Introduction
With the increase in the circulation of fake coins, the Bank of Spain has developed a method to help citizens identify if a 2 euro coin is fake. Although this phenomenon may seem surprising, it is more common than you think.
Dismantling of a workshop manufacturing fake coins
In April, the police dismantled one of the biggest counterfeiting workshops in Spain and one of the biggest in Europe. This event has led the Bank of Spain to share five basic rules to help detect counterfeit coins.
The 5 tricks of the Bank of Spain to identify fake coins
1. Check that it is a euro coin
The first step is to make sure that the currency is a euro coin and not a currency outside the Eurosystem. Euro coins have a common face with the value number and the word Euro or Eurocent, as well as the map of Europe. In addition, the year of minting and an image of the issuing country, surrounded by the 12 stars of the European flag, appear on the national side of the coin.
2. Alignment
Another aspect to consider is the alignment of the images on the two sides of the coin. To verify this, hold the coin between two fingers and spin it on itself. The images on both sides must be vertically aligned for the coin to be authentic.
3. Map of Europe
Look at the map of Europe on the coin. As of 2007, euro currencies include all European countries, not just those belonging to the European Union. Therefore, euro coins from this year must have the full map of Europe.
4. Magnetism
All one and two euro coins have a slight magnetism in the center. You can test this by holding a small magnet close to the coin. If the magnet sticks and lifts off with a slight shake, the coin is genuine. It should be noted that 1, 2 and 5 cent coins are highly magnetic and will not fly off, while 10, 20 and 50 cent coins do not have this feature.
5. Surface
One and two euro coins should have a slightly rough surface and should never be smooth. If the surface of the coin is smooth, it may be fake.
With these five tricks from the Bank of Spain, you will be able to identify whether a 2 euro coin is genuine or fake. Remember that it is important to be alert and not accept coins that appear tampered with or badly damaged.