Interesting pics of coin forgers in China.

[Radu]

Here is a site that has pics of a Chinese coin counterfeiting ring. It is very interesting. Maybe this isn't the best place to talk about it but may be of some interest. One reason I don't buy anything from China. I need to get myself a good scale.

http://coins.about.com/od/worldcoins...rfeiting-Ring/

[divewrecks]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing. How sad for the coin collecting world. I'll certainly be keeping my guard up!

Stan

[Michigan Badger]

What I always wonder every time I see these pictures is how they allowed them to be taken in the first place? It's obvious they were taken by someone who wanted this work to be known but at the same time wanted to protect those actually working in this scam (faces marked out).

I've always been extremely suspicious of these types of photos. It just doesn't add up.

One theory I have (can't prove it) is they purposely made these photos as a form of numismatic terrorism. That is to undermine the trust the world has in investing in U.S. coinage.

The question really is, who would benefit most from such an act of terrorism? Obviously it wouldn't be those making these bogus coins so who would that person or persons be?

Here's a thought for us all to ponder--since ebay the major coinage dealers worldwide have been losing millions every year to ebay's low cost coin sales. Since all of this has come out, many have returned to these dealers so they may be assured their coins are genuine? Hum? kind of gets ya ta thinkin, don't it Amos?

[Zephyr]

"I need to get myself a good scale."

eBay. M-500 Fast Weigh. Look for the auctions that start at 99 cents. (But don't get into a bidding frenzy over one. They are there all the time.) I mine!

One theory I have (can't prove it) is they purposely made these photos as a form of numismatic terrorism. That is to undermine the trust the world has in investing in U.S. coinage.

It's more like "Let's make a fast buck" than anything. They even make convincing fakes of their own historical antiquities for sale to tourists. A shame really. If they'd put the same energy into creating original ideas rather than pirating them, we'd really be in trouble. (Of course, why go to all that trouble if somebody else will just copy your work and underprice you? Thus, no incentive to be creative....)

(More info in the link in this link)
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.p...,158706.0.html

[Michigan Badger]

"I need to get myself a good scale."

eBay. M-500 Fast Weigh. Look for the auctions that start at 99 cents. (But don't get into a bidding frenzy over one. They are there all the time.) I mine!

One theory I have (can't prove it) is they purposely made these photos as a form of numismatic terrorism. That is to undermine the trust the world has in investing in U.S. coinage.

It's more like "Let's make a fast buck" than anything. They even make convincing fakes of their own historical antiquities for sale to tourists. A shame really. If they'd put the same energy into creating original ideas rather than pirating them, we'd really be in trouble. (Of course, why go to all that trouble if somebody else will just copy your work and underprice you? Thus, no incentive to be creative....)

(More info in the link in this link)
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.p...,158706.0.html

I still think it's odd why that just let someone snap their picture, cover their faces, and publish it. It's just way too fishy for me.

At any rate the coin dealers love them because the fakes are easy for them to ID and they win big time respect from the consumer.

[divewrecks]

BEWARE:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Group-Lot---3-Co...mZ220359277323

Stan

[Radu]

Are they counterfeit because they are altered some way or are they newly made? I know in stamp collecting forgeries are popular as reference material, is that true with coins? I have about 30 fake Japanese coins, some very bad fakes and a few good ones. I am not sure what to do with them. I keep one in my pocket as a conversation piece, and its fun to twirl around. I'm trying to do cool tricks to entertain the kids.

[Michigan Badger]

BEWARE:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Group-Lot---3-Co...mZ220359277323

Stan

Awesome! He'll probably do better than if he tried to sell them as genuine. There is a big counterfit buying market today too. Yep, many people search the net looking for modern counterfits to add to their collection.

Did you look at them real close? Not bad! Obvious fakes sure but a try

[divewrecks]

Yeah, the 1 reale's would be good for salting the beach with! Just kidding

He has this coin also and a few more counterfits. I wonder what his source is?

http://cgi.ebay.com/1794-Spanish-Ame...mZ220359279502

Stan

[Michigan Badger]

I wonder what his source is?
Stan

Probabliy the Fisher store

[divewrecks]

These are probably from that forging house. The products from this site are said to all have the word "copy" on them though....

Stan

http://www.greatamericancoincompany....-List-c11.html