Can I recognise fake silver coins?

[Earthmetal]

I realise that many silver plated coins are marked as such. Some, however are not.
Take this for example (Ebay link) it looks like a genuine item to me, which is quite worrying.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354270187493?hash=item527c260fe5:g:Y0QAAOSwKBti4odQ&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoHj62vCCQ6Zanqr8DRta2DCP%2BKwlJSgq%2BDpYhER2c84MhuZdGEy5BYjHiAnsZi5XvZNSHQuXGdXGJngCpwCKF%2Fv5S3s3%2FaDL4b1o7z3if8%2BPOIBe%2FlWDBNbzs2cZ36MPPvQ7GRNjyf8ANdDqQHc6xViSKUWgbRfZRTnushEwrQwkIHbKbwiTOV6XIe4XYNXZeXdpJAO16RheHRYLt%2BTip8c%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8bs_ZLlYA

[James32]

1 hour ago, Earthmetal said:

I realise that many silver plated coins are marked as such. Some, however are not.
Take this for example (Ebay link) it looks like a genuine item to me, which is quite worrying.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354270187493?hash=item527c260fe5:g:Y0QAAOSwKBti4odQ&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoHj62vCCQ6Zanqr8DRta2DCP%2BKwlJSgq%2BDpYhER2c84MhuZdGEy5BYjHiAnsZi5XvZNSHQuXGdXGJngCpwCKF%2Fv5S3s3%2FaDL4b1o7z3if8%2BPOIBe%2FlWDBNbzs2cZ36MPPvQ7GRNjyf8ANdDqQHc6xViSKUWgbRfZRTnushEwrQwkIHbKbwiTOV6XIe4XYNXZeXdpJAO16RheHRYLt%2BTip8c%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8bs_ZLlYA

Feet are the wrong colour..they almost blend in with tree compared to rest of animal. 

Queens neck is to pointy. 

But other than that it's OK looking (I know) but many won't. So it's about buying from trusted sources. 

[LawrenceChard]

1 hour ago, Earthmetal said:

Can I recognise fake silver coins?

I realise that many silver plated coins are marked as such. Some, however are not.
Take this for example (Ebay link) it looks like a genuine item to me, which is quite worrying.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354270187493?hash=item527c260fe5:g:Y0QAAOSwKBti4odQ&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoHj62vCCQ6Zanqr8DRta2DCP%2BKwlJSgq%2BDpYhER2c84MhuZdGEy5BYjHiAnsZi5XvZNSHQuXGdXGJngCpwCKF%2Fv5S3s3%2FaDL4b1o7z3if8%2BPOIBe%2FlWDBNbzs2cZ36MPPvQ7GRNjyf8ANdDqQHc6xViSKUWgbRfZRTnushEwrQwkIHbKbwiTOV6XIe4XYNXZeXdpJAO16RheHRYLt%2BTip8c%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8bs_ZLlYA

I don't know, can you?

Try looking for the same coin on AliExpress:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001869732425.html?spm=a2g0o.ppclist.product.2.cde3TdoiTdoi1a&pdp_npi=2%40dis!GBP!￡3.49!￡1.93!!!!!%40211b423d16628483871223112ed28e!12000020547922624!btf&_t=pvid:1ef3727d-dea0-4540-9407-892ae30558d8&afTraceInfo=1005001869732425__pc__pcBridgePPC__xxxxxx__1662848387

2015 Australian Koala Silver Coin Silver Commemorative Elizabeth II Collectible Gift

5.0

6 Reviews21 orders

 

￡1.93

"Your" ebay seller riccla-7 seems to be one of the less dishonest ones, as he states that it is silver plated.

However he has listed it under

Coins, Banknotes & Bullion
Bullion & Bars
Silver Bullion
Silver Bullion Coins

Which is incorrect and slightly misleading.

This ebay item is much worse:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254994149844?hash=item3b5ed5f1d4:g:1AIAAOSwSStgrrDE

Rare Queen Victoria 1887 Silver Proof Welsh Crown Coin

 

According to the crooked seller 2010keithr21, it is a proof version of this:

 

My default position whenever I see any coins on ebay, it that they are fakes, or it is a con, although this is being ever so slightly cynical.

Many frausters and crooks seem to have 100% positive feedback.

What does that say about ebay the site, and ebay the company?

******** (Unprintable)

😎

[Gordy]

2 hours ago, Earthmetal said:

I realise that many silver plated coins are marked as such. Some, however are not.
Take this for example (Ebay link) it looks like a genuine item to me, which is quite worrying.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354270187493?hash=item527c260fe5:g:Y0QAAOSwKBti4odQ&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoHj62vCCQ6Zanqr8DRta2DCP%2BKwlJSgq%2BDpYhER2c84MhuZdGEy5BYjHiAnsZi5XvZNSHQuXGdXGJngCpwCKF%2Fv5S3s3%2FaDL4b1o7z3if8%2BPOIBe%2FlWDBNbzs2cZ36MPPvQ7GRNjyf8ANdDqQHc6xViSKUWgbRfZRTnushEwrQwkIHbKbwiTOV6XIe4XYNXZeXdpJAO16RheHRYLt%2BTip8c%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8bs_ZLlYA

if you get into the habit of checking genuine sites for their stock photos so you know what they are supposed to look like and always test them when they arrive, this fake one you linked to probably wont weigh 1oz, there were fake funnel web ones knocking around and they weighed 20 odd grams and you could tell just by the feel of them

the ebay one you linked has really dodgy detail and the koala's face looks like he's just been caught knocking one out to a pornhub video!!!!

[Happypanda88]

2 hours ago, Earthmetal said:

I realise that many silver plated coins are marked as such. Some, however are not.
Take this for example (Ebay link) it looks like a genuine item to me, which is quite worrying.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/354270187493?hash=item527c260fe5:g:Y0QAAOSwKBti4odQ&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAoHj62vCCQ6Zanqr8DRta2DCP%2BKwlJSgq%2BDpYhER2c84MhuZdGEy5BYjHiAnsZi5XvZNSHQuXGdXGJngCpwCKF%2Fv5S3s3%2FaDL4b1o7z3if8%2BPOIBe%2FlWDBNbzs2cZ36MPPvQ7GRNjyf8ANdDqQHc6xViSKUWgbRfZRTnushEwrQwkIHbKbwiTOV6XIe4XYNXZeXdpJAO16RheHRYLt%2BTip8c%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR8bs_ZLlYA

If you are new to collecting PMs then stay clear of ebay. Buy from a trusted source. Once you have examined closely the genuine pieces of silver bullion in hand then the fake ones will become obvious.

The frosting around the koala isn't right nor the eyes on the effigy of the Queen. These are the tell tale signs of many Australian fake bullion coins.

To the untrained eyes, they will look convincing. 

[LawrenceChard]

9 hours ago, Gordy said:

if you get into the habit of checking genuine sites for their stock photos so you know what they are supposed to look like and always test them when they arrive, this fake one you linked to probably wont weigh 1oz, there were fake funnel web ones knocking around and they weighed 20 odd grams and you could tell just by the feel of them

the ebay one you linked has really dodgy detail and the koala's face looks like he's just been caught knocking one out to a pornhub video!!!!

It sounds like you have considerable in-depth knowledge of pornhub videos. Is there something I am missing? Do you have any recommendations?

😎

[Earthmetal]

Hmm... most of mine were purchased from reputable websites, or from this forum. A very few were sourced from Ebay however...

So, how do I check, I don't have a magnetic slider thingy or an electronic tester, maybe I need to remove all from the capsules and handle them?

Quite concerning, I'd never heard of that site that Laurence linked to above. The sheer quantity of fakes is astonishing.
Take this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000257004644.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.13.53ab3607pvmOPt&pdp_npi=2%40dis!GBP!￡3.40!￡2.69!!!!!%400b0a050b16628887336072561ee810!10000001048378541!sh

[James32]

4 minutes ago, Earthmetal said:

Hmm... most of mine were purchased from reputable websites, or from this forum. A very few were sourced from Ebay however...

So, how do I check, I don't have a magnetic slider thingy or an electronic tester, maybe I need to remove all from the capsules and handle them?

Quite concerning, I'd never heard of that site that Laurence linked to above. The sheer quantity of fakes is astonishing.
Take this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000257004644.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.13.53ab3607pvmOPt&pdp_npi=2%40dis!GBP!￡3.40!￡2.69!!!!!%400b0a050b16628887336072561ee810!10000001048378541!sh

Far too thick to be authentic. 

[James32]

34 minutes ago, Earthmetal said:

Hmm... most of mine were purchased from reputable websites, or from this forum. A very few were sourced from Ebay however...

So, how do I check, I don't have a magnetic slider thingy or an electronic tester, maybe I need to remove all from the capsules and handle them?

Quite concerning, I'd never heard of that site that Laurence linked to above. The sheer quantity of fakes is astonishing.
Take this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000257004644.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.13.53ab3607pvmOPt&pdp_npi=2%40dis!GBP!￡3.40!￡2.69!!!!!%400b0a050b16628887336072561ee810!10000001048378541!sh

You need the following basic tools..

1) Small rare earth magnet

2) Digital calipers 

3) Accurate digital scales that have 3 decimal places minimum 

4) loupe or even a magnification glass

[Earthmetal]

I certainly do.
I already own a caliper, & jeweller's magnifying glass (I had to look up what a loupe was 🙂)

I will order a magnet today, are the type being sold for a few pounds okay? (about 10mm diameter).

recommendations for scales are appreciated.

[LawrenceChard]

2 hours ago, Earthmetal said:

Hmm... most of mine were purchased from reputable websites, or from this forum. A very few were sourced from Ebay however...

So, how do I check, I don't have a magnetic slider thingy or an electronic tester, maybe I need to remove all from the capsules and handle them?

Quite concerning, I'd never heard of that site that Laurence linked to above. The sheer quantity of fakes is astonishing.
Take this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000257004644.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.13.53ab3607pvmOPt&pdp_npi=2%40dis!GBP!￡3.40!￡2.69!!!!!%400b0a050b16628887336072561ee810!10000001048378541!sh

Spelling alert!

Lawrence, as in Arabia, not Laurence as in Olivier or Harvey. Don't worry about it though, as I have been called worse things.

One thing I notice on ebay is the terrible spelling of most sellers, and I tend to suspect the worst spellers will be the least ethical, least honest, and most dodgy. Similar with the use of capital letters. Some never use them, some are permanently on "Caps Lock".

So, from that:

I would check more carefully any coins you bought from ebay listings, or elsewhere, with spelling errors.

Magnets will detect iron content in fake coins, but will not detect cupro-nickel or brass alloy fakes.

My advice is to avoid ebay if you don't know what you are doing.

Once you do know what you are doing, you will probably choose to avoid ebay without needing any advice.

You could try taking some of your coins into a friendly Local Coin Shop, but do ask nicely if you go brain-picking.

I see you are in the Midlands, and I don't think there are any friendly, helpful, expert bullion dealers anywhere near you.

The nearest is probably in Blackpool!

😎

1 hour ago, Earthmetal said:

I certainly do.
I already own a caliper, & jeweller's magnifying glass (I had to look up what a loupe was 🙂)

I will order a magnet today, are the type being sold for a few pounds okay? (about 10mm diameter).

recommendations for scales are appreciated.

I had to use an eyeglass to read what a loupe was!

😎

Edited September 11, 2022 by LawrenceChard

[Earthmetal]

Right, just bought white gloves, pocket pinger, illuminated pocket microscope, and coin size tester.
Remarkably, I found a neodymium magnet stuck to the fridge...

Just the scales to get now, just need to find some that are not dear but also not c**p 🤔

[Earthmetal]

4 minutes ago, LawrenceChard said:

Spelling alert!

Lawrence, as in Arabia, not Laurence as in Olivier or Harvey. Don't worry about it though, as I have been called worse things.

One thing I notice on ebay is the terrible spelling of most sellers, and I tend to suspect the worst spellers will be the least ethical, least honest, and most dodgy. Similar with the use of capital letters. Some never use them, some are permanently on "Caps Lock".

So, from that:

I would check more carefully any coins you bought from ebay listngs, or elsewhere, with spelling errors.

Magnets will detect iron content in fake coins, but will not detect cupro-nickel or brass alloy fakes.

My advice is to avoid ebay if you don't know what you are doing.

Once you do know what you are doing, you will probably choose to avoid ebay without needing any advice.

You could try taking some of your coins into a friendly Local Coin Shop, but do ask nicely if you go brain-picking.

I see you are in the Midlands, and I don't think there are any friendly, helpful, expert bullion dealers anywhere near you.

The nearest is probably in Blackpool!

😎

I had to use an eyeglass to read what a loupe was!

😎

tHANKS lozzer m8 😁

I am considering taking the wife on a nice weekend away somewhere, co-incidentally somewhere that is almost certainly Blackpool.  

Maybe I will become the Midlands friendly, helpful, expert bullion dealer given time. I have the first two attributes covered already, just the ex-spurt part to acquire.

[Petra]

2 hours ago, Earthmetal said:

Hmm... most of mine were purchased from reputable websites, or from this forum. A very few were sourced from Ebay however...

So, how do I check, I don't have a magnetic slider thingy or an electronic tester, maybe I need to remove all from the capsules and handle them?

Quite concerning, I'd never heard of that site that Laurence linked to above. The sheer quantity of fakes is astonishing.
Take this:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000257004644.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_groupList.8148356.13.53ab3607pvmOPt&pdp_npi=2%40dis!GBP!￡3.40!￡2.69!!!!!%400b0a050b16628887336072561ee810!10000001048378541!sh

Small, suitable magnets are cheap as chips and you could have some off EBay by midweek

[Earthmetal]

12 minutes ago, LawrenceChard said:

Spelling alert!

I would check more carefully any coins you bought from ebay listngs, or elsewhere, with spelling errors.

 

Oh the irony!

(as opposed to goldy or silvery)

[LawrenceChard]

2 minutes ago, Petra said:

Small, suitable magnets are cheap as chips and you could have some off EBay by midweek

You were just too late, as @Earthmetal has already found a fridge stuck to his neodymium magnet.

You are correct though, that chips are now almost as expensive as magnets!

😎

[Earthmetal]

What's a cone of chips from Blackpool sea front cost these days?
I'm guessing a lot more than a tiny magnet.

[HerefordBullyun]

4 minutes ago, Earthmetal said:

Oh the irony!

(as opposed to goldy or silvery)

@stefffana knows abut Irony and leady sprayed goldy and silvery! He loves feedback about it too....

Edited September 11, 2022 by HerefordBullyun

[HerefordBullyun]

4 minutes ago, LawrenceChard said:

You were just too late, as @Earthmetal has already found a fridge stuck to his neodymium magnet.

You are correct though, that chips are now almost as expensive as magnets!

😎

It must be the coal they use to fry the chips with, my shares in coal have rocketed as of late!

[LawrenceChard]

2 minutes ago, Earthmetal said:

Oh the irony!

(as opposed to goldy or silvery)

My TSF posts are littered with typos. I am always happy to receive corections.

It's just as well I not trying to sell anything on here. (Well not directly at any rate).

I could say I include deliberate errors to check whether reader are alert and awake, but somehow this may get disbelieved and ridiculed.

I hardly ever run a spell-checker because my spelling is so good, as Harry Potter might have said.

😎

[HerefordBullyun]

Just now, LawrenceChard said:

My TSF posts are littered with typos.

Just do more on ya website so we can get free beer...

[LawrenceChard]

3 minutes ago, Earthmetal said:

What's a cone of chips from Blackpool sea front cost these days?
I'm guessing a lot more than a tiny magnet.

We are up north here, so chips still come wrapped up in newspaper (not really).

I thought you were comparing like for like as far as quantities were concerned.

As it happens, I rarely buy fish shop chips, just fish and mushy peas (low carb!).

My wife occasionally cooks chips, which are excellent, and which I do eat, but her rosemary potatos are even better.

😎

[LawrenceChard]

6 minutes ago, HerefordBullyun said:

It must be the coal they use to fry the chips with, my shares in coal have rocketed as of late!

I wondered why my last lot of chips were coaled.

😎

[James32]

1 hour ago, Earthmetal said:

I certainly do.
I already own a caliper, & jeweller's magnifying glass (I had to look up what a loupe was 🙂)

I will order a magnet today, are the type being sold for a few pounds okay? (about 10mm diameter).

recommendations for scales are appreciated.

Those will start you off. Read reviews and take it from there.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ACCT-Precision-200gx0-01g-one-click-conversion/dp/B09N36848X/ref=sr_1_21?crid=2ZORZOKWLG9BK&keywords=High+precision+coin+scales&qid=1662898575&sprefix=high+precision+coin+scales%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-21

[HerefordBullyun]

1 minute ago, LawrenceChard said:

 

My wives rose and mary  occasionally cooks chips, which are excellent, thier spud you likes are even better.

😎

Inshalla! Mr @LawrenceChard. The truth is out the man of many wives!