The Counterfeit PCGS Slab Problem: Growing Exponentially and My Personal Insights

I’ve collected coins for years, and lately, something’s kept me up at night: fake PCGS slabs are everywhere now. Just last week, I spotted a suspicious 1893-CC Morgan dollar on eBay in the morning, and by dinner time, an 1880-CC popped up with the same red flags. This isn’t just annoying—it’s becoming dangerous for our hobby, and I’ve had to train my eyes like never before.

My Experiences Spotting Fake PCGS Slabs

After handling hundreds of slabs, I’ve learned to spot fakes by their little mistakes. I always start with the label because that’s where most phonies give themselves away. Here’s what I check every time:

• Label Inconsistencies: PCGS only uses “Morgan” for 1921-P Morgans—earlier dates should say “Morgan Dollar.” I’ve caught so many fakes that botch this. Also, peek at the PCGS logo on the obverse side’s bottom right—fakes often skip it or put it in the wrong spot.
• Font and Barcode Issues: Fake labels often have slightly fuzzy or wrong-sized text. And when I scan the barcode? Nine times out of ten, it doesn’t pull up anything in PCGS’s system.
• Coin Comparison: I cross-check details against known genuine coins, especially VAMs for Morgans. For CC fakes, I always look for that missing ‘slash’ mark across the eagle’s breast on reverses.

I’ve started keeping a cheat sheet with side-by-side photos, circling the differences. It’s saved several new collectors from expensive lessons.

The Impact on Coin Collecting and Casual Collectors

This worries me most for beginners. I remember buying my first slabbed coin thinking it was safe—only to discover it was fake after losing $200. It took me ten years to develop a reliable eye, and I still get fooled sometimes. Today’s market feels like a minefield if you’re starting out. I’ve watched friends quit the hobby because they couldn’t afford the trial-and-error. When trust in slabs erodes, the whole collecting ecosystem suffers.

Practical Advice for Protecting Your Collection

Here’s what I tell fellow collectors at coin shows:

• Build Your Knowledge: Live with the Red Book, but don’t stop there. Get a loupe and study real VAMs—handle as many genuine coins as you can. Local club meetings are gold for this.
• Trust but Verify: Stick with dealers you know, but still inspect everything. A good friend once tested me with a fake slab to teach me this lesson—now I check even from “trusted” sources.
• Use Technology Wisely: While we wait for grading companies to improve security features, run every barcode through PCGS’s verification page. I keep their app open when browsing online auctions.

It’s frustrating how quickly removed fakes reappear under new listings. But we’re in this together—share suspicious listings with collecting forums, question anything that feels off, and let’s push for tougher standards. Our hobby’s worth protecting.