Counterfeit Detection

To help collectors and dealers identify counterfeit coins, NGC has prepared lists of the most commonly counterfeited US, Chinese and world coins with diagnostic information and images from NGC’s extensive database, as well as commentary from the NGC coin grading team.

10. 1914 L&M-858 Dollar

Counterfeit 1914 L&M-858 Dollar
*Photos provided by the ANA Money Museum
Most Common Types of Counterfeits:
  • Transfer die counterfeit
  • Cast Counterfeit
Summary:

This attractive coin was struck from one of three designs created in 1914 by L. Giorgi at the Tientsin Mint. It is found with two flan thicknesses, 2.8 mm and 3.25 mm. The thin variety was the issue struck for circulation in 1914 with a mintage of 20,000 pieces. The thick version is a circa 1918 restrike made for collectors. Historically, there was no value difference between these two types, but interest in Chinese coinage varieties continues to grow.

Diagnostic Tips
Genuine examples are distinguishable by their distinctive frosty luster and comparatively broad edge reeding. Counterfeits can be matte-like, lightly mirrored or heavily striated around the peripheral fields with narrow or irregular edge reeding.

Unusual Prooflike luster and weak details are seen on the counterfeit example (left). The genuine specimen (right) has a considerably different appearance.