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Wilson Numismatics

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  1.    rrantique reacted to a post in a topic: Indian Head Half and Quarter Eagle Coins
  2.    GoldFinger1969 reacted to a post in a topic: Indian Head Half and Quarter Eagle Coins
  3.    GoldFinger1969 reacted to a post in a topic: Indian Head Half and Quarter Eagle Coins
  4.    GoldFinger1969 reacted to a post in a topic: Indian Head Half and Quarter Eagle Coins
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  6.    GoldFinger1969 reacted to a post in a topic: Indian Head Half and Quarter Eagle Coins
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  8.    GoldFinger1969 reacted to a post in a topic: Indian Head Half and Quarter Eagle Coins
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  11. Wilson Numismatics
    Can't really fault your opinion here. I was just doing my best to highlight what I think to be informative details - even if they are just contact marks. I know for sure that my cheap little Chinese digital magnifier won't compare with something even just a little more advanced, but it has done the trick with a couple of the details I have been looking for. At the end of the day, it was less than $20. Will probably invest in something much more substantial long term. Thank you for your thoughts. On the plus side, I have now had a good few opinions from a range of people and the general conclusion is that all three of the coins I have posted here are genuine. Showed the detailed pictures to a specialist whom I buy from and he has no issue with any of them - albeit they're not all in the best of condition. It has been advised that I should not get the 1914 Indian Head quarter eagle slabbed as it won't get straight grading due to the damage above and interfering with the 2 1/2 denomination. Still a nice coin though. Received a 1908-D Indian Head half eagle today and expecting delivery of a 1914-D Indian Head quarter eagle over the next week or so. Here are some pictures of my 1908-D Indian Head half eagle for those who are interested...
  12. Wilson Numismatics
    Possible tool marks around the start of the arrow stack and above the large 2 in the 2 1/2 denomination, or damage sustained through circulation?
  13. Wilson Numismatics
    Update: I have taken a magnified photo of the suspicious depression around the 4 in the 1914 date on my quarter eagle and it appears to show tool marks. Would any of you agree with my analysis? Take a look!
  14. Wilson Numismatics
    Can any of you fine gentlemen spot tool marks in the recess at the back of the Indian's neck on this 1911 Indian Head quarter eagle? Looking for a second opinion. I can't quite tell myself!
  15. Wilson Numismatics
    Believe it or not, but I’m using a generic X1600 Chinese digital magnifier. Come in all shapes and sizes, but all much alike! If you’re in the UK it will cost you £14.99 and if you’re in the US it will cost you close to £20. UK Digital Magnifier: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/333695349188 US Digital Magnifier: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1600X-Digital-Zoom-Microscope-USB-Handheld-Desktop-Magnifier-8-LED-with-Stand-Y/353160835649?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item523a06b241:g:-WIAAOSwnelfV3Lk This digital magnifier has eight built-in LED lights to illuminate the surface for easy of analysis. Intensity of the light can be easily changed via a wheel on the cable. You download a very simple software following the instructions provided in the box and it enables you to record and take HD pictures of your magnifications. Fantastic tool at a fantastic price.
  16. Wilson Numismatics
    It is always good to be prepared. Just a shame it isn't always possible. Once question I haven't asked is just how much detail can counterfeit strikes replicate? I have a digital magnifier and when comparing the fine details of my 1913 Indian Head half eagle to NGC-photographed examples, the details are absolutely and unequivocal 1:1! Also, I have read that common counterfeits of the 1913 Indian Head half eagle show tool marks around the 3 in the date 1913, but it doesn't always seem possible to distinguish a light tool mark from a mark obtained through circulation and wear and tear. For those of you who are interested, I have attached two highly magnified pictures of two important part of my 1913 Indian Head half eagle. The 'zigzag' details in the Indian head dress are absolutely identical to well-photographed examples online.
  17.    Wilson Numismatics reacted to a post in a topic: Indian Head Half and Quarter Eagle Coins
  18. Wilson Numismatics
    Ah, so you go in well armed and well informed! If only our politicians would do the same! I’ve got my eye on a 1911-S Indian Head half eagle online. It’s in the UK. Most of these coins are, unsurprisingly, in the United States. Again, it’s a raw coin, but the photos are good and it’s looking great!
  19. Wilson Numismatics
    I assume you were pretty confident that they were authentic! There’s also a level of trust instilled in the vendor, though some may consider that blissful naivety! 😂
  20. Wilson Numismatics
    The only foolproof way is having them slabbed, but I’m still not too keen on that. I like taking my lovely coins out every so often to compare and contrast with other coins and quality reference books. There are just so many really high quality counterfeits out there that it can be a bit unnerving - all part of the game I suppose! Having them authenticated as originals but not graded would just be for myself. I have no intention of ever selling my beloved Indians!
  21. Wilson Numismatics
    Speaking of slabs, where could I go to have my Indian Head coins authenticated as contemporary originals without having them slabbed? I’m more interested in having them confirmed as 100% authentic originals than I am in their relative grades. They’re all in lovely condition. Regardless of whether they are VF or MS, they are all very much enjoyable to me. They are all the correct weights, dimensions and all of the details are there, but I would like a professional opinion too. I have bought two from very reputable dealers, but I would like to have them checked out for myself. Any ideas where I could have this done without having to have them entombed in plastic slabs?
  22. Wilson Numismatics
    Yes, that’s correct. That’s the little depression we are looking at. It’s often on some ‘quality’ gold reproductions, i.e. counterfeits made to a good enough standard to fool even those with a little experience.
  23. Wilson Numismatics
    Haha! Yes, the AU 60 grade! In fairness, it’s a really pretty coin, and because it hasn’t been graded and slabbed a more reasonable and accurate number can’t legitimately be placed on it. Once my 1914-D Indian Head quarter eagle arrived I shall send all four coins off to NGC and let you know how I get on. Should the 1914 Indian Head quarter eagle come back as a counterfeit then j shall return it to the seller with her lifetime guarantee! I meant to ask this here, but I’ll put it in my response to you given that we are talking about ungraded coins: Have you ever bought an ungraded Indian Head half or quarter eagle? I know that some people try to stay away from ungraded coins for obvious reasons, but there are also those who won’t have coins graded as they don’t like them being ‘entombed’ in an NCG slab or otherwise.
  24. Wilson Numismatics
    I can appreciate that. I’m one of these peculiar beasts who only collects Indian Head half and quarter eagles. Very well might move into other areas in the future, but I’m so drawn in by Pratt’s efforts here and the imagery surrounding it. Im actually waiting on a book on them that’s had some very positive feedback - The Golden Indians of Bela Lyon Pratt: https://coinweek.com/education/numismatic-books/first-read/first-read-gold-indians-bela-lyon-pratt-allan-schein/ I hear that it’s not only a fantastic reference source for these beautiful coins, but that it’s also interesting reading on raw American history. Plenty of quality images too!
  25. Wilson Numismatics
    I’d swap with you in a heartbeat, sir! I love my country, but my lust for American is a calling! Any thoughts on these Indian heads here, VKurtB? All knowledge is good knowledge! 🇬🇧 ♾ 🇺🇸
  26.    Wilson Numismatics reacted to a post in a topic: Indian Head Half and Quarter Eagle Coins
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  29. Wilson Numismatics
    Gentlemen, I have an interesting point to raise within this discussion. I fully acknowledge that the small depression marginally above and to the left of the 4 in the 1914 date on the Indian Head quarter eagle can be a common cause for concern. It is one of the first giveaways of a counterfeit. That being said, does this mean that all 1914 Indian Head quarter eagles with this identical mark are counterfeits? The reason I am asking this is that a 1914 Indian Head quarter eagle graded at MS65 by PCGS sold on Heritage Auctions for $37,375 and it exhibits this identical mark. My 1914 Indian Head quarter eagle very clearly has this identical depression. I would like to think that a coin like this graded by PCGS and sold via Heritage Auctions was absolutely and unequivocally authentic - especially for what the buyer paid! Please see the link to the Heritage Auction listing: https://coins.ha.com/itm/indian-quarter-eagles/1914-2-1-2-ms65-pcgs/a/1114-1913.s?ic16=ViewItem-BrowseTabs-Auction-Archive-ThisAuction-120115