This one is weird- multiple bad “PCGS” slabbed 1909-S VDB’s with a common cert #…

burfle23

Seller of a bad Bay 1923-S 25C also had this 1909-S VDB- listing was removed with the quarter.

Images of the listed example along with the genuine cert (with no on-line image); bar code of the bad one scans as an 1893-S Morgan$.

The next one is from my files and a bad seller in Dec of last year; I actually posted it here on CU.

The next is one I found searching archives- different gasket, same bad label/ bar code.

Current cert shows a tie to a current registry set; images from the set aren’t great, but the bar code also scans as the 1893-S $.

I wonder where the genuine one is…

Best, Jack.

IkesT

You really have a knack for coaxing out all of these counterfeits - it's like you're the Harsche Whisperer...

lilolme

Ouch. The set does not have an email icon for contact and I don't want to leave a comment in the set.
Perhaps @PCGS_Moderator can contact them - Here is the short of the information.

This set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/complete-type-sets/complete-u-s-type-set-circulation-strikes-1792-1964/publishedset/341699

Has this coin in it:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/mycoinfacts/lincoln-cent-wheat-1909-1958/4583448/341699

The photos on that page and/or in the above registry set appear to represent (understatement) a fake pcgs slab.
See above or in the noted links.

burfle23

Thanks for the link @lilolme .

291fifth

It makes you wonder just how many of these have made it into collections. Think of all the money that is going to be lost when the buyers learn the truth. Think also of how many collectors will quit the hobby when they learn that they have been taken.

mr1931S

@291fifth said:
It makes you wonder just how many of these have made it into collections. Think of all the money that is going to be lost when the buyers learn the truth. Think also of how many collectors will quit the hobby when they learn that they have been taken.

Experienced collectors of Lincoln cents, be in the know. Arm yourselves with a copy of Bert Harsche's Detecting Counterfeit and Altered Coins, either the 5th or the 6th edition. I have both editions. Six obverse die varieties of 1909-S Lincoln cents are known, four of which were used for 1909-S V.D.B.'s. Harsche lists three of them used for 1909-S V.D.B. Harsche doesn't list one of the four 'S' dies used for S V.D.B.,the very scarce, highest left 'S' relative to the date (tilts right a great deal) because he never saw an example of it before he published his guide. Absolutely know your 'S''s that are correct for 1909-S V.D.B.

New collectors of Lincoln cents, my recommendation is to always buy your S V.D.B. in a PCGS slab that has the Truview image to compare to. The chance of you buying a fake one of these is almost nil if you do this. Even if PCGS gets it wrong, and slabs a fake piece, the guarantee of authenticity is always there for you provided you buy your S V.D.B. housed in a genuine PCGS slab and don't break it out.

burfle23

It is unfortunate that buyers aren't experienced enough to make sound buying decisions. Although I do not agree purchasing a copy of "Harsch" is the answer, I do agree in principle with @mr1931S that folks need to arm themselves with the best information available to help prevent mistakes like this (assuming the owner made a mistake ...).