How to Spot Fake Coins
It is very rare that a coin collector encounters fake coins. Although this is the case, it is still very important that a coin enthusiast knows how to spot fake from real ones. Even the beginner in coin collecting would not find it difficult to detect fake coins if they know information about the coin they want to be. The real key to not be victim of this is by being informed.
What you can do as a coin collector is to do your research before purchasing valuable coins. There are a lot of benefits that you can get from researching first. For one, you could know how much the value of the coins is in the market. You can get an idea whether the dealer is overpricing when selling a coin. You can also determine the exact look of the coin, the years they were made and other simple details that can help you determine the authenticity of a coin.
Never fully trust a dealer or a grading service. Not because these people have been in the business and could appear more experienced in handling coins, there could still be some fake coins that were passed into them. Always inspect a coin, especially really valuable and rare ones before making a purchase. You can also have the coin graded and appraised by reputable service providers to know if the coins really are authentic.
Here are some things you need to be in a look out before purchasing a coin:
- As much as possible, try to make a side by side comparison. A real gold or silver coin usually differs in color and texture with the fake ones. Aside from the color and texture, you can also inspect the thickness and weight of the coins when you compare them side by side.
- Listen to the sound of the coin. Different coins create different sounds when dropped on a surface. Sometimes, this method is being used to professionals who already developed an ear for knowing what’s fake and what is not.
- Closely look at the characteristics of the coin. There are certain impressions or marks made on an authentic coin that can’t be easily replicated in fake coins. You can research about a specific mark in an original coin and see it the coin you intend to buy has this.
- Ask the dealer for guarantee that the coin is not a fake. Some dealers provide authenticity certificates to its buyers. This would not only be a safety paper for you to hold on to but this could also be a warranty certificate when the coin is later on found out to be a fake.
It is really very rare that coin collector can encounter fake coins. Usually, the most valuable coins, those that cost a fortune would be the only ones tried to be forged. The production of coins requires expensive tools and equipments and forgers won’t really invest much of this unless the coin they are trying to replicate costs a fortune.