Key Reference
Levine (1974)
NGC Articles
2010, 2013
Main Threats
Transfer die, cast
Repeating Depressions
Documented locations
Counterfeit Detection
The Zuid‑Afrikaansche Republiek (ZAR) coinage is among the most frequently counterfeited world series. This guide synthesises foundational research (Levine 1974) with modern authentication methodology (NGC) to help collectors identify forgeries.
Critical Principle
The Levine Reference (1974)
Elias Levine, The Coinage and Counterfeits of the Zuid‑Afrikaansche Republiek (Cape Town: Purnell, 1974) – the foundational work for ZAR collectors.
Key Chapters
- Collecting for beginners
- Coin care and grading
- Examination of regular ZAR series
- Rarities
- Chapter 5: The most comprehensive information on forgeries yet published
- Kruger millions
- Investing in Krugerrands
Limited Edition
100 copies were issued in a deluxe limited edition, signed by the author. Features a foreword by Mrs F.B. Lang, President Burgers' granddaughter.
Availability: Out of print – appears occasionally through antiquarian booksellers.
Levine's methodology – comparing genuine vs counterfeit specimens – established the foundation for modern authentication.
The Repeating Depression Principle
"It is virtually impossible for two genuine coins to have marks in the exact same locations, so if two coins show identical abrasions there is a very good chance that they are fake." – NGC
Counterfeiters make a die using a genuine example. The details of that specific coin – including all its marks and imperfections – are transferred onto the die. Every counterfeit struck from that die will show the exact same marks in the exact same locations.
1895 Gold ½ Pond – Documented Locations
Obverse
- Kruger's mouth
- Kruger's ear and into hair
- Bottom of his coat
Reverse
- The "8" of the date
- Ribbon above the first "A" of "MAAKT"
These fakes are gold and within weight tolerance – only visual examination reveals the truth.
1893 Silver 2½ Shillings
Location 1
Long depression below the flower – identical on multiple examples.
Location 2
Three prominent marks in the banner – precisely positioned identically.
These two coins, submitted separately, showed identical depressions. Statistically impossible for genuine coins – both struck from the same counterfeit die.
Cast Fakes
Produced by pouring molten metal into molds. Distinct characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description | Detection |
|---|---|---|
| Porosity | Tiny air bubbles from casting | Magnification reveals small pits |
| "Orange peel" texture | Uneven surface from mold | Visible under angled light |
| Soft details | Loss of sharpness | Compare to genuine |
| Casting seam | Visible line where mold halves met | Edge examination |
| Weight issues | Air bubbles create voids | Precision scale |
Levine's work extensively documents cast forgeries of ZAR coinage, including contemporary fakes from the 1890s.
Transfer Die Fakes – The Modern Threat
Unlike cast fakes, these are struck – not cast – and can closely resemble genuine coins in weight, diameter, and even metal composition.
Manufacturing Process
- Select a genuine coin (the "host")
- Create an impression die from the host – every surface detail transfers
- Heat treat the die to harden
- Strike blanks with counterfeit die
Why They're Dangerous
| Characteristic | Genuine | Transfer Die Fake |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Within tolerance | Often correct |
| Diameter | Standard | Standard |
| Metal | Appropriate alloy | Often correct (especially gold) |
| Surface details | Sharp | "Mushy" from transfer |
| Unique marks | Random, unique | Repeated identically |
Known Transfer Die Fakes in ZAR Series
- 1895 ½ Pond – NGC documented
- 1893 2½ Shillings – NGC documented
- Various Ponds – Levine comprehensively documented
Authentication Protocol for Collectors
Step 1: Visual Inspection (No Magnification)
- Overall appearance – natural wear pattern?
- Color – appropriate for metal?
- Edge – consistent, visible seam?
- Rims – even, appropriate thickness?
Step 2: Low Magnification (5×–10×)
- Surface texture – natural flow lines vs. casting porosity
- High points – even wear vs. mushy details
- Lettering – sharp and consistent vs. soft, uneven
- Date – proper style, no alteration evidence
Step 3: High Magnification (20×+)
- Die markers – known genuine vs. known counterfeit depressions
- Surface marks – random and unique vs. identical (if comparing multiple)
- Reeding – sharp and consistent vs. blurry, wrong pattern
Step 4: Physical Measurements
- Weight – precision scale (note: gold fakes can be correct)
- Diameter – calipers
- Thickness – calipers
Step 5: Comparison
- Compare to known genuine specimens
- Compare multiple suspect coins – identical marks?
- Compare to documented fakes – known depression locations
Step 6: Professional Certification
- NGC – largest ZAR population, maintains counterfeit database
- PCGS – strong market acceptance
- SANGS – local expertise
"If you ever have reason to question the authenticity of an uncertified coin, it is recommended that you submit the coin to a reputable third-party coin grading company for certification." – NGC
Common Pitfalls and Warnings
The "Weight Tolerance" Trap
Gold counterfeits can be within weight tolerance – demonstrated by 1895 half‑pond fakes. Weight alone is insufficient.
The "Looks Old" Fallacy
Counterfeiters can artificially age coins. Wear patterns can be faked. Age is not authenticity.
The "One Coin" Limitation
Without a second suspect coin, the repeating depression test cannot be performed. Maintain reference images of documented fakes.
Over‑Reliance on Single Diagnostic
Use multiple diagnostic points. A genuine OS initial on a double‑shaft coin is correct; the same initial on a single‑shaft coin is impossible.
Building a Reference Collection
Essential Books
- Levine (1974) – ZAR counterfeit reference
- PCGS – Official Guide to Coin Grading
- Hern – genuine coin specifications
Online Resources
- NGC Coin – counterfeit detection articles
- PCGS CoinFacts – population, images
- CoinArchives – auction records
Save images of certified genuine coins. Document known fakes from NGC articles. Create comparison files by denomination and date.
Sources
- Levine, Elias. The Coinage and Counterfeits of the Zuid‑Afrikaansche Republiek. Cape Town: Purnell, 1974.
- NGC UK (May 2013). "World Coin Counterfeits: South Africa 1895 Gold ½ Pond."
- NGC Coin (October 2010). "Counterfeit Detection: Repeating Depression on a Pair of Counterfeit 1893 South Africa 2½ Shillings."
- Antiquarian Auctions. Levine limited edition listing.
- Hern, Brian. Standard Catalogue of South African Coins.