I have a 1843 seated liberty dollar coin,how can i tell if it is a replica or an origanal coin
2007-10-27 16:22:30 · 4 answers · asked by johnnyBgood 4 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
1 - Take your coin to a local coin dealer (trustworthy ones can be found - shop around). It never hurts to get a second opinion. They will be able to tell you so much more by evaluation the condition of the coins. They will also know the amount minted and what it is going for in today's market.
2 - Try posting pictures on this website (there are many experts here that can help you evaluate it - there also may be people willing to buy if you are trying to sell):
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/default.asp
3 - Repost this question and include pictures. You can use websites like http://www.photobucket.com and include the link in your question.
Good luck!
P.S. You should not clean your coins. Most coin collectors see cleaning a coin as the equivalent of stripping down antique furniture and refinishing it.
When cleaning, the surface metal of the coin is often stripped. Anything used to scrub the coin will leave scratches (even 100% pure silk will leave hairline scratches). Most cleaning products will have some type of reaction with the coin's metal and the surface metal can also be removed in this manner.
Your best bet is to leave the coins alone. Cleaning the coin will leave traces - which can be found by the knowledgeable collector - who in turn will not buy the cleaned coin. Also if you ever wanted to send your coin into a grading company, they can recognize signs of cleaning and will send your coin back in a "cleaned" slab (also called a "body bag" in the coin world) - which is usually a greatly decreased value.
If you absolutely must must must clean your coins do not use the method described above as it will react with the metal in your coin. Use 100% acetone (do not use fingernail polish remover!). It must be 100% pure because other additives will react with the coin metal. Place your coin(s) in the solution for several minutes (do not leave in for long periods of time). Rinse your coin(s) in distilled water. Next remove your coins and either pat dry with a soft cloth or allow the coin to air dry (air drying is better as you don't risk scratching the coin with the cloth). NEVER scrub your coins!
I would still advise you to leave your coins as they are. They may not be bright and shiny but that is what most collectors prefer.
2007-10-27 16:42:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well the first thing is how did you get it and how much did you pay for it. If the answer to the above is too good to be true, then it's a fake. It should weigh 26.73 grams minus a little for wear. If it weighs a lot less or more it is a fake. It also should have a diameter of 38.1 mm. the weight is usually a dead giveaway. Also look for pock marks and the legends being less than sharp. That is mushy letters not being from wear. Also make sure it has the right reverse on it. I have an 1843 Liberty Seated dollar for an obverse and the reverse goes with a trade dollar, that was not first minted until1873. Keep in mind these coin or most of them, fakes that is, are from Asia and they are produced by people not fluent in English and often illiterate.
2007-10-28 08:53:32 · answer #2 · answered by Taiping 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Post a scan of the obverse and reverse for a better guess, but if the coin doesn't have the letters "COPY" on it, then it is not a replica - I would send the coin into NGC or PCGS, they will verify that the coin is genuine and not damaged...and the grade will give you an idea on how to price it if you ever choose to sell.
2007-10-29 19:37:01 · answer #3 · answered by goldmoderncoins 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can you post a picture so I can get a good look at it? What condition is it?
2015-04-20 14:36:12 · answer #4 · answered by Paul 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋