1895-s question on grading (pics added)

[JOBESSI]

I found an 1895-s morgan at a flea market that I bought for $30.00. Only question is, it looks like the mint mark was filed down or just really weak. Under a 10x loop I think you can see the "s". I tested the coin for silver, so that's not the issue.

 

My question is, if the mint was filed down to look like a 95p, how much depreciation would that have on a coin?

[bsshog40]

This is a little confusing to me. I don't know that an 1895 p was ever minted besides a very expensive proof version. This would be easily identified from a circulated morgan. I also don't understand why someone would file off an "s"mm when these are pretty valuable themselves. It may just be post mint damage.

I think I would also weigh this coin. $30 for a coin that's worth $300 in Good condition would lead me to thinking fake.

[Mark T]

I found an 1895-s morgan at a flea market that I bought for $30.00. Only question is, it looks like the mint mark was filed down or just really weak. Under a 10x loop you can see the "s". I tested the coin for silver, so that's not the issue.

 

My question is, if the mint was filed down to look like a 95p, how much depreciation would that have on a coin?

 

You need to post a picture.

[JOBESSI]

Here are the pics. Now remember, I had a suspicion that is was a fake. That's why I paid less than silver for it. I bought at a flea market where this was the only coin he was selling. So, spare the ridicule, and just give an honest opinion about the mint mark. I already tested it at the lab I go to that has an xray machine, it meets the silver content and weight.

[Frank Provasek]

Looks like a total fake. The Chinese are making these in huge quantities, low grade silver coins which weigh 23 to 25 grams (selling for $3 or so) and 90% silver versions of the correct weight that are $30 or so.

[physics-fan3.14]

Absolutely bogus.

[bsshog40]

Well that finalizes my end conclusion that what you bought was a fake. At least you have some silver out of it. Melt'er down and make a little bar.

[James_OldeTowne]

A no-question modern fake.

[cpm9ball]

Definitely a fake. The denticles on this coin are very uneven with erratic spacing, and you would not find this on a proof coin. Even in a circulated state, the denticles would be evenly spaced and square.

 

Chris

[johnny9434]

bummer but it is what it is

[BillJones]

Another piece of Chinese .

 

There have been a number of posts in the numismatic blogs about how counterfeits are now hitting the flea markets in a big way. Buyer beware.

[mtnstyne]

I bet it was an 1885 and the second 8 was altered...look at that 9.

[coinman_23885]

I bet it was an 1885 and the second 8 was altered...look at that 9.

 

The entire coin looks fake. Look at the design elements, stars, dentricles, etc.

[JOBESSI]

I figured as much. I took a chance on the silver content, (I paid $30.00), and according to the lab that takes all my melted down silver, this coin is just under 90% silver, (89.887%) weighing in at just over 28 grams. If the coin turned out to be a worn 95-s, then kudos, but if it's fake worth that's worth silver scrap, then I got what I paid for, then I broke even. It looks like the latter in this case.

[RockMyAmadeus]

Whoever made it used a 1921 casting for the head. Check out the chin. Interesting little tidbit.

[e1cnr]

does it ring like struck silver?

 

 

I have some similar that stick to a magnet

[JOBESSI]

this is not magnetic. I think this was an altered morgan. The lab we have in town says that it was about 90% silver which matches up for a morgan.

[RockMyAmadeus]

this is not magnetic. I think this was an altered morgan. The lab we have in town says that it was about 90% silver which matches up for a morgan.

 

Not a genuine Morgan that was altered. Could easily be a 90% silver fake.