Home Buy, Sell, & Trade - U.S. Coins

PCGS FAKE? Newbie needs HELP!

Dear Collectors Universe Friends,

Yesterday, I attempted to post my question as to the authenticity of a graded American Eagle that I recently purchased from a coin suppler on line.

I love collecting coins. My hobby began 50 years ago and for the last couple of decades limited my collection to items received directly from the US Mint.

I have been collecting silver proof sets and within the past decade annual Silver Eagles graded by PCGS as MF 70.

Aware of the issue of the sophisticated attempt to contaminate the hobby by those selling counterfeit coins, I toughly investigate the reputation and vet suppliers to a high degree.

Recently, I received my 2013 Silver Eagle PCGS MS70 FS Mint State 70 First Strike from a leader in the industry. At this time, I will not mention the source but believe me they are a prominent and respected supplier up to this date. I would not disparage their reputation based on my limited skills.

I became suspect when the graded slab arrived with a white strip bar code that covered the reverse PCGS hologram. I thought it very odd and called the supplier and questioned them. They assured me that it was merely their way of inventory tracking.

When I removed this bar code strip from the slab, I immediately determined that the reverse hologram lacked the luster of other PCGS graded coins.
The hologram was off center and covered the first line of wording. In addition, when observed on a side angle, the hologram exhibited no visual dynamics. The circular image to the right of the hologram exhibited a weak or smudged appearance.

Unlike yesterday, today I took the advise of a Collector Universe member to use the photo bucket program to allow your inspection and look forward to your comments regarding my concerns.

I found it odd that PCGS found it necessary to not disclose a manner of verification of authenticity other than that of verifying the serial number. The serial number did check out but PCGS adds a disclaimer that the number while valid does not guarantee authenticity. I can understand they want to protect their efforts to insure that these secrets are not advancing those interested in making counterfeiting upgrades.

But where does that leave the collector like me? It leaves me at the moment a little suspicious. The 1st pic is suspect and 2nd pic is from prior year collection

Thank you for helping me and I apologies for not having my act together per the last few posts. VIEW THE PICTURES at http://photobucket.com/albums/k568/SCPharmacist






imageText
Rick Hansen RPh

Comments

  • fastfreddiefastfreddie Posts: 2,894 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Hard to tell by me from those pictures. Best thing to do is return it pronto if you can and feel unsure. Do you have pictures of the whole slab?

    By the way this is the buy/sell forum. you should repost on the regular form.

    Freddie
    It is not that life is short, but that you are dead for so very long.
  • Timbuk3Timbuk3 Posts: 11,658 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Good luck !!! image
    Timbuk3


  • << <i>Dear Collectors Universe Friends,

    Yesterday, I attempted to post my question as to the authenticity of a graded American Eagle that I recently purchased from a coin suppler on line.

    I love collecting coins. My hobby began 50 years ago and for the last couple of decades limited my collection to items received directly from the US Mint.

    I have been collecting silver proof sets and within the past decade annual Silver Eagles graded by PCGS as MF 70.

    Aware of the issue of the sophisticated attempt to contaminate the hobby by those selling counterfeit coins, I toughly investigate the reputation and vet suppliers to a high degree.

    Recently, I received my 2013 Silver Eagle PCGS MS70 FS Mint State 70 First Strike from a leader in the industry. At this time, I will not mention the source but believe me they are a prominent and respected supplier up to this date. I would not disparage their reputation based on my limited skills.

    I became suspect when the graded slab arrived with a white strip bar code that covered the reverse PCGS hologram. I thought it very odd and called the supplier and questioned them. They assured me that it was merely their way of inventory tracking.

    When I removed this bar code strip from the slab, I immediately determined that the reverse hologram lacked the luster of other PCGS graded coins.
    The hologram was off center and covered the first line of wording. In addition, when observed on a side angle, the hologram exhibited no visual dynamics. The circular image to the right of the hologram exhibited a weak or smudged appearance.

    Unlike yesterday, today I took the advise of a Collector Universe member to use the photo bucket program to allow your inspection and look forward to your comments regarding my concerns.

    I found it odd that PCGS found it necessary to not disclose a manner of verification of authenticity other than that of verifying the serial number. The serial number did check out but PCGS adds a disclaimer that the number while valid does not guarantee authenticity. I can understand they want to protect their efforts to insure that these secrets are not advancing those interested in making counterfeiting upgrades.

    But where does that leave the collector like me? It leaves me at the moment a little suspicious. The 1st pic is suspect and 2nd pic is from prior year collection

    Thank you for helping me and I apologies for not having my act together per the last few posts. VIEW THE PICTURES at http://photobucket.com/albums/k568/SCPharmacist






    imageText >>




    I agree that you do not have your act together.
    In fact I wonder if you haven't been dipping into the old inventory perhaps a tad too heavily.
    Your spelling, grammar, and use of English are more suspect than is the lack of iridescence on the hologram on your PCGS slab.
    In the several other threads that you posted upon this same topic you received good advice which you seem to have ignored.
    What exactly IS it that we can do for you?
    Many, many perfect transactions with other members. Ask please.
  • MICHAELDIXONMICHAELDIXON Posts: 6,568 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I will go out on a limb and say it is real. The pictures you uploaded leave a LOT to be desired. We actually need complete front and back pics of the coin and slab to make a determination.

    I became suspect when the graded slab arrived with a white strip bar code that covered the reverse PCGS hologram. I thought it very odd and called the supplier and questioned them. They assured me that it was merely their way of inventory tracking.

    If this is the first time you've received a coin with a white strip bar code or something else covering the hologram, you have led a sheltered existence. You say it comes from a prominent and respected supplier, if you trust them keep it. If not, return it. I'd say go ahead and return it, as you will never have peace of mind thinking it is FAKE.
    Spring National Battlefield Coin Show is April 3-5, 2025 at the Eisenhower Hotel Ballroom, Gettysburg, PA. WWW.AmericasCoinShows.com
  • Type2Type2 Posts: 13,985 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Wrong forum shuld be moved.....image


    Hoard the keys.
  • coindeucecoindeuce Posts: 13,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    "I have been collecting silver proof sets and within the past decade annual Silver Eagles graded by PCGS as MF 70."

    image

    "Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
    http://www.american-legacy-coins.com

  • epcjimi1epcjimi1 Posts: 3,489 ✭✭✭
    SCPharmacist - turn on your private messages, "Menu item Profiles, Allow Private Messages: On or Off , turn to "on", look for the orange keylock, send me a PM. Thanks! image
  • Sorry friend...
    Will post on proper forum..
    image
    Rick Hansen RPh
  • Did not appreciate your remarks but thanks for expressing your feelings. Hope it makes a better day for you.image
    Rick Hansen RPh
  • lcoopielcoopie Posts: 8,873 ✭✭✭✭✭
    perhaps you might post a photo of
    the coin
    the slab

    LCoopie = Les
Sign In or Register to comment.