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.

8. Iran SH1339 (1960) 5 Pahlavi

Counterfeit Iran SH1339 (1960) 5 Pahlavi
*Photos provided by the ANA Money Museum
Most Common Types of Counterfeits:
  • Transfer-die counterfeit
Summary:

The 1960 5 Pahlavi was the first issue of this denomination since 1926. With a mintage of only 2,225 pieces, this coin is rare in all grades. However, examples usually only sell for a moderate numismatic premium.

Diagnostic Tips:
  • While the genuine examples are not very well struck to begin with, counterfeits are even less so. This is especially apparent on the lion on the reverse.

Weak details on the lion on a forgery