To study Asian numismatics means to also study forgeries, yes FAKES. There are now so many fakes of superb quality that it is hurting the hobby. Therefor a good portion of this site is dedicated to the study of forgeries and I hope  presents some good examples for other collectors to study. Finally, not even the  'top' experts will always be right, and the study of forgeries must be accompanied with a bit of forgiveness for all. A  friend, and collector of Indonesian tribal art, was onec interviewed by a reporter. The reporter asked "Do you have any fakes?" to which he replied "Yes, about 10%". The reporter then asked which ones were fake, to which he replied "I don't know! If I did they  wouldn't be there."

Although the following bits of wisdom are not always true, they are much more often true than not.

1) A very rare coin should look just like a cheap $1 coin.

2) Be as happy to find a new $1000 is fake, as to  find it's real. (any emotions about a coin can be blinding)

3) Rare coins are rare. (they are hard to find, and are expensive)

CASE STUDIES