Why are certain replicas / counterfeits accepted more than others?
Zoins
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Some replica coins are well accepted in the hobby. Examples include Machins Mill's Half Pennies, John Adams Bolen copies, "New Haven Restrike" Fugios, and many others.
Why are these looked upon fondly and slabbed by the TPGs while others such as the Omega double eagle and Henning nickels are not (yet)?
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Comments
In some instances, it is simple marketing. If a big enough name accepts and promotes something, it can gain undue acceptance. Look at they mysterious 1913 Liberty Nickel whose origin is murky at best.
In other instances, I think that time gains acceptance. Electrotypes, for example, are collectible and tolerated in the marketplace even though they are replicas. In some cases, the electrotypes sell for more than an original. But they are 19th century, innocently created museum replicas rather than modern commercial copies.
200 years from now, maybe Chinese replicas will have gained acceptance.
You have to realize that this topic will cause much trouble on this forum, because so very many persons have a vested interest in presenting their modern replica pieces as "restrikes".
The hoary patina of "age" itself is a very big factor in the hobby acceptance of nineteenth century replicas as valid and collectible. The 'New Haven Restrikes' of the Fugio Cent are perhaps the best example, plus these had a phony backstory that was long accepted without question.
Coin Replicas do best when popular genuine pieces cannot be had by Joe Sixpack who is limited to a widget budget. California Gold Rush $50 slugs are an example, 1915-S PPIE $50 are another.
The use of Gold of significant weight and fineness, struck at a historic world Mint, also adds some plausibility and desirability to replicas. Gold from a well-known shipwreck also increases desirability. Still, these replica pieces need to be well-thought out and well-executed.
I really would be surprised if somebody on this forum could come up with some genuine reason that the OP hasn't heard before. OP is a seasoned numismatist. Makes me wonder what axe he wants to grind!