What coins are very difficult or impossible to counterfeit well?

I know they exist but I have not seen any counterfeit classic head half eagles from 1834-1838.

 

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I believe that is overly harsh.

Yes, counterfeits are a concern, but I don't feel the market is "totally polluted".

 

Agreed, 99+% of coins IMO are genuine. You would be hard pressed to find a counterfeit at any U.S. coins dealer.

It's the sources outside the professionals that are polluted like e-bay.

 

I don't know if I would go that far. There are many high quality fakes of just about every date and type of silver dollar these days. They weigh the same as original coins and look very good. They have no doubt fooled many dealers and collectors alike. I wouldn't say the hobby is "totally polluted" but you wouldn't be hard pressed to find a counterfeit at a dealer. This is why each collector must be as knowledgeable as possible to help prevent getting fooled themselves...just because a dealer is selling it doesn't mean it's authentic.

 

True but many if not most respected dealers will stand behind their coins when it comes to being counterfeit. So if a buyer were to buy a coin, send it to PCGS find it is counterfeit then that dealer would most likely refund the money.

 

That is true...many will stand behind their coins. But, the statement "you would be hard pressed to find a counterfeit at any U.S. coins dealer" is simply inaccurate. It's best to try and learn as much as possible to avoid counterfeits to begin with. Submitting the coin to PCGS and learning it's fake will probably end up costing you money. Plus, many collector's don't submit a coin right after buying it (if at all)...and if you wait too long after buying it to try and get the dealer to stand behind it...they might not just because of the time that has passed.

 

I saw that movie about 35 years ago... wish I could remember the title. After he printed his $1 bills, he would hang them up on a clothes line in his basement to dry.

 

When are we going to see a counterfiet 1964 Peace dollar?