Since the number of fake coins far surpasses the number of authentic coins, amateur coin collectors can be more easily fooled by fake coins than veteran collectors. Don't worry if you accidentally buy a counterfeit coin, all coin collectors encounter this sooner or later. It is wise to always ask someone trustworth for a second opinion.
The ancient library of Alexandria was burnt down by a monarch because he knew that some of the scrolls in it contained information allowing those who knew it to counterfeit gold and silver coins in such a way that it was virtually impossible to tell apart good coins from bad coins. He provided a radical solution, but it aimed at safeguarding the empire's currency, which, without being trsuted, could create the ruin of trade relations.
You will see that some fake coins have dead giveaways. Fake coins make a different sound when they come into contact with other coins because of the way they are produced. Color can also help in detecting the fake coins, you might have surely heard the expression "fool's god". Some people can be deceived into thinking they are seeing gold, when it is only highly polished brass.
The weight of a coin is also a good indicator as to its authenticity. The various alloys used in making coins have different densities which has an impact on its weight. Often softer metals are used to make fake coins. People used to be able to tell if a coin was real or not by biting on it, since fake ones bent in the mouth while real ones were solid and stayed straight. All these discriminators, weight, density, color, sound, make for so many different things to watch out for, that you need to understand that this expertise is only built over many years of experience.
Always follow your gut when making a decision. If you are on the market for valuable coins, don't do it on your own. Make sure the dealer is reputable by having a background check done. Request an authenticity certificate. It is smart to only buy from trusted dealers. gold bullion coins
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Theo Steward is an avid expert coin collector and he travels the world, examining rare coins and participating in archeological expeditions to find more. With this article about forged coins there are a couple of dangers that he wishes that all coin collectors would inform themselves on. For a 10 part introductory course on numismatics which he makes available at no cost by email and to find out about a coin collecting book, go and subscribe today.coins value: gold bullion coins
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