In the auction and antique world, a little knowledge is a powerful tool. Understanding what you are looking at, and what you should be looking for, can make or break a purchase. In this edition of Genuine vs. Generic, we will examine two popular patterned glass styles and provide simple tricks to authenticate each.
Moon and Star
Originally known as Palace, the Moon and Star was first issued about 1888 by Adams & Company of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. It has seen lasting popularity and a flood of reproductions in the market. Consider these four elements when trying to distinguish between an original and a reproduction: color, detail, shape and weight.
Color- Moon and Star was never produced in a solid color other than clear. Even solid and clear reproductions can be identified by a yellow or green tint.
Detail- Reproduction Moon and Star has a distinct waviness that causes the glass to blur. 
Shape- Genuine Moon and Star handles, whether twisted or plain, were always applied. Reproduction handles are shaped differently because they are pressed.
Weight- Reproductions are considerably heavier than authentic Moon and Star.[1]
U.S. Coin
Created in 1891, this unique pattern retains the likeness of six different U.S. coins: the silver half dime, the dime, the twenty-one cent piece, the quarter dollar, the half-dollar, and the dollar. Interestingly, its production lasted only six months. It is reported that U.S. government inspectors halted production on the basis that molds used to replicate coins were illegal. Here are two distinguishing factors to keep in mind:
Size matters- Reproductions do not match the measurements of originals. For example, authentic covered compotes measure 9 ¼ inches high while reproductions stand 9 ½ inches tall. 
Coin placement- The patterns of the coins’ head and tail are radically different between an original and a reproduction. The bread plate is a great example.
Base of plate:
Original- tail-head-tail-tail-head
Reproduction- head-tail-head-tail-head
Border of Plate:
Original-head-head, tail-tail, head-head, tail-tail, head-tail
Reproduction- head-tail, head-tail, head-tail, head-tail, head-tail [2]
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