Replica coins have played an important role as tools for teaching history. These are great for teaching ancient Roman or Greek culture. To hold an example of what a coin looked like can help in understanding the level of skill in minting coins for the empire. Spanish doubloons and “Pieces of Eight” help to understand the transition to our current monetary system. Colonial and confederate bank notes are another source of teaching tools for educators. And of course these replicas are very nice display items for any coin collector.
Then there are the coins that are meant to deceive. The counterfeit coins market is still out there, and it is a good idea to know how to spot a fake when buying a coin meant for an investment. It’s best to purchase a coin that has been graded and certified to be genuine.
