First Coin Purchase Need Advice

to the community

Not my area of collecting, but chances are that it is not a genuine example. We have a few folks here that know about this type hopefully they will be able to answer your question.

to the CCF!
Over decades of collecting, I have always attempted to accumulate as much knowledge as I can across the whole of numismatics.
Unfortunately I have never been able pick fakes of Chinese Knife Money, so I have always been tempted to stay away from them, until I can pick them with confidence. That is a pity, because I have a reasonably extensive collection of Chinese cash coins, covering all dynasties and most Emperors, and I am somewhat more confident with these.

My strong advice is to learn as much as you can numismatically and pricewise about Knife Money, and how to confidently identify fake from genuine for yourself, before making a purchase. Part of the learning process is to handle and examine them closely and discuss with others, so that you become familiar with them.
I really would like to add an example or two of knife Money to my collection of cash coins.

Basically, I don't trust the Chinese counterfeiters in any branch of numismatics, and especially their own coins.

I agree, when first starting out I would stick to that motto. You do pay a premium, but you will have piece of mind.

When you've narrowed down your area of collecting, do as much research as possible. Look through forums and websites and bookmark them. When, you feel confident enough to make purchases you will find some great bargains from time to time. I've been collecting for about 7 years and I've been fooled occasionally - typically it's a "Hey it's worth a shot" purchases. I still do not make large purchases from dealers and sellers I do not recognize (unless they are authenticated). I still do not buy anything from China and eastern Europe (mainly Bulgaria). I'm sure not everything is a fake from those regions, but I'd rather not be bothered trying to figure that out every time I make a purchase.