American Silver Eagles are the most popular Silver bullion coin in the world. Unfortunately, counterfeiters from around the world have made a fortune selling fake Silver Eagles. How can you tell if an American Silver Eagle is counterfeit? Here are some suggestions:
- First, weigh the coin. It should weigh 1 Troy Ounce, which is 31.103 Grams. If the weight is over or under, be suspicious!
- Next, measure the coin accurately with calipers. The diameter of the coin is exactly 40.6 millimeters (mm). If it isn’t precisely 40.6 mm you likely have a fake. Compared to genuine Eagles fakes are often smaller.
- The thickness of the coin should always be 2.98 mm or .1193 inches.
- Since these coins are silver, they should ring when you lightly tap the edge of an American Silver Eagle. Fakes won’t do this.
- Study the lettering on the coin. It should always be the exact same with no incomplete lettering anywhere on the coin.
- The font is always the same; it doesn’t change from year to year. If the font is different from that on a genuine coin, it could be fake.
- These coins were first struck in 1986, so if you have any other date (1906, 1985, etc.) it is a counterfeit.
- The coin’s edge should always be reeded, except for the 2016 30th anniversary issue. Instead of the typical reeded edge, these coins have a lettered edge with a designation of the 30th anniversary of the coin’s first issue.
- The American Silver Eagles’ rims and edges are exactly the same. If yours differs, it could be fake.
- Pure .999 fine silver coins are always nonmagnetic. If a magnet sticks to your coins it could be illegitimate.
- Most fakes are made of base metal – not silver. Check the coin carefully for any underlying metallic colors showing through.
Buying Silver Eagles from a reputable dealer or retailer is a surefire way to ensure that you buy legitimate coins. You risk encountering counterfeit coins, like the popular Silver Eagle, when buying from less reputable individuals or dealers, especially online. Browse carefully, you might not always get what you paid for!
