Anyone deal with fake gold buffalos in fake slabs?

thezookrew

I just bought a PCGS graded 1 ounce buff on EBay and have heard lots of talk of fake gold coins in fake PCGS slabs. Are there any diagnostics that can distinguish a real from a fake?

Thanks,

Perry

RyGuy

Fake PCGS slabs do not stack with their authentic counterparts. Also, the hologram on the back of the slab is usually of poor quality and prone to wearing away.

Ryan

notwilight

I am one of the bigger sellers of PCGS buffalos on ebay. I haven't heard any talk of this and my buyers haven't been asking probing questions. Of course I have good photos and good feedback. But I'd like to know where you heard this talk to I can get involved. thanks, jerry (Carlsbad Eagle Trader [and Buffalo trader too])

ps modern gold mint products are not where I would expect to see counterfeiters putting their efforts.

derryb

Perry,
I believe the rumblings you have heard concern counterfeits from China (mostly older silver coins). I haven't heard of any counterfeits (especially in PCGS slabs) of the gold buffalos. Your best insurance on ebay is a reputable seller with perfect feedback. Maybe someone here with a PCGS slabbed one ounce gold buffalo can post a precise weight of the slabbed coin to help you have some kind of measuring stick. Another aid (not a guarantee) is to check the "cert number" on the PCGS website:
Cert Number Lookup

Anytime you seriously doubt a PCGS slab as being genuine, don't hesitate to post a detailed pic of it here in the forums. Lots of PCGS slab owners here to help you make a judgement.

19Lyds

<< <i>I am one of the bigger sellers of PCGS buffalos on ebay. I haven't heard any talk of this and my buyers haven't been asking probing questions. Of course I have good photos and good feedback. But I'd like to know where you heard this talk to I can get involved. thanks, jerry (Carlsbad Eagle Trader [and Buffalo trader too])

ps modern gold mint products are not where I would expect to see counterfeiters putting their efforts. >>



Jerry, fake modern eagles in fake slabs were mentioned in this thread.

Walmann

Article here with photos on PCGS fake slabs:

Fake slabs telltale signs

UtahCoin

Weigh it....
I doubt the fake ones would weight the same as a genuine one.

mrearlygold

Poof!