Coin and Paper Money Collecting/REAL OR FAKE COIN

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Expert: - 3/28/2010


Question

1911 S $5 HALF EAGLE /
DEAR MR FERN,

SERIES:

   Indian Head $5 1908-1929

LEVEL:

   Year, MintMark, & Major Variety



1911-S $5

HI THERE I AM BUYING THESE COINS OFF A REPUTABLE DEALER ON E BAY BUT AFTER LOOKING AT PHOTO'S ON A DIFFERENT USA PRICE GUIDE WEB SITE THERE IS A MAJOR DIFFERENCE IN THE COINS. IN THE TOP 4 FEATHERS ON THE INDIANS HEAD DRESS ON THE PRICE GUIDE PHOTO'S I CAN SEE SLIGHT RAISES / BUMPS THROUGH THE MIDDLE OF THE FEATHER AND RUNNING DOWN THE FEATHER. HOWEVER IN THE COINS I AM BUYING ON E BAY THESE ARE INDENTATIONS RUNNING DOWN THE FEATHERS AND NOT RAISES? IS THERE A VALID REASON FOR THIS OR IS IT A SIGN OF A FAKE COIN?.

I AM IN THE UK SO IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO GET EXPERT ADVISE LOCALY. ARE YOU ABLE TO OFFER ANY ADVICE? I WOULD BE MOST GRATEFULL. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEND YOU MORE PICTURES OF THE COIN / COINS IN QUESTION.THE PIC I AM SENDING IS THE ONE ON E BAY WITH INDENTATIONS SEEN EASILY RUNNING DOWN THE MIDDLE LENGH OF THE INDIANS FEATHER HEAD DRESS. IN YOUR OPINION IS THIS A REAL OR FAKE COIN?.



KIND REGARDS



VERNON ELLIOTT

Answer
Hi Vernon:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

I'm not an expert on detecting counterfeit U.S. gold coins. My recommendation would be to buy only from authorized PNG Dealers that stand behind their products and offer a buyback or return privilege on the coins. The $2 1/2  Indian is the most counterfeited of the U.S. gold coins.
See: http://www.pcgs.com/articles/article_view.chtml?artid=5682%26universeid=313%26ty...

In my opinion, there should be no significant differences in the characteristics of any of the pieces regardless of date or mint mark, with the exception of quality of strike, newness of the dies, or wear on the coin after it was struck. I cannot say on your specific coins without photos to compare what you feel are differences.

For history of this coin and it's design see: http://www.coincommunity.com/coin_histories/quarter_eagle_1908_gold_indian_head....

For facts, see: http://www.coincommunity.com/us_gold_quarter_eagles/indian_head.asp

If you live close to a coin shop, they should offer you an opinion as to the authenticity, grade, and value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your gold coins to a dealer, remember they will offer about 80% to 85% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Hope this helps. Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 9Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you very much, I really appreciate your help. Best Regards Vern


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Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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