Counterfeits
Numismatics and its related fields have changed markedly over the past few decades. Strong demand for valuable material has always created an opening for the dishonest, who knew how to exploit it. The present day is no different; on the contrary, the use of advanced modern technology heightens the risk. Those defrauded are mostly collectors and, increasingly, the investors typical of our time, with whom the fraudster deliberately counts on a limited stock of collecting experience or information. With a calculated strategy the fraudster's economic gains can be considerable, while on the other side there is a tangible financial loss, often compounded by the long interval before the collection is eventually sold — which makes it all the more insidious. The resulting frustration can lead as far as a loss of interest in collecting altogether…
We have therefore decided to compile a catalogue of counterfeits, available to everyone as a preventive source of useful information. We believe it can also narrow the modus operandi of potential fraudsters. This gradually expanding catalogue is devoted solely to counterfeits made to the collector's detriment, not to period forgeries made to the detriment of circulation.
We arrange the counterfeits shown here by their period and date of issue. The images are either our own or are taken from other sources, which we always cite with the consent of their author.
Wherever possible, the counterfeits are described as precisely as possible in metrological terms, including a short account of the diagnostic features by which they differ from the originals.
We would welcome your active contribution to expanding this catalogue. If you wish to take part, please contact Michael Kubinec at obchod@aurea.cz.
Thank you.
