Counterfeit Detection

To help collectors and dealers identify counterfeit coins, NGC has prepared lists of the most commonly counterfeited US, Chinese and world coins with diagnostic information and images from NGC’s extensive database, as well as commentary from the NGC coin grading team.

25. Great Britain 1818 Half Crown

Counterfeit Great Britain 1818 Half Crown
*Photos provided by the ANA Money Museum
Most Common Types of Counterfeits:
  • Transfer-die counterfeit
Summary:

Although nearly 3 million Half Crowns were struck in 1818, they are highly sought after today and command a large premium. This high numismatic premium has led to extensive counterfeiting.

Diagnostic Tips:
  • The most commonly seen counterfeit of this piece has repeating depressions, some of which are illustrated below.

These depressions are seen in the same location on many fakes of this type.