Distinguishing Fake from Real 1804 Silver Dollars

Introduction:

The 1804 silver dollar, also known as the "King of American Coins," is one of the most sought-after and valuable coins in the world. Its rarity and historical significance make it a prime target for counterfeiters. In this article, we will discuss the key features that differentiate a fake 1804 silver dollar from the real deal.

1. Obverse Side:

a. Date: The most apparent difference between a fake and a real 1804 silver dollar is the date. Authentic coins have a date of 1804, while fakes often have a date of 1803 or 1805. It is crucial to examine the date closely to ensure its authenticity.

b. Head of Liberty: The portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse side is another important feature to consider. Authentic coins have a detailed and well-crafted portrait, while fakes often have a rough and simplistic depiction.

c. Cap: The cap worn by Lady Liberty on her head is a distinctive feature. On genuine coins, the cap is detailed and well-defined, whereas fakes usually have a blurred or misshapen cap.

2. Reverse Side:

a. Heraldic Shield: The reverse side of the 1804 silver dollar features a heraldic shield. Real coins have a sharp and clear shield, while fakes often have a distorted or unclear shield.

b. Eagle: The eagle on the reverse side is another key feature to examine. Authentic coins have a detailed and well-crafted eagle, while fakes often have a simplistic or poorly executed eagle.

c. Inscriptions: The inscriptions on the reverse side, such as "LIBERTY" and "ONE DOL." should be clear and well-defined. Fakes often have faint or uneven inscriptions.

3. Edge:

a. Reeded Edge: Genuine 1804 silver dollars have a reeded edge, meaning the edge of the coin is grooved. Fakes may have a smooth edge or an uneven reeded edge.

b. Mint Mark: Some authentic 1804 silver dollars have a mint mark, such as "CC" for Carson City or "S" for San Francisco. Fakes may not have a mint mark or have an incorrect mint mark.

4. Weight and Diameter:

a. Weight: Real 1804 silver dollars should weigh approximately 24.59 grams. Fakes may have a different weight, which can be easily measured using a scale.

b. Diameter: The diameter of a genuine 1804 silver dollar is approximately 38.1 millimeters. Fakes may have a slightly larger or smaller diameter.

Conclusion:

Identifying a fake 1804 silver dollar requires a keen eye and attention to detail. By examining the date, portrait of Lady Liberty, heraldic shield, eagle, edge, mint mark, weight, and diameter, you can determine the authenticity of the coin. If you are ever in doubt, it is always advisable to consult with a professional coin appraiser or numismatist to ensure the coin's legitimacy.