1909-S IHC going back.

[jman425]

Original post:

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2186483&page=2#Post2186483

 

 

Your suspicions were right. After more research and opinions... it does look like a spark erosion counterfeit. There were some pimples and wavy metal that can be seen only through a loupe. Was able to confirm that with a genuine 1909-S IHC side-by-side at a coin show.

 

It was actually good enough to fool 2 dealers who examined it, so it was a pretty high quality fake.

 

[harvey8542]

Glad you caught it now you just have to keep an eye out so it doesn't get relisted as real.

[physics-fan3.14]

Original post:

http://boards.collectors-society.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2186483&page=2#Post2186483

 

 

Your suspicions were right. After more research and opinions... it does look like a spark erosion counterfeit. There were some pimples and wavy metal that can be seen only through a loupe.

 

 

Please explain. What is a spark erosion counterfeit? Preferrably with closeup pics if you have the capability.

[jman425]

From Rick Snow's "A Giude Book of Flying Eagle and Indian Head Cents"

 

A spark erosion counterfeit is made by transferring an image of a real coin to a die, by way of an electrical current. The die is immersed in an electrolytic bath with the host coin held a slight distance off its face. As a current is passed between the coin and the die, tiny pits are etched into the die. The die is then polished to remove the pitting. They usually have polished fields with pitting around and on the devises. The edges are normally very sharp, like those of a Proof issue.

 

I might want to add that since this die is made from a genuine coin, it will retain the characteristics of the original, including the diagnostics (weaker first feather on headress for the 1909-S)