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Went to a local coin shop today where they had silver dollars in a candy bowl for $8 each. I didn't have my scale with me, and they didn't have one there, so I took the chance and bought them. The weights are off on all 3!!! I emailed them and told them that their sellers are selling counterfeit coins, and they replied saying I can return them. The coins are 1878-s, 1844-o, 1845-o. They should all weigh 26.73g -27.22g, but the 1878-S is 31g and the other 2 are 25.3g each.

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With all due respect, this doesn't sound like much of a coin shop if they sell something without putting it in a holder marked "copy", "replica" or "counterfeit". Technically, it might be illegal to sell known counterfeits. Also, you should be able to get known counterfeits for more like $3-5 each. I have a bunch that I intentionally keep as decoys in case of theft. I don't plan on ever selling them, but it is nice to have them around just in case.

Also, the price you paid wasn't even close to the fair market price for an authentic version of the same date. That right there should have been a hint that something was wrong.

That said, there are times when you can get a good deal on a dealer's mistake. I remember a few: a dealer had a penny in a 2x2 marked as a 1909- it was a 1909-VDB. Another had a quarter in a 2x2 marked as a 1920-S- it was a more valuable 1920-D. Also, on eBay, I remember seeing a coin that was described as a seated quarter- it was clearly a half dollar and worth a fair amount more.

Yep, I knew I was taking a chance to some extent, but totally agree that they should have some kind of sign inferring that the coins could be fake.

The store is in sections and the sections have items from various sellers. I didn't want to be *that* customer, but don't feel like I should be stuck with $30 in junk, either. I am going to use those funds to buy something else in their store today though. I will also be bringing my scale

You are experiencing a very steep learning curve. Money tends to fall out of your pockets at these times. Good job getting the lessons behind you. Well done.

If you want to find rare and possibly overlooked, valuable coins at one of these consignment places, you will not find them in a bowl of silver dollars or in a 2x2.

Search the junk bins. Learn your foreign coins and you will find some form of undervalued treasure on most coin store visits. Look outside the silver box. There is bronze booty to be had. You will quickly start finding coins for under $1 that are worth $5-$10 occasional 15-20 dollar coins. Sometimes you get lucky and score a bunch japan yen, swiss francs, pound coins. These are fun and exciting scores. Once you get an eye for it, you can spot a good junk bin right away. What's really fun is when you find a good foreign coin box and make a play for the whole bin. Man, I have made some great buys doing that.

They refunded my money, and tried to tell me that sometimes weights can be off due to wear.... One of the 3 was off by 4g, lol.