I’ve been buying old German Pfennig coins at flea markets and online, but I recently heard that some rare 10 Pfennig coins have been counterfeited or altered to appear more valuable. I want to make sure I don’t end up with a fake. Are there known counterfeits of West German 10 Pfennig coins? What should I look for to tell if a coin has been tampered with?

Counterfeiting is not as common with 10 Pfennig coins as with higher-value denominations, but altered coins do exist. Some sellers artificially age coins or modify mint marks to make them look like rarer variants. The best way to avoid fakes is by checking edge details, weight, and metal composition. Authentic coins should match official specifications exactly. If you’re unsure about a coin’s authenticity, compare it with verified examples on https://coinstrail.com/catalog/germany/brd/circulating-10-pfennig/6357dd0941999a4fb3f01b7b This site provides accurate images and data, which can help you spot discrepancies. When buying valuable coins, it’s always safer to purchase from reputable numismatic dealers rather than unverified sources like flea markets or general online marketplaces. If you suspect a coin is fake, having it checked by a grading service can give you a definitive answer.