Objekt 9730
Counterfeiting
Description
Contemporary counterfeits
Throughout history, coins in circulation have been forged. In order for the business to be profitable, counterfeited coins had to be of low-grade metal or produced by cheap and simple technology; this usually meant casting.
Object description
1. Roman Empire and Gallic Empire. Counterfeit denarius of Emperor Nerva (96–98) with copper core, and gilded bronze aureus of Postumus (258–267), around 100 and 260/70
Bronze cast, silvered and gilded
Inv. 1903.2555., 1903.4577.
2. Moulds from a counterfeiter’s workshop used for producing denarii of Emperor Maximinus I Thrax (235–238), allegedly found in Augst in 1761, 3rd c.
Cast lead
Inv. 1906.485.2., 1995.43.
3. Switzerland. 5 francs 1989 and marked counterfeit 5 francs 1991
Copper-nickel, struck
Inv. 1989.485.2., 1995.43.
Which Piece is Fake?
[left]
Fake
Struck forgery of 5 franc piece 1989 with flat and bland relief
Inv. 2010.315.
[right]
Genuine
5 franc piece 2011 with distinctive relief
Inv. 2011.574.