Featured An examination of the counterfeit slab epidemic. Scope and advice.

The device works by using an electromagnetic field to induce an electrical current in the metal being tested. This current creates its own magnetic field, which is measured by the device. The nature of the magnetic field produced is very highly alloy specific, so it would be very difficult to successfully create a base-metal alloy that will fool the machine

 

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The problem is that the measurement is a single number. If they were measuring several dimensions separately it might be harder, but I think it comes down to a simple ratio of permeability and resistivity. All the rest is looking up expected values based on coin composition and dimensions. (This is from reading their patent, not from any inside information on their circuitry.) That should make spoofing a simpler task.

 

It's very depressing that we need something like this to verify alloy content.

Eventually, I think the TPGs will run all submitted coins -- or older slabs -- through some MRI or CAT scan thingy that checks the coin.

And with CPUs today, can probably look at the type of slab...the plastic insert....and then check to make sure that the total weight is within tolerance, besides checking the metal content.

 

This one scans OK...

 

Yep, eBay removed both the 1877 and 1909-S VDB after I reported them; they are going after this '55 sold earlier in the month by the same seller.

 

What they really need to do is call the FBI since this is mail fraud....punishable by $10,000 fine and 5 years in prison.

 

I'll try to find the photos that I took but I had a guy try to sell me some MS 63 2 1/2 dollar gold Indians in fake PCI green label holders. IT was obvious the coins were xf 45 not even PCI would miss that. The coins looked real I think he was just trying to get a premium between melt and MS 63. He was a Chinese seller. I see him at shows every once in a while and stay away from him. I took photos and looked at online example of the slabs and you labels were just off enough also.

 

Latest from the internet yesterday...

 

Nice presentation very informative!! That baseball guy must be a counterfeit coin dealer! Smiles!

 

Never-mind such a misinformed uneducated poster wasn’t worth the response but further insane baseless libel.........

 

So let me get this straight...
Counterfeiters are going to produce coins with perfect die cracks & many other almost microscopic imperfections to match the PCGS certification photos?
-Or-
Are they going to put fake coins in fake holders & then hack PCGS and upload their high resolution photos in place of the real ones?

Coins without TrueView will be the new "raw" in a few years.
Most probably won't touch them w/ 10' pole.

Look at the top registry sets...Most all are TrueView.
NGC is nice but come on...I'd be #1 there and I'm lucky to break top 10 at PCGS.

Sorry if you have 500 OGH slabs but that's what it's looking like.

 

At the moment, neither is the case. To do so would be *extremely* difficult. I suppose hacking the website would be easier, but people would quickly notice

 

No. Most coins don't exhibit die cracks, and a lot of the photos from NGC are lower resolution and do not show "microscopic imperfections". The intent is not to make a perfect copy, but one good enough to fool new collectors. Those of us discussing here are not the general target for counterfeiters. I have already said that PCGS Gold Shield is the most secure authentication method. I'm not the one attacking PCGS here, that's @TypeCoin971793 . I have stepped away from this conversation because it got out of hand (myself being mostly to blame for that). Please kindly respect that I've said all that needs to be said on the topic.

 

They have gotten pretty good at their process; you can see how well even marks are duplicated among these 3 struck counterfeits, all currently in genuine top TPG holders.

 

Pretty great post. I've skimmed the pages and saw a few images highlighting side-by-side comparisons of fake and real holders. Is there a single site/source for a comprehensive gallery to review?

I tend to buy many of my coins in PCGS holders from eBay. What is the risk associated with "trusted" vendors? (Ie. AMPEX, L&C Coins, David Lawrence, etc.) I don't mean to suggest these folks would knowingly sell counterfeits or fake slabs; more so wondering if some of these vendors have added authenticity verification?

Edit - I only buy from US vendors with reputable feedback. Just wanted to throw it out there

Edit 2 - Well, this thread sufficiently scared me. Aside from the coins I sent in myself, now I believe all my slabs are altered and contain counterfeit coins.

 

Regardless of who I buy it from, if it isn't TrueViewed, there is a box waiting when I get the coin. I'll look at it under the scope & in hand for awhile but it generally goes out the next day for a re-slab or X-over.

David Lawrence
Great Collections
Heritage
Stacks & Bowers
US Coins
APMEX

All have 30 returns, along with others.
I use the Express service which usually costs about $100 per coin.

I don't buy at shows anymore without TrueView.
I just consider it a new reality.

So far as the 1806 coins...I can't tell anything from the front but the rear has a transfer mark above "of" that is the same and a tick above the "L" & on the "N", "A"(in half)
It would get past me for sure but you copper guys are on another level.

 

Not really

 

Green. Hows it working out. Are you using a your bag or your mask. We want to know

 

The wife tells me to put on the mask when I go out to purchase essential items. The Guber of my State tells me to put on a mask when I go out in public......

I follow orders........