Cherrypickers Guide: Why Are They Selling for So Much? My Collector’s Perspective
June 21, 2025My Journey with the 1903 Barber Dime: Grading, Damage, and Care
June 21, 2025
Seeing the explosion of counterfeit PCGS slabs up close has been eye-opening, especially with all those fake Morgans circulating. After spending hours studying these phonies myself, I wanted to pass along what I’ve learned to help other collectors guard their treasures.
Spotting Fake Slabs: Key Red Flags
Through countless comparisons, I’ve noticed consistent warning signs that set off alarm bells. When checking slabs, I always begin with the label—PCGS only puts “Morgan” on labels for 1921-P Morgans, so that designation on earlier dates is an instant red flag. The placement of the PCGS logo matters too; it should sit squarely in the lower right corner of the obverse side. Here’s what else I watch for:
- Match the coin against verified examples—look for missing details like the breast slash on CC Morgan reverses
- Scan that barcode! Many fakes fail this basic test
- Study the font—tiny spacing quirks or odd letter shapes often betray counterfeits
- Check new listings daily—I’ve already spotted suspicious 1893-CC and 1880-CC Morgans this month
Nothing trains your eye like side-by-side comparisons of real and fake slabs. I’ve gotten into the habit of circling flaws in auction photos—it helps cement what to watch for.
Why This Threat Hurts Collectors
I remember when slabs felt like a safety net as a new collector. Now? It’s nerve-wracking. The learning curve keeps getting steeper, and I worry newcomers might get discouraged. After ten years in this hobby, I still get fooled sometimes. The scary truth is some fakes are so convincing they slip past graders and dealers, turning what should be a joy into a high-stakes gamble.
Practical Advice to Safeguard Your Collection
Here’s how I protect my collection based on hard lessons learned:
- Become a student of coins—live with your Redbook, focus on minute details, and learn to attribute coins yourself
- Cultivate relationships with trustworthy dealers—even the pros get fooled sometimes
- Push for better protections like unique QR codes on slabs to stay one step ahead
- Start with common dates if you’re new—accept that a few fakes will sneak through despite your best efforts
While this situation is tough, it’s also brought our community closer. Sharing knowledge and staying alert makes a real difference—I’ve seen it work. If my experience helps even one collector avoid a fake, it’s worth the effort.
