Who knows the origin of scratching an X on the face of the coin? Sometimes barely noticeable because of it's size. A great many coins have been ruined for collectors because of it.
There used to be a time when some dealers would scratch an X on a fake when they discovered one. But that kinda went the way of the dodo. There also used to be a time when some taking a coin as tender would scratch it to make sure it was not a plated or silver washed fake. But that went the way of the dodo too. And there have always been those with too much time on their hands who would casually scratch an X on a coin just because.
I seem to remember something having to do with a religious belief. The X is always on the check area and around the turn of the century.
some dealers also mark x for polished cu nickel coins. if u ask them what its for they say don't know
