Fake 5 Francs 1839 Coin?

Ask for a good photo (large and in focus) of the edge of the coin see if that looks correct. Also ask if the coin is magnetic.

I believe the coin is a numismatic forgery not a made for circulation counterfeit. A numismatic forgery it would be nearly worthless. At least a counterfeit would have some value as a collector coin. Chances are slim in my opinion that it is of any value.

The problems as I see them are:

1. Weight - as stated that is in line with Chinese fakes
2. Small bumps in the fields
3. Very ragged appearance of obverse dentils (near DES FRA)
4. The appearance on the reverse of an arc between the dentils and the edge of the coin.

Here are the problem areas.

Pressure cast.


I don't know why the Chinese continue to bother with pressure casting, when I know they perfectly capable of producing struck coins from copy dies, in much better quality metal.