Gold Half Eagle 0

[EagleRJO]

I came across the attached raw 1911 Gold Indian Head Half Eagle that is listed as BU grade.  I know it's difficult to evaluate gold coins from photos, and getting the coin in-hand is really needed, but to me it seems a little dark in color with somewhat of a rough surface.

Are there some who collect these coins who may be able to give me some feedback on that.

[Coinbuf]

Counterfeit is my call, but I'm far from an expert on these.

[USAuPzlBxBob]

On a computer, go to the NGC Coin Explorer, and search the coin.

Read up on the counterfeiting warning article provided therein and compare your coin pic to the Coin Explorer's pic.

The roughness of your coin doesn't look right.  They should look much smoother, to make the incuse design "pop."

 

[RWB]

Look within the parallel scratches on rev, above and left of IN. Do you see the same pattern as on the field?

Where is detail on the headband?

How would a die with these surface characteristics be made?

Have you compared this photo to a known genuine 1911 HE?

Edited January 16, 2023 by RWB

[EagleRJO]

On 1/16/2023 at 2:11 PM, USAuPzlBxBob said:

The roughness of your coin doesn't look right.  They should look much smoother, to make the incuse design "pop."

That's what struck me as being off initially.  I hadn't gotten to the point of doing a detailed comparison as the appearance was off, but I see what you guys are talking about.  I did notice some lack of detail from an initial look, but wasn't sure if it was just the photos.

I do know that the Gold Indian Head Half Eagles are one of the most commonly counterfeited coins, even the "common date" ones, where you have to be really careful with raw coins.

Edited January 16, 2023 by EagleRJO