Why That MS64 1883S Morgan Dollar on eBay Screams Fake: My Collector’s Perspective

I was scrolling through eBay listings the other day when an 1883-S Morgan Dollar graded MS64 stopped me cold. Every collector instinct I’ve developed over the years screamed “fake!” before I even zoomed in on the photos. Let me walk you through exactly what set off my alarm bells and why this matters for all of us who love coins.

Spotting the Red Flags

First thing I did was pull up PCGS True View images for comparison – and wow, did this coin fall short. The surfaces looked dull and lifeless, missing that vibrant cartwheel luster you should see on a genuine MS64. The bag marks seemed oddly placed too, not matching known examples. But the real smoking gun? The seller’s photos were suspiciously fuzzy, especially around the slab details. I’ve learned that blurry shots often mean someone’s hiding flaws.

• The label font looked wrong – that ‘1’ in 1883 had a weird, unnatural curve
• Seeing “Morgan” under the grade? Big red flag! Pre-1921 slabs never include that
• Even if authentic, those cleaning marks would knock it down to AU details at best

Grading and Authentication Insights

Grading inconsistencies like this usually mean trouble. A real 1883-S in MS64 should have crisp details and minimal wear, not this sad specimen. My rule? Always check PCGS or NGC archives before bidding. Notice there’s no CAC sticker either – that makes tampering way easier for fakers. With counterfeits getting scarily good these days, stick with trusted dealers and skip those eBay “bargains” that seem too perfect.

Market Realities and Risks

Here’s what really worries me: this coin’s CDN value sits around $4,000-$5,000 – making it prime counterfeit bait. Peddling fakes at that price isn’t just shady, it’s outright theft. And eBay? It’s become a minefield. Their reporting system feels like navigating a maze sometimes. If something looks fishy, report it immediately – even if you have to dig for the right button. Watch those bid counts too; if a “gem” like this has zero action, chances are other collectors spotted the problems.

Practical Advice for Staying Safe

After getting burned early in my collecting days, here’s how I protect myself: Demand crystal-clear photos of both coin and slab – front and back. If the seller hesitates? Run. Join local coin clubs to swap stories; I keep a few known fakes just to show new collectors what to avoid. Only bid on listings with solid histories, and when uncertain, get a second opinion from grading services. Most importantly? Trust that gut feeling when something seems off. My spidey-sense hasn’t failed me yet.

Remember friends – collecting should bring joy, not stress over fakes. Stay sharp out there, and happy hunting!