Anatomy of a counterfeit $2 1/2 Indian at 25X.

Insider2

Seeing this on the rim of one of these coins should raise a red flag. Looking closer, it is not PMD because the surface is original and lustrous. A damaged rim would look much different usually with several colors - the original surface, any worn areas, and the fresh damage. Additionally, the lip of the rim would be damaged. This rim is not.

Cranking up the power, the genuine coin has metal flow in the field and inside the incuse letter. The fake looks more like a blob.

Paradisefound

Thank you for the heads up

asheland

Very interesting!

segoja

Nice Work

Hemispherical

Thanks for the diagnostics @Insider2.

AlexinPA

Very educational, thanks.

abcde12345

Excellent conclusion.

kaz

Great post! I have the impression that some of the Indian head fakes are so good that you really need hi mag to ferret them out. Thanks for the info.

Oldhoopster

Good stuff. It's always nice to be able to study counterfeit diagnostics, especially on heavily faked items like $2.5 Indians

Have you ever considered working for an authentication bureau or TPG?

Insider2

@Oldhoopster said:
Good stuff. It's always nice to be able to study counterfeit diagnostics, especially on heavily faked items like $2.5 Indians

Have you ever considered working for an authentication bureau or TPG?

I'm too old to work at a TPGS. All of them seem to want the young guys/gals.

johnny9434

wow, it never ceases

ricko

Great information @Insider2 ... Thanks for the pictures ... Cheers, RickO

Timbuk3

Mahalo (Thanks) !!!