Adam abstract 2007

Fakes, forgeries, and money museums: Jennifer Adam, British Museum, London

As a form of portable and exchangeable wealth, coins have always been copied. Fake currency has shaped numismatic history, as attempts to outsmart the forgers prompt the development of money. The distinction between 'real' and 'fake' is not always as clear-cut as it sounds: 'imitation', 'counterfeit' and 'forgery' can each describe a particular relation to the genuine coin. Forgeries of historical coins are indeed collectible in themselves. I will explore how we in museums relate such items to the genuine pieces, and present this aspect of monetary history.

Collections holding this type of object also face certain legal considerations. While fakes of historical coins are a serious issue for collectors, forgeries in the Modern series have a unique status in terms of their relation to modern counterfeiting and copyright law. Legislation restricts the possession and illustration of such items, so how freely may a museum collect and display numismatic forgeries? Are they historical artefacts, art objects or criminal evidence?

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