i have a coin that seems to be old, but i'm wondering if it's a fake or not. maybe you guys can tell me an easy way to tell. i'm guessing there's fakes out there, so that' why i ask. on the front it has a bust of washington and above him says "Washington President'" and the year belo him is 1792. on the other side, there's a eagle holding an olive branch in the left talon, and arrows in the right, with an arc of stars above it. it looks like this coin: http://www.coinfacts.com/colonial_coins/washingtonia/1792_wa_large_eagle_with_stars.htm it's pretty word, but you can still read the letters and make out the eagle and face. i'd post a pic of the actual coin, but i'm at work and was hoping for quick response.
Welcome to the forum. According to all the info that I have at my disposal, only 15 were ever made. So my opinion is that you are in possession of a copy. No real value. A great conversation piece though.
who's to say i don't have one of the 15? yeah i'm guessing it is really, just wondering what sets it apart as a replica.
Some of the modern fakes are tough to spot. A few private mints are recreating these early copper coins using the same methods and materials. The hobby law requires all the coins to include the word copy on them, but this is a newer thought to the problem. Their are certain characteristics that can be used to determine the authenticity, but these are not easy to learn. If you believe your piece may be original, you can submit it to one of the grading services and have their opinion. Of course, their opinion will run you about $28. It is a great conversation piece. Enjoy it!
