Pls excuse the cross-post, but my initial posting under ancient coins failed to provide answers to my specific questions... having just picked up a second Zecchino gold coin, I immediately compared it to the first one and noticed a couple obvious differences... 1) the PCGS slab appears to hold the coin in a different manner (one has a 3 slotted design while the other does not), and 2) the obverse of the coin is positioned differently between the two different slabs. Presume PCGS simply changed/updated their slab type and the presentation may be just subjective, but thought it prudent to run this by the group here given everything I’ve read about counterfeits coming from China, etc. - sincerely appreciate your help! Take care (Cited from: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/zecchino-potential-counterfeit.371117/#post-5185265)
I don't see anything there that jumps out with the slabs. I know nothing about ancient coins, but the slab on the left is an older generation. The fonts, logos, and holograms all look correct to me.
There's been countless different inner rings over time and even now depending on the size of the coin. There's also this https://www.pcgs.com/holders
Wow... obviously suspected there would be multiple versions to accommodate different sizes, but was unaware there were that many. Would be interested in learning more!
per PCGS: “The counterfeit PCGS holders are well-executed, but with minor differences from a genuine holder.” Am starting to appreciate the challenge grading companies have with staying ahead of counterfeiters... no wonder PCGS saw the need to add NFC technology.
Here are Two articles I read that concern phony slabs. https://www.coinworld.com/news/precious-metals/chinese-starter-kit-for-fake-pcgs-holders.html https://china-mint.info/forum/index.php?topic=361.0
