Do you think this is a fake ?

I just removed a box from my garage containing bits and pieces of my old coin collection from many years ago and found a 1901 S Barber Quarter that I vaguely remember buying. It could not have cost me much based on my income at the time but I can't remember the amount. I looked on line trying to determine if it's a fake but just can't decide. It's in terrible shape,the lines on the coin are cuts/gouges and the obverse gouges match the reverse gouges. Can anyone tell ? Or would there even be a fake for a coin in this condition ? Thanks !

 

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A 1901-S Barber quarter is worth $4,950 in G-4 condition according to PCGS price guide.
So yes, there would be a chance that it is a fake due to the fact that it is a very valuable coin.

 

Its a good one if it is.....someone ruined it...but the wear looks real.

 

maybe the gouges were put on purpose to divert attention from the fact that it's a fake? I can't tell if it is, though.

 

Do you have any idea how much you paid and if it was from a dealer? That would give an indication to its authenticity. For example, if you paid $5 for it, it would be fake. On the other hand, if you dropped $1,000 then it's more likely real.

 

would be worth sending in for grading/authentication. Or take it to a coin show and see if someone will asses it for you.

 

Swear words are not allowed @softmentor.
But it looks authentic to me. The mint mark is in the correct position and the wear pattern is good. Looks like an AG or Fair details coin. Probably worth about $1200 IMO.

 

Looks Good. Better get it slabbed. I would sent to ANACS or ICG as they charge under $15. If they say it is genuine, you can spend $40 more dollars and get it in an NGC or PCGS holder.

 

I think it's real but badly damaged. Still a valuable coin even with the damage I'd send it to pcgs or ngc

 

asses........


for want of an 's'.......

 

There is a collector on the NGC forums who specializes in Barbers. He would probably know if it is fake or not. I thought he was a member here, but I can't remember his username. His username on NGC is Elbesaar.

Chris

 

I've seen him here as well........@treashunt

 

@Treashunt

 

There were two reverse dies used for the 01-s quarter. The damage would worry me, as was stated above. Will be interesting to see how this one turns out.

 

Elbesaar is part of Cointalk. Go check out the Barber thread, you'll see some of his coins.

@Elbesaar can you weigh in on this one? I'm 99% sure it's real, but I'm calling in my buddy who's an expert on Barber coins. (Pawn Stars reference)

He must have pretty short hair

 

Wow; Thanks all for the info. I'm sure i didn't pay anywhere near what i see it's worth (not $5 but not in the $100's either-it was a long while ago and I wouldn't of had the budget to spend that much). So, I do have suspicions. But glad to see that there is some consensus that its real ! I never had anything valuable enough that i would consider sending out for grading/authentication ,always collected circulated grades. This could be a first.
I'll wait and watch what other opinions are and also see if Treashunt/Elbesaar replies and go from there.
I'll say again that I'm glad I found CoinTalk; These threads are interesting, informative and everyone is very helpful.

 

Love to hear what the verdict is. If genuine the coin has value and as the others have said, get it slabbed. It will greatly increase its sale-ability

 

you called?


It does appear to be die pair #2.

However, due to the low grade it is hard to id the other identifiers.

To my eye it appears to be real, I would send to ANACS for cert, they are great with these.

 

A G4 may be $4900 today, however, in 1988 it was only worth $800. He doesn't remember when he acquired it. So, I'm just throwing 1988 out there.
One with this damaged may have been bought for way, way less.
Its looks real. Who would have faked any coin with so much wear and damage?