defense against fake slabs.
• Never settle without TruView or high-res photos to compare against PCGS archives.
• Investigate sellers like you’re vetting a used car. Low feedback? Few listings? Steer clear.
• Report suspicious items to eBay, but know their systems often miss clever fakes. Patience helps.

Broader Impact on the Hobby

Fakes this convincing don’t just steal money – they risk scaring newcomers away from our passion. Each one chips at the trust that holds this community together. While reporting helps, I’ve learned that politely pestering customer service sometimes gets results. We collectors need to watch each other’s backs and share what we know. After all, protecting this hobby starts with us.