Recently we have encountered counterfeit high grade 1857 Flying Eagle cents, Breen #1927,  for auction on Ebay.  There are several items that are important. The authentic coins have some marks that are missing on the fakes and, conversely, the fakes have some marks that should not be present.

Marks That Should Be Present

• There should be some file marks above the NI in United.  These file marks will not be there on the fakes.

Marks That Should NOT Be Present

• Counterfeits from spark erosion dies will have short, vertical lines between the 5 and 7.
• Counterfeits will have small raised lumps on top of ONE CENT.