Hello- New to posting to the forum but have been reading the posts for some time. Came across an 1853 Seated Liberty Half Dollar today with no arrow, no rays and no Mint mark. Looking in the Red Book I show the only Half Dollars with no arrows made were 3 from the New Orleans Mint. This coins didn't have a mint mark on it. Any one heard of conterfeits of this coin? The wear looked pretty normal. It certainly looked real. Could there be a coin lurking around from the Philly Mint in 1853 with no arrows? Thanks in Advance.!
Welcome to the forum flyer, I can't help you but I'm sure someone around here has the answers you are looking for. As you may know, we have a great bunch of collectors here about, and all are usually ready and willing to help. So hang in there and give them a chance to respond.
Thanks for the warm welcome Dan. Been reading the boards for a few months now and noticed lots of very knowledable folks on board. Speedy. Sorry I don't have a picture of the coin. I don't own (thinking about buying it though). Just came across it today. Trying to do some research on it. Thanks.
Flyers10, welcome to the forum (or out of the cave as a lurker ) As speedy said, pictures will be the best help, but without them I'd advise caution. I'm not saying you didn't stumbled across a rare treasure, but generally, coins so rare that only 3 are known should not be purchased without being certified aka authenticated. Will have to wait for the experts to weigh in on this one Again, welcome.
Thanks Law- I agree..old saying if it sounds to good to be true it probably is. Afraid I don't have pictures of the coin though. The person weighed the coin and is the weight (13.36 grams) of the coin without arrows (coin with arrows is 12.44 grams). Weird.
Yeah...Had a pretty good idea that the coin wasn't real but wanted some confirmation from some experts. Good looking fake I have to say though! Thanks for everyone's input.
I have seen one fake of a 53 no arrows and rays half, but it was made by altering a with arr & rays half. The greater weight of this piece eliminates that possibility. I would closely compare the shape of the the 3 with that found on a known genuine coin, and the top of the 2 on an 1852 half. My guess is that an 1852-O has had the date altered and the mintmark removed. I would be willing to buy it if it were cheap (just as a novelty), or possibly buy it if the seller can get it certified.
Thanks Condor for your reply. Going to see if I can buy this coin myself and have it looked at by an expert. I will let you know how it turns out. Thanks again.
Hi, Check out this guys auctions. They are all fakes. I am working with Ebay to get this guy booted. Note where he says that they are "quality reproductions" . They are counterfeit. Click on "view sellers other auctions" to see some other fakes. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...&pfid=0&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&fcl=3&frpp=50&fvi=1 Have Fun, Bill
Thanks for the info Bill. As I said pretty sure this is a fake but if I can buy it for a few bucks and have it checked out it might be worth it.
Hi, Absolutely, Some uknown stuff has been turning up! You never know. I wasn't suggesting that this one be passed over. Counterfeits were mentioned a little earlier in this thread and there are some convincing ones out there. I would grab that half in a heartbeat if I were you! Have Fun, Bill
Thanks Bill- If I end up buying the coin I will try to post some pictures. I will keep you all informed.
