Why This Matters Now
Modern counterfeits are no longer made of magnetic steel. They are struck from copper-nickel or even silver-plated brass, making them non-magnetic and visually deceptive. You need more than a magnet.
Test 1: The Magnet Test (The First Filter)
Start here because it's fast. Silver is diamagnetic—it is not attracted to magnets.
- The Test: Place a strong rare-earth magnet on the coin.
- Pass: The magnet slides off slowly (due to the "eddy current" effect) but does not stick.
- Fail: If it sticks at all, it's steel or iron. It is 100% fake.
*Warning: High-end fakes are made of copper/brass, which also don't stick. Passing this test does not prove it's real; it just proves it's not cheap steel.*
Test 2: Weight & Dimensions (The Physics)
Authentication is physics. A genuine Morgan Dollar has specific, non-negotiable specifications.
Standard Weight
Tolerance: +/- 0.1g
Most fakes weigh 22g-24g (too light) or are made thicker to compensate.
Diameter & Thickness
Thickness: 2.4mm
Genuine coins pass through precision slots. Fakes often get stuck.
Test 3: The "Ping" Test (Acoustics)
Silver rings with a high-pitched, long-sustaining resonance. Base metals "clunk" or have a short, dull decay.
- How to do it: Balance the coin on your fingertip and gently tap it with another coin or a wooden pencil.
- Real: A high, bell-like "PING" that lasts for 2-3 seconds.
- Fake: A dull "THUD" or a metallic click that stops instantly.
Test 4: Visual Diagnostics
Look at the details. Counterfeit dies are often created by "transferring" details from a real coin, which results in a loss of sharpness (mushy details).
- The text: Look at "E PLURIBUS UNUM". On fakes, the letters are often bubbly or rounded.
- The Eagle's Breast: On a real BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) coin, feathers are crisp. Fakes often have smooth, flat chests.
- The Rim: Fakes often have sharp, squared-off wire rims that feel "wrong" to the touch.
Need a Professional Opinion?
We verify every single coin we sell using these methods. If you're building a collection, start with a source you trust.