World Coins: Counterfeit Brazil 1900 4,000 Reis

While high quality counterfeit US and Chinese coins have existed for many years, counterfeiters have started to focus more extensively on coins from other countries in an effort to deceive more collectors and dealers. One forgery that was recently inspected is this Brazil 1900 4000 Reis.

l: Counterfeit 1 Obverse, r: Counterfeit 1 Reverse Brazil 1900 4,000 Reis Click images to enlarge.

This issue was originally struck to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of the New World. The Brazil 1900 4,000 Reis comes in two distinct varieties: 16 and 20 rays on the star. This particular counterfeit is of the 16 rays variety.

l: Counterfeit 2 Obverse, r: Counterfeit 2 Reverse Brazil 1900 4,000 Reis Click images to enlarge.

The fake is a high quality transfer die type. Contact marks and other imperfections that appear on the genuine host coin are transferred to counterfeit dies and subsequently appear on the coins produced from said dies. Several areas that have been circled in the photos highlight some of the major “repeaters” (e.g. repeating depressions) that have transferred.

Counterfeit Brazil 1900 4,000 Reis Major Repeaters Click images to enlarge.

While counterfeiters unfortunately continue to produce new fakes all the time, certification by a reputable third-party grading service significantly minimizes the risk of buying a forgery.