Silver Eagle Dollar — Distinguishing a Fake from Real
These days, more and more people are getting involved in coin collecting as a serious business, or as a fun hobby. To answer the growing demand of people looking for rare and valuable old coins, a lot of coin dealers are selling these coins. Sad to say, though, that this has been an outlet for a lot of counterfeiters out there.
To guide you in buying a real Silver Eagle dollar, this article will provide interesting facts about the official silver bullion coin of the United States, the American Silver Eagle, and some ways to distinguish a real one from a counterfeit.
What is the American Silver Eagle?
The Silver Eagle dollar was first released by the U.S. Mint on November 24, 1986. It contains one troy ounce of .999 pure silver, and has a nominal face value of one dollar. Its weight and content is certified by the U.S. Mint and it is authorized by the U.S. Congress. For coin collectors, the U.S. Mint produces a proof version of the coin.
The Silver Eagle dollar has been produced at three minting locations, including Philadelphia ('P' mintmark), San Francisco ('S' mintmark) which issued proofs, and more recent proofs from West Point.
Physical Descriptions
An authentic Silver Eagle dollar will weigh 31.103 grams, and its diameter is 40.60 mm, with a thickness of 2.98 mm. Its edge must be reeded, and the Silver content is 99.9%. The obverse design features Liberty walking and is adapted from the design of Adolph A. Weinman during the year 1916. The reverse design features a Heraldic Eagle with Shield, which was designed by John Mercanti on the year1986.
How do I tell if a Silver Eagle is fake?
* Check the year of minting
By knowing the minting years of a coin, you are one step closer to identifying a fake from a real coin. The Silver Eagle was minted on the year 1986. So if you see one for sale that has the year 1906 or any year that is before 1986, then consider it fake. It wasn't the U.S. Mint that made the coin. Save yourself the money and don't buy it.
* Weigh it
If you're equipped with knowledge about the coin, you're better to discriminate one from a fake. A true Silver Eagle dollar will weigh 31.103 grams. Also consider the diameter. Remember it should be 40.66 mm, not anything lower or higher than that. So, even if your coin 'looks' real, weight it to see if it really is.
* Appearance
A fake Silver Eagle is dull, grayish looking, and not lustrous. It could also have a soapy appearance to it.
* Check the reeding
Remember that an authentic Silver Eagle is reeded, so if you happen by one that is not, skip it. It's fake.
* Test
You can perform the drop test, and listen to its distinctive ring. If you drop it and it produces a dink sound, then this is most likely not silver. Keep in mind that a Silver Eagle is 99.9% silver. You can also do the magnetic test, where if the coin is attracted to the magnet, then it is not real. It is probably copper made to look 'silver'.
As a whole, distinguishing a real from a fake Silver Eagle is easy, for as long as you are equipped with relevant information about the coin.
Find out more about American Eagle Silver Dollar coins and other types of U.S. minted silver dollars at: http://www.SilverDollarCoins.Info
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For More Info or to Buy Now: www.hsn.com Feel the pride of owning a piece of American history when you purchase this 1986 Proof Silver Eagle Dollar coin. With its exquisite proof quality, it is an incredible addition to any coin... Prices shown on the previously recorded video may not represent the current price. View hsn.com to view the current selling price. HSN Item #812634
Commemorative Silver Dollar Proof
Throughout history there have been occasions that were marked by a silver dollar proof. In 2009 it is the Abraham Lincoln commemorative proof to celebrate the year of his birth. There are 500,000 coins available for the occasion and they currently range in the range for those who are interested. Of course the price will vary depending on where you purchase the coins. The available information did not state if they would be available for circulation but as a proof it is not likely.
This is certainly not the first silver dollar proof to become available but it is the newest to date. There are many previous occasions when the issuance of a proof was used. The Eisenhower proof is currently selling for , so if you are looking for an inexpensive silver dollar proof you may want to start with some of the older ones. On the other hand the 2005 Marine Corps Commemorative proof sells for about . The price you pay for the proofs depends on the occasion, the number of available proofs and the popularity of each one. Like any other coin, collectors will control the price you can expect to pay.
In order to find out the value and availability of any silver dollar proof you can conduct online research. If you are looking for a particular proof you may need to look a little longer unless it is a very popular issue. In addition you want to remember that each dealer sets its own prices, so if you are on a budget you can do a price comparison and find something that meets your budget requirements. You have to remember that the more important the occasion the more you are going to have to pay for the commemorative proof that it represents.
For the true collector there are many different possibilities in which you might want to invest. In some years you may only find one or two commemorative proofs while other years you may see three or more. Choosing the best one for a collection is a decision the serious collector has to make, especially if he or she only has a specific amount of money to spend at that time. There are many of the silver dollar proofs from which you can choose so even if your funds are limited you will be able to choose something new for your collection.
A good way to choose your proofs is to write down those occasions that are of interest to you and begin looking for the coins that commemorate those occasions. You will usually find an advertisement online or locally that will provide the newest information-write it down even if you don\'t plan to purchase any proofs at that time. You will have the information handy for later and will be able to make your selections from your "wish list." It is also something you can provide your family for birthday, Christmas or graduation gifts. Coin proofs are never out of season and are something you can even start for your child.
Rachel Barr
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(AFX UK Focus) 2010-03-26 15:00 US copper up early on dollar slide, econ optimism
(AFX UK Focus) 2010-03-26 15:00 US copper up early on dollar slide, econ optimism
NEW YORK, March 26 (Reuters) - U.S. copper futures hit a 1-1/2-week peak Friday as the dollar surrendered recent gains against the euro and risk sentiment improved after euro zone leaders agreed on a deal to help debt-strapped Greece.
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