OUCH!! They Got Me!! Fake Spiked Chin Half Cent

I wasn't aware that was an option. @Jack D. Young do you have an authentication business?

 

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That's interesting.

 

I am sorry you got stuck stuck, Randy.

There are four reverses that are paired with the 1804 spiked chin variety. You fake piece was made from the most most common one, C-8. Despite that fact that the die was damaged early in its useful life, it outlasted all of those other reverses.

When I was collecting half cents by die variety 30+ years ago, I had them all. I still have have one piece left, which is an example of C-5. This one is somewhat scarce, and it was the die pair that was in place when the obverse die was injured to create the spiked chin.



There is big die break across the reverse that runs through the "L" in "HALF CENT. It is my theory that the die was broken when it came in contact with the screw or whatever it was that made the spiked chin.

 

What do you have to lose Randy?

 

I appreciate that. At least it was a piece with a modest value. I figure the $160.00 price was an investment in my numismatic education.

 

Amazon is delivering my new scale tomorrow and I will have a report on the weight of tbe piece.

 

Let's do a GTW! Guess the Weight.

5.23 grams.

 

I’ll guess heavy at 5.49

 

No putting your finger on the scale!!!

 

I'm guessing within tolerance...

I don't have an "authentication business" but I do have a scale and microscope and am constantly researching new fakes.

BTW, the edge is good, so I suspect the piece is until the weight comes in!

 

Anyone ask @Insider ?

 

Tough break. I agree that the letters on the rev have that mushy transfer die look.

 

That variety, Cohen 8, always has a "bar" that runs from the "R" in "AMERICA" to the rim. It's an instant diagnostic for the variety. It's almost missing on the piece that has been judged to be a counterfeit in the OP.

 

Well….. Amazon has a delay. Won’t have my spiffy new scale until Monday.

 

Yes sir. He called me about when I sent it to ICG for encapsulation. His judgement was rendered “in hand”….

 

Thank you, John Milton, for that information. I really appreciate your educational threads and posts.

 

Did he explain?

 

The "bar" is close to missing on this one as well; I would expect it varies with the die state:

View attachment 1624797

 

Not sure what happened, but the image: