Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

I am based in Asia and there no very much US gold over here but I spotted a 1908 $20 saint going for spot. its condition is quite worn and i approx low AU if that.

They treat coins as spot over here.

Anything i should be looking out for???

Weight is on: 33.4g
Size compared to my 1907 saint is exactly the same.
quite well done details, I checked the capital building and its pretty good.

Please offer some things i should look out for in regards to counterfeit.

If the size and weight is right then it should be ok?

thanks for any help in advance! cheers

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

I would not buy anything in your area for the simple reasons that unfortunately there are a lot of counterfeit coins coming out of Asia. You do not want to take a risk even if everything closely matches an original. My best advice is either buy a raw coin through a known online dealer or a graded coin by one of the leading TPGs. You can buy raw coins online in the 1200 range for a cleaned or polished coin or a almost uncirculated to uncirculated quality in the $1300 range.

The counterfeits coming out of Asia are damn good and you do not want to throw down over 1100 on a coin to find out later it is a fake.

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

If it weighs right, measures right AND you are getting it at spot, there is very little risk. The only thing that could go wrong is if it is tungsten and that could happen to any of us anywhere buying anything. I'd go for it. The most likely problem is that it would be a counterfeit made from real gold. Even then, you got almost an ounce at spot.

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

I don't buy raw anymore since 2002 because of three BODY BAGS and TOE TAGS from both PCGS & NGC. (most were altered surfaces and one was WHIZZED, kinda like the Wizards in Washington, right?)


I'm not worried about a PHONEY - I'm worried about all the DOCTORED ones that I've already bought by mistake - they l@@Ked grand, however. I was f@@Led, when I sent them in later I found out the hard facts of life...

Burn me one; burn me twice; burn me three times...:thumb.aspx:


NO MAS NADA NEVERMORE BYE-BYE SEE YOU LATER ALIGATOR
Auf Wiedersehn Kiss my a$$ets NO MORE with trash...

Slabbed okay other wise good physical that I can run through my stinkin' FISCH physical checker.:beer::Surrender:

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

AGREED!!!!

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

dont think theres a point in doctoring a 1908 st is there?

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

For a worn non-numi coin going at spot with all dimensions and weight correct, I'd say you would be as safe as its possible to get. If you want more, get it acid tested.

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

An MS66 goes for a few bucks more than a MS64, so PERHAPS?

$3700 versus $1900 and even $1900 is nearly double the spot; so at 4 times the spot? And if you were a tiny Chinese...:111::111::signs14:

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

Does that mean i will NEVER be able to sell the dozens of coins that i bought through fleabay? :s10:

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

http://http://blogs.uct.ac.za/galler...odybuilder.jpgI am chinese........not tiny though.......:realmad:
http://blogs.uct.ac.za/gallery/669/Bodybuilder.jpg

http://http://blogs.uct.ac.za/galler...odybuilder.jpg

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

If the weight is on, dimensions is on, I'd probably buy one for around spot even if I knew there was a chance it's cleaned or polished or a fake. IIRC, there was a bunch of well done st gaudens fakes that actually get a numis premium to some collectors.

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

if it has been cleaned or polished what does that do to the price of the coin on re-sale?

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

As with any numi, if cleaned/polished you have nothing more than a certain quantity of PM in an attractive package.

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

How do you know if it was cleaned or polished?

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

I thought your L@@KED fami"liar." I'm similar

http://slowbreaker.com/images/20307.jpg

Only I'm the LITTLE guy in DEPENDS who just lost to OBAMA!

http://images.google.com/images?um=1..._rfai=&start=0


I'm depending on you to keep your END up! :signs14:

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

Pull your pants up. What is it with today's kids?

I am wanting one myself, polished would be fine with me. Talking about the coins you understand.

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

what???? ......................

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

true. i think i would still prefer a 1908 st as compared to say a 2004.

now just have to learn how to spot the ones which have been touched up.

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

"I think they call that slabbed and with YOUR personal OPINION of an outstanding looking coin.":coolbeer:

CAC before they PUT the sticker on it for an extra $400 dollars, that is...

Re: Buying a raw $20 saint for the first time....how to spot a fake/counterfeit
 

these pre 1933 coins never stop fascinating me with how amazing they look. its 100 years old and still looking amazing.

I have a 200year old $10 piece and holding it and looking at the frosted devices and luster is just kool.


:beer:

to our love for old coins...:wink: