Poll Question: Do you have a preferred method for authenticating rare coins? What is it?
Collectors agree—when it comes to authentication, trust is just as valuable as the coins themselves.
My preferred method of authenticating rare key coins, such as a 1916-D dime or a 1909-S VDB Lincoln cent, is to send them off to a professional grading service such as NGC or PCGS because most key date coins are often counterfeited. Also, always buy uncertified coins from only reputable dealers who will stand behind your purchase.
Dave Burdis, Charleroi, Pa.
With all the good-looking fakes coming out of China, I generally try to buy a slabbed coin from a reputable dealer whom I either know or have done business with before, or a national company like Stack/Bowers, Heritage, or Great Collections, if I am paying more than $500 for the coin.
Some coins that I have bought raw over the years have been key and semi-key dates for my raw collections. Coins like a 1937-D three-legged buffalo nickel and a 1916-D Mercury dime have certain characteristics that I learned before I made those purchases years ago. Some coins that are fake are easy to see, like a fake 1914-D penny, where most times it was a 1944-D penny that was altered, but generally, if I have a question on a raw coin, I will do my research before I make a purchase.
When buying any gold, I almost always buy it slabbed.
Roy, Address Withheld
All services overcharge. I can grade as well as half of them.
Name and Address withheld
I use my local coin shop, with whom I've traded for over 30 years. He has the equipment for evaluating a coin's metallic content, experience and knowledge of coins and grading (he has worked in the shop since he was a young boy), and, what's most important, I trust him.
He's proven to me many times that he knows and can tell the difference between real and fake.
Larry, Louisville, Ky.
A ping or sound test on 90% silver coins is usually my first go-to. Most important- trust your gut!!
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