Obvious counterfeit or possible real 1873 indian head?

I've been gone from the board for ages, but recently picked up a group of coins that I'm having fun with. I'll post better pics when the coin arrives b/c I know these are horrible, but wanted to get your initial thoughts on whether it's an obvious counterfeit or whether it's possibly legit. Thanks guys! Glad to be back on here!

One additional comment: The seller sold another coin (not to me) in a PCGS label that was valued at $12,500 when I looked up the verification # on PCGS's site. I know that some counterfeits are being switched into legite PCGS holders, so I'm taking that into consideration as well, but I didn't see any obvious damage to the corners of the slab.

 

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I don't know enough about Indian head cent diagnostics to give you an educated answer, but I wanted to say welcome back anyway. If it counts for anything, my gut tells me genuine/cleaned.

 

Welcome back Mom, good to see ya posting again.

I'm with Kirk on this one.

 

Thanks guys. We got a little overwhelmed with life for a few months, but now I'm back with a vengeance!

I've just got to catch up on all that I've missed!

 

Looks good to me , but I wish the pics were larger .

 

To me it looked like it had the open 3. Looks like there are 3 varieties of the open 3. Also, the Liberty on the obverse looks shady to me. I couldn't tell if it was just the photo though.

 

Most likely genuine - Not too much profit to counterfeit a 50$ coin? Unless it's the double liberty........

 

I paid $15, so I'm good with $50!

Thoughts on the open 3 variety? I know it's tough to see, but that's what it looked like to me. Sadly, I don't see anything that looks like the doubled version though.

 

Here's to tell.............

 

NGC is showing values @ $200 if it's uncleaned. Not sure about actual sold prices.

 

And that is for their graded, slabbed coin. Depends on the condition. I would just self grade it from an internet photo grading page then staple into a 2X2 cardboard coin holder and write the info on the holder!

 

If this coin is legit, it gives me hope on a couple of the others that I purchased from him that have a bit more value. He's a male stripper and seemed to be clueless about coins. I just wish I would've scored the PCGS graded/verified one!

 

GREEEEEEEEN! I missed you buddy! Have you found anything really exciting lately?

 

... just goes to show that coin collecting doesn't discriminate based on ... well... that.

 

Lots............ And I'm broke.........

 

I'm thinkin "brawn NOT brains"?

 

I guess he's a crappy stripper getting coins instead of dollars - Oh my God, I just pictured the situation - Yuck!!!!

 

Usually strippers get $1 bills not Indian head cents lol. I'm in the genuine camp but can't tell about the surfaces without better pics

 

Oh yes there is... and for the simple fact some assume there's no reason to counterfeit a $50 coin (or a $20 coin, etc, etc).

Never assume a coin is genuine based solely upon its cost or would-be value.

 

Exactly. I've seen counterfeit coins worth as little as 12 cents (modern, legal tender rather than collectible coins).