Process of Identifing Genuine vs. Fake Coins

Process of Identifing Genuine vs. Fake Coins

There have been many questions and queries on how to start diagnosing and interprating a coin. This process can be used for coins , medals and other collectables. I will define some very typical steps that can be used for this purpose, specifically for coins. Scientific methods can be added but that is abit more complicated. I will talk more about that in a separate blog. Having a very good book with actual photographs would be a very good start for this analysis.

a. First of all, the letters are completely even in height and their tops are uniform, which would suggest some sort of modern production of the die. Original dies are hand made, not machine made. This results in surface areas not being constant within the coin itself due to how the die is made. Look out for letters, dots, patterns across the coin to perform this analysis.

This is normally not so clear in the photos, but very clear on the coin itself when held in hand and inspected closely using a magnifying glass. So, be carefull when making an assessment using a photograph itself.

b. Secondly, the dots have even rounded surfaces, where on original coins they vary in both height and surfaces. There are several different sizes of the dots, thus indicating the die-cutter must have had several different punches for the dots being used for the same die.

c. Third, the background is much more even that I’ve seen on the coins.  It seems that the dies were first treated with some acid or corrosive chemical to make it more uneven, but in the flat areas, the evenness is almost perfect.  It is also likely that some modest acidic treatment was implied after the piece was struck.

d. Fourth, the coin was almost certainly produced by hand stamping rather than machinery.  This hand stamping will result in some unevenness, especially on heavier coins.  This has been seen on very modern imitative medieval coins struck.

Using a machine would produce a more even coin, which was the process used to mint Sikh coins. This has been seen on very modern imitative medieval coins struck.

e. Fifth, the leaf is too perfect and too even. I’ve never seen a normal paisa with such a perfect a leaf. Compare the leaf on silver/gold coins from various books published.

f. Sixth, the weight and diameter and thickness does not correspond to any original coins or the “patterns” or “trial strikes". This is very important. Comparing to a known old collection or reference books is important.

g. Compare the color on copper coins. Its very difficult to replicate. Use white lite for this purpose. For silver and gold, doing metal analysis would be prefered as aloy composition was different in the 18th Century vs. today. There have been cases on silver coins where similar vintage/period coins were melted to re-make RARE pieces.

h. Contemporary Forgeries : These were very common during that period. Most jewellers would drill the middle of the coin to ensure that there was no alloy inside of the coin. Copper coins made with Silver die's would be most commonly used, and then plated with Silver.

There is a more scientific method available today without drilling the coin (I hate this drilling practice). Densitity measurements, X-Ray, etc...

j. Look at the boundary or edge of the coin. This should be very smooth and no "hat" effect typically seen due to temperature or hand stamping effect.

k. MOST Importantly , have a very good book that has alot of photographs for comparision. Nothing beats this as your best friend in this analysis

m. Buying from a reputable dealer or auction house does reduce the risk of monetary loss. Having access to a very old collection for purchase is also an advantage.

Dont be afraid to reach out to trusted collectors and dealers.  Many are willing to share and provide their opinions. However, at the end of the day, the decison is all yours to make. 

There have been cases of labeled Fakes which turn out to be Genuine, and vice versa. So, please do make the best effort, espcially on Expensive Coins.

Good Luck........