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.

46. 1883 Gold Dollar

Counterfeit 1883 Gold Dollar
*Photos provided by the ANA Money Museum
Most Common Types of Counterfeits:
  • Outright counterfeit
Summary:

Some 10,800 gold dollars were struck in 1883, which was a healthy mintage at the time. However, counterfeiters have still targeted this date for their forgeries as many times people will only closely inspect key date coins. The fact that a gold dollar has less than 1/20th of an ounce of gold means that fakes are usually of the right metallic composition.

Diagnostic Tips:
  • Check for tool marks in the recesses at the back of the Indian’s neck.
  • Look for unusually weak details.
  • Compare any depressions (marks) against known fakes.