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How to Tell Counterfeit Fake Silver Coins

A coin collector must always keep a vigilant eye when purchasing new coins for a collection. Counterfeiting rare silver coins for profit is both a hobby and a business for many crooks, con artists and ne'er-do-wells. Many counterfeit silver coins are made to look so authentic that an untrained observer could not recognize any difference between a fake and the real thing. A watchful collector knows how to spot a fake and keep it out of a genuine collection. If you are just starting your collection, you can learn what to look for to tell if a silver coin is counterfeit.

Things You'll Need

Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Find a detailed, genuine photo of the type of coin you are trying to verify.
- 2
  Compare the image on the front and back of your coin to the genuine photo. Differences will be subtle, but if your coin is counterfeit, there will be noticeable errors.
- 3
  Observe the feel of the coin. Counterfeit coins feel more slick and slippery because of the inferior production methods.
- 4
  Look for dents on the coin. According to Silver-Coins.org, these marks indicate errors in the die during manufacturing of the counterfeit.
- 5
  Observe the date of the coin. According to the article "Detecting Counterfeit Silver Coins" found at CoinFreek.com, counterfeit coins made from poured liquid metal will have definite irregularity that can be seen in the date. The numbers in the date will appear crooked or misshapen.
- 6
  Look at the edges of the coin. Genuine coins will have thin, even edges around the circumference of the coin. Counterfeit coins will either have abnormally thick edges or no edges at all.

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