Another Fake 1877 Indian Head Cent on ebay

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by RedRaider, Jan 2, 2012.

  1. RedRaider

    RedRaider Well-Known Member

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  3. Cazkaboom

    Cazkaboom One for all, all for me.

    How might the uneducated eye know this is a fake?
     
  4. oldwormwood

    oldwormwood Collector

    What characteristics tipped you off that it is counterfeit? I'm not doubting your assessment, I'm just curious to learn.
     
  5. Numismat

    Numismat World coin enthusiast

    What makes you think it's fake? This seller obviously knows what they are doing and has a solid reputation. Plus the coin looks just fine. The only odd thing is what looks like a faint border around the wreath leaves, but that may just be an effect of photography.
     
  6. Iskae

    Iskae New Member

    Looking at it, I am inclined to agree.

    1) The Ns on the reverse are too strongly struck

    2) The second seven in the date looks strange (larger than the first/reflecting light differently)

    3) I am hesitant to buy anything remotely resembling a key date without it being slabbed.

    While these three things by no means guarantee that it is a counterfeit - I find it suspicious.
     
  7. CashDude

    CashDude Member

    Come on red. If it's not an obvious fake, you need to at least tell us what makes you think/know it is.

    We're here to learn. Tell me why it's fake, and I'll report it if I agree.
     
  8. Kasia

    Kasia Got my learning hat on

    I think it could be a fake as well. With the 1877 Indian Head cent, the most important diagnostic feature appears on the reverse. On a genuine coin, the bottom right of the N in ONE and the top left of the N in CENT should be much weaker than the rest of the denomination. The only set of dies used on mint state coins issued for general circulation in 1877 has this distinct characteristic. Proof 1877 Indian Head cents were struck from dies with strong lettering in these same areas. [from http://www.pcgs.com/Articles/Detail/5552]. So, unless you can say this is a proof 1877, the fact that the N's in One and Cent on the reverse being strong should preclude this from being a real 1877 issue.
     
  9. RedRaider

    RedRaider Well-Known Member

    Sorry to delay my response on why it is fake....the Bold "N" in "ONE" is the big tippoff.

    Proof cents were struck with a bold "N" on the reverse, but this is not a proof cent. Good answers Iskae and Kasia
     
  10. RedRaider

    RedRaider Well-Known Member

    There would also be a bold clash mark on the reverse in this high of a grade. The clash mark of the chin and neck show up just above the "O" in ONE.
     
  11. RedRaider

    RedRaider Well-Known Member

  12. Bisquitlips

    Bisquitlips Junior Member

    This makes me want to know more about this series.

    If indeed this is a fake, and I have no reason to doubt Red's assessment, I might have been taken in if in the market for one. Except for one or two caveats.

    The fact that this is a very highly priced example and date I would immediately be suspicious that it was not slabbed. And I would want it so if I were to be in the serious market for one unless I knew personally the seller or better yet the series.

    This is a good point. Any key date / expensive coin that is not slabbed should send up a red flag. It's just not that expensive to get one certified if legitimate.
     
  13. rlm's cents

    rlm's cents Numismatist

    Just curious, but has anyone else bothered to report it?
     
  14. RedRaider

    RedRaider Well-Known Member

    I sent him a note just asking if it was a proof. No response yet
     
  15. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    Yes - I reported it. And send a question telling the seller it is fake. I am wondering at that price they knew it was a fake and hoped someone would bite on it quickly. Now it makes we wonder what other raw key dates they might be selling that are fake.
     
  16. Kasia

    Kasia Got my learning hat on

    But he GUARANTEES it to be REAL "
    *** This Coin is Guaranteed Genuine. ***"
     
  17. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    Do more research on the seller. My conclusion is he buys a lot of questionable coins and sells a lot of raw shiny coins. Just my own humble opinion.

    And the seller has responded it is a proof. Take it for what it is. :)
     
  18. Numismat

    Numismat World coin enthusiast

    He does seem to have an issue with problem coins. I guess I just learned something useful about this coin. =)
     
  19. mark_h

    mark_h Somewhere over the rainbow

    When investigating sellers - check what they sell and what they buy if possible. Also read both the positive and negative feedback. Sometimes the negatives are not that bad and sometimes in the positive feed back that says negative things. Just something I do with a new seller I might buy from. Just something to think about.
     
  20. Collect89

    Collect89 Coin Collector

    The item is no longer available on Ebay. Therefore, I could not view the coin or seller stats.
     
  21. NOS

    NOS Former Coin Hoarder

    Once again the nannies have succeeded and we can't join in and learn about the coin that was listed or anything else about the seller for that matter.
     
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