First time I've spotted one was today, though if truth be known like many people,I've probably had them without knowing because there are so many in circulation we're told. Anyway, I had just recevied my change from the woman in Superdrug, never really looked at the change before but did so this time and noticed one pound coin had no wording round the edge. On further inspection I looked at the head of the coin, turned it over and saw the tail of it was not in the same direction. I spoke to the woman at the till and mentioned it was a fake, she looked at it and took it back and gave me a real one (I hope lol). I just wonder if anyone else has spotted a fake coin and managed to exchange it from where it was given from?
I have had several over the years. Most of them I have passed on as I was not always sure where they came from.
One of the earliest I had consisted of a lead disc which had been coated in what looked like metal-filled epoxy resin. I only noticed because the coating had chipped and you could see the lead underneath.
Saw something on it on tv the other week, they said the forgers were getting more sophisticated now and even banks were having a problem spotting them!! I was lucky I spotted that one today and got a replacement.
No maidup, not really much difference in weight compared to the other one I was given, I think it was just I caught sight of there being no lettering round the edge of the coin that made me check the rest of it, something I don't usually do.
I had one with on "lip" around the edge. One made from a dodgy metal that had almost worn smooth. Some are a totally different colour. But the banks will take them all. Well ... Brighton banks, at least. Actually, most places around here will accept anything, as long as you can trade it for cannabis or an ice cream.
Most of the fakes I have seen have edge writing that is not as sharp as it should be. Also the head & tail designs are not as detailed and clear as they should be. Head & tail not lining up is another thing to watch for. Also if the material is mostly brass the coins will have a 'soapy' feel quite unlike the real thing.
you can't go wrong with scratching the surface of a pound coin, if it scratches easily, it's probably fake.
The lead based ones could be scratched with a finger nail...