Easily Detect Counterfeit and Fake Coins
Although most of us will never know if we have any of these coins, it is important for any coin collector to become educated in this area of coin collecting. You should do all you can to learn how to spot these impostors.
Some who are experienced, may sometimes be able to detect a fake or counterfeit coin, just by holding and examining it. To those who are just beginning, you may never know if you have one in your possession. But if you do suspect a coin for being a fake, then it is suggested that you have it assessed by a reputable coin grading service or dealer. Better still, compare it to a genuine coin of the same value.
Counterfeit and replica coins are sometimes called pseudonumia and they have existed almost as long as the first coins were minted many years ago, and this criminal practice still exists today unfortunately, despite the fact that, years ago, the penalty for forgery was often death.
Counterfeits
Counterfeit coins made to be of face value and destined for general circulation amongst the public, was the main goal of this practice, as they would not be scrutinized to much in every day dealings. Today, counterfeit coins are made primarily to simulate rare coins, which are valued by collectors and quite expensive. These counterfeit coins are sometimes from such a good quality, that it is very difficult to identify them as imposters.
Types Of Counterfeits
A fake is a counterfeit coin made of incorrect or low quality metal, where as a copy, is a counterfeit coin that is made of the proper metal. Weight plays an important part when it comes to determining a coins authenticity, as does it shape and size.
One common ploy often used by counterfeiters was to make their coins look worn and aged. Some would even exclude the date, or only have some of it appear. Most counterfeit coins are made by pouring molten metal into casts, not by striking them, which is the true method of manufacture. The reading on some poor quality counterfeit coins may also be crooked or even missing altogether. Also, because of the incorrect quality of metals used, and the method of manufacture, dead give away's such as under size and under weight can be a pretty good indication of a fake or counterfeit coin.
Even today, these counterfeiters go to great lengths to produce such high quality coins to avoid detection that it is indeed a skill that only a few possess. Most fakes will not work in vending machines but increasingly many fakes contain almost the same metallic compound used by the Royal Mint, making them hard to detect by bank counting machines.
So remember. Always consult an expert to help determine if a coin in question is counterfeit or fake.
Happy collecting and take care.
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