Here we have a trade dollar. Pretend you are the authenticator. Is it real, a recent fake, an old counterfeit, etc. What about it looks right or wrong? I'll share my thoughts after we have some others chime in. Thank you!
The design looks right to me but the surface roughness makes me wonder. With so much wear it's hard to tell if it's environmental damage or from casting.
The gross details of the design are correct for 1877 but too many discrepancies between the coin, and what the coin should look like at this state of wear, exist for me to even consider authenticity. Chances are slim and none, and Slim left town.
Everything appears to be positioned where it should be and even the denticles don't look that bad as compared to cast counterfeits, but If this thing is real it shouldn't be. It's that fugly.
I would also be interested in knowing how one can tell if it's a recent copy @Treashunt By the way, I'm fairly certain it is counterfeit. It does look like the surface is a bit mushy/grainy. Also, the weight being 20 grams makes me think it is well outside normal tolerance levels. Otherwise nothing about the details sticks out immediately.
@ddddd It looks like the member has been viewing other threads. Anyway, to answer my question THIS IS NOT A RECENT COPY! AFAIK, crude lead fakes like this were not even around in the 1960's. These things are not even included in basic authentications seminars. What to look for: 1. Guarantee the weight is way off. 2. The thickness and diameter is probably off also. 3. If rubbed on a sheet of white paper, it probably leaves a gray line. None of these help us with a photo so: 1. The color is lead gray not silver and toned silver (unless it is covered in carbon corrosion) is never this color. 2. As most have said, the letters are not sharp and raised from the field. They are flat, mushy, and partially filled ("A's"). So color and sharpness alone should make you doubt its authenticity. Just noticed you are the OP. Yes. Twenty grams is WAY, WAY off. PS These things are still collectable. I should guess a value between $5 & $10 only because it is not deceptive. My guess is early 20th century casting.
