Have you encountered counterfeits in circulation coins?

[coppernickel]

I know Great Britain recently changed out their pound coins because a significant number were counterfeit.

Over the years, I've gotten a few under weight or just odd cents over the years, but have attributed them to wear or chemical exposure. I don't think that I have handled any counterfeit U.S. circulated coins.

There are known examples of silver coins, even to the quarter, so not meaning silver or numismatic coins. You know, that state circulation quarter is just such a keeper. Good enough to party like it's 1999.

Has anyone noticed any counterfeit modern circulation U.S. coins during your search?

[rainsonme]

well, pennies shaved down to be the size of a dime, I presume to go into a vending machine; most of the ones I found were wheat-backs, probably when it was more cost effective to cheat 9 cents. And a 1971 clad half dollar coated with silver to make it appear to be a very convincing error coin. Of course the no-cents 1883 Liberty nickles coated in gold to look like a $5 piece, but I never found one of those in circulation ----- that was just slightly before my time.

[Recyclersteve]

I would think counterfeits of modern coins would be rare. I’m guessing there might be some fake 1982 no mintmark dimes where the mint mark was shaved off. Can’t really think of any others that are worth it. Anyone else?

[JadeDragon]

Credit Union thought they had a counterfeit $2 coin because it would not accept in the coin counter. It had a different feel to it too but excellent quality. I convinced them to sell it to me, and then at the coin shop figured out it was a special edition silver toonie with 24k gold plating in the center.

[68Camaro]

The point inferred above is that given that a major mass producer of coin (the USG) can't make coin for less money than their face value, we have long since gotten past the point where (except for the dollar coins, possibly - but they are hardly used) it is economic to counterfeit coin in quantity. The exception is one-offs of rare coins, looking for numi value rather than intrinsic value.

[JadeDragon]

Well pennies can't be made for less than a penny and US nickels must cost more than a nickel given the metal content but in Canada all circulation coins are made at a profit and people actively use $1 and $2 coins daily, and they get lots of use. I got a couple rolls of $1 coins for change on Sunday and found first year heavily worn $1 coins in it.