Trying to learn.

[CoinCurious]

http://cgi.ebay.com/REPLICA-1896-MORGAN-SILVER-DOLLAR-COIN_W0QQitemZ8388360523QQcategoryZ39466QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem. This is Morgan Replica. I am trying to figure out how i can look at this coin and know that it is a replica. I am completely new to coin collecting. I read a few posts about distinguishing fakes but unfortunately i couldnt make heads or tails from it. My grandfather collected coins and id like to start doing the same but of course dont want to buy fakes. Any advice greatly appreciated. If this is a stupid question, I apologize. Just trying to learn. Also is Pawn shops or Ebay a good place to look for collecting coins? No coin shops near the area i live in.

[Stanley]

 

As far as the replica thing goes you will find that not to many collectors would be interested in replicas.

 

 

 

The coin in question:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8388360523

 

 

 

Some more information......

http://boards.collectors-society.com/sho...age=0#Post32275

 

[Newmismatist]

Kinda sounds like someone is selling what would be charitbly called counterfeits - probably from the far east - the seller knows thy're counterfeit - so he's calling them "replicas" Either way, it they don't have the word COPY they would not comply with the Hobby Protection Act and could be subject to seizure by the US Secret Service -

 

JMHO

[Hoot]

Welcome CC. Your question is not at all stupid. Indeed, it's a very smart thing that you have asked the question before you pulled the trigger on any coins.

 

First, just try to sit back and relax. There will always be coins to buy. You have plenty of time to learn what you need to about what is interesting to you, the series and grades you like, what you can afford, what is commonly faked among the coins you collect, etc. Along the way you can plan on making mistakes. Each of us has "paid" for our education in this hobby.

 

I would strongly suggest two things:

 

1) Go buy a Red Book (Guide to U.S. Coins by Yoeman and Bressett). Study it carefully and begin looking at what you may already have, even if it's pocket change.

 

2) Consider going to this web site: ANA and perusing the site. Think seriously about enrolling in their correspondence course ANA School of Numismatics Diploma Program. This course is worth every cent. (This includes an introduction to counterfeit detection.)

 

In terms of collecting that you may do along the way, you should consider only buying low-value coins. Avoid eBay until you have an idea of what you're doing. Don't buy raw coins on eBay until you really know what you're doing. Explore the dealers in your area. Compare what they have to say and their prices before you buy. Again, start with low-value series, e.g. Jefferson nickels or Roosevelt dimes - Kennedy halves if you like bigger coins. Collect them into an album, like a Dansco, and don't buy "gem" pieces until you learn to grade and/or have found a trusted source.

 

Remember that a deal that seems too good to be true is not true.

 

Enjoy yourself and stick around these boards! Ask lots of questions.

 

Hoot

[CoinCurious]

OK, I just purchased a Red Book. Thx for that tip.

[supertooth]

Coin Curious-----Read the post 'What You Need To Know" that I just posted yesterday. Should help you out a little. Ask questions on that post. Somebody will try to answer them. Bob [supertooth]