Last year I was about to buy this rather not so good copy of a 1912 5 Gulden coin from the Netherlands (thinking that it was real of course), when after a closer examination, I noticed that the details (especially in the back), were rather suspicious. When I mentioned to the dealer (a local, honest guy that has sold me coins for many years), he agreed with me that there was something not right and decided to test it. Needless to say, a little scraping was enough to confirm it. The interesting part is that the weight was correct and although in the pictures is quite obvious, to the naked eye, if you are unaware, it can look "normal." He apologized, told me that he had purchased it from another dealer (this one obviously not so honest), and allowed me to keep it as a curiosity. So, even from people you trust, it is better to examine what you are buying and in case you have an eye on a coin of this kind, beware, there are fakes out there!
Uhh, that's actually a poor fake. Look at the edges. No way I'd touch that. I took one glance and knew it was counterfeit. Here's what this looks like on numista. http://static-numista.com/catalogue/photos/pays-bas/g1140.jpg The fake looks like a struck coin from 300-400 years ago. lol
Agree with others, not at all deceptive - bungled lettering, cruddy surfaces. The Dutch (and Germans) don't mint coins that slipshod. Counterfeiting with the correct weight isn't difficult.
Isn't that the whole point of fakers, however? Fake an obscure but pricey coin, and hope the buyer's greed overtakes his common sense?
Is it supposed to be gold or silver? Not familiar with it. It looks good, too good in that there isn't much wear. That would lead me to closer inspect it and then I'd notice the other things others mentioned. Thanks for info and good point about always being aware
Did anyone notice it says "COPY" in on the reverse in the band of the crown? I don't think I'd ever buy anything from that dealer again.
Actually a lot of counterfeiters go for rather common coins... high volume at low profit margin per coin. The common stuff doesn't get the scrutiny that more rare coins get, and thus pass much more easily. See @LostDutchman recent post in the US coins forum.
Due to its relective shine and good weight for a second I though gilded platinum ... its possible ... but then the WORD "COPY" ... alas ... it's base metals. I have some earlier CC Guldens pictured in my new upcoming book in 2017 ... its true ... these period historical contemporary circulating counterfeits (i.e., not modern forgeries) when found are very rare. Probably a souvenier coin or museum shop novelty piece? John Lorenzo Numismatist United States
