The Liberty Seated dollar is considered to be one of the
most valuable coins, because of its scarcity and mintage. Because of this,
both serious coin collectors and hobbyists want one for themselves.
However, there are many swindlers out there who sell fakes and
counterfeits. In order for you to avoid buying a fake one, get acquainted
with some of the facts about the Liberty Seated dollar.
The Seated Liberty Silver dollar was minted from the
year 1836 to 1873. This will serve as your first guide in avoiding buying
fakes. Naturally, if the year on your coin says 1875 or any year not
within 1836 and 1873, then it is obviously a fake.
Also, refer to the design. The design of Seated
Liberty Silver dollar was changed many times during its mintage. From 1836
to the year 1839, the design was established. During year 1840-1866, the
Seated Liberty Silver dollar was redesigned to have no motto. And from the
year 1866 to 1873, the Liberty Seated dollar underwent another change, this time
with an addition of a motto. So if your Liberty Seated dollar contained a
motto, and yet it says on the coin that it was made on the year 1842, then be
suspicious.
Now, look at some physical aspects. Weigh the
coin. Fake coins are just copper washed over by silver, and weight about
18 grams. A true Seated Liberty Silver dollar will weigh 26.73
grams. Also, some fake coins might have a slight discoloration or fading
because the material used under the silver coating (maybe copper) is showing
through. This discoloration might come in a copper or brownish
sheen.
Also, since a fake uses copper as a main component, you
can always put a magnet unto the coin and see if it reacts. If it is
magnetized, then it is most likely a fake one. Real coins are supposed to
be silver.
However, you just cannot base it on these weights and
physical characteristics, anymore. New developments are occurring and
counterfeiters are trying their best to make a fake Seated Liberty Silver dollar
look truer than ever. There are new counterfeits coming from China where
new dies are being used for the coin. Also, counterfeiters are using the
exact composition of the metal that is included in original coins.
Therefore, the fake coin could actually weigh just the same with the real
coin. Today, differences are becoming more subtle than ever and it is
impossible to tell between a real and fake coin just by looking at
it.
So, to really make sure that what you’re getting is the
real deal, try to get one from sellers that you trust. As much as
possible, refrain from shady dealers who sell one to you at a relatively lower
price. These coins usually retail at about $300+ to $1000+, depending on
its condition (worn, moderate wear, nearly-new).
Although getting a Liberty Seated dollar might be really
exciting, it is always best to make sure that you get only what you deserve by
checking out the authenticity of the coin before spending a single cent on
it.
