I am writing this guide to help those who buy presidential smooth edged error coins.Since1797 when  the first edged letter coin was produced by Robert S.Cohen on the half cent.There has been an intrigue in the numismatic world to find the lost Letter edges of many denominations.Although back then the thoughts of one being different or an error was not as common place as it is today.After the production stopped of these lettered edged coins.Reeding was introduced to help stop the shaving of gold and silver bullion coins by merchants and everyday common thieves.Thus started an era that lives on today.Since the reintroduction of the letter edging on the new presidential series.There have been many attempts to counterfeit these coins in order to profit from the rave of popularity.Its a shame to think that where ever there can be made profit.There will be those in the shadows trying to find a way to cheat it.But the reality of this matter is alive and well on ebay and many other places through out the world.Since I have had a fascination about these coins.I have learned a few ways to combat these thieves.First test to apply to these presidential coin is weighing them.They should weigh between 8.1 grams and 7.92 grams.No less.Once they pass this test you are almost sure it may be real.But wait,there is other things you will have to check.By observing the coin through a ten time loupe minimum to magnify. You can check for the edge of the coin to show no signs of lettering. If this test passes you may be home free.But wait,you also have to check for buffing marks,light consistent scratches which will appear swirled or horizontal on the edge.All coins authentic will exhibit very light vertical lines on the edges.If the coin looks completely smooth.You have every reason to worry.If you see none of these types of marks you are well on your way to authenticating your presidential smooth edged error coin.But wait,You should also check the diameter of the coin..The coin by specs should be 1.043 inches or 26.49 mm.Most people do not have a caliper to check these tolerances.I have derived one more method of checking your coin.If you have a piece of plastic that you can drill a whole the exact same size as a presidential coin.Place your coin in the hand made gauge as I call it.And see if you can see any daylight around the edge.A direct fit coin capsule can work too. However,they are not always as accurate.It's better to use an authentic smooth edged coin as your template.If you can't do this.Try using a regular lettered edge coin and compare the sizes with you loupe.The latest way I have seen of counterfeiting these coins is by rolling the letters smooth.this keeps the weight on the coin.This will also cause the coins rim to raise and not look flat any more on the obverse or reverse side of the rim.It will also make the edge of the coin wider in appearance.This latest way has passed through some of the brightest numismatic people.Because just simply checking weight will not properly authenticate these coins.I hope in your adventures in purchasing these types of errors.You never encounter a fraudulent counterfeit.But now that you have read this you should have all the tools you need to catch the ones that are not real.Coin collecting should be a fun and enthusiastic way to teach our children about history.I hope this has helped to make you aware of the people trying to take that fun away.