Knowing the exact specifications of an authentic Morgan Silver Dollar is essential for verification. Any deviation from these specifications is a strong indicator of a counterfeit.
Physical Specifications
Weight
26.73g (0.859 troy oz)
Diameter
38.1mm
Thickness
2.4mm
Purity
.900 fine
Fine Silver Content
0.7734 troy oz
Composition
Silver
90%
Note: Contains 0.7734 troy oz of pure silver in .900 fine alloy
How to Spot a Fake Morgan Silver Dollar
Counterfeit Morgan Silver Dollar coins are increasingly common in the precious metals market. Learning to identify fake coins is crucial to protecting your investment. This guide covers everything you need to know about authenticating your Morgan Silver Dollar.
Warning: Sophisticated counterfeits can fool visual inspection alone. Always use multiple authentication methods including the ping test, precise measurements, and weight verification.
Common Counterfeit Types
Struck counterfeits using counterfeit dies (including sophisticated 'super-fakes')
Altered genuine coins with modified mintmarks (e.g., fake 1893-S)
Date alterations (e.g., 1898 changed to 1893)
Spliced coins with obverse and reverse from different genuine coins
Contemporary counterfeits including 'Micro O' varieties (1896-O, 1900-O, 1902-O)
Fake GSA holders and imitation PCGS/NGC slabs
Chinese novelty coins with fantasy dates
Red Flags: Signs of a Fake Coin
Incorrect weight (should be exactly 26.73g, fakes often 23-24g or overweight)
Wrong diameter (should be 38.1mm)
Magnetic attraction (genuine coins are not magnetic)
Granular or 'fatty' surface appearance with dull luster
Crooked, slanted, or incorrect mintmarks (especially CC on non-existent dates like 1895-CC or 1902-CC)
Spikes, blobs, or mushy elements around dates and lettering
Mismatched Liberty's hair, ear, or eye details
Slanted arrow feathers on reverse
Visible seams from spliced coins
Tooling marks from alterations
Artificial or inconsistent toning, especially on high points
Appearance 'too perfect' for the grade
Fake or missing holder logos and incorrect certificate numbers
Acoustic Authentication: The Ping Test
The ping test is one of the most reliable methods for detecting counterfeit precious metal coins. When tapped, genuine Morgan Silver Dollar coins produce a distinctive resonance frequency that counterfeits cannot replicate.
Resonance Frequencies
c0d2
5189 Hz
c0d3
9012 Hz
c0d4
13156 Hz
c1d0
7089 Hz
c1d1
10934 Hz
Acoustic Signature
Distinctive ring characteristic of 90% silver composition
Why the Ping Test Works: The resonance frequency of a coin is determined by its material properties (density, elasticity, composition) and physical dimensions. Even sophisticated counterfeits with similar appearance will produce different frequencies if they don't have the exact same composition and dimensions.
How to Authenticate Your Morgan Silver Dollar
Use these proven methods to verify the authenticity of your Morgan Silver Dollar. For best results, use multiple authentication techniques together.
Ping test - authentic Morgan Dollars produce a clear, distinctive ring
Precise weight measurement (must be exactly 26.73g)
Verify diameter (38.1mm) with calipers
Examine mintmark under 10x magnification for correct placement and style
Buy from reputable dealers and verify PCGS/NGC certification authenticity
Submit valuable or questionable coins to professional grading services
About the Morgan Silver Dollar
Morgan silver dollars were minted from 1878 to 1904 and again in 1921, designed by George T. Morgan. They are among the most collected and counterfeited U.S. coins. Key rarities like the 1893-S are prime targets for counterfeiters. Modern fakes, often from China, have become increasingly sophisticated. NGC and PCGS maintain databases of known counterfeits and provide authentication services.
Authenticate Your Morgan Silver Dollar in Seconds
Download the Pingcoin app and use acoustic authentication to instantly verify your Morgan Silver Dollar and other precious metal coins.
How accurate is the ping test for Morgan Silver Dollar?
The ping test is highly effective for detecting counterfeit Morgan Silver Dollar coins. The Pingcoin app analyzes the acoustic signature with precision and compares it against verified reference values. However, we recommend using it alongside other methods like weight and dimension verification for complete confidence.
What should I do if my Morgan Silver Dollar fails the ping test?
If your coin doesn't pass the ping test, it doesn't automatically mean it's fake. Environmental factors or coin damage can affect results. We recommend:
Test multiple times in a quiet environment
Verify weight and dimensions with precise tools
Have the coin professionally authenticated if significant value is at stake
Contact our community on Discord for support
Where can I buy authentic Morgan Silver Dollar coins?
Purchase from reputable dealers such as:
Government mints directly
Established precious metals dealers with good reputations
Major online bullion retailers with buyer protection
Local coin shops with verifiable credentials
Always authenticate coins immediately upon receipt, especially when buying from new sources.