From the Dark Corner: An “Authenticated” Counterfeit 1872-S Half Dollar

The discovery of counterfeit coins slipping past professional authentication services is always a chilling reminder of how sophisticated the forgery trade has become. One notable case involves a counterfeit 1872-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar—a coin of great historical and numismatic significance. Despite being encapsulated and authenticated by a major grading service, the coin was ultimately identified as a fake, raising concerns and serving as a cautionary tale for collectors.

Historical Context of the 1872-S Liberty Seated Half Dollar

The Liberty Seated Half Dollar series, struck from 1839 to 1891, is one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage history. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, these coins depict Liberty seated on a rock, holding a shield and a staff. The reverse features an eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows.

The Counterfeit Coin

This counterfeit 1872-S half dollar managed to pass the scrutiny of a reputable grading service and was encapsulated as genuine. However, an eagle-eyed collector noticed anomalies that sparked further investigation. Upon closer inspection, the coin was revealed to be a skillful forgery.

Red Flags and Diagnostic Markers

1. Die Characteristics
   Genuine 1872-S half dollars exhibit specific die markers unique to the San Francisco Mint, including mintmark placement and subtle details in the date and design elements. The counterfeit coin’s mintmark appeared inconsistent, with an unusual shape and size compared to verified examples. The “S” mintmark was also positioned slightly higher than it should have been, a clear sign of tampering.
2. Surface Texture and Luster
   Authentic half dollars from this period display a uniform surface texture resulting from the striking process. The counterfeit coin exhibited a granular texture under magnification, suggesting that it had been cast rather than struck. Its luster also appeared subdued and unnatural, often a giveaway of modern counterfeiting techniques.
3. Weight and Composition
   Genuine 1872-S half dollars are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, with a standard weight of 12.5 grams. The counterfeit coin was slightly underweight, a common trait of forgeries made with cheaper alloys to mimic the appearance of silver.

How Did It Pass Authentication?

Even the most experienced grading services are occasionally fooled by high-quality counterfeits. Advanced forgery techniques, such as altering genuine coins with a removed mintmark or creating entirely fake dies, can produce coins convincing enough to pass initial visual inspection. In this case, the grading service likely relied on surface-level diagnostics without conducting more invasive tests, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to analyze the metal composition.

Lessons for Collectors

The authenticated counterfeit 1872-S half dollar underscores the importance of vigilance in the numismatic world. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Know Your Coin
   Educate yourself about diagnostic markers for the coins you collect, including mintmark placements, die varieties, and surface characteristics.
2. Second Opinions Matter
   If a coin’s authenticity raises doubts, consult another expert or grading service. A second opinion can help verify the coin’s genuineness.
3. Advanced Testing
   Consider advanced authentication techniques such as XRF analysis or magnetic testing for high-value coins, as these methods can detect forgery techniques not visible to the naked eye.

Conclusion

The story of the counterfeit 1872-S half dollar reminds us that even the most sophisticated systems have vulnerabilities. As counterfeiting techniques continue to evolve, collectors must remain proactive and informed to protect their investments. While authentication services provide a valuable layer of security, they are not infallible. Ultimately, it is the collector’s knowledge and vigilance that form the final line of defense against fakes.

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