The cleverest knock-off coins come from China packaged in PCGS holders. This not only authenticates them, but makes it more difficult to closely examine the coin and apply the screening tests outlined in other articles.
Some modern counterfeits are so good, they look even better than the original. I've encountered counterfeits, I would pick as the genuine coin because they look better. I have some counterfeit pandas that I'd swear were made at one of the China mints after hours.
The pandas are mint wrapped, so they discourage further investigation. I removed the wrap and capsule only to find the coin didn't pass the "ring" test and was too thick, compared to another I had. Had I left the coins in the mint wrap, I would have been completely fooled. Their look and weight was right on. The thickness gave them away.
If you buy a graded coin from an unknown source, compare it to a known coin of a similar type. Oftentimes the holder won't look exactly like the original. Some details will be missing or slightly different from the original holder. The holder should fit directly into another holder from the same grading company. They are meant to stack on each other.
If you do encounter a suspicious looking PCGS slabbed coin, return the coin to the grading company. PCGS will check its authenticity. There is a $25 charge for this service plus S&H. Fill out a submission form and check "guaranteed resubmission" on the form.
NGC has a simple, much cheaper and faster way of verifying their coins. You just go the NGC website to "verify NGC certification" on the home page. Enter the number printed above the bar code on the front of your slab and a picture comes up showing the very holder they certified with that number. If yours doesn't match, you know it's fake.
You can be certain of a coins authenticity when the raw coin returns from a major grading company like NGC or PCGS and it is given their approval. Use diligence when buying your coins and scrutinize them closely.
Avoid buying anything that looks suspicious to you. The price may cause suspicion because it is being offered too low. No one will sell precious metal much below bullion costs, so be very leery of someone who is.
Study your coins of interest, using the many available references to see what they should look like, so you can spot a fake easier. Get a second opinion on your proposed purchase if necessary, and purchase only from reputable dealers.
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