Carl Wilhelm Becker (1772-1830) was a masterful counterfeiter and antiquities forger who left a lasting mark on the world of numismatics. Becker's journey into deception began in 1806, where he seamlessly blended his illicit production of counterfeit coins and antiquities with a legitimate trade in genuine artifacts. In 1924, George F. Hill delved into Becker's intricate world of deception, meticulously documenting around 360 counterfeit Greek coins in his seminal work "Becker the Counterfeiter." Hill noted the astonishing craftsmanship of Becker's counterfeits, with some so closely resembling authentic pieces that they could easily deceive even seasoned collectors. Beyond Greek coins, Becker's fakes extended to Roman, medieval, and modern coins, utilizing materials like silver and gold alongside bronze. Despite periodic accusations of forgery, Becker adamantly defended his creations as "instructive," disavowing any intent to deceive. However, revelations from his posthumous diary exposed a different reality, detailing instances where his counterfeits were surreptitiously sold through intermediaries at considerable prices. Becker's commitment to authenticity extended beyond materials to his ingenious aging techniques. He would often procure cheap ancient coins to serve as the base for his new creations, leveraging their metal content, weight, and aged appearance to enhance the credibility of his forgeries. To further simulate antiquity, Becker subjected newly minted coins to rigorous "rides," placing them in a box attached to his carriage's axle. The resulting jostling and friction would impart a weathered appearance, enhancing the coins' perceived age and authenticity. Following Becker's demise in 1830, financial hardships plagued his family. They resorted to using his dies to strike subpar coins from a low-quality pewter alloy, which were then distributed to collectors and institutions. Eventually, Becker's dies found a new home at the Kaiser-Friedrich Museum in Berlin, where they were employed to produce off-metal sets of "coins," sometimes plated with genuine metals to serve as coveted substitutes in collections. Carl Wilhelm Becker's legacy endures as a testament to his unparalleled skill in forgery, characterized by expert craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to deception that continues to captivate historians and numismatists alike. Carl Wilhelm Becker (1772-1830), Syracuse, AR 12 Litrae, Early 19th century, Hill, G.F: Becker the Counterfeiter pl. II, 30 (these dies) (10.46 g, 23 mm) Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena left Reverse: Artemis standing left, holding bow, quiver and arrows; below, hound left
