Counterfeit Coin Detection – Key Date Counterfeit Carson City 1870 Quarter

The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter is one of the most desirable key date coins in U.S. numismatics. Struck at the newly established Carson City Mint, the 1870-CC quarter had a low mintage of just 8,340 pieces, making it rare in any condition. Due to its extreme scarcity and high collector demand, counterfeiters have targeted this coin, creating deceptive forgeries that can mislead even experienced numismatists.

In this article, we will examine how to detect counterfeit versions of the 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter, exploring key diagnostic features and authentication techniques.

The Significance of the 1870-CC Quarter

The Carson City Mint opened in 1870 to process the vast amounts of silver and gold mined from the nearby Comstock Lode. That year, the mint struck dimes, quarters, half dollars, and silver dollars, but in small quantities. The 1870-CC quarter had the lowest mintage of any Carson City quarter, making it exceptionally rare today.

Because most of these coins entered circulation and experienced heavy wear, finding an original, problem-free example is incredibly difficult. As a result, counterfeits—ranging from cast copies to altered date forgeries—frequently appear on the market.

Types of Counterfeit 1870-CC Quarters

1. Cast Counterfeits

Cast fakes are made by creating molds from genuine coins and pouring metal into them. These counterfeits often have:

• A grainy surface due to the casting process.
• Weak or blurry details, particularly in Liberty’s gown and the eagle’s feathers.
• A lack of sharp edges, as cast pieces often lack the crispness of an original struck coin.

2. Altered Date Counterfeits

Some counterfeiters take a genuine Carson City quarter from a different year, such as an 1876-CC, and alter the last digit to make it appear as “1870.” Clues to look for include:

• Tool marks near the last digit of the date.
• An incorrect style for the numeral “0” compared to genuine 1870-CC quarters.
• The last digit appearing too high, low, or misshapen under magnification.

3. Struck Counterfeits

Some counterfeiters go further by using custom-made dies to strike fake coins. These are the most deceptive but can be identified by:

• Incorrect mintmark positioning – the “CC” may be too large, too small, or in the wrong place.
• Weak or unnatural details – genuine coins from this era were struck with certain known die characteristics.
• Incorrect weight and metal composition – genuine 1870-CC quarters weigh 6.25 grams and are made of 90% silver, 10% copper.

Authentication Methods

1. Weight and Metal Analysis

A genuine 1870-CC quarter should weigh 6.25 grams and have the correct silver composition. Many counterfeits are too light or made of incorrect alloys. Using a precise scale and a magnet can help identify fakes.

2. Magnification Inspection

Using a 10x loupe or microscope, examine:

• The date for signs of tampering.
• The mintmark for correct size, shape, and position.
• The surfaces for pitting (a sign of casting) or tool marks (a sign of alteration).

3. Die Variety Verification

Genuine 1870-CC quarters were struck from known dies with unique features such as:

• Die cracks in specific areas.
• Weak striking characteristics, particularly on the eagle’s claws and shield.
• Lettering details that match verified examples in coin reference guides.

4. Third-Party Grading and Certification

Given the high value of the 1870-CC quarter, authentication by a reputable grading service such as PCGS, NGC, or ANACS is essential. These services use advanced techniques such as:

• X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis to verify metal content.
• Microscopic examination to detect die markers and alterations.
• Weight and dimension testing to confirm authenticity.

Conclusion

The 1870-CC Liberty Seated Quarter is a prime target for counterfeiters due to its rarity and high value. From cast counterfeits to altered dates and struck fakes, deceptive versions exist in the market. However, by carefully examining weight, metal composition, mintmark placement, and die details, collectors can protect themselves from purchasing a counterfeit.

When dealing with high-value key date coins like the 1870-CC quarter, always seek third-party authentication and consult numismatic experts before making a purchase.

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