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NGC Counterfeit Coin Detection: 2000-P American Silver Eagle

NGC Counterfeit Coin Detection: 2000-P American Silver Eagle

This spurious issue includes fuzzy details and missing elements

 

The American Silver Eagle is one of the most popular coin series in the world. In fact, more than half a billion have been struck in a number of different finishes since it was introduced in 1986.

The majority of Silver Eagles are bullion issues released in tubes. However, the United States Mint also sells Proof versions directly to collectors. Because of the special way in which these latter coins are produced and handled, they usually sell for a premium.

In 2000, the Philadelphia Mint struck 600,000 proof silver Eagles in what was the last year before production of such pieces moved to the West Point facility. The NGC Price Guide lists a Proof (PF)-69 Ultra Cameo at $135 and a PF-70 Ultra Cameo at $400 USD–both much higher than the approximately $18 worth of silver that comprises each example (values as of 10/17/22).

NGC Counterfeit Coin Detection: 2000-P American Silver Eagle
Counterfeit 2000 American Silver Eagle. Image: NGC.

A couple of years ago, a purported 2000-P Proof Silver Eagle was submitted to NGC for certification. Unfortunately for the collector who sent this peculiar-looking piece, it is not genuine. While the counterfeit might fool a novice or simply anyone who is not looking closely, a careful inspection reveals just how much this coin is a caricature of a real specimen.

The details are fuzzy, and the crosshatched pattern on the flag is completely missing – as are many details on Liberty’s body. Similarly, the reverse is a poor imitation of the original. The feathers and leaves are crudely detailed, and the die-polishing is sloppy as well. This is readily apparent in the area beneath the eagle’s beak, which is supposed to be mirrored but is instead frosted. Lastly, designer John Mercanti’s initials below the arrows are much larger than they should be.

In addition to the poor workmanship evidenced by the dies, the coin only weighs 30.6g and has a diameter of 39.9mm. Genuine Silver Eagles are 31.1g and 40.6mm in diameter. Lastly, a metallurgical analysis using X-ray fluorescent technology revealed that this fake is not even composed primarily of silver. It is struck in 83 percent copper, 12 percent zinc, three percent nickel, and only one percent silver.

Many collectors think that counterfeiters only target high-value vintage pieces like 1877 Indian Head cents or 1893-S Morgan dollars. While such pieces are more regularly counterfeited, it is important to be consistently vigilant, as forgers are starting to create more common and less valuable issues.

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Interested in reading more articles on Counterfeit Detection? Click here.
 

Numismatic Guaranty Company
Numismatic Guaranty Companyhttps://www.ngccoin.com/
NGC was founded in 1987 and has become one of the largest third-party grading services. Their parent company is the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG).

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1 COMMENT

  1. The lack of detail in the fingers of Lady Liberty’s right hand is a dead giveaway. That is the first place I check on all suspect eagles. But there are certainly more areas that stand out.

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