New Collectors And Counterfeits

This hobby is like any other hobby, it is all about knowledge. Collecting antiques, collecting classic cars, collecting vintage anything, counterfeits abound. I used to collect classic cars. The most valuable cars are the numbers matching cars. Well you have to know what numbers, where to find the numbers, how to recognize NOS parts. And you do all that by studying what you collect. Studying genuine as well as counterfeit examples.

Everyone says that "I only buy graded coins, so I don't get stuck with a counterfeit" The graders are just collectors like you and I, who have spent many hours studying and educating themselves on what they grade. It is really nothing that any hobbyist can't aspire to in the limited realm of what they have chosen to collect.

You learn by mistakes.. true.. but sometimes you can learn by others mistakes... or look at Mike Marshal's work... buy the current edition of the charlton coin guy his work is in a section all of it's own in the back.. and shows the most common markers from the counterfeits in china.

Network... talk to dealers (the sheer number of coins that pass through their hands is crazy) and so they get exposed to counterfeits as well... It's amazing what can be learned.. and in my experience there's so many people here that are happy to sit, chat and educate... all for the cost of a cup of coffee or a beer... (mmm beer!) On a side ... I also generally like to pay for my education so to those that have taught me something I really like to buy something from them.

Can counterfeits turn a new person off this hobby... for sure.. but as it was previously mentioned there are counterfiets in many other areas as well.. it just forces you to become a more discerning collector.

I think of the art, furniture and fashion world and see how many knockoffs there are.. it's almost impossible to find the legitamate piece... but they are still out there and people still collect 'em.

An important question, AgHoarder, and one deserving of a thoughtful answer.

I would approach the hobby with caution. One thing for certain is that I would 'buy into' the need to only purchase slabbed coins (not true, but a reasonable conclusion.)
I would have to be fortunate enough to find a group such as the CCF or a local dealer or club to steer me into what educational tools to acquire [reference materials and experience.] Counterfeits have always been with us.
And I would have to have the courage to "take the plunge" into purchasing low value coins.

Most importantly, I would have to have faith that certain 'voices of experience' would have my needs and goals
placed above personal motivations. Perhaps until such trust was earned I would wait until making any substantial purchase.

Beyond this, I can understand why any new collector has a great deal to be mistrustful of.

possibility of counterfeits has turned me off from buying numismatic value coins. coins that arnt much above metal value are pretty easy to tell if counterfit. which I feel is a good way to get into the field as I'mstill entry level. once I get comfortable with the foundation ill move onto more valuable coins

As one who has also raised a red flag on this topic of fakes in other threads on this site. I advise treading softly and carry a big book and seek advice here where knowledge abounds that might save you as it has me from going into the nether world of the forgers who lurk in the muddy waters waiting to snare us. Like other members have stated already, this is not the only hobby that has this dark side to it, even the so called experts have been fooled so due diligence my friend and may the force be with you.