1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar Fake
Introduction
The 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar is a rare and valuable coin that was minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Oregon Trail. However, due to its rarity and value, there have been many fake versions of this coin circulating in the market. In this article, we will discuss the 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar fake and how to identify it.
History of the 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar
The 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar was minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Oregon Trail, which was a historic route that led pioneers to the west. The coin was designed by James Earle Fraser, who also designed the Buffalo nickel. The coin features a wagon train on the obverse and the eagle on the reverse.
The coin was minted in San Francisco in 1926, and a total of 6,028 coins were produced. The coin was sold for $1 to the public, and the proceeds were used to fund the construction of a monument to honor the pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail.
Identifying a Fake 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar
Due to the rarity and value of the 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar, there have been many fake versions of this coin circulating in the market. Here are some ways to identify a fake 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar:
- Weight: The weight of a genuine 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar is 12.5 grams. If the coin you have weighs less than this, it is likely a fake.
- Edge: The edge of a genuine 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar is reeded. If the edge of the coin you have is smooth, it is likely a fake.
- Details: Genuine 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollars have crisp details on both the obverse and reverse. If the details on the coin you have are blurry or worn out, it is likely a fake.
- Magnet test: The genuine 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar is made of silver and will not be attracted to a magnet. If the coin you have is attracted to a magnet, it is likely a fake.
Where to Buy a Genuine 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar
If you are looking to buy a genuine 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar, it is important to buy it from a reputable dealer. Look for a dealer who has been in business for a long time and has a good reputation. You can also check the American Numismatic Association's website for a list of reputable dealers.
Conclusion
The 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar is a rare and valuable coin that has been the target of many counterfeiters. To avoid being scammed, it is important to know how to identify a fake 1926-S Oregon Trail Commemorative Half Dollar. Always buy from a reputable dealer and be sure to do your research before making a purchase.