Notable Differences
- The interior of the numbers and the maple leaf have a matte finish on the counterfeit coin but are much more reflective on the genuine coin.
- The queen's portrait has a proof-like finish on the genuine coin and a matte finish on the counterfeit coin.
- The lettering on the reverse is bolder with a contrasting matte finish on the counterfeit coin.
Discussion & Detection
At a quick glance this counterfeit Maple could pass as a reverse proof, however in comparing it to the genuine coin, it becomes obvious that the counterfeiters did not apply the matte finish to the correct parts of the coin. Our sample counterfeit coin was dimensionally accurate but significantly under weight, weighing less than 26 grams, and stuck to a magnet. The same dies could be used to strike counterfeits in non-magnetic brass or copper, so be sure to do further checking even if a coin does not stick to a magnet.
