How can you be sure a slabbed coin is real?

[Neil_]

I collect old sovereigns and recently picked up some slabbed coins. One thing I'm unsure about: how can I confirm a gold piece in slab is truly authentic without checking its weight, size, or thickness? I know slabbed coins come with a serial number you can verify on sites like PCGS or NGC, but I've heard of counterfeit slabs using real serials. Since I can't physically test the coin, what's the best way to make sure the slab and the coin inside it haven't been tampered with or faked? Any trusted methods or tools out there for verifying a slabbed gold piece without breaking it open?

 

[sumtingwong12]

Start with verifying the serial number on the grading site and make sure the coin details match the listing accurately. Tho fake slabs can use real serials, you can use a sigma metal verifier, it testss the gold content through the plastic. You can also tell by its font and like its holograms and stuff, compare it with the ones on the company's website. Good luck!

 

[Neil_]

Thanks, I'll look into a Sigma verifier, I didn't realize it worked through plastic, I'll also compare fonts and holograms closely with official examples

 

[maxwellsilverhammer]

the plastic can throw off a signa verifier - the base model. the more expensive model is better but has width infringements. i had a rcm 1 ounce bar in plastic that would not fit and had to be removed from the plastic. i dont buy bars any longer. strictly coins.

 

[SeriousJoker]

Counterfits are so good these days that it's not too difficult to fool even some of the experts. This is why we have experts, companies and services. Numismatic Guaranty Company and Professional Coin Grading Service are excellent choceis if you want something verified with the highest accuracy percentage.

 

[maxwellsilverhammer]

buy 90% silver dimes and quarters and you should not have any counterfeits

 

[Neil_]

the plastic can throw off a signa verifier - the base model. the more expensive model is better but has width infringements. i had a rcm 1 ounce bar in plastic that would not fit and had to be removed from the plastic. i dont buy bars any longer. strictly coins.

Yeah, I've been eyeing a Sigma too but was worried about that exact issue with the plastic. I might stick to coins as well, bars seem riskier now

 

[Neil_]

Counterfits are so good these days that it's not too difficult to fool even some of the experts. This is why we have experts, companies and services. Numismatic Guaranty Company and Professional Coin Grading Service are excellent choceis if you want something verified with the highest accuracy percentage.

That's true, I definitely trust NGC and PCGS over raw buys, but even then I still get nervous with how advanced some fakes are. It's wild what people can replicate now