Counterfeit Buffalo Silver 1 oz Rounds on eBay

astrorat

This is a thread building on the counterfeit Morgan dollar thread in the US Coin forum.

The same seller is selling counterfeit Buffalo silver 1 oz rounds here:
https://ebay.com/itm/silver-round-1-ounce-silver-buffalo-round-FREE-SHIPPING/182937893302?hash=item2a97f2b9b6:g:sWsAAOSwNWxaFbk2

I know they are counterfeit ... because I bought two (and have already started the return process).

The round has the following properties:
Diameter = 40.0 mm
Thickness = 3.0 mm
Dry weight = 24.515 g
Displacement weight = 3.93 g
Specific gravity = 7.23

The specific gravity leads me to believe it may be copper mixed with tin and/or zinc that has been plated with silver. At least it gave me an excuse to built a crude apparatus to measure specific gravity.

Timbuk3

Thanks for the heads-up !!!

mkman123

If you own a sigma tester, I'm sure it can tell you too! I know member @Weiss has one. A friend nearby has one and I've used it, very fast and accurate, easy to use as well

astrorat

I looked into a Sigma tester and they look great. They are just too spendy for what little use I would have for one.

ricko

@astrorat ... I agree ... great tool, but my usage just won't justify the expense. Cheers, RickO

derryb

I use a Sigma PMV. Worth the cost.

Coulport

I use a rare earth magnet. A quick, inexpensive screening test. Harbor Frieght has a tube of the small button type for a good price.

astrorat

@derryb said:
I use a Sigma PMV. Worth the cost.

I don't buy enough "questionable" or "suspicious" bullion to justify the $600+ expense. If I owned a shop or was a purchaser of "vintage" bullion ... I would be all over it! Then again, I do like gadgets ...

Timbuk3

I own one. Only need one bad purchase to justify the cost. I highly recommend getting one !!!

tonedSilver

I was thinking about getting a Sigma PMV, but even the basic model is not foolproof in counterfeit detection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0De1GtrW2I