Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;huntsman53, post: 70080, member: 1242&quot;]The ability to spot a fake takes experience and knowledge! However, there are a few things you can learn by hands on and also things to look for. Also, always keep a good Gem Loupe on hand for checking out any and all coins.</p><p><br /></p><p>By a hands on comparison of a fake to a real Trade Dollar, you can usually tell by the feel of the coin (i.e. weight and how it feels compared to a genuine Trade Dollar) and also by the ring (sound) it makes. A fake is produced from a mold and there is usually easily identifiable evidence of this. Portions of the fields (the flat surface of the coin) mainly near and around details, the rim and lettering as well as most of the details and the rim will usually have a bubbly porous look because of air bubbles getting trapped in the composition when it is poured into the mold. The details (images) and lettering will be indistinct and will not have sharp edges as would be found with a coin produced from Dies. Next, look for irregularities on the rim and reeded edge for repairs of a hole as this is evidence of where the pour hole was in respect to the mold. The reeded edge may also be rough and irregular with uneven spacing between the reeding. Also, you may often find a dark gray and sometimes almost blackening color on the rim, scattered through some or all of the lettering and sometimes extending several milimeters inwards from the rim. This is evidence of scorching which occurs when the composition is too hot when it is poured into the mold.</p><p><br /></p><p>You should weigh the coin which will usually tell you right away that it is a fake. Most Counterfeiters either never get the composition (.900 Silver and .100 Copper weighing at or very close to 27.22 grams) correct or use a composition of cheaper materials that are either heavier or lighter than the normal weight of a Trade Dollar.</p><p><br /></p><p>Oher than that, experience and knowledge is your best defense!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Frank[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in