Check out this article it is both informative and funny. link is here - http://meridiancoin.com/contemporary-fake-silver-dollar-guide/
Not the most updated data... I`ve seen some very recent mass production Chinese fakes lately, the cheap $2 kind, not the $150 kind. Few fakes of old US coins, few Russian Empire and early Soviet. They were: 1. Correct weight and size 2. AU examples showed luster under (fake) patina 3. Nice even strike 4. Mostly correct edge lettering (would easily fool inexperienced collector) 5. Obviously non-magnetic Good luck carrying that magnet (well, unless its a proven amulet that protects owner from purchasing fakes).
I've seen a lot of these as well, many times German States thalers as well as the types of coins you mentioned. Yes the edges are usually the best way to tell, but edge pictures are usually not included when buying online. And they have gotten better at faking the patina.
Yes, and another way to spot a fake, there can be a small raised dot in various areas of the coin, result of a chipped or damaged die they use. Of course real coin might have it as well, being a mint error, but just something to look for when looking for signs of fake.
Nice stuff. Although I've read most of this before, it is nice to read it again. I think that we've all been faked by fakes and need to keep vigilent.
