Good luck with your purchase. I have rarely seen a Hawaii commem "in the wild" that was not a counterfeit. Please post the results when you hear back from PCGS.
Numismatist Ordinaire See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
@astrorat said:
Swap meet + Hawaii commem = nervous
Good luck with your purchase. I have rarely seen a Hawaii commem "in the wild" that was not a counterfeit. Please post the results when you hear back from PCGS.
i will post, thank you!
just kinda wondering where i stand as a coin collector if
i really cant tell a fake half dollar from a real one haha
i know that there are people on this site that are very knowledgeable
so i dont want to argue if its right or wrong anymore.
@astrorat said:
Swap meet + Hawaii commem = nervous
Good luck with your purchase. I have rarely seen a Hawaii commem "in the wild" that was not a counterfeit. Please post the results when you hear back from PCGS.
i will post, thank you!
just kinda wondering where i stand as a coin collector if
i really cant tell a fake half dollar from a real one haha
i know that there are people on this site that are very knowledgeable
so i dont want to argue if its right or wrong anymore.
Many of us specialize.
I can tell you for sure over 99% of the time if an error coin is real or not.
On this Hawaiin, I have no idea because it is not my series.
Based on the responses by certain forum members, I would bet 100% that your Hawaiin is a fake, sorry.
Welcome to the forum, The information you will learn here is amazing.
@CoinNovice said:
just kinda wondering where i stand as a coin collector if
i really cant tell a fake half dollar from a real one haha
There is no shame in not knowing everything. The goal is to have resources where you can go to get the answers you need, and to know enough to go there when appropriate.
I'm not able to do decent overlays with the images provided. If OP gives us round ones (i.e., vertical shots so the camera is square to the coin, not at an angle) I'll work some up.
My impression from fiddling with what we have is that devices line up correctly and proportions are proper. I too believe it's a fake but that it was probably struck with dies made from a real Hawaiian. Or maybe cast.
Lance.
@lkeigwin said:
I'm not able to do decent overlays with the images provided. If OP gives us round ones (i.e., vertical shots so the camera is square to the coin, not at an angle) I'll work some up.
My impression from fiddling with what we have is that devices line up correctly and proportions are proper. I too believe it's a fake but that it was probably struck with dies made from a real Hawaiian. Or maybe cast.
Lance.
I will take whatever pics youd like.
all the infor helps
Know this. Even if these halves are counterfeit, you lost a lot less money that if you were to buy the real deal in holders from some dealer or an auction site. You lost less buying counterfeits than the real deal.
@astrorat said:
Swap meet + Hawaii commem = nervous
Good luck with your purchase. I have rarely seen a Hawaii commem "in the wild" that was not a counterfeit. Please post the results when you hear back from PCGS.
i will post, thank you!
just kinda wondering where i stand as a coin collector if
i really cant tell a fake half dollar from a real one haha
i know that there are people on this site that are very knowledgeable
so i dont want to argue if its right or wrong anymore.
You stand where most of us stand as collectors ... wanting to learn more and gain more experience. There is nobody on the Board that knows everything about every coin. Some folks have a remarkable depth and breadth of knowledge. Many have an extensive knowledge about a narrow area. Don't be too hard on yourself.
Numismatist Ordinaire See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
Amazing how you all were able to key in on a few details.
I can see the 1778 the 1 looks more like an I capitalized.
If they turn out to be counterfeit at least you only spent $100.00.
I blow more on garbage like the 3 books on coins and other type similar foolishly spent items. Please let us know the results and we can always learn as a group. I know I am learning just on this post alone.
Welcome to the forum and I hope you made a great deal. In any case, please let us know the results of the submission. I'm learning all the time.
Great job on the overlays, Lance!
@Gluggo said:
Amazing how you all were able to key in on a few details.
I can see the 1778 the 1 looks more like an I capitalized.
If they turn out to be counterfeit at least you only spent $100.00.
I blow more on garbage like the 3 books on coins and other type similar foolishly spent items. Please let us know the results and we can always learn as a group. I know I am learning just on this post alone.
@Gluggo said:
Amazing how you all were able to key in on a few details.
I can see the 1778 the 1 looks more like an I capitalized.
If they turn out to be counterfeit at least you only spent $100.00.
I blow more on garbage like the 3 books on coins and other type similar foolishly spent items. Please let us know the results and we can always learn as a group. I know I am learning just on this post alone.
Money spent on books is not a waste.
Your right trying to be sarcastic I guess! I just blew more money tonight on some Silver Coins. Ohhhh boy it’s a sickness.
An inexpensive digital scale could save the OP some postage and grading fees.
The first thing the PCGS graders will do is weigh it I assume
mark
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
@CoinNovice ... Welcome aboard....This will be interesting...I am glad you are sending them for authentication... It will be good information for the forum. Cheers, RickO
Good quality fakes of the Hawaiian commem were around long before the counterfeits from Asia started appearing in recent years. (The same is true of the Spanish Trail commem, though that is not the subject of this thread.)
Buying the Hawaiian raw is a gamble unless you are a true expert in this coin. I'm not an expert and would not buy one raw.
A great learning thread. I’m not a commemorative expert so of course I’m learning as we go too.
The letters in the close up show a strong difference. So now I’m leaning fake as well.
Welcome to the forum.
The bitterness of "Poor Quality" is remembered long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
@CoinNovice said:
hmm. Xrf Analyzer said its silver. Weighs Correctly. I work at a coin shop.
How much more do i need to do?
All i wanted to do was share
Thanks for sharing. You work in a coin shop so you, the balance and the Analyzer can't be wrong. I guess we'll learn if a counterfeit coin can be both made of silver and weigh correctly in a month or more when you get them back.
@CoinNovice said:
Last picture before it’s off boys!
I hate to say this- really. The Hawaiian has picked up many of the diagnostics found on genuine pieces. This indicates it may be a much better fake than any of the crude JUNK sold on Ali Express such as that obvious "across-the-room" replica Lincoln 50c posted above. Hopefully for everyone, it will be genuine; but under the circumstances it's a long shot. Especially when examining the magnified image near the edge of the coin. "Nothing looks right."
The Lincoln he bought looks OK in the image but it is in bad company.
Counterfeits tend to improve in steps. Each step that occurs is usually a big jump in quality. Sometimes the state-of-the-art examples at the beginning of each jump are passed as genuine for a time until finally detected. I hope these are found to be genuine so we can rest for awhile awaiting the next big jump.
PS I'm editing my comments as I read through the discussion. The Hawaiian is obviously heavily buffed.
Im going to be honest, I Spend/Waste alot more on other things.
This was a $100 gamble. I want to be right, but could be wrong.
But as far as a digital scare and XRF being wrong, is unlikely.
I am 29 years old, Just started my own collection, but have been collecting coins
with my father since i was 18. I am always willing to learn and educate myself.
i will take the PCGS gamble and send them off today.
All in all, i was excited for my find.
Im sending 5 coins out today with the 2 commemorative half dollars.
We shall see soon i will for sure post the update.
@Justacommeman said:
An inexpensive digital scale could save the OP some postage and grading fees.
The first thing the PCGS graders will do is weigh it I assume
mark
Probably not. Those guys are good! The first thing they will do is know in a few seconds if it is a counterfeit shortly after they remove it from its flip! The buffing might add the necessity of using a magnifier.
The top pic is rather poor. A better comparison is OP's latest photos. It probably won't change anyone's mind but here you go.
Lance.
I know, i know,
call me Naive, or whatever the case may be.
i Like this hobby. I believe im passionate about it.
I have no other explanation on why i sent it in
other than saying its a hobby.
The thrill of it gets me going.
I love it!
EDIT: I appreciate you guys teaching me and informing me.
im excited and eager to learn more.
thank you guys.
@CoinNovice said:
I know, i know,
call me Naive, or whatever the case may be.
i Like this hobby. I believe im passionate about it.
I have no other explanation on why i sent it in
other than saying its a hobby.
The thrill of it gets me going.
I love it!
Hey, as far as I am concerned you are already way ahead of 99% of the newer posters who have big finds that generate skepticism. At least you had the guts to send the coins in to be graded, and to keep everyone updated.
I wish I had a dime for every time someone had a disputed coin that they said they were going to send in and then we never hear from them again.
@CoinNovice said:
I know, i know,
call me Naive, or whatever the case may be.
i Like this hobby. I believe im passionate about it.
I have no other explanation on why i sent it in
other than saying its a hobby.
The thrill of it gets me going.
I love it!
Hey, as far as I am concerned you are already way ahead of 99% of the newer posters who have big finds that generate skepticism. At least you had the guts to send the coins in to be graded, and to keep everyone updated.
I wish I had a dime for every time someone had a disputed coin that they said they were going to send in and then we never hear from them again.
thats part of why i sent it in. i dont want to be another "arrogant" New guy.
i actually want to learn and see how i can better my eye at this.
I saw so many people posting about error coins that are clearly damaged.
They state they are sending it in, but never do.
Im breaking that statistic
Comments
No way on the Hawaii
Latin American Collection
Swap meet + Hawaii commem = nervous
Good luck with your purchase. I have rarely seen a Hawaii commem "in the wild" that was not a counterfeit. Please post the results when you hear back from PCGS.
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
Does that half dollar say "Captain James Gook? Racist!
i will post, thank you!
just kinda wondering where i stand as a coin collector if
i really cant tell a fake half dollar from a real one haha
i know that there are people on this site that are very knowledgeable
so i dont want to argue if its right or wrong anymore.
Many of us specialize.
I can tell you for sure over 99% of the time if an error coin is real or not.
On this Hawaiin, I have no idea because it is not my series.
Based on the responses by certain forum members, I would bet 100% that your Hawaiin is a fake, sorry.
Welcome to the forum, The information you will learn here is amazing.
There is no shame in not knowing everything. The goal is to have resources where you can go to get the answers you need, and to know enough to go there when appropriate.
I'm not able to do decent overlays with the images provided. If OP gives us round ones (i.e., vertical shots so the camera is square to the coin, not at an angle) I'll work some up.
My impression from fiddling with what we have is that devices line up correctly and proportions are proper. I too believe it's a fake but that it was probably struck with dies made from a real Hawaiian. Or maybe cast.
Lance.
I will take whatever pics youd like.
all the infor helps
This is the best I could do
Good photos!
Here's the obverse.
Lance.
Know this. Even if these halves are counterfeit, you lost a lot less money that if you were to buy the real deal in holders from some dealer or an auction site. You lost less buying counterfeits than the real deal.
Pretty darn smart!
I can do the reverse but I think the results will be similar.
This doesn't prove or disprove anything. It's just a data point. Many counterfeits are made from real coins.
I'd like to know what PCGS thinks.
Lance.
wow! that looks very nice!
wish i could take better pictures,
thank you for your help on this
i will let you know,
as well as post it back on this thread.
Thank you.
You stand where most of us stand as collectors ... wanting to learn more and gain more experience. There is nobody on the Board that knows everything about every coin. Some folks have a remarkable depth and breadth of knowledge. Many have an extensive knowledge about a narrow area. Don't be too hard on yourself.
See http://www.doubledimes.com for a free online reference for US twenty-cent pieces
Amazing how you all were able to key in on a few details.
I can see the 1778 the 1 looks more like an I capitalized.
If they turn out to be counterfeit at least you only spent $100.00.
I blow more on garbage like the 3 books on coins and other type similar foolishly spent items. Please let us know the results and we can always learn as a group. I know I am learning just on this post alone.
Welcome to the forum and I hope you made a great deal. In any case, please let us know the results of the submission. I'm learning all the time.
Great job on the overlays, Lance!
Have I told you how much people buying Chinese fakes love the swap meets?
Money spent on books is not a waste.
Your right trying to be sarcastic I guess! I just blew more money tonight on some Silver Coins. Ohhhh boy it’s a sickness.
My first instinct after looking at the image of this "coin" for about 2 seconds was that it was fake.
The Lincoln is likely fake too.
Sorry.
A close-up may be helpful.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
An inexpensive digital scale could save the OP some postage and grading fees.
The first thing the PCGS graders will do is weigh it I assume
mark
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
I doubt they'll feel it's necessary to weigh the Hawaiian......
What else is the swap meet person selling？ How old is he?
I am not liking those letters...
We,, all that I'll say is: Good luck.
BHNC #203
Welcome to the forum @CoinNovice ,
Stick around, learn, teach, and have some fun
Boston MDCXXX
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
@CoinNovice ... Welcome aboard....This will be interesting...I am glad you are sending them for authentication... It will be good information for the forum. Cheers, RickO
Good luck!
Post the results when you get them back, please.
It’ll be good experience for all.
Good quality fakes of the Hawaiian commem were around long before the counterfeits from Asia started appearing in recent years. (The same is true of the Spanish Trail commem, though that is not the subject of this thread.)
Buying the Hawaiian raw is a gamble unless you are a true expert in this coin. I'm not an expert and would not buy one raw.
The Hawaiian is fake...
I'm hoping the Lincoln which has been cleaned and re-toned is legit so you are almost financially whole
A great learning thread. I’m not a commemorative expert so of course I’m learning as we go too.
The letters in the close up show a strong difference. So now I’m leaning fake as well.
Welcome to the forum.
Thanks for sharing. You work in a coin shop so you, the balance and the Analyzer can't be wrong. I guess we'll learn if a counterfeit coin can be both made of silver and weigh correctly in a month or more when you get them back.
I hate to say this- really. The Hawaiian has picked up many of the diagnostics found on genuine pieces. This indicates it may be a much better fake than any of the crude JUNK sold on Ali Express such as that obvious "across-the-room" replica Lincoln 50c posted above. Hopefully for everyone, it will be genuine; but under the circumstances it's a long shot. Especially when examining the magnified image near the edge of the coin. "Nothing looks right."
The Lincoln he bought looks OK in the image but it is in bad company.
Counterfeits tend to improve in steps. Each step that occurs is usually a big jump in quality. Sometimes the state-of-the-art examples at the beginning of each jump are passed as genuine for a time until finally detected. I hope these are found to be genuine so we can rest for awhile awaiting the next big jump.
PS I'm editing my comments as I read through the discussion. The Hawaiian is obviously heavily buffed.
Im going to be honest, I Spend/Waste alot more on other things.
This was a $100 gamble. I want to be right, but could be wrong.
But as far as a digital scare and XRF being wrong, is unlikely.
I am 29 years old, Just started my own collection, but have been collecting coins
with my father since i was 18. I am always willing to learn and educate myself.
i will take the PCGS gamble and send them off today.
All in all, i was excited for my find.
Im sending 5 coins out today with the 2 commemorative half dollars.
We shall see soon i will for sure post the update.
Probably not. Those guys are good! The first thing they will do is know in a few seconds if it is a counterfeit shortly after they remove it from its flip! The buffing might add the necessity of using a magnifier.
15 days boys.
You are speedy, good luck with your submission
Boston MDCXXX
Successful transactions with : MICHAELDIXON, Manorcourtman, Bochiman, bolivarshagnasty, AUandAG, onlyroosies, chumley, Weiss, jdimmick, BAJJERFAN, gene1978, TJM965, Smittys, GRANDAM, JTHawaii, mainejoe, softparade, derryb, Ricko
Bad transactions with : nobody to date
Thank you!
It had to get done
The top pic is rather poor. A better comparison is OP's latest photos. It probably won't change anyone's mind but here you go.
Lance.
I know, i know,
call me Naive, or whatever the case may be.
i Like this hobby. I believe im passionate about it.
I have no other explanation on why i sent it in
other than saying its a hobby.
The thrill of it gets me going.
I love it!
EDIT: I appreciate you guys teaching me and informing me.
im excited and eager to learn more.
thank you guys.
Neither appear to be silver to me. Have seen a lot of tarnish but just looks off.
@CoinNovice
If it comes back slabbed or bagged with a code, here are the definitions.
https://www.pcgs.com/grades (click on “No Grades”)
Hey, as far as I am concerned you are already way ahead of 99% of the newer posters who have big finds that generate skepticism. At least you had the guts to send the coins in to be graded, and to keep everyone updated.
I wish I had a dime for every time someone had a disputed coin that they said they were going to send in and then we never hear from them again.
Nothing but time now
Yikes - that expected arrival time on the morning of 9/11 gave me shivers....
thats part of why i sent it in. i dont want to be another "arrogant" New guy.
i actually want to learn and see how i can better my eye at this.
I saw so many people posting about error coins that are clearly damaged.
They state they are sending it in, but never do.
Im breaking that statistic
wow, i didnt even see that...