Based on the provided information, a US Trade Dollar dated 1872 is almost certainly a counterfeit.
Here’s why and how to detect it:
- Trade Dollars were minted from 1873 to 1885: The US Mint did not produce Trade Dollars in 1872, [according to wikiHow] . While there were pattern Trade Dollars minted in 1872, they are not Trade Dollars, [says Reddit] . These patterns often had different legends, such as “Commercial Dollar” instead of “Trade Dollar”.
How to detect fake Trade Dollars (including those with incorrect dates):
- Check the Date: As mentioned, any date outside the 1873-1885 range is a strong indicator of a fake.
- Magnet Test: Genuine silver Trade Dollars are not magnetic. If the coin sticks to a magnet, it’s a fake.
- Weight: Authentic Trade Dollars weigh 27.22 grams (0.960 oz). Fake coins often have an incorrect weight, sometimes being silver plated over copper, which can weigh around 18 grams.
- Examine Details: Counterfeiters often struggle to replicate fine details accurately. Look for:
– “Soft” or blurry details: The pressure used by the US Mint resulted in sharply detailed images. Fakes may look blurry.
– Inaccuracies in design: This includes things like the eagle’s eyes being wide open instead of half-closed, errors in Lady Liberty’s depiction, or incorrect positioning of elements like the olive branch or arrows.
– Uneven denticles and reeding: The small teeth-like bumps (denticles) and ridges on the edge (reeding) should be uniform. On fakes, they may appear uneven, mushy, or irregularly sized.
– Raised dots, lumps, and lines: These are rarely found on genuine coins but frequently appear on fakes, [according to NGC].
– Incorrect fonts: Pay close attention to the font of the date and lettering, like “In God We Trust” or “United States of America.” They should match known authentic examples.
- Texture: Genuine coins have a distinct texture. Fakes may feel smoother, slicker, or have less sharply defined details.
- Obverse/Reverse Orientation: Hold the coin with the obverse facing you, then turn it sideways. The reverse should appear upright (a “coin turn”). On some fakes, the reverse image may be upside down or tilted.
Important Note: The presence of any of these indicators suggests the coin is likely a counterfeit. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a reputable coin dealer or submit the coin for professional grading to verify its authenticity.
How to tell if a dollar coin is real or fake?
Great question! First, if you balance a genuine silver dollar on the tip of a finger and tap the edge of the coin with a pencil or another coin, you will hear a bell-like tone that only real silver delivers. Tap the coin at various angles until you hear a bell-like tone. You need to do this so you know how silver coins should sound.
How much does a fake Trade Dollar weigh?
Best way is to weigh it. 90% silver would be around 27 grams. Fake ones are 18 – 19 g.
What does a fake dollar coin look like?
Thanks for asking. First, examine the “third side” or edge of the coin. Counterfeiters often use a thin layer of silver to plate the obverse and reverse. But they don’t bother to cover the edge. You will be able to see the applied silver from the difference in color and unevenness on the edge.