Counterfeit Detection: 1899 Barber Half Dollar

Anyone hoping to build a full collection of the Barber Half Dollar series (1892-1915) should check out the prices on key dates, including the 1896-O and 1904-S, to see whether their wallet can match their ambition. While these coins can command prices of more than $10,000 in Mint State, one of the more affordable issues within the series is the 1899 struck in Philadelphia, which doesn’t even cross the $1,000 threshold until about MS 64.

Genuine 1899 Barber Half Dollar Click images to enlarge.

Despite the relative affordability of the 1899 Barber Half Dollar compared to the rest of the series, a coin with that value still makes an inviting target for counterfeiters. NGC recently received a purported example of an 1899 Barber Half Dollar, which had several red flags that identified it as a fake.

Counterfeit 1899 Barber Half Dollar Click images to enlarge.

The coin displays a strange, unnatural luster. And instead of the expected 90% silver and 10% copper, the coin is struck in 74% copper and 23% zinc, with only a small amount of nickel and silver. The coin is also underweight (12 grams instead of the expected 12.5), which is a compromise the counterfeiter likely made because they were using a less-dense alloy. This lower density typically means the counterfeit coin ends up being either thicker or lighter (or both) than a genuine example.

Close-ups of obverse and reverse of counterfeit Click images to enlarge.

The counterfeit also shows evidence of a weak strike, including in the yellow-tinged areas around the word TRUST on the obverse and the word DOLLAR on the reverse. In addition, the date is bulbous and has a prominent die scratch slicing across the bottom half of it.

Close-ups of date on counterfeit (left) and genuine coin Click images to enlarge.

Finally, there is an overall lack of fine detail, which is particularly noticeable in the tips of the stars on the obverse. Also note that the star at eye-level with the Liberty figure is incomplete, indicating a serious flaw in the counterfeit die in this location. Collectors might not expect one of the more-common Barber Dollars to be fake, and counterfeiters are happy to take advantage of that complacency. If you want to make sure your collection is genuine, remember that NGC backs its determinations of authenticity and grade with the NGC Guarantee.

Did you know? NGC has created a comprehensive Counterfeit Detection resource to help collectors and dealers identify counterfeit and altered coins. Visit NGCcoin.com/counterfeit.