Hi, I am new to numismatics and I recently came upon an old 1795 Flowing Hair (non draped) Silver Dollar. All the different types of this silver dollars I've seen images, of on numerous sites, show it having a slight tint of copper in its color. However, mine does not. It appears completely silver. It also does not have any slight weakness on its edges as many sites have suggested a 1795 silver dollar of this age should. It is in very fine condition and does not appear to have been circulated much. It has some very minor scratches. Being unbiased towards my new coin, I also researched replicas of 1795 silver dollars. I found that in all instances replicas of this coin also do not match the color of my coin. There is no letter indicating a mint location on the coin as well. This leads me to believe there were some minted and other coins unminted during this year. I will post pictures of both sides when I get a chance. Any thoughts and opinions from mighty coin connoisseurs would be greatly appreciated :] -Lotus
The chance of a Chinese counterfeit is very very high. Color is not a good indicator as the actual figure of the coin. No one will venture an opinion until good photos are offered. Some questions that will also most likely be asked: Where did you come into this dollar? what were the circumstances. Have you weighed it ? How long has the coin been in yours or someone you know hands. How far back can you follow the history of the coin? Looking forward to your photos. Jim
I cannot trace back the history of the coin as I did not meet the last owner of this coin. My father gave it to me as a gift a few days ago and hes been reluctant with the details of how he came across it. However, I thought about weighing the coin earlier today as the real deal is supposed to be right under 27 grams. Do you know how many of these chinese counterfeits were made and when they got into us circulation? Do you know the typical weight of a counterfeit? I will post pics and initial weighing as soon as I can. Thanks Jim. - Lotus
The weight will only tell if it is a sure fake if it is off. Unfortunately, the Chinese have been producing several levels of counterfeits, some of which are the accurate weight and silver of the original. Some will fool most dealers as an article in Coin World exposed. The better counterfeits are much more expensive than the lesser ones. Coins bought from swap meets, pawn shops, foreign food markets, Chinese online dealers, etc. are usually lesser counterfeits and are more recognizable. My friend in Singapore sent me such a dollar that had been in their family for over 40 years, and it was a fake There is no law against making such coins in China as old as these, so they sell them openly. I would nudge your Dad again if possible, as it might save you a lot of frustration. Jim
Guys, need your help in judging the authenticity of my 1795 bust dollar coin. I am not sure whether its genuine or not. Any help/input will be highly appreciated. Link: http://www.cointalk.com/threads/1795-bust-dollar-coin-authentic-or-doubtful-need-help.238099/
That coin looks a little too good to be true i am sorry to say but i could be wrong since i have never owned an example and dont really study these !
