So the LCS usually has a bowl of common Peace and Morgan dollars for cheap - and I usually grab a few when I'm in there. I think I finally got a fake. Pics below. The rest look OK but a quick look from the experts is appreciated. I've got all my ungraded dollars out of the safe and intend to weigh them. If they weigh correctly is it reasonable to assume they are most likely genuine? 1878 - pretty sure this is fake as it weighs only 350.0 grains (I used my reloading scale which is VERY accurate). That's about 22.68 grams, which is 4 grams underweight. On scale: Obverse: Reverse: Your thoughts on the 1882 which weighs correctly. This looks OK to me...: And finally a group hug of the day's take. These all weight correctly. Most likely real?
At 4 grams underweight, I'd expect it to be made from something that will be attracted to a magnet. Have you tried that?
I have an N52 rare earth magnet about 1x2x2 inches and it had no effect... No visible seam under 8x magnification.
I thought it looked shady but the scale confirmed it. I'm weighing all my others now - so far so good. Unless there's a correct weight fake. There are all COMMON - why bother...
Most of the modern Chinese fakes are the correct weight. Because if you can make a good fake for a dollar, and sell it for $10, you've done quite well for yourself. The person who bought it thinks they got a great deal and then sells it for $20, and everyone is duped and happy.
For those of us who are less experts, can you tell us the outstanding markers that indicate this is not a genuine Morgan?
Well, the weight is the ultimate clincher. But, just looking at the pictures provided: 1. The color is wrong 2. The luster is wrong 3. The dentils are wrong 4. There are several letters that are "mushy"
Look at the hair. It's almost like the redesigned 1921 style. Not at all like the real deal. Here is a real 1878 7tf, followed by the OP 1878 7tf...
Ooh, I didn't even realize that the OP's pics were super magnified. Clicking and expanding, now I also see: 5. All devices are softened. They are mushy, whereas a genuine mint product will be sharp and distinct. 6. In several places, casting bubbles are clearly evident.
C-B-D - thanks for the exact cropping showing real and fake. I had just assumed that these low value coins were not worth faking (as explained above they are) but more surprising to me is that they have made their way to the rural areas of WA state. Guess I'll be bringing my readers and magnifying glass from now on. I appreciate all the replies!
Unfortunately, you can buy just about every date and mintmark of fake U.S. coins now from Alibaba. You just can't assume anything anymore. I once bought a VF detail completely trashed, damaged, and corroded 1832 capped bust dime for $30 that turned out to be a cast fake. Not a rare date. Not nice condition. Still a made counterfeit.