Check specifications first
Compare weight, diameter, thickness, edge, alignment, and metal response with a trusted reference. Large deviations are warnings, while correct measurements still do not prove authenticity.
Inspect how the coin was made
Look for casting seams, bubbles, soft lettering, repeated depressions, incorrect edge construction, transfer-die artifacts, or design details inconsistent with the genuine dies and minting technology.
Be cautious with rare combinations
A scarce date, mint mark, overdate, or dramatic error deserves stronger evidence. Added mint marks, altered dates, artificial toning, and fabricated errors can turn an ordinary genuine coin into a deceptive object.
Escalate before spending
For a valuable coin, use an established authentication service or a specialist with expertise in the series. Do not rely on a marketplace description or a single photograph.
Evidence checklist and image limits
- Obtain photographs of the exact object, including both faces, date and mint mark.
- Compare weight, diameter, edge and metal observations with the same documented scope.
- Record conflicts; do not clean, scratch or acid-test a coin to compensate for missing evidence.