Collectable Fakes

A fake in one context can be collectable in another, as demonstrated by Renaissance fantasy coins. These coins were designed to deceive unsuspecting collectors at a time when collecting ancient coins was first becoming fashionable. Over 300 years later, they are now highly collectible in their own right. 

Coin 21 is a modern after-cast (a replica of a fake!) of a 'Paduan' coin, a kind of fantasy coin made by Giovanni Cavino in Padua, Italy during the 16th century. Otho never minted this kind of coin, and the shape and imagery are inaccurate, however, even a fake can be beautiful, interesting, and collectable.