Chinese Fakes, flea markets, and pawn stores.

DNADave · September 22, 2005 12:20PM

Two weekends ago I saw a huge pile of fake coins at the flea market. They were being sold by one of the Chinese sellers that has row after row of cardboard boxes full of cheap stuff. (does everybody have those in your area?) There were maybe 100 fakes of U.S. Peace, Morgan, Seated and even Ike dollars along with some other fakes all for $1.00 each.

Last weekend I went back to get some to study and they were all gone

so I went to a pawn store that has a good selection of coins, to see what they had. The owner, who knows me, often asks me my opinion on new coin arrivals before she puts them out. Well sure enough she asks me look at some new stuff and then she pulls out this bag full of all of these fake coins from the Chinese flea market guy. I almost laughed out loud but she didn't think it was too funny when I told her they were fake. Anymore it seems like the game is being played both ways by a lot of folks.

291fifth · September 22, 2005 12:26PM

The Secret Service needs to quit ignoring these fakes and make a move that will rattle the importers and sellers.

VamCollector · September 22, 2005 12:28PM

I guess they feel its more important to track down 1933 Double Eagles

cullenbryant · September 22, 2005 12:43PM

a lot of our antique stores are closing shop
the chinese are making antique looking furniture, cast iron products,
and of course porcelin.
10 years ago a soldier of fortune could eek out a living selling these
things, now people just buy them from value city.

RobJoyce1921dVAMguy · September 22, 2005 12:43PM

The Secret Service is busy talking about aluminum cents as well!

gyocomgd · September 22, 2005 2:11PM

Sure the Secret Service is the appropriate agency?
No matter, nobody is going to do anything the Chinese won't stay a step ahead of.

cullenbryant · September 22, 2005 2:30PM

<< No matter, nobody is going to do anything the Chinese won't stay a step ahead of >>

I wonder if the secret service would care fake seated dollars
ended up being circulated heavily.
If the chinese start selling them for less than a dollar

Conder101 · September 22, 2005 11:09PM

<< I wonder if the secret service would care fake seated dollars
ended up being circulated heavily. >>

Probably, but they would probably just go after you for passing them, not the importers.

kryptonitecomics · September 22, 2005 11:24PM

I just went to a flea market last weekend.....and it was exactly as you described.......boxes of items for $1.00 and then a small box of about 50 fakes foreign coins........I imaged them last night and will post them here when I get home. I didn't mind paying $1.00 since I knew they were the same fakes as are offered on Ebay.....I have to admit the weight was about right for Silver......maybe a little light......what do they make those things out of???

Weiss · September 22, 2005 11:42PM

I think our hobby is going to be in for some turbulent times in the coming years. The ability to put a 95% or better fake coin in a 95% or better fake slab will happen shortly if it hasn't already. Hope the TPGs are brain storming to stay a step ahead of the f--, i mean, fakers.

AgMe · September 23, 2005 1:27AM

<< 

<< No matter, nobody is going to do anything the Chinese won't stay a step ahead of >>

I wonder if the secret service would care fake seated dollars
ended up being circulated heavily.
If the chinese start selling them for less than a dollar

>>

Hmmm, that could be fun (in limited qty).

~g

doughmaking · September 23, 2005 1:31AM

Were those coins good fakes? How were you able to tell? weight? look? size?

Longacre · September 23, 2005 2:26AM

When I was a kid I bought a Morgan dollar at a flea market for around $5. I need to go check it to see if it is fake. I still have it, in its original holder!

Boom · September 23, 2005 5:06AM

I found one that has the right dimensions, right weight etc. It looks like the real deal to me but I've been told it's counterfeit. I've checked it out thoroughly and simply cannot tell. Sure looks real to me. Scary stuff.

DNADave · September 23, 2005 5:23AM

<< Were those coins good fakes? How were you able to tell? weight? look? size? >>

Any single one may have been able to fool a newb but they all looked exactly the same. I wish I could have bought one or two to do some examining on.

mrearlygold · September 23, 2005 5:31AM

<< I guess they feel its more important to track down 1933 Double Eagles

>>

More profitable anyway

Chinese Fakes, flea markets, and pawn stores.

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