What does "genuine article" mean?

An authentic thing, as opposed to an imitation.

Genuine article

Common synonyms include: authentic, authentic item, authentic person, earnest, heartfelt, honest person.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
An authentic thing, as opposed to an imitation. idiomatic
"“Coffee” might be largely sawdust, or wheat, beans, beets, peas, and dandelion seeds, scorched black and ground to resemble the genuine article."
2
The bomb; the shit. figuratively

"“Coffee” might be largely sawdust, or wheat, beans, beets, peas, and dandelion seeds, scorched black and ground to resemble the genuine article."