The 1856 Flying Eagle Cent is one of the most coveted coins in U.S. numismatics, primarily because it represents the first small-sized cent ever minted. With fewer than 2,000 genuine examples estimated to exist, its rarity and value make it a prime target for counterfeiters and coin alterers. For collectors, being able to detect an … Read more
The 1893-O Morgan Silver Dollar is one of the most sought-after coins in the Morgan Dollar series. Struck at the New Orleans Mint, this key-date coin had a relatively low mintage of 300,000, making it scarce in all grades. Because of its rarity and high market value, it has become a prime target for counterfeiters. … Read more
The 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the most coveted key-date coins in American numismatics. With a low mintage of just 264,000, it is the rarest and most valuable Mercury Dime, making it a prime target for counterfeiters. While counterfeits exist in many forms, one of the most deceptive types is the die-struck counterfeit, a … Read more
The Morgan Dollar is one of the most iconic coins in U.S. history, widely collected for its beauty and numismatic value. However, its popularity has also made it a prime target for counterfeiters. In recent years, a high-quality fake—dubbed the “Super-Fake” Morgan Dollar—has surfaced, fooling even seasoned collectors. Detecting such a counterfeit requires a keen … Read more
The 1858 Flying Eagle cent is a popular and historic coin, representing one of the earliest small-sized cents in U.S. history. Because of its collectible value, counterfeit versions frequently surface in the market, including spark erosion counterfeits—a deceptive type of fake that can trick unsuspecting buyers. Understanding how to detect these counterfeits is essential for … Read more
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 … Read more
Among early American coinage, the 1797 Large Cent holds a special place for collectors due to its historical significance and various die varieties. However, as with many key-date coins, counterfeiters have targeted this issue to deceive unsuspecting buyers. One particularly deceptive example is a dark side struck counterfeit—a fake that mimics the genuine coin’s aged … Read more
The 1875 Indian Head Cent is a desirable coin for collectors due to its historical significance and mid-19th-century design. While not the rarest date in the Indian Head cent series, it is still valuable in higher grades, making it a target for counterfeiters. Detecting counterfeit examples of this coin requires a careful examination of the … Read more
The 1892 Half Eagle Gold Coin, a five-dollar gold coin minted by the United States Mint, is a significant piece in American coinage history. The coin features the iconic Liberty Head design, which was designed by James B. Longacre, and was used on various denominations of U.S. gold coins from 1849 to 1908. However, as … Read more
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 … Read more