As the value of antique Indian coins has risen so has the sophistication of counterfeiters. Protecting yourself requires vigilance and education.
Common Forgery Methods
Casting fakes are made by pouring molten metal into a mold. These often look soft and soapy, have a seam on the edge and exhibit tiny pits from air bubbles. Die struck fakes are much harder to spot and require expert analysis of font, design style and metal composition. Altered dates involve scammers changing a common coin date to match a rare year using small tools, leaving telltale marks visible under magnification.
Buy from Trusted Sources
The best defense against fakes is buying from established reputable dealers who guarantee authenticity. M.K. Pokkisham carefully authenticates every coin and stamp before listing it for sale.