Counterfeit Detection: French Ecu Of Louis XVI - Always Check For Altered Dates

PCGS - While many experts check for date and mint mark alterations on key-date coinage, especially that of the United States, it is important to check on all coins, even common ones, because sometimes you will find a surprise. A curious alteration was detected in a recent Paris Express Submission to PCGS Europe.

Read More: Counterfeit Detection Series.


France "1781" Ecu with Altered Date


Genuine France 1781-I Ecu

A French Ecu of Louis XVI was submitted for certification and grading. The coin was described as a "1781-I" from the Limoges Mint. Under inspection, it was revealed that this coin was actually an altered 1784-I Ecu. There is a price difference between the 1784 and the 1781 Ecu coins from the Limoges Mint, with the 1781 being a better coin than the 1784, but it is not a coin often seen as an altered date.

Read the Entire Article