Chinese counterfeiters are flooding online marketplaces with fake silver eagles, counterfeit gold bars, and replica collectible coins that fool even experienced buyers. From eBay listings to local coin shops, no channel is immune. This site documents the problem and teaches you how to protect yourself.
The most commonly counterfeited investment coins — what to look for and how to tell real from fake.
The most counterfeited silver coin in the world. Chinese fakes weigh wrong, ring wrong, and fail basic tests — but they look convincing.
The Royal Canadian Mint's micro-engraved security features are nearly impossible to replicate — but counterfeiters try anyway.
South Africa's famous gold coin is heavily counterfeited. The alloy colour and reeding are the first giveaways.
The Royal Mint's security features are sophisticated, but fakes still circulate. Here's how to spot them.
Ironically, China's own official bullion coin is one of the most heavily counterfeited — often by domestic forgers.
Perth Mint coins are targeted by counterfeiters. The serial numbers and security features are key to authentication.
Counterfeit bullion bars are a massive problem — some contain tungsten cores worth a fraction of the gold they impersonate.
Tungsten has nearly the same density as gold, making it the perfect core material for counterfeits. Some fakes have fooled banks.
PAMP Suisse's Lady Fortuna bar is one of the most counterfeited gold products in the world. Here's what to check.
Vintage Engelhard bars carry premiums that make them attractive targets. Serial number databases help, but aren't foolproof.
Numismatic counterfeits target the collector premium — a $2 fake sold as a $500 rarity.
Key dates like the 1893-S and 1889-CC are heavily counterfeited. Many fakes are die-struck and difficult to detect visually.
The 1921 high-relief and 1928 Philadelphia issues are prime targets for Chinese counterfeit operations.
British gold sovereigns have been faked since the 1800s. Modern Chinese fakes are more sophisticated than ever.
The ancient coin market is overwhelmed with forgeries. Bulgarian and Chinese workshops produce fakes by the thousands.
The complete guide to testing precious metals at home: weight, dimensions, ping test, magnet test, specific gravity, and more.
The gold standard in non-destructive precious metals testing. Is it worth the investment for collectors and dealers?
Trusted dealers, red flags to watch for, and how to avoid counterfeit precious metals when buying online or in person.
The Hobby Protection Act, Secret Service jurisdiction, and what happens when counterfeiters get caught.
You can openly buy fake coins on Alibaba and AliExpress. How Chinese sellers advertise "replica" coins that end up sold as real.
How many counterfeit coins are actually in circulation? Industry estimates and what they mean for collectors and investors.
Silver and gold have distinct acoustic signatures. Learn to use free smartphone apps to verify your coins by sound.
How counterfeiters drill gold bars, fill them with tungsten, and reseal them. Why this is the hardest fake to detect.