One of my previous posts was in regards to damaged genuine “source” coins (coins repaired and used to make counterfeit dies) and the resulting struck fakes. A “variety” left out of the previous research is one of the most significant, counterfeit 1836 Gobrecht “dollars”. The “discovery” was made almost accidentally after being approached by an ex-internet seller (linked to several I followed) offering an example for sale for $3000.00- sounds like a bargain, right? The “coin” was to be sent “origin China” via the Netherlands. No deal was struck, but the images provided sparked a deeper dive and resulted in the research article published by Coin Week at: https://coinweek.com/counterfeits/s...836-gobrecht-dollar-1-page-attribution-guide/ Images have also been saved at the Newman Numismatic Portal (https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/imagecollection/510561) and Saul Teichman’s pattern website referenced in the article…
I know it's still early, but I would like to nominate Mr. Young as best new member of 2018! ...I think he's a shoe-in to win.
Good point and thanks for sharing. I’d be suspicious of the coin you posted it looks off for one of these. Copper I’m no expert but this early silver stuff I know well
Agreed, it has the "look" of many of the others; it was the "key" for finding the other struck fakes for this type.
You're less likely to question it if it looks used and beat up. I've heard of some of them intentionally wearing the coin to make an AU counterfeit as well. The problem with using a damaged coin, or a coin with marks on it, is that every single copy will have the same marks. That makes it really, really easy to spot a fake, if you know what the marks are.
Absolutely, follow the marks! And the repairs leave details that do not match a genuine example in each documented one to date.
A recent update... A slabbed example was listed for sale over the weekend on a Dealer FB page- it is #8 in my research article. The images show the damaged source, the repaired source and this "for sale" example on the right: Listing was pulled after notification, but these are still "out there"...