5 Ways to Spot a Fake Collector Coin Online

Collector coins are a precious investment. That being said, it is a devastating feeling to have purchased a coin online only to discover it is a fake. Buying coins in person is preferable, but not always possible. There are many reasons for not being able to buy a coin in person. Perhaps it is out of your area and you are to busy to go and see it, or perhaps you simply can’t find it anywhere. Whatever the reason, buying your coins online can be a convenient solution to your problem. Buying coins online is, of course, trickier than in person, because you can’t feel, weigh or measure the coin. Fear not, there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim of counterfeit coins.

1. As a general rule, the more expensive a coin is, the more you should inform yourself about it. This is because the more a coin costs, the more likely it is that someone will attempt to make a forgery of it. Though this may also happen when you look into purchasing slightly more common coins like when you buy silver maple leaves online, for example.

2. Notice the shine and color of the coin in its photos. You should familiarize yourself with the exact shine and color of the coin you wish to purchase through image galleries of it through reputable coin collecting websites or the US Mint website.

3. Do NOT buy a coin without a picture. Some websites, like craigslist, do not require that the seller provide a picture. This may not be a safe place to look for or buy your coins. A clear, detailed set of pictures including close-ups is ideal. This is also important to see if the coin has been properly cleaned and not damaged in any way.

4. Do not buy raw key date coins online. They are too valuable not to buy in person.

5. Buy from reputable dealers whenever possible. The greater the advocacy, the better.

In addition to these tips, you should educate yourself about the specific coin you wish to purchase as much as possible. Know the exact way it should look. Don’t forget to use your common sense. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. If you buy Austrian philharmonic silver for example and the deal seems too good, it probably is. If the seller seems shady or doesn’t provide you with enough information, do not buy from them. Educate yourself as much as possible to protect yourself from fraudulent coins. Happy collecting!