How to spot counterfeit 20-krone notes in circulation

Normally, it’s the crinkling banknotes that get counterfeited. But now, you also need to be on the lookout for coins.

Yesterday, the National Police warned that fake 20-krone coins dated 2021 are circulating in several places across the country.

This isn’t the first time counterfeit coins have appeared. Back in December, Vejle Amts Folkeblad reported that the police in South Jutland are investigating a case involving fake 20-krone coins at the shopping center Bryggen in Vejle.

In the same month, a 36-year-old man from Hillerød was detained after attempting to pay with 20-krone coins in a store. Police were called in, and during a search of his address, they found around 40,000 kroner in counterfeit coins.

However, the National Bank emphasizes that you can generally trust both coins and banknotes.

- Counterfeiting is a minor issue that only occurs occasionally. Compared to other countries, it remains at a relatively low level in Denmark, says Niels Kaas, who is the chief cashier and head of Cash and Risk Management at the National Bank.

- But when it does happen, it’s good that attention is drawn to it, so people check a little more carefully when they rummage through their pockets for coins.

The National Bank has a guide on what to look for when dealing with counterfeit banknotes. But what about coins? What should you check for here?

The image shows an authentic 20-krone coin—and thus how the mouth and nose should appear. *(Photo: © National Bank)*

In the 2021 edition of the 20-krone coin, which are the ones currently being warned about in counterfeit versions, there is a portrait of Queen Margrethe.

And it’s here that two small details can reveal whether it’s the genuine article.

- There are subtle nuances in the portrait that may be less detailed in a counterfeit coin. This is especially true around the mouth and nose. The details, for example, can appear flatter, says Niels Kaas.

On the reverse side of the coin, where the coat of arms is visible, you can examine the royal crown—particularly the stones in the crown. According to Niels Kaas, the stones in counterfeit coins are often flatter and more lifeless.

Here you can see the ridges on the edge of an authentic coin. *(Photo: © Kristian Djurhuus/Ritzau Scanpix)*

An authentic coin also features what is called a discontinuous milled edge—meaning there are small ridges along the coin’s edge.

- Counterfeit coins may also have these, but often the ridges won’t be as sharp or as deep.

Over time, coins become worn or dirty, just like the authentic ones in the image, so be cautious if you receive a completely shiny coin. *(Photo: © Kristian Djurhuus/Ritzau Scanpix)*

While a brand-new, shiny coin is pleasant to look at, it can also be a sign of a counterfeit.

- Coins generally lead a rough life, getting many bumps and scratches. Even if they may have been stored in a drawer for some time, most of them will have been in circulation for several years if they’re from 2021, and that shows, says Niels Kaas.

According to police, who have seized several of the fake 20-krone coins, some of them appear "unusually new and shiny."

Even though a 20-krone coin weighs just 9.3 grams, it is possible to feel the difference between an authentic and a counterfeit one. *(© Colourbox)*

According to Niels Kaas, it’s actually quite difficult to counterfeit a coin. While banknotes now have many security features that can be hard to replicate, it’s even harder with coins, he says.

- It’s a piece of metal that must be shaped, weighted, and given the exact appearance of a real coin. That’s difficult to counterfeit, says Niels Kaas.

Counterfeit coins are often lighter than authentic ones.

A 20-krone coin weighs 9.3 grams according to the National Bank, so you should feel carefully. But Niels Kaas believes it’s possible to detect the difference if you hold the counterfeit coin in one hand and an authentic one in the other.

*(Photo: © Ólafur Steinar Gestsson/Ritzau Scanpix)*

And here’s a final tip: If someone tries to pay with many coins, it’s a good idea to be cautious. Especially if the coins are from 2021.

The National Police state in a press release that they have several ongoing cases where individuals have attempted to purchase smartphones and other electronics for thousands of kroner and then paid with counterfeit 20-krone coins.

The Coin Act also allows shops to refuse payment if someone tries to pay with 25 identical coins, such as 25 20-krone coins.

- This is both because it can be cumbersome for a shop to accept, but it also limits the opportunities for counterfeiting large numbers of coins.

Warning: This article was translated by a Large Language Model, in case of doubt, you can always visit the original source.