DETECTING COUNTERFEIT MORGAN DOLLARS

The above is obviously counterfeit for many reasons and the incorrect date and mint mark should be the first thing noticed. No CC (Carson City) were minted in 1895. Incorrect mint marks i.e. 1887-CC, 1888-CC, 1878-O, 1902-CC, or any Morgan with a D mint mark other than the 1921, are but one problem when it comes to counterfeits, but it's the most easiest to discern once you know the appropriate dates and mint marks combinations.

Of course, this so-called 1895-CC has more going against than an incorrect mint mark, even the letters and numbers and other design features are "off" when you compare it to the authentic Morgan Dollar image above it. Another note, all business strike (for circulation) 1895 Morgans have either and S (San Francisco) or an O (New Orleans) mint mark, the 1895 without a mint mark is only found as a proof.

Just remember, if it looks odd, it may be a fake or counterfeit, and silver dollar collectors should always be wary of the "too-good-to-be-true-deal". Also, any suspect fake should be weighed and examined my an expert.

Fake 1903-CC Morgan Silver Dollar
This coin's metal content is steel (it sticks to a magnet) and no 1903 CC's ever created. It's a good replica of a date and mint mark combination that never existed, but one look at the font of the date and you can tell it's wrong.

To read the complete article, see:
Morgan Dollars Counterfeit/Authentic Comparisons (http://coinauctionshelp.com/Identify_Fake_Morgan_Dollars_Trade_Dollars.html)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web