Counterfeit 2011-W 1 oz Gold Buffalo in a fake NGC slab

ALERT! There are fake gold coins in fake slabs! Learn how to determine fakes. This video shows you details of a fake coin in a fake slab.

[@gabrielcornea9119]

The coin itself looks wrong too. It looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger and not like the Native American Chief on the nickel.

[@scottkrafft6830]

LMAO!

[@MarkMphonoman]

Ha, you are right, it does look like Arnold. 🙂

[@orafa.el_]

Yeah. You're right! LMAO

[@husky500cr]

Hasta la vista baby

[@justinsnider9772]

Arnold!

[@northerniltree]

The fact that it was on sale as a "buy one, get one free" ad campaign should raise a red flag, too.

[@Obamasucksdogdcks]

Thanks Mike. Your knowledge of the coin business is hands down first rate. Sharing this video can save someone a lot of money. You didn't have to do this so it's so cool that you did. I wish you the best success

[@luckyguy3341]

Couldn't you compare the Buffalo with real NGC slab?

[@Robert-xp4ii]

A side by side comparison (split screen) would have shown the differences and similarities for us who were just interested in seeing how close they are. Scary how good it looks without seeing a real coin. Comparing the capsules side by side made it obvious to a Leyman but very good forgery by itself.

[@davesuiseki4904]

Well played on the air bubbles!!! I noticed the bubbles immediately after you flipped the fake coin. Great video & thanks for posting!

[@paperbox819]

The front of the coin looks completely off to me. I know people with little knowledge might get fooled, but that clearly looks like a fake at first glance.

[@neildutson1098]

The average coin collector would not ever be able to tell this is a fake. Even comparing them side by side with a real one its almost impossible to tell. It looks every bit as good as the real one. This IS concerning!!! This kind of thing makes people skeptical of buying PM.

[@Redvines69]

Awesome video. Wish you would have explained just how the coin was given to you, and what happened when you caught it, would love the story :D

[@SkywatcherSandra]

Ty for sharing the information. I appreciate your time and sharing your videos. HUGS and blessings for ALL

[@MarketHarmony]

What a nice post.

[@MrSafetyForever]

Extremely informative! Most grateful Thank You!

[@richardhutchison3123]

Thanks for the information you shared! It is an awesome video!

[@50amador]

WHY DIDN'T YOU SHOW REAL COIN NEXT TO THE FAKE ?

[@JohnDoe-ft2nh]

Doesn't have one.Lol.

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

When you look it up on the NGC registry it says possible counterfeit. Was that because you notified them?? Very scary. Liked and subbed. Thank you!

[@MarketHarmony]

When the video was made and I did the initial research, the certification lookup did not indicate that this could be a potential counterfeit. I do not know when NGC made this designation and I do not know whether they made this designation because of this video. Thanks for letting us all know!

[@ladylibertystacker2014]

You are quite welcome. I would guess it was probably because you did make this video. It is helpful to know if it is still in circulation somewhere. What do you do with these counterfeits if you come across them?

[@trainjam6596]

Ladyliberty.......DA!!!!!!! Throw it in the air and shoot it !!!! Give it as a gift !!!!! Trick the next guy!!!!!!! turn yourself in.!!!!!!!

[@GamingBallz]

I'd like to have a phony in my collection to have in hand comparison material

[@GamingBallz]

Jeremo Brown I bet you would lol

[@cainotheconcernedcitizen5196]

Excellent content! Just subscribed. Thanks for sharing!

[@leonstarrksantiago3507]

This was very informative, thank you.

[@markbass354]

it's just amazing the lengths thieves go thru to rip people off , such lowlifes out there

[@yukisnow7022]

I bought 5 panda silver coins, and they were all fake, two from the states and three from China. I was very angry, so I know what you mean.

[@robertvirnig638]

People do not even have to go to any great lengths, on Etsy they sell fake PCGS slabs in bulk with the hologram and everything ready to go for the amateur counterfeiter.

[@1949LA-ARCH]

Thank you for posting !

[@J_Singeorzan]

Thank you for making this video! I was considering buying a Buffalo proof but had some concerns. After watching this video now I know my concerns are right and it was not an authentic coin.

[@bigwo56]

Very informative! Those damn counterfiters are getting smart!!

[@roughroadrunner88]

Chinese makers: Thank you for this video, we will do our best to improve🤙

[@ilyas6875]

fair point, but counterfeits work both ways. i dont' think the chinese would want their currency or similar scarce collectibles duplicated and flooded. that would be a shame. a real shame if the US goes on the offensive and floods their market with fakes. and not just coins... key technologies rely on a few key components (microchips, valves, etc...) that the US could offer at an irresistible discount ;-)

[@JesusChrist5000]

Ah so, honorable American! Ah so!

[@benaiahtyndalewyatt6326]

They should have treaties with other countries like this

[@timothy_pitcock]

@@JesusChrist5000 lololol

[@defiantsisko]

Very informative video but the detail I noticed that you didn’t mention is that it looks like the reflective fields of the coin are flat instead of the authentic hand-hammered appearance of a genuine coin.

[@lukecarter8100]

Thanks for the heads up sir.

[@davidstowe5652]

Thank you for showing this to us so we need to use the Touriel testing machine with guard list of the paperwork

[@kathyberger6650]

Thanks for heads up! Great comparison!

[@muddy_redneck4483]

29 counterfeiters disliked this video

[@ktcat9419]

35

[@sebfury6645]

37

[@leesanders6490]

40

[@highbrass3749]

69 (almost)

[@davidthecardcollector]

China is not amused about these lies.

[@TopOnlyDrift]

Thanks for the video! Very insightful. Any similar videos to go over NGC older brown label slabs? When I got my first one, I was skeptical of the weld spots but now see that is not unusual. Would just like to see others in detail maybe.

[@philippayne4951]

I fully agree with you. The problem is the slabbing firms also make mistakes and slab fakes also. Your better of getting the mint who produced the coin to check it. And also museums can help, if its an old coin. I myself have no faith in slabbing.

[@Arsenico18]

Thanks for the alert video !

[@SilverSaver888]

WOW, a fake slabbed coin! Thanks for the info. Liked and subscribed!

[@MrRant247]

So where did you get this one and how much did you pay for it?

[@TheChadWork2001]

Market Harmony, how are you detecting these fakes. You didn't cover that. When you show one, and discuss it, please show how you discovered them. What devices are you using so I can get one to protect myself?

[@jctai100]

This is a good message for new and young stackers but that face has definitely gone through the FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH! lol

[@ThePackratg]

I would agree. This is a learning tool for all. Keep reading as you move through out life, as you go so do the counterfeiters!

[@bigdaddycraze]

What is the product you use to test the coin metal composition?

[@unbeatablebotgamesmore3515]

😲 Great video man

[@glennolson7077]

Excellent Video - thank you for taking the time to creat it Glenn Olson KC MO :)

[@earlycuyler9729]

The "coin-holding prongs" also appear to be different - thicker & the actual shape of the prongs is different.

[@HealthyFamilyVarietyChannel]

Scary!!! I hate to see stuff like this! Older people, newbs, small timers, etc are all going to get fooled by this $1500 fraud!! What's up MH! wlvsdd from RC here!

[@davidthecardcollector]

They should do more about keeping track of who owns it or where it was last sold to.

[@cupofjoe2988]

do you do any selling online? I noticed the EBAY store has nothing for sale. Interested in purchasing modern Gold Coins like Maple Leafs, Buffalos, Kangaroos that kind of thing. Normally purchase from APMEX, but would be interested in shopping around.

[@bernicekemp953]

thanks for the info …. this is certainly something to look out for!!!!!!!

[@mike.p.1400]

Good information mike. Thanks 🙏 Did you get fooled on that coin ?

[@richeast9703]

I only buy current (First Strike) releases (Silver) NGC. They don't have time to counterfeit and boy are they beautiful.

[@Revealthefactsbpsolanki3456]

Thank you very much for informative video

[@AlexandersLostTomb]

Great video.

[@silverstacker5994]

These need to be taken out of the market when they are realized. I shudder when thinking of how many of these counterfeits are out there! :S

[@markcollins5464]

Wow that’s Good to know, thank you very much for the lesson.

[@markcollins5464]

This video is concerning but thank you very much for sharing✔️

[@grosstravis]

Thanks for the good info.

[@IndicamGuy]

Mike, when you show gold it should be on a darker surface such as dark blue or black. That way the gold actually looks like gold. the backgrounds I have seen you use are yellow which makes gold look whiter. You need a contrast. Just a thought.

[@MarketHarmony]

Thank you. I'm always looking to improve. I'm not a videographer by trade, so my ignorance in the practice of good presentation shows. I just hope the message gets through.

[@peterholman6071]

A proof is struck at least twice and will gave a thin edge of gold protruding up around the outer edge of the coin as high striking pressures push the gold up at the edges.

[@stevevet3652]

Thank you for the information.

[@peterviceroy9800]

Slab prongs on the fake are much wider than on the authentic slab from NGC. Not having ever handled one of the slabs; I wonder if this is something that varies even on authentic slabs from NGC?

[@noelgraham9330]

as soon as you said "dawntawn Pittsburgh" I knew you were authentic

[@jackt7331]

is the water specific gravity test 100% effective against fake gold coins?

[@appleztooranges]

If you scan this on NGC scanner app does it work? I’m curious

[@georgebox100]

2:50 seconds into your video, where did you buy that scanner or machine to tell, a percent of gold in a coin ?______can you give me the website ?__________

[@BIGGBAY90]

If you scan the label with an iPhone on the NGC website will it not detect it as counterfeit

[@Seattle206723]

Have you reported this to the Secret Service Office yet?

[@MarketHarmony]

The Secret Service currently has possession of this particular coin

[@Seattle206723]

***** Very good to hear, and I hope they get 1000 years.

[@nick-sg7mv]

the secret service handles fake coins now?

[@Seattle206723]

nick Thats a legal tender coin...

[@carlbennett2481]

Why would anyone do that when the Secret Service is likely supporting the fraud? You can't rely on these alphabet soup agencies to do anything beyond working for Is'ntreal, so it boils down to buyer beware.

[@davilaavelino0]

Where was it bought from?

[@money_hobby]

👍thanks for the info.

[@jonathanjusti-noaafederal3276]

thank you. excellent job.

[@ribz78]

Flippin thieves!!!!!! Good video sir

[@burtgummer463]

Thanks for the information.

[@harveymushman2219]

What year did the fake start hitting the market...

[@ghostly836]

I had no idea that there has been couterfit slabs. I've been buying only slabed gold to avoid counterfeits. Is anything safe anymore?

[@sparkyjones560]

Max Rodegher nothing ever was safe.

[@DaDualityofMan]

Damn, they really played that commercial advertising it for years too

[@Comedy101688]

Only buy from an authorized dealer, shop, website such as apmex.

[@paullee7467]

THTT Productions or know what you are buying.

[@ilyas6875]

oh i buy from a dealer, all right. (to my FBI agent: kidding.)

[@DiggingNorway]

Thanks! 11 grams off is quite a lot... would not be that hard to detect... All coins should, as a minimum, be checked for weight.

[@gregshock]

DiggingNorway: Weight, diameter, thickness and “ping,” if possible.

[@scotty2hotty909]

Did you get the guy that sold it to you?

[@loodzzenburger9197]

Really informative video, thanks for sharing. Wish your lighting was different.

[@Robripslibs]

Thankyou for the info. Many have been scammed by fake coins...even experts.

[@petero958]

If this fooled an expert.. I wouldn't call them an expert. Far from it

[@SilverDollarSaloon]

What would be so easy to detect is the coin magnetic.The weight of 11 grams difference is a positive determination as a fake coin.

[@doogcat]

wow thank you for that great info

[@mikepict9011]

Ngc should seriously investigate this . Maybe start putting the weight on the label too . Kinda an obvious countermeasure

[@MaxZagar]

What kind of XRF equipment are you using, what do you recommend ?

[@MarketHarmony]

Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 XRF Analyzer. I recommend this equipment or similar models from the same company that perform XRF analysis for precious metals.

[@coloradokid8321]

Around how much do these Niton XL2 XRF’s cost? I’ve Googled them, but they won’t list the prices.

[@kking5652]

Four years later, oct,1 2020, How much more persuasive have these SOBs gotten.

[@Gizzy666]

You sound pissed off talking about this with the “sighs” haha.

[@easportz_withaz176]

I own some of these ngc pf70 slabbed coins. sort of scary, im checking every single number on the website. thanks for the video. really helpful.

[@yuliya9999]

do you guys even listen ? the number will match even if fake. its not hard for them to get a real number. copy it from a coin for sale on the internet. the number here matched. you need to check by weight and spectometer.

[@jpmvidal]

+yuliya9999 Or they can compare the pictures with the physical slab on hand. If there are differences, then it is a counterfeit.

[@jpmvidal]

How did you manage to analyze its metals content? Did you remove it from the slab before making this video? That XRF gun cannot analyze a coin inside its plastic holder.

[@MarketHarmony]

Yes, it can accurately analyze through the plastic. It uses X-ray spectrometry.

[@jpmvidal]

***** I see. In an older video of yours about a fake gold eagle, you mentioned that the x-ray gun could not test through the gold plating. Did the fake gold eagle have a heavy gold plate?

[@wesleymcnasty7595]

Wow!!! This is concerning Thanks for the video

[@franciscojaviergarciasanch2921]

Magníficas piezas enhorabuena un saludo desde Málaga 😊😊😊

[@btc624]

Do you guys attend the P.A.N. show in monroeville? Fall 2017

[@MarketHarmony]

Yes, I am a lifetime member of PAN and attend every PAN show as a dealer.

[@aaaabc1796]

Good to know. Thank you!

[@thinktank8389]

thanks again. I'll be sure to let you know if he wins his law suit. thanks

[@M45terMiNd]

Is there any way to know it is counterfeit simply based on the serial # and barcode on the slab?

[@MarketHarmony]

The barcode and serial number are stolen from an authentic slab and reused to give the impression of authenticity. You need to know what the coin should look like.

[@goxyeagle8446]

The barcode of the ebay coin I was looking to buy doesn't match the one on NGC site

[@patchrat1]

Wow thank you this is just one more reason to buy from a reputable dealer and not a”good deal “off eBay

[@christopherterry5457]

James Nelson Let me know when you find a “reputable” dealer. LOL.

[@danielbenedict8818]

Chris Terry, there are plenty dealers who use methods to make sure they are only selling authentic products! Their reputation is very important to them and that is how they make more money!

[@TheChadWork2001]

Which model and brand XRF Spectrometer do you recommend?

[@MarketHarmony]

I use a Thermo Scientific XL2

[@williamludlow3788]

Collectors get careless. Good info.

[@bobbiwest6625]

Yes I recently purchased on ebay some slabs not able be authenticated by grade company. I'm wonder if they counterfeit too.

[@willstaxx0730]

Bobbi West don’t buy on eBay. Buy from reputable dealers

[@user-ig8is8ry1k]

The biggest give away for me is that the entire coin is polished unlike a proof/reverse proof. That alone should be the biggest red flag.

[@williamsdetectingco.4512]

You should make another video of you cutting the coin open to show that it's a counterfeit

[@DuxButt]

hi Mike. after just being introduced to the metals side of KZbin. glad I found your video. 5-6 years ago I bought some of your copper pours and still have a 10+ ounce prototype you did. I'll have to make a video of it one of these nights. great video you have put up here. l subbed you and look forward to more of your videos. have a good one.

[@MarketHarmony]

Thank you and good to hear from you. Feel free to spread the word about Market Harmony :D

[@alanspaulding6934]

The face of the Indian didn't have enough detail in it. This almost looks like John Redcorn.

[@appleztooranges]

Now I’m worried apmex sent me a counterfeit buffalo

[@ginsburgerheide]

Thank you very. Helpful

[@skaarfvagly3959]

Until you said that was gold, I thought it was just a buffalo nickel and was wondering why someone would go though the trouble to make a replica of that.

[@laupeter4594]

there isnow a new NGC app which allows you to scan the barcode to check the rarity levels of your coins if they are graded with them. Same with PCGS, hopefully that would help curb these counterfeits

[@banjo4us1]

Any idea how much an XRF machine cost?