My Insights on This MS64 1883S Looks Fake AF to Me (eBay, of Course)

I was scrolling through eBay the other day and stumbled on an 1883-S Morgan dollar listed as MS64. Alarm bells went off right away. After collecting Morgans for years, you develop a sixth sense for fakes, and this one? It screamed counterfeit from the moment I saw those blurry photos.

What Set Off My Fake-Detector

Looking closer, several things jumped out that just didn’t add up for a genuine coin:

• The surface looked flat and lifeless, missing that vibrant luster a real MS64 Morgan should have. Authentic coins in this grade really catch your eye.
• Bag marks were scattered in all the wrong places compared to PCGS True View references. Real wear patterns tell a consistent story – this looked random and forced.
• That funky ‘1’ in the date! It stood out like a sore thumb – distorted and completely unlike genuine minting work.
• Those intentionally fuzzy photos? Classic move. Sellers hiding details usually have something to hide. If they can’t provide clear shots, I’m walking away.

When the Slab Tells Its Own Story

The holder itself told me as much as the coin did. Here’s what made me suspicious:

• The label showed “Morgan” under the grade – a rookie mistake you’d never see on real pre-1921 slabs from PCGS or NGC.
• The lettering looked thin and uneven, not the crisp printing you expect from legitimate grading services.
• No full slab photo? Big red flag. Hiding the holder usually means hiding fake holograms or serial numbers.
• Even if real, those visible cleaning marks would knock this down to AU details at best. No way this was mint state material.

Why eBay Makes Me Nervous

This listing shows exactly why I’m careful with eBay purchases. Real 1883-S Morgans in MS64 are tough to find, commanding $4,000-$5,000. Passing off fakes at that price feels criminal. I’ve seen too many collectors get burned by “too good to be true” listings, especially without CAC stickers or proper verification. Those green beans add real security – they’re difficult to fake and damage the slab if removed. My advice? Stick with dealers you trust or auctions with solid provenance.

Protecting Yourself Online

From what I’ve learned dodging fakes, here’s how to shop smarter:

• Demand crystal-clear photos from every angle. If the seller balks, that’s your cue to leave.
• Cross-check against PCGS True View or NGC Cert Lookup. Mismatched details? Trust your gut.
• Study slab labels like a hawk. Check fonts, terminology (no “Morgan” on pre-1921 coins!), and insist on full holder shots.
• Treat listings without CAC stickers cautiously. They’re not foolproof, but they add credibility.
• Report suspicious items immediately. I tried flagging this eBay listing, but finding that “three-dot” menu felt like a treasure hunt. Dig through “Help & Report” – it’s worth the effort to protect fellow collectors.

This whole mess reminded me why I prefer trusted sources. Fakes keep getting better, but staying sharp helps avoid most traps. Happy hunting out there – and keep those eyes open!