Counterfeit 101

 Obverse 1: Cast from Genuine Obverse

Reverse A: Cast from Genuine Reverse

Obverse 1                                                            Reverse A

Comments: Rough surfaces typical of casting and weakly defined Liberty device resulting in blob shield area. Reverse devices are reasonably defined. Weight is 1.1grams with normal coin turn die alignment and edge reeding. Unknown base metal.

One can immediately see the difficult with casting contemporary counterfeit half dimes due to small coin diameter and the tiny device elements. This fact coupled with a small profit opportunity from the half dime denomination leads to few specimens being known.

Plate Coin: Dave Wnuck Collection, F-VF Grade Estimate