I have a couple Morgans and some Trade dollars that are counterfeit. But... 1. Their weight is darn close to 26.73 grams ranging from 26.6-27.1. They are all about VF-XF. 2. They are not magnetic at all. 3. They look like silver. 4. They sound like silver. So, how can I tell if these counterfeits are made with real silver? What other metals would be the same size and weight? I have to think they are silver. I do know however that they are fake, so please don't ask if I am sure. Any help is appreciated. ~Joe C.
I believe you are sure they are fake but what diagnostic is wrong? What makes them fake? Lettering? Color?
With the weight that close, and assuming that they are dimensionally correct, they are most likely silver. Given the specific gravity of silver, about the only other thing that it could be would be molybdenum.
If it looks like a duck, quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck, it's probably a duck. Many of the counterfeits are made from silver. If the weight is the same, and the diameter and thickness are the same, it's probably silver. Could you post pictures?
Bonus points for using one of my favorite elements in your post... At least one of my favorites to try to pronounce ;-)
Soft mushy details. Denticles are wrong dates are wrong. The 1884 is the most obvious to me. Trade dollars highly faked. Best to buy those graded.
Use a neodymium magnet - they're cheap and plentiful - use a small disc magnet in N48 or N50 strength
I knew these were all fake when I acquired them. Just trying to figure out if they are actually 90% silver. If they are, I am paying melt + $2. My intention is to study the fakes, but a genuine one of each of those series, compare, and read research. The hard part for me is to determine (a) are they silver (b) if so, are they silver plated or alloy silver and (C) are they actually 90% silver. Not sure if a jewelry store can tell me. If I can find out with a good degree of certainty what they are made with I am going to return them.
Those look like typical Chinese counterfeits. They are usually not silver, I’m surprised that the weight is so close.
Years ago I ran across a 79CC at a pawn shop. It was very convincing The guy sold most of his coins for just above melt. He had 800 on the coin I figured it to be around mid AU. I almost bought it on the spot. But seceded to have him put it on the scale. It weighed within tolerance. Then had him check the diameter it was not the same slightly smaller, and when set side by side the coin was thicker. These definitely look fake but there are many contemporary fakes out there that can deceive experienced collectors. Good luck with your study Jcro.
UPDATE... Brought the 6 Trade dollars and 2 Morgan dollars into my trusted coin shop in Buffalo... (A) The Morgans are fake and not silver nor silver plated.. (B) The Trade dollars are fake but pass for 90% silver. Interesting...
I believe that most fake trades were silver. I could be wrong though. Some were made to actually pass as trade dollars.
This is true, the older counterfeits were silver, but easy to spot, then they used some really cheap pit metal for about ten years, but be warned, there are very convincing modern silver Trade dollars coming from the east these days.
