I bought this on eBay and it came today. Counterfeit 2018 silver eagle. Why? The die is 180 degrees rotated (a common problem because the Chinese think our coins are rotated the same as theirs) and it sticks to a magnet. I checked the capsule with a 10x loupe, and it scratched where they pried it open. Just goes to say that everyone should always be careful when buying coins on eBay, even if it is in mint packaging. Photos attached. Do you guys see any other signs that show it is fake?
That rotation if it is oriented correctly is not 180, as that would be a direct reverse from medal orientation and the same as US coin orientation. It would be either 90 or 270. If you buy a counterfeit on EBay you are allowed a refund.
Please excuse the rough photos... Below is a photo of my little magnet sticking to it: And next is one of it on the scale - it weighs 28.46 grams. And here is one of the reeded edge:
Yup, doesn't matter how good it looks if it weighs wrong and sticks to a magnet. Guess now we know who's buying some of those "2018 AMERICAN SILVER EAGLE PACKAGING NO COIN" listings. Getting your Eagle graded? Don't need the packaging? Why not sell it on to a scammer!
Thanks for sharing photos as well as your experience. A very good informative lesson as well as a sad day for collectors. I personally collect coins with the original mint packaging where possible. Alas it has come to this stage where everything must be scrutinized.
@*coins Was there anything by looking that tipped you off to check it out? Most people that buy these with packaging won't bother testing or heck even look at it, it gets stored away.
That is a good looking fake, just goes to show that it's worth performing simple tests to make sure your coins are real when when you get them. Any guesses on what the metal is? Do you suppose it's plated with Silver and has some sort of cheap alloy underneath?
coins asked: "Do you guys see any other signs that show it is fake?" Yes, the design detail is different from a genuine coin. Don't know if it is obvious when posted on the Ebay site.
Better off paying a few dollars more and getting them direct from the mint if you want current proof ASE's instead of trying to find a bargain on Ebay..