The counterfeit/ fake PCGS slab problem seems to be growing exponentially…

I continue to look for or purchase fakes to image off the list I created of the bad Chinese seller’s offerings but more show up every day as additions!

Today’s Bay listings were a 1st seen (for me) 1893-CC in the morning, and an 1880-CC in the evening:









Best, Jack.

 

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I'm not as good as some of you all at spotting "Fakes", so please explain the differences please?? Thanks!

 

The "coins" can be reviewed by comparing to known genuine varieties (VAMs), or as I always say, start with attribution...

But, looking at the holders, "Morgan" was only put on a PCGS label for 1921-P Morgans (I have a few posts here and my master list for reference...), and there should be a PCGS logo in the lower obverse right corner.

 

Thanks for the explanation!

 

Also, the bar code usually doesn't scan.

 

The font just seems a little off too… it’s really close, but not quite right.

 

Nice work but all of sudden I'm thinking now what's the most unusual coin you've found counterfeited so far?slab or not.

 

I fear that the Chinese may ruin our hobby

 

Soon TPGs would have to add in QR code with anti-counterfeit measures or something similar.

Got to be one step ahead of the game.

 

The slab itself is easy to spot as a fake. I was looking at the coin, specifically the reverse and don't see the tell-tale 'slash' across the breast as seen with many other CC counterfeits.

 

I agree it may ruin the hobby how some pursue it. Relying solely on expertise of other unnamed people may have to go away, and you might have to either start obtaining that knowledge yourself or rely on a trusted dealers. Basically the US side might go back to what the ancient side still practices, learn the coins yourself, learn whom to trust in the way of dealers and auction firms, and accept a percentage of your collection most likely will end up being fakes.

Not preaching sir, nor saying one or the other is better, just different.

Thank you @Jack D. Young, you do tremendous service to the hobby and I am sure untold thousands benefit from your hard work sir.

 

I worry about the casual collector which is a category I would have fit in a big part of my life. It wasn't until the last ten years that my life became orderly enough to focus on the finer points of collecting... Fifteen years ago I would have purchased a slabbed coin feeling confident that I was purchasing the genuine article.... I would bet the casual collector market is likely enormous in comparison to those of us that study the Redbook in our sleep.

 

Well said Randy. Thanks Jack as always.

 

The thing is, fakes (at least some fakes) are already good enough to get past TPG graders and land in legitimate slabs, and fake slabs are apparently already good enough to fool some dealers.

If we go from "you need to learn the coins yourself" to "you need to be better at authenticating than dealers and TPGs"... at that point, it's not a hobby any more, it's a lottery. (Of course, some people do gamble for a hobby).

 

Yes, this the sad, scary part.

It’s a huge barrier to the hobby of the casual collector must be an instant expert to get into it. I probably had more God given talents for judging eye appeal, but it took more than ten years as a collector to become somewhat savvy. And even then, I still goof up.

 

And the Bay whack-a-mole continues as the seller relisted both after being removed earlier today...

 

@Jack D. Young, thanks for the enlightening post. Could you please post a side-by-side fake and genuine slabs with pointers or circles showing fake elements? Visuals using side-by-side comparisons help new collectors like me learn how to distinguish them.

 

Yep, thank you @Jack D. Young for helping all the Morgan people and other collectors, good to know them slabs for sure!

 

Jack you should make an ebay listing for information on fakes start the bidding out at $0.01 with a BIT at $20?
Put together a how to guide on how to spot a fake. Email the winning bidder/buyers a PDF with the info.
You could call out these other sellers with fake coins in your listing wonder if ebay would take notice and maybe even do something more other than throwing out your listing

 

When I began collecting, I had a so-called dealer handing me fake Morgans and Confederate notes to look at one day and he then proceeded to try and make me look stupid when I didn't realize the fakes. Needless to say, I was pissed and didn't purchase anything from him or visit again, but I did learn a valuable lesson from him (I Quess he was teaching me in his own weird way). I am by no means an expert and try my best to learn and not to get ripped off. Unfortunately, education cost sometimes or it has in my case over the years. Thanks for posting this education information.