counterfeit?? 1909 s Indian Head cent

Hello experts,
I inherited coins from my father and grandfather - my grandfather collected old and odd. He did not purchase them and he never displayed them. He worked at a liquor store and 'checked change' especially for oddities. They were kept in a cloth bag and in old perscription bottles - I have 3 listed on ebay right now (5movinup) and was recently contacted by a kind member letting me know that the metal bumps on my 1909 coin are from casting and can not be on a coin minted in the U.S. OMG!!! i am now selling a possible counterfeit....I have been researching ever since as I do not want to deceive a potential buyer.
My coin passes the Ring Test, the magnet test, does not have a seam, has some very fine scratch marks under the magnifying glass that could be tool marks on the reverse and the only side the bumps are on is the reverse. HELP. Any thoughts?
Leigh

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

1909 or 1909-S IHC?

We really need photos to tell you anything at all.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...ndexURL=1&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting

is the coin in question. Can't wait to hear this..

 

Not a very convincing fake.
Guy~

 

I like the the part about "the tiny remnants of copper scattered on the back"

 

1909 s Indian Head Cent

Hey you guys be nice.....I was only doing my very best to describe it based on me having NO previous knowledge on anything having to do with coins. I have this bag and I am wading through it to see if anything has value and looking up each type. I came to this forum for guidance when someone emailed me to say they were casting marks ( I had to look that up too). It passes the ring test, magnet test, has no seams and only has those bumps on one side and when I listed it I didn't know about any of those tests. So you see I am educating myself and bow now with reverence to your greater skill and expertise but one week ago I had no idea that any of this existed. I will be amoung you soon!!! So sheath your swords and put on your teacher's caps. I am here as a student!

 

I doubt that those marks are a result of casting - in fact I am pretty sure they are not. They look like electrolysis to me. (The result of being damp/wet next to other metals.) I cannot tell for sure, but the mint mark looks suspicious to me. There has got to be a coin store somewhere in your area. Take the coin to it/them and see what they say. It is very difficult to tell such things from pics. A knowledgeable person should be able to tell in person a lot better than anyone here.

 

Thank you - I just pulled up the ANACS submission form to send it in - there is one expert that I sent some very detailed photos to and I am waiting to hear back...I have been trying to post some better photos on ebay and it won't allow me to. I will end the auction early and send it in to ANACS if he can not give an acceptable reason for the bumps. WHAT AN ADVENTURE.
Leigh

 

You should be able to add pictures up until the last 12 or 24 hours (don't remember which), but definitely with 6+ days to go. Contact eBay for their advice.

Again, some people can do some amazing things from pics, but everyone I know will tell you their best opinions only come from having the coin in hand. Maybe someone here can tell you a reliable dealer near you - Orange, CA per your listing.

 

I agree with RLM, I noticed also on the photo that shows the verdigris well that there seemed to be a strong correlation. I was thinking corrosion areas, but the electrolysis makes good sense also. But not sure by any means from photos.

Jim

 

In my opinion, I wouldn't pay money to send it anywhere. Take rlm's advice and find a coin shop first.

 

Thank you all, I will find a coin shop first. I am sure there are some in Orange, CA. Darn, I was so excited about finding it too!! Now I am going to list a penny that was supposed to be a dime I think. It seems to be stamped on a dime blank.
Leigh

 

Ya just google coin shops in your area. And adjust your text size smaller please, it's like your yelling. thanks

 

Oh sorry, I was giving a slight raised tone....

 

I can't comment on authenticity or not - I have no idea. I am a newb with a question for the experts here: why would the obverse be moderately worn, yet the reverse has nice details?

 

never hold a coin with tweezers. Use cotton gloves or something. always handle by the rim also.

 

Thank you, I have added that to my new-found knowledge - it should have been obvious:headbang:

 

My photos are the reason...I have a great photo of the front showoing crisper detail but ebay is having a glitch and you can not revise listing due to a snare in the postage section...it keeps requesting 'valid value' when you try to revise or add photos. I could post it here if I can figure out how to post photos.
Leigh

 

See this thread;
http://www.cointalk.com/forum/t8565/
It is not at all hard to post pics here. If nothing else, when you click "reply to this thread", under "additional options" click on "manage attachment". A window will open allowing you to load a pic from your computer.

 

Let me add my 2 cents if you will... I believe that coin to be 100% authentic. The spots you guys are seeing looks like corrosion. The coin has been in the ground IMHO. I'll bet anacs net grades that baby. Nice coin