As recommended by GDJMSP I went to a coin shop yesterday and took some scarce coins to get an opinion on whether they are real or altered. After looking at them the owner told me that all three were real!!!! I will post pictures soon. At least as soon as my camera arrives and I can figure out how to take a good picture. Hopefully soon. Thanks for your advice GDJMSP.
Here are a couple of pictures of one of the coins. This is my first coin photography effort so please don't laugh. I am going to buy a copy of Photoshop for idiots tomorrow.
I am on vacation next week. When I return I will buy a tripod and Photoshop instruction book. It may take a week or two but I will post some good photos. I have read all of the guides I can find on coin photography including the postings here. Thanks for your interest!