Error Coin’s error

This message was taken from PNAS yahoo group and was written by Mr. Erni Labao

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Hi Fellow collectors,

I just want to call your attention on some questionable coins that has been floating around lately. I’ve seen samples being sold at eBay.ph and at least on one occasion in one of our local auctions. Judging only on the scans, and with common sense, I could categorically say that these pieces are FAKES, made to dupe unsuspecting collectors. The evidence on the coins themselves is as bright as a noonday sun. That is if we know what to look for. Please refer:

ONE PESO Flora and Fauna Series
The coin no doubt is authentic. It is the supposed to be “error” double strike that troubles me. Here are my observations:

1. The illustrated coin being of the Flora & Fauna Series, has Tagalog or Filipino legends. The scan shown being the reverse, carries the figure of a tamaraw, its scientific name Anoa Mindorensis, and the denomination, 1 Piso. Take note, it says “PISO” not Peso. Its reverse would have the profile of Jose Rizal, the date, and REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS. Again, in Tagalog. Not Republic of the Philippines.
   

   Photo by Ms. Eilleen Liz Jensen

2. Now, take a look at the supposed “double strike”, it clearly says PESO, english, not Piso. Another point, the font, or letter type used is entirely different.

25 CENTAVOS Pilipino Series (Obverse)

1. Same observation as above, Tagalog legends, profile of Juan Luna, his name, and the date.
2. The “double strike” this time says “REPU..”. It could be Republika or Republic, but again, the letter type is different.
   

   Photo by Ms. Eilleen Liz Jensen

25 CENTAVOS Pilipino Series (Reverse)

1. This is supposed to be the reverse of the same 25c coin. Showing a butterfly and denomination of 25 Sentimo.
2. The “double strike” says “..ENTY F..” obviously, for “Twenty Five..”. In English. (by now we could say that the “Repu..” on the obverse stands for “Republic”, having an english die on the reverse, it is just fair to deduce that the other one is of the same language). Also in a letter type different from the coin’s.

My guess is, whoever did this, has in his possession old dies used by Jose Tupaz when he did the patterns during Pres. Marcos’ time. Those who have these pattern pieces can check the letters in them, and they will find that they are the same.

Whoever did these, I’m sure, did not do his homework. He is not familiar with the minting process. How real errors could happen in the process of making coins. He failed to recognize the differences in letter fonts of his dies and the coins he is using. Just think about it, the dies, if they were the originals of Jose Tupaz, were made in the 60’s, and the coins he is faking are of the 80’s and 90’s… a clean spread of 20-30 years. How could that ever happen? The BSP Mint in Quezon City does not even exist yet when Mr. Tupaz’s dies were made. How then could the coins and these dies meet? Conclusion: the “double strikes” were done after the coins left the Mint, with dies made 30 years earlier.

My worry now is, the forger might somehow get hold of this info and wisen-up, become more careful with his pairing of dies and coins… but then, if we will only be diligent in studying the items offered to us, we will see the signs of forgery. The only problem is if he can get authentic decommissioned dies from the BSP, then that would be another story.

Just want to make this humble reminder to collectors, especially those of error coins, please try to study carefully the coins offered to you. If you can gain access to information on the minting process, on errors, read, do research, and be an informed collector. I do not want to offend anybody with this posting; my purpose is to let others know. I know there are some collectors out there who bought some of these, the proud owners of Philippine coin “errors”, not knowing that they were duped. I saw them sold in eBay. There are more of these out there… Maybe one is in your collection?

CAVEAT EMPTOR!

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Thanks Sir Erni!
-PNN