Authentic vs Fake
tcshap019
Posts: 3 ✭
On a raw 1908 NM St. Gauden, what do I look for in help determine Real vs Fake? Thanks!
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tcshap019
Posts: 3 ✭
Comments
If you are not familiar with the coin, the first thing I'd look for is a PCGS holder (or NGC).
Edited to add and be more helpful. Did you look at any photos in Coin Facts?
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
I have two raw ones that I'd like to verify are authentic...
No I haven't, where would I look? Thanks.
Many collectors attend class for a week to learn what you ask and they still don't know
The simple answer to your question: The only way to tell is to know what a genuine 1908 $20 should look like. This is NOT a sarcastic joke either. I suggest you only buy major TPGS coins or deal only with a reputable dealer (with return option if not genuine) until you don't need to ask this question. Get a bill of sale and don't remove it from the holder until you are sure it is OK.
The best thing to do would be to take them to a coin shop to get verified or to find someone that has one of the Sigma Verifiers. Fake gold is typically done very well and there are just very minor details that show that the coin is fake, so if you are not familiar with them they can be easily missed.
33.436 grams is what the Redbook says they should weigh.
Yep. The easiest thing to do is to go to a Coin Shop.
Good Luck.
Pete
Sometimes the easiest thing is not the best. Ever wonder why the ANA started an authentication service. The fakes back then were not very good either. Always get a receipt from a dealer.
I don't know how to nicely say this, but merely asking that question clearly indicates to me that you lack foundational knowledge about U. S. coins. You cannot acquire this kind of information by reading a few comments. You first need to look at genuine 1908 double eagles IN HAND (images won't do), using both your unaided eyes and using a loupe. Until you have reasonable, in-hand experience with coins that interest you, stick to ones that are independently certified. Don't buy a raw coin from anyone until you have meaningful knowledge relating to grading and authenticity. Doing otherwise is tantamount to asking to get burned.
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
Oh boy. I’m sensing a brutality about to arrive that will rival a 2 am dude on PCP police beating.
"Today the crumbs, tomorrow the
loaf. Perhaps someday the whole damn boulangerie." - fictional Jack Rackham
Cool out everybody. The OP never said where they came from. Might have had them all along.
Pete
https://pcgs.com/coinfacts/coin/1908-20-no-motto/9142
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson
My digital cameo album 1950-64 Cameos - take a look!
If you post large high resolution pics we may be able to help you.
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
"Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value---zero."----Voltaire
"Everything you say should be true, but not everything true should be said."----Voltaire
Yep ... good luck!
@tcshap019....Welcome aboard. If you can post good pictures of the coins, we may be able to help. Where did these coins come from? Family collection? Authenticity of gold coins is important, and if buying, only buy slabbed gold until you become knowledgeable in the field. Good luck...Cheers, RickO