COPY-Stamping of Counterfeits Available at Savannah Show

Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation (ACEF) representatives will be on hand to stamp COPY on counterfeit coins submitted by collectors who have unwittingly purchased fakes from e-commerce platforms or fraudulent merchants.

“Many people who have been duped into buying counterfeit coins realize they can’t sell fakes. But they are often at a loss as what to do with them. Having the fakes properly incused with the word ‘COPY’ makes them legal to own,” explained ACEF Executive Director Beth Deisher.

“It’s equally important for buyers to see real coins and meet trusted, professional dealers who will treat them fairly. The ANA National Money show is an ideal place to learn about coins and meet people you can trust,” Deisher added.

For those unable to attend ANA’s National Money show who are seeking a trustworthy dealer, ACEF provides the Trusted Experts Directory at https://acefonline.org/trusted-experts-directory/ that enables one to locate a dealer nearby.

According to federal law, counterfeit coins are illegal to possess, buy or sell. Hence, once a victim becomes aware that a coin is counterfeit, he/she should turn it over to the nearest Secret Service agent or local law-enforcement official. Often that is impractical because of distance or law enforcement being reluctant to spend time to recover a small number of counterfeit coins.

However, there is a legal way to possess a counterfeit coin. The Hobby Protection Act sanctions possession of a counterfeit coin if the word “COPY” is incused on either the back or front.

ACEF is a 501(C)(3)non-profit corporation with Public Charity status. It is funded by donations. For information on how to donate, go to https://acefonline.org/donate/