WARNING! TRACES OF MODERN MACHINES ON FAKE COINS
by Ilya Prokopov
This article supplies a method for detecting one type of modern
coin counterfeit, a type made using dies cut with a modern engraving machine. I
will illustrate this detection method with counterfeits of coins from different
periods, each made today in the same place and using the same technology. The
examples I provide include three ancient coins, solidii of Zeno (474-475),
Basiliscus (475-476), and Anastasius (491-518). The coins are made of the same
metal, a low grade gold, which does not correspond to the metal used to strike
the original coins. To conceal this, the producers coated them with an
artificial patina. These coins can be easily detected as fakes when we see them
together. However, individually and without great magnification, they could be
misleading.
So, how can we detect this type of forgery when we only have one coin? To ensure
we are not cheated, we definitely must be alert and look for other indicators of
forgery. Fortunately, there are obvious signs that help us refute the
authenticity of these forgeries. The signs are the marks left by a modern
engraving machines on the coin matrix. The use of such machines is possible only
in well equipped workshops, almost as sophisticated as a real mint. However, to
achieve the maximum effect, elaborate and labor-consuming hand work is needed
to hide the tracks of the engraving machine cutters. As can be well seen on the
photos, they are comparatively deep and parallel, applied uniformly and can be
seen under magnification. These cuts, or tracks, must be hand processed to be
concealed. First they are obliterated and then areas smoothed so that after
striking of a new fake coin there should be no traces on its edge. Usually, the
tracks on the flat surface are easy to erase (again with machines followed by
hand work) but eliminating the tracks on slopes of the relief is more difficult.
Working in these areas could more easily cause damage to the matrix. Such work
requires people with special qualifications, people with steady hands and some
talent.
I have also included photos of a silver medieval coin and a rare modern coin.
Both show the same engraving machine traces. On the medieval type forgery the
traces can be easily seen on the relief slopes. On the modern coin, however, the
tracks were left on the edge, where the machine was used to cut an elaborate
inscription.
All five coins were produced by the same technology. So far, I have seen more
than 100 specimens.
As a conclusion, if you notice such or similar tracks on a coin, please treat it
with great attention.
Photos:
Click the thumbnails below for very large photos. Your browser may automatically resize the image view to fit the screen. If so, I recommend clicking on the photos to view them full size.
1. FORGERY - Gold coin of the Roman emperor Zeno – Obverse, Reverse and 2 details
2. FORGERY - Gold coin of the Roman emperor Basiliscus – Obverse, Reverse and 2 details
3. FORGERY - Gold coin of the Roman emperor Anastasius – Obverse, Reverse and 2 details
4. FORGERY - Silver medieval coin from 14 c. – Obverse, Reverse and 2 details
5. FORGERY - Modern coin from 1916.
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