Fed Up with Fake Coin Scams: Why It’s Making Me Sick!
July 2, 2025My Adventures with Georgia Quarter Die Chips
July 2, 2025The other day, while going through my stack of graded coins, something caught my eye on my 1911 $5 Indian Half Eagle—a faint, ghostly outline that reminded me of a “D” mint mark. That little shadow sent me on quite the adventure, wondering if I’d found something special or just fallen for an optical illusion. Let me walk you through what happened, what I discovered, and what might help if you spot something similar in your collection.
That First Glimpse
I was checking my coin under a good lamp when I noticed it—right below the arrow tips on the reverse, a whisper-thin shape that looked like a “D.” It wasn’t obvious at all, just a hazy impression that came and went with the light. Having handled dozens of Indian Half Eagles over the years, this one felt different. Could it be an undocumented weak mint mark variety?
When Other Collectors Weighed In
When I mentioned my find to fellow collectors, let’s just say they weren’t convinced. Most experienced folks told me real mint marks—even weak ones—usually jump out at you. If you’re squinting and angling the coin just so, they argued, it’s probably not genuine. They reminded me that 99.9% of authentic mint marks are unmistakable on first glance. Mine? Not so much. When I compared it to confirmed weak varieties like the 2011-D $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle, mine looked like a faint smudge by comparison.
When Your Eyes Play Tricks
This whole experience taught me about pareidolia—that funny trick our brains play when we see shapes in random marks. What I thought was a “D” might’ve just been a rough patch from toning, damage, or a tiny ding. When I rotated the coin, it sometimes resembled an “8” or nothing at all. Real mint marks have consistent sizing and placement, experts told me. Mine danced around depending on the light, which pretty much sealed the deal.
What I’d Do Differently Next Time
If you spot something iffy in your collection, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Take a breath: If the mark isn’t obvious under normal light, it’s likely not genuine. Needing magnification is usually a red flag.
- Get a second opinion: Sending it to PCGS or NGC makes sense—they’ve seen it all. But be ready for fees and possible disagreement. Resubmitting hoping for different results rarely pays off.
- Keep perspective: While a new variety could be valuable, especially in top grades, chasing maybes can cost you. Stick to documented varieties without solid proof.
- Use tools wisely: Loupes and microscopes help, but remember truly weak mint marks are rare and well-cataloged. Cross-check auction archives or databases like PCGS CoinFacts.
Where Things Stand Now
I’ve decided to send my coin in for grading—mostly to satisfy my curiosity. It’s a small price to solve the mystery, and I’ll share updates if anything interesting happens. This whole episode reminded me why I love this hobby: every coin tells a story, but not every mark is a headline. Keep looking closely, but trust the evidence over excitement. Happy collecting!