counterfeit coins

Alexcoincollector2004

as the topic listing states this is about counterfeit coins... What's the best defense against such things and also is there a sort of "police" force anywhere that helps in taking care of these problems? I would think the Secret Service would want to stop this even if they are counterfeits to coins from 100+ years and especially the newer ones that are probably out there.

Walmann

The Feds really have no interest in going after counterfeiters of obsolete coins.

And with China( one of the main counterfeit sources) owning us not very likely it will ever become a concern.

PonyExpress8

It's a problem out there. The best defense is personal knowledge and working with a trusted dealer that stands behind what they sell. Take the ANA counterfeit detection class offered during the summer at the ANA or the week long classes in Colorado Springs this month.

Sadly law enforcement including the Secret Service don't place this as a high priority. Caveat Emptor!!!!

tresgatos

As the reverend Johnson said to sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles, " son, you're on your own."

seemyauction

The best defense is knowledge.

You need to educate youself before you buy. Go to a show you can look at 100's if not 1000's of the same type of coin you are thinking about buying.

Buy a digital scale, you can not detect altered mint marks and dates with a scale but you can weed out the off metal coins.

Buy from a dealer that you trust, one that will guarantee their product.

OKbustchaser

<< <i> The Feds really have no interest in going after counterfeiters of obsolete coins. >>






<< <i>Sadly law enforcement including the Secret Service don't place this as a high priority. >>



Nor should they. That's not their responsibility. The US money supply is in absolutely no danger from fake numismatic collectables.

SirAnthonyAC

It's not a secret service matter, but it is a law enforcement matter based on the Federal Hobby Protection Act along with local and State laws; it is illegal to sell counterfeit antiques.

Unfortunately, it's not enforced at the local or state level in general (eg no one is watching EBay or auction sites for known counterfeits). Unless you are the victim, bring charges, and your local law enforcement has the time and resources to investigate the matter, they go on selling them.

The counterfeiters are hurting the hobby but there's so much else going on now, it's so bad that EBay's sales of Chinese counterfeits are essentially ignored. The feds could seize the fake coins, and slam EBay with knowingly selling them (or allowing them to sell by ignoring all the complaints and counterfeit report warnings) but, they don't.

mozin

Looks like another reason to buy ANACS coins.