Glitters, but Not Gold: Fake Gold and Silver Coins 'Flooding' Market

In these uncertain economic times, you don't have to be a miser to consider putting some of your money into precious metals, and gold and silver coins are an easy way to do that.

But this increased demand for bullion coins — like the American Eagle, South African Krugerrand and Canadian Maple Leaf — has created a golden opportunity for forgers.

Counterfeit coins are "flooding the market at an astonishing rate," and compromising the investments of collectors, according to the American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Glitters, but Not Gold: Fake Gold and Silver Coins 'Flooding' Market