Counterfeit Coins – A Mystery 1872-S “Half Dollar” and 1-Page Attribution Guide

Counterfeit coins have been a persistent issue in numismatics, with forgers constantly seeking to deceive collectors and investors. One particularly intriguing case involves a mysterious 1872-S Half Dollar that has puzzled experts. This counterfeit has surfaced in the market, raising concerns about authentication and detection methods. Understanding how to identify such fakes is essential for protecting numismatic investments.

The Mystery of the 1872-S Half Dollar

The 1872-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar is a well-documented coin, but counterfeits have appeared that attempt to mimic its design. While genuine examples were minted in San Francisco, forgers have created deceptive replicas with subtle but critical flaws.

Some red flags in known counterfeits of this coin include:

• Incorrect Weight and Metal Composition – Genuine 1872-S Half Dollars weigh 12.5 grams and are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper. Many counterfeits are made of incorrect metal alloys, making them slightly heavier or lighter.
• Weak or Altered Mintmarks – On fake examples, the “S” mintmark is often misaligned, misshapen, or added separately to a Philadelphia-struck coin.
• Blurry or Weak Details – Counterfeit dies often lack the sharpness and precision of U.S. Mint originals. Look for soft lettering, mushy stars, and faint lines in Liberty’s gown.
• Incorrect Edge Reeding – Authentic Seated Liberty Half Dollars have a distinct, uniform edge reeding pattern. Fake versions sometimes have irregular, uneven, or overly deep grooves.

1-Page Attribution Guide: How to Identify a Counterfeit 1872-S Half Dollar

Step 1: Weight and Magnetism Test

• Weigh the coin using a precise digital scale. If it differs significantly from 12.5 grams, it’s likely a fake.
• Use a magnet – authentic silver coins are non-magnetic, but some counterfeits contain magnetic alloys.

Step 2: Inspect the Mintmark

• Check the “S” mintmark under magnification. Genuine 1872-S coins have consistent positioning and serifs, while counterfeits often have irregular shapes or added marks.

Step 3: Examine the Details

• Look for weak or blurry areas, especially in Liberty’s gown folds, stars, and shield lines.
• Pay close attention to the date and lettering, as fakes often have wrong fonts, spacing, or doubling.

Step 4: Edge and Reeding Inspection

• Use a loupe to check for uniform reeding. Fake coins sometimes have shallow, uneven, or inconsistent ridges.

Step 5: Compare with Verified Examples

• Use a coin reference guide or images from PCGS, NGC, or ANA databases to compare details.

Conclusion

The mystery 1872-S counterfeit Half Dollar serves as a reminder that fakes continue to circulate, deceiving unsuspecting collectors. Knowing how to authenticate coins using weight, design, mintmark analysis, and edge reeding is crucial in avoiding fraudulent purchases. By staying informed and using detailed attribution guides, collectors can safeguard their investments and preserve numismatic integrity.

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