Counterfeit Detection

Switzerland 1826 Bern 5 Batzen

(1694) Elephant Token

Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) recently received a purported example of an enigmatic (1694) Elephant token.

1937 Walking Liberty Half Dollar

NGC recently received a purported 1937 Walking Liberty half dollar. A glance at the sun sheds enough light to declare this coin a fake.

1925 Stone Mountain Half Dollar

The Stone Mountain half dollar is one of the most affordable classic commemoratives, with low mint-state examples selling for around $100.

1861 Silver 3 Cents

NGC graders recently identified a counterfeit 1861 silver 3 cents, which, based on its condition, likely has an interesting backstory.

Italy 1914 5 Lire

NGC recently received a purported example of a 1914 5 lire. Besides its composition, the coin had many other red flags.

Great Britain 1911 Proof Gold 5 Sovereign

Numismatic Guaranty Company recently received a submission of a purported 1911 proof gold 5 sovereign that is riddled with red flags.

2015 China 300 Yuan

The 300 yuan has an elegant design. NGC recently received a submission that included a purported example of this beautiful modern coin.

1891-CC Morgan Dollar

This date is a target for counterfeiters because a collector might be tempted by what appears to be a great deal on an uncertified coin. 

1921-S Buffalo Nickel

For Buffalo nickels dated 1921, an “S” mintmark of San Francisco is worth its weight in gold—and then some!

1893 Spanish Peseta

1893 examples of the Spanish peseta command several hundred dollars in low Mint State, making them an attractive target for counterfeiters.

1858 Flying Eagle Cent

Numismatic Guaranty Company recently received a purported example of an 1858 Flying Eagle cent with many red flags.