NSDR Journal
VOL. XVII No.2
May 2000
BOGUS 1924-S PEACE DOLLAR
By Randy Campbell, NLG
Recently, a mint state 1924-S Peace Dollar crossed the desk of ANACS authenticator-grader Tim Hargis. “Randy, when was the last time you saw a 1924 dollar with an added S?”
I was amazed. Tim was absolutely right! The somewhat baggy coin would have grade MS-62 had it not been covered with hazy PVC contamination. However, upon closer inspection, Tim noticed that the luster was “wrong” for a 1924-S (it was dull and subdyed).
Careful examination of the mintmark revealed that it was just a trifle thicker and larger than normal. Undoubtedly, it was an added S!
In truth, most collectors and dealers would pay little attention to a coin like this. If the price was reasonable, they’d buy it! That’s just what the counterfeiters are counting on!
Also, in the same box of coins, Tim examined an MS-62 1886-S Morgan. It, too, was an added S.
In recent months, bogus examples of 1888-S, 1889-S and 1901-S Morgans have crossed the desk of the ANACS staff. All of them had two things in common. First, had they been genuine, they all would have been worth under $200 per coin. And, in each case, the added S was very close to the correct size and shape for the date. They were dangerous coins!
The lesson to be learned here is simple. Don’t EVER let your guard down! If you have any questions, call one of the ANACS graders at 1-800-888-1861.
Editor’s Note: Later the same day Randy discovered a 1925-S with an added S.
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