Counterfeit Coin Detection – The 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarter

The Standing Liberty Quarter series, minted from 1916 to 1930, is one of the most visually striking U.S. coin designs. However, certain dates in the series, like the 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarter, are highly sought after due to their rarity, making them prime targets for counterfeiters. Detecting a fake 1924-S quarter requires careful analysis of design details, weight, metal composition, and strike characteristics.

The Rarity of the 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarter

The 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarter was minted in San Francisco with a relatively low mintage of 2,740,000 coins. However, due to heavy circulation and weak strikes, very few high-grade examples exist today. Collectors value this date highly, and even lower-grade specimens can fetch significant prices. This desirability has led to a rise in counterfeits attempting to pass as genuine 1924-S quarters.

Common Counterfeit Types

There are several types of counterfeit 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarters, each requiring different detection methods:

1. Altered Date and Mintmark – Some counterfeiters take a more common 1924 Philadelphia (no mintmark) quarter and modify the coin by adding an “S” mintmark.
2. Cast Counterfeits – These fakes are made by creating a mold from a genuine coin, often resulting in blurry details and incorrect weight.
3. Electroplated or Altered Composition Coins – Some counterfeiters attempt to pass off coins with incorrect metal compositions, often using silver-plated base metal.
4. Die Struck Counterfeits – These are the most deceptive, as they are struck from counterfeit dies designed to mimic the real coin.

Key Detection Methods

1. Inspect the Mintmark

• The San Francisco Mintmark (“S”) on genuine coins is sharp and well-defined, whereas counterfeit mintmarks often appear too large, misshapen, or have tool marks from being added to a Philadelphia-minted coin.
• Use a magnifying glass or microscope to examine the mintmark for signs of alteration.

2. Check the Weight and Diameter

• A genuine 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarter weighs 6.25 grams and has a 24.3 mm diameter.
• Many counterfeits, especially cast fakes, will have incorrect weight due to differences in metal composition.
• Use a precision scale to check the weight against the official specifications.

3. Examine the Details and Strike

• The Standing Liberty design, created by Hermon A. MacNeil, features intricate details, particularly in Liberty’s facial features, shield, and drapery.
• Counterfeit coins often show soft or blurred details due to improper dies or casting.
• The 1924-S is known for weak strikes, particularly on the date and shield. If a coin appears too sharp for its grade, it might be suspicious.

4. Conduct a Metal Composition Test

• Authentic 1924-S quarters are 90% silver and 10% copper.
• Using a precious metal analyzer or a simple “ping” test (silver has a distinct ringing sound), you can check if the coin is made from the correct material.
• If the coin is magnetic or does not react like silver, it is likely counterfeit.

5. Compare with Certified Examples

• If possible, compare the coin to an authenticated PCGS or NGC-certified example.
• High-resolution images from auction records can help in spotting discrepancies in design elements.

Conclusion

The 1924-S Standing Liberty Quarter is a rare and valuable coin that is frequently targeted by counterfeiters. Collectors and buyers should remain vigilant when acquiring one, using careful examination techniques such as mintmark analysis, weight verification, strike inspection, and metal composition tests. When in doubt, consulting with professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can provide additional assurance of authenticity.

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