Author Archives: F. Michael Fazzari

Fluorescent Light Coin Examinations

Posted on August 16, 2020 by F. Michael Fazzari

To introduce fluorescent light coin examinations, let me quote from a recent article in Road & Track magazine about one of the fastest, most powerful and expensive supercars on earth built by Bugatti: “The final step for each newly assembled … Continue reading →

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Coin Design Detail a Grading ‘Flaw’

Posted on June 23, 2020 by F. Michael Fazzari

By F. Michael Fazzari Coin grading is a subjective examination made to assess a coin’s condition of preservation. Its grade will help determine its desirability and value in the marketplace. Unfortunately, there are several characteristics on coins that ensure commercial … Continue reading →

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Can You Find ‘Secret’ Dime Marker?

Posted on May 5, 2020 by F. Michael Fazzari

By F. Michael Fazzari There are no secrets to coin authentication. All it takes is a stereo microscope and either the diagnostics of a genuine specimen or access to known genuine coins for a back-and-forth comparison. Oh, and I’ll add … Continue reading →

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The Mints of Then and Now

Posted on October 27, 2019 by F. Michael Fazzari

by F. Michael Fazzari  When a coin is made, barring any post-strike enhancement by the Mint, that’s it.  At that moment, its originality cannot be improved upon and anything that changes it, including toning and circulation wear, is considered by … Continue reading →

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Genuine Coins Have “Style”

Posted on May 24, 2019 by F. Michael Fazzari

While it is obvious today that to authenticate a coin, you must know what the genuine coin should look like, at one time this was taken for granted.  When I became an authenticator, I never saw it expressed anywhere!  I am … Continue reading →

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Learning to recognize friction

Posted on April 26, 2019 by F. Michael Fazzari

Some of you know that ICG has moved into a larger building.  After the move, while setting up my library, I came across a small pamphlet that had a profound influence on me decades ago while implementing the “Technical Grading … Continue reading →

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Separate coin values from conditions

Posted on January 31, 2019 by F. Michael Fazzari

Change is inevitable. Change in some form will occur to the present grading system, just as it has in the past. While I cannot be sure what it will be, the best change would be to separate a coin’s value … Continue reading →

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Counterfeits get better and better

Posted on January 10, 2019 by F. Michael Fazzari

Counterfeits have been around since the beginning of coinage and I suspect the beginning of other things as well. Today, we have to watch for counterfeit purses, watches, car parts and blue jeans to name a few. It is human … Continue reading →

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Viewpoint: New information exists for seekers

Posted on June 24, 2018 by F. Michael Fazzari

I once believed the expression “there is nothing new under the sun,” as I often caught myself starting to repeat a topic in one of my columns that I had recently covered. After reading some posts on one of the … Continue reading →

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Viewpoint: Internet holds troves of info for collectors

Posted on July 2, 2017 by F. Michael Fazzari

I once believed the expression “there is nothing new under the sun” as I often caught myself starting to repeat a topic in one of my columns that I had recently covered. After reading some posts on one of the … Continue reading →

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