Back in 2014 this example was reported in another forum; the OP showed his example of 1857 FE and the unexpected result of his TPG submission. The one detail noted (after the TPG opinion) was the notch seen in the "T" of CENT and this may be the marker for other counterfeits. Fast forward to now and this latest FB posted example; in researching it I found the 2014 post. And of course this latest one also shows the "notched T". I sent a note to expert Richard Snow and received the following- " it's a defect in the transfer process". Continued research lead to this L&C/Amazon listed example: https://www.lccoins.com/default/1857-flying-eagle-cent-ms62-uncertified.html I did send a note to L&C to discuss and am awaiting a response. Best, Jack.
The mark on the T on the L&C coin looks like a hit and not the defect shown in the 2 counterfeit pieces.
I agree; the L&C example looks like the broken wing variety and genuine. Just wanted to rule it out as not like the 1st two posted here. Always looking for a genuine suspect for the source!
Those defects are quite common on counterfeit coins. It’s the first thing I check for on a subject coin. Thanks for sharing!
Also, easily seen in your excellent side by side photos, there are many more differences in the letters. The center of the "E" in cents is just one of many. Thanks for the Great write up (as usual from what I've seen!).
Here are photos of a genuine, certified example next to the L&C coin. I am not so sure that the L&C coin is real. I don't like the surfaces and there is a loss of detail that is not consistent with the wear the L&C piece seems to have.