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How to Recognize a Forged Coin

Forgeries have been around since nearly the beginning of time. Forged coins were common in ancient times and were typically done for the same reason forgeries are still present today: thieves could make a lot of money from selling fakes. If you collect coins or have come across a great deal on a coin, learning how to spot a fake can save you money. While ancient fakes may have some artistic and sentimental value, modern fakes do not and are only intended to deceive.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass
Scale

Instructions

- 1
  Look for an authentic coin similar to the one you are investigating. This should be used as a guide for authenticating your coin. Unless it is a very rare coin, there should be pictures of authentic coins available in books or magazines. You can find these books in your local library. You may also be able to find an actual coin at a local coin shop.
- 2
  Examine the coin carefully. Using a magnifying glass, examine the coin thoroughly. Look for problems such as seams along the outside rim, dates that are blurred or struck through, stamps that should not be on the coin (for example, a supposed relic coin stamped with the word "silver") as well as any design inconsistencies.
- 3
  Weigh the coin. Typical fakes are often made of cheaper metals such as copper, iron or even an amalgamation of several metals and then plated with either silver or gold. This makes the fake weigh more than a real coin made of the one metal.
- 4
  Research any known fakes of this particular coin. Large scale fakes are well known and typically publicized. You can search online for these fakes to discover if the coin you have may be a known forgery. For example, the "Indian Head" nickel is a coin that has been copied many times.
- 5
  Ask a local expert. If you do not have a lot of knowledge of coins and minting processes and the above steps have not been conclusive, asking an expert can be very beneficial. You can ask a local coin dealer or collector for help in examining your coin. Most will be more than happy to assist you.

Coin Collecting