Counterfeit coinage..

As modern US markets waver.. Apparently, “one in every 50 pound coins in circulation is counterfeit”. That’s more than 30 million fake £1 coins according to the BBC. They also have some helpful tips on how to spot a counterfeit coin. It’s been worse. Notably when Isaac Newton, yes that Isaac Newton, took on the role of Warden of the Royal Mint in 1696, and then Master of the Royal Mint – more on that time here. Of course, he also prosecuted and punished counterfeiters.. notably William Chaloner – Westfall’s still the go-to-guy on this. But see also the BBC play The King’s Coiner [pdf file].


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