Why This MS64 1883-S Morgan Dollar Screams ‘Fake AF’ to Me (Especially on eBay)

I was casually scrolling through eBay listings the other day when I stumbled upon an 1883-S Morgan Dollar slabbed as MS64, and my numismatic instincts went into overdrive. Something about it just didn’t sit right, so I dug deeper and uncovered a treasure trove of red flags that scream counterfeit. Here’s my breakdown of why this coin sets off every alarm bell in my collector’s toolkit.

The Obvious Red Flags

At first glance, this coin looked off—dull and listless, lacking the vibrant luster you’d expect from a genuine MS64 specimen. Comparing it to the PCGS True View images online was like night and day; the bag marks didn’t align at all, which is a classic sign of fakery. But the real kicker? The slab itself. Here’s what jumped out at me:

• The font on the label was subtly wrong, especially the ‘1’ in 1883—it looked funky and inconsistent with authentic PCGS slabs.
• It had ‘Morgan’ printed under the grade, which is a dead giveaway for counterfeits on pre-1921 coins; genuine slabs don’t do that.
• The photos were intentionally blurry and incomplete—no full shot of the slab? That’s a huge red flag, likely meant to hide flaws.
• If this coin were real, it’d grade AU details at best due to harsh cleaning, not MS64. The mismatch in quality was glaring.

Grading Insights and Market Realities

As a collector, I know that an authentic 1883-S in MS64 is a high-value piece, with CDN values around $4,000 to $5,000. That’s why seeing one on eBay at all raises eyebrows—it’s prime territory for scams. Genuine examples should pop with sharp details and even wear, not this lifeless imitation. I always recommend cross-referencing with PCGS or NGC databases; if it doesn’t match True Views, walk away. And don’t forget about CAC stickers—they’re tough to counterfeit and add a layer of verification, though this one suspiciously lacked any.

Practical Advice for Spotting Fakes

Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my gut and double-check everything. Here’s my go-to checklist for dodging counterfeits on platforms like eBay:

• Demand crystal-clear photos: Blurry shots are often intentional. If the seller can’t provide high-res images from multiple angles, it’s a no-go.
• Verify the slab details: Check the font, label design, and serial numbers against official grading service websites. Any deviation is a warning.
• Know the market value: If a deal seems too good to be true for a high-grade coin, it probably is. Research CDNs or recent auction results.
• Report suspicious listings: I tried flagging this one, but eBay’s reporting system is clunky—look for the ‘Help & Report’ option under the three-dot icon. Persistence pays off to protect our community.

Ultimately, this experience reinforced why I stick to reputable dealers for big-ticket items. Counterfeits are getting scarily sophisticated, but with sharp eyes and a bit of skepticism, we can keep our collections genuine. Stay vigilant out there, fellow collectors—your coins deserve it!