One of the worst counterfeit coins he’s ever seen – that’s how award-winning researcher Mike Marshall describes a new 1999-dated $2 “Nunavut” fake that surfaced in Ontario earlier this year.
Despite its crude appearance, Marshall believes the counterfeit was intentionally created to deceive unsuspecting Canadians at the cash register.
The fake coin, which has now joined Marshall’s growing collection of known forgeries, was reportedly found in the Greater Toronto Area and shows signs of being produced through a labour-intensive process. “They’re that bad,” Marshall told Canadian Coin News, describing the plated outer ring and poorly joined inner core. “No two are rotated the same way, and you can see punch damage on every single piece.”
While clearly substandard to the trained eye, these forgeries are still making their way into public hands. A full roll recently showed up at a local bank, sold unknowingly to a collector. Marshall warns that unless you’re paying close attention, these fakes could slip by – especially during everyday transactions like buying coffee.
The new Nunavut fake joins a long and growing list of fraudulent toonies discovered over the years, including high-quality counterfeits from the infamous “Montréal Mint” raid in 2006 and more recent fakes like the 2012 “Double Canada” and “Camel Toe” coins. Together, they raise serious concerns about the security of Canadian currency.
For the full story on Marshall’s latest discovery, including exclusive photos, expert analysis, and insights into Canada’s troubling history of counterfeit toonies, read the full article in the latest issue of Canadian Coin News.
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The discovery of a brutal new fake toonie highlights the importance of vigilance and expert verification in numismatics. If you suspect a coin might be counterfeit, consult with professionals to ensure authenticity.