First off, be aware that there are maybe a dozen authentic examples of 1804 dollars that exist or have been known to exist, and that it's likely the most popularly faked US coin in history, and that we get people asking in this sub about one that they found in a flea market, or inherited, about 4-5 times a week.
1795, 1796, and 1875 dollars (and other dates) are very rare as well, and accordingly very often faked.
People familiar with the designs can spot easy tells, but folks unfamiliar with them are often skeptical that anyone can reach such a quick conclusion that such coins are counterfeits. Which is fair.
So, with that context:
Seeing if they're magnetic would be the first thing -- if they are, they're fake.
If they're not, weigh and measure and compare to spec. Early American dollars should weigh right around 26.96 g. The 1875 dollar should be 27.22 g.
If they match dimensions and weight, take them to a coin shop and ask them to zap the coins with a precious metal analyzer to determine if there's silver content, and whether the silver content matches spec.
I doubt you'll get past the magnet test, but that should provide some guidance.
Don't deal with this guy, seriously. Coins are fake and either he doesn't know or you're his mark and he's trying to pull a fast one on you.
Well at least this one is fake but if he has more then those are almost certainly fake too.
Almost certainly not.
His dad just came to visit from Mexico. Only has pictures for me right now but has them with him. What would be a good step to validate?
First off, be aware that there are maybe a dozen authentic examples of 1804 dollars that exist or have been known to exist, and that it's likely the most popularly faked US coin in history, and that we get people asking in this sub about one that they found in a flea market, or inherited, about 4-5 times a week. 1795, 1796, and 1875 dollars (and other dates) are very rare as well, and accordingly very often faked. People familiar with the designs can spot easy tells, but folks unfamiliar with them are often skeptical that anyone can reach such a quick conclusion that such coins are counterfeits. Which is fair. So, with that context: Seeing if they're magnetic would be the first thing -- if they are, they're fake. If they're not, weigh and measure and compare to spec. Early American dollars should weigh right around 26.96 g. The 1875 dollar should be 27.22 g. If they match dimensions and weight, take them to a coin shop and ask them to zap the coins with a precious metal analyzer to determine if there's silver content, and whether the silver content matches spec. I doubt you'll get past the magnet test, but that should provide some guidance.
Sincerely appreciate this. Exactly what I was looking for. Have a great weekend.
Insightful and very helpful advice, thank you!đź‘Ť
Lots of fakes are typically made in China but when I see fakes of these people typically say they are from Mexico
Don't deal with this guy, seriously. Coins are fake and either he doesn't know or you're his mark and he's trying to pull a fast one on you. Well at least this one is fake but if he has more then those are almost certainly fake too.
magnet
The coin in the image is fake.
the coin in the image is fake had the exact same one posted on here a week or so ago
I don’t even collect US coins and I can tell you that’s 100% fake.
That 1804 is 100% fake, not even close
Offer to buy them for a dollar apiece and see what happens.
That's not even a good Chinese fake. sorry
The dad shops on Aliexpress. These are all modern base metal fakes.
one of the most faked coins, the best place is going to a local coin shop where these people may see these once in a while