How to Spot Counterfeit Chinese Coins

Examine the coin closely. Counterfeit coins often look clean at first, but careful examination will reveal blurred lines, poor detailing or impression lines from other molds. Use a magnifying glass when looking at coins to examine the coin in greater detail.

Look at the writing on the Chinese characters. If the lines are uneven, blurry or thick, the coin is likely a counterfeit. Authentic Chinese coins have crisp, clear lines on the written characters.

As a collector, purchase coins that are unattractive, chipped or cracked. While the resale value may be lower, it is a fairly safe bet that counterfeit coins will not have defects that would cause a lower price for the maker.

Request provenance, or proof of the coin’s history. If there is evidence that a coin was part of a personal collection and there are receipts and invoices to detail the history of the item, it is highly unlikely that the coin is counterfeit.

Check the coin for the denomination. Many counterfeits, particularly those of modern Chinese coins, do not have the denomination listed on the coin.

Examine modern Chinese coins for “People’s Republic of China” written on the coin in Chinese, as well as the silver or gold weight. If the coin is missing this information, the coin is likely counterfeit.

Use caution when purchasing Chinese coins online. Request many pictures of the coin, including close-up photos from various angles, in order to view the detailing on the coin. Check the seller’s past history and request a refund or satisfaction guarantee before purchasing. Note that counterfeiters often place what seems to be a reasonable cost on the coin but then charge high shipping costs to cover the production costs. Always be aware that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.