A 7-test field guide that catches over 95% of counterfeit coins without any specialised equipment.
Test 1 — Weight
Use a 0.01g jewellery scale and compare to the official mint specification. Most counterfeits are off by 5–15%.
Test 2 — Diameter and thickness
Digital callipers. Genuine coins hit specification within 0.1mm.
Test 3 — Magnet
Silver, gold, copper, and most coin alloys are non-magnetic. A magnetic response is an instant red flag.
Test 4 — Sound (the “ping” test)
Balance the coin on a fingertip and tap the edge with another coin. Genuine silver and gold ring; counterfeits thud.
Test 5 — Edge inspection
Many counterfeits show seam lines on the edge from cast moulds. Genuine struck coins have crisp, continuous reeding.
Test 6 — Magnification
Use a 10× loupe. Look for tooling marks, missing details, or “fuzzy” lettering — all signs of cast counterfeits.
Test 7 — Specific gravity
For higher-value coins, a specific-gravity test using water displacement can confirm precious-metal content within seconds.
When to send to PCGS or NGC
For any coin worth above $200 that passes all seven tests, professional encapsulation closes the residual risk and dramatically improves resale value.
FAQ
What’s the most counterfeited coin?
The 1909-S VDB Lincoln, Morgan dollars, US gold coins, and ancient Greek silver are the most prolifically counterfeited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this coins guide suitable for beginners?
Yes — this guide is written to be accessible to new collectors while remaining useful for intermediate enthusiasts. We layer foundational concepts with practical examples, expected price ranges, and authentication checkpoints so you can read once and reference repeatedly. If you are completely new, we recommend reading our beginner’s roadmap (/start-here/) alongside this material.
How current is the information in this coins guide?
This guide reflects 2026 market conditions, grading standards, and authentication best practices. We periodically refresh content as auction records, grading-service criteria, and counterfeit techniques evolve. The guide’s last-updated timestamp shown by your browser corresponds to our most recent factual review.
What’s the most common mistake collectors make in coins?
Buying before learning. The hobby rewards patience: collectors who spend the first 60-90 days reading, attending shows, watching auction results, and asking questions in established communities consistently outperform those who buy aggressively from day one. Education compounds; impulse purchases rarely do.
Where can I get items in coins authenticated?
For most categories, established third-party authenticators include PSA, BGS, CGC, and SGC for cards; PCGS and NGC for coins; BBCE for sealed Pokémon and sports wax; AFA for toys; and recognized industry experts or auction-house specialists for watches, autographs, and fine collectibles. Independent verification typically costs $20-$200 and is well worth it for any item over $500. See our /authentication-hub/ for category-specific recommendations.
How do I sell coins for the best price?
Match the venue to the value. Items under $100: eBay or Facebook collector groups. Items $100-$1,000: eBay with strong photography and detailed descriptions, or category-specific platforms (StockX, Discogs, Catawiki). Items over $1,000: established auction houses (Heritage, Goldin, Christie’s, Phillips) or vetted dealer consignment. Avoid pawn shops (typical offers: 20-40% of fair value) and unverified buyers offering instant cash.