As long as currency has stimulated the economy, there has been counterfeiters trying to scam the unsuspecting. As time passes, American coins from the past gain greater value. Because of this, counterfeiters work even harder to make replicas they can pass off as the real thing. It’s true that coin shops and collectible stores are trained to identify the frauds from the real thing. Still, some counterfeits can slip through the cracks. Spotting a fake coin from the real can be hard for the unpracticed eye. Luckily, if you follow this advice, you’ll be able to identify crude counterfeits.
It’s All in the Seam
If you take the coin, inspect it from every angle, and find a seam, the coin is fake. Coins created by an official mint won’t have a seam. When counterfeiters make a coin, a casting seam will be left. These seams are visible to the naked eye. There’s a good chance that a fake coin will also have a hole marking or inconsistencies in their texture. This is a red flag for any coin collector.
Markings make the Coin
American coins all have a specific mintmark to prove its authenticity. To know the mintmarks of each coin, you’ll need to do some research. Make sure you know what marks to look for depending on the coin and the series in which it falls. Counterfeiters have a hard time reproducing mintmarks.
Spot the Relief
The relief of a coin is the distance between the highest point and the lowest point. This is another aspect of American coins that counterfeiters struggle with. An excellent way to test the relief of the coin you’re hoping to buy is to stack them on top of each other. If the stack falls over, the relief is inconsistent. Do not proceed with the transaction in this situation.
The Laws of Attraction
Magnets are meant for more than decorating your refrigerator. Authentic bullion coins will be made of silver and gold. These elements do not react to magnets. By bringing a magnet, you can identify which coins react and do not react. Of course, some old coins will be made of other substances, so be sure to do your research first.
Knowing all the signs to spot a counterfeit coin can help you identify the real from the fake. Some counterfeits may pass one test but fail another. That is why it’s important to do your research and know the aspects of the coins you’re interested in. Of course, this advice only applies to the crudest of counterfeit coins. The professionals at Nashua Coins & Collectibles will be able to help with assuring the authenticity of coins that interest you so you can weed out the more impressive counterfeits. You can contact Nashua Coins & Collectibles at 603-718-1018 or visit us online.
