Euro coins
Authentic coins are produced in the Portuguese Mint by using machinery specifically constructed for the purpose, whereby the high technological level and strict specifications ensure continued production of high quality coins with distinctive features. If a coin fails to present any of these features, it may be considered suspect and an in-depth analysis will be requested. There is no need for sophisticated equipment in order to analyse a coin: all that is needed is a magnet, a magnifying glass and a sheet of paper.
The “Feel-Look-Check” methodology should be used to check a metal coin, since it is effective in the screening of the vast majority of counterfeit coins. When the authenticity of euro coins is suspect, their evaluation should proceed as follows:
- By comparing the coin with another proven authentic coin of the same denomination and bearing the same national face;
- By trying to establish differences and never similarities;
- By analysing the presence of security features. The analysis should never be based on just one security feature.
Note!
Not all counterfeits present the same characteristics and irregularities. The results of a coin analysis may not be conclusive since the coin in question may be:
- a damaged coin, whether due to excessive use in circulation or deliberately damaged by mechanical, chemical or other means;
- a counterfeit with a high danger rate, both due to accuracy of the embossment and the raw-material used.
Whenever doubts arise as to the authenticity of a suspect coin, it should be passed on to the National Counterfeit Analysis Centre (CNAC) of Banco de Portugal, for expert analysis.