Reproduction Coins

Replica Coins

Exonumia

All About Reproduction Coins
Reproduction or Counterfeit?

General
There has long been confusion about what constitutes a counterfeit coin, and the difference between a counterfeit, restrike, copy, forgery or reproduction.
Normally "copy", "counterfeit", "forgery", and "restrike" all mean the same thing. Most copies of the original are forgeries, there do exist official restrikes of certain coins, which are copies, but not forgeries. The Austrian mint, for example, still produces official restrikes of a number of historic coins, most notably the beautiful Maria Theresa thaler dated 1780.
Unfortunately the word "restrike" is all too often used euphemistically to mean counterfeit.

All of these can be described as a "copy", but there are good copies and there are bad copies. Apart from the aesthetic appearance of a copy, what distinguishes a "good" from a "bad" copy? The important distinguishing feature between them is that counterfeits are intended to deceive.
Reproduction coins, such as we offer here, are never intended to deceive. They are produced for a number of purposes, but mainly so that rare and valuable historic examples can be collected, viewed and appreciated at an affordable cost. Recently there has been much interest in historical re-enactment. Many historical tourist sites feature medieval jousting, others re-create famous battles. It naturally adds to the atmosphere if the participants have "original" coins in their pockets. Similar considerations apply the theatre and to films. You would be appalled to be watching "Titanic" and see the barman paid with a credit card!
It is natural that both producers and collectors of reproductions wish to achieve an authentic appearance, yet it would be undesirable if reproductions were indistinguishable from the original. A good reproduction coin, then, must be sufficiently realistic to satisfy the desire of collectors, but to be capable of being readily distinguished from the original.

Hand Hammered Replica Coins by Bigbury Mint
We believe that the Bigbury Mint reproduction coins we offer are beautifully designed and made, using a combination authentic historic techniques and the best of modern equipment. The inscriptions are changed, and mint-marks or other features added, so that although the coins have an authentic look, there is little chance of them being fraudulently passed off as the genuine article.

Cut Them Off!
According to "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles", in 1125 during the reign of Henry I, a number of moneyers who were suspected of minting underweight coins were brought to Winchester. They were each deprived of their right hand and their testicles. What their punishment would have been had they been found guilty rather than merely suspected, I shudder to think. For producing imitation coins instead of a slightly lightweight version of the real thing, the penalties must have been worse than death. Fortunately, most modern authorities take a somewhat more enlightened view of the production of replica coins. Please bear in mind, though, the great personal risk and sacrifice which we undergo to make our replica coins available to you!
There are reproduction coins available which are produced by casting, and often made in non-precious metals. These can be found at lower prices, but are far inferior in appearance compared with our reproductions, which are all produced by striking in a coining press, producing a far superior look and feel.

Replica Coins Order Form