I cannot remember if I have written to you about my definitions for Counterfeits, Replicas and Fantasies, so here it goes (again?).

For my catalogs, a Counterfeit is a unofficial copy of an authentic circulating coin, note, token, etc., that was made during the time it could be spent and was made to be spent.

A Replica is an official or unofficial copy of an authentic circulating coin, note, token, etc., that was made after the time it could be spent and was made not to be spent.

A Fantasy is a coin, note, token, etc., that was made with a design that never existed in authentic or replica form and was made to spend in some cases, but is usually made for collectors.

All of my catalogs now have a chapter titled Counterfeits, Replicas and Fantasies. It is very popular with the collectors here in Southeast Asia because 99% of the catalogs they have seen before have none of these pieces in them.

For me, the 1804 Dollar and the 1913 Nickel are authentic coins because they came from an official source (mint) and could be spent after they were struck.

Speaking of catalogs, I just completed my Lao Coins & Currency catalog and it could be in print by the end of the month. One of your subscribers, Fred Schwan, will be grinding his teeth when he sees the title. He has been after me for years to change the title of my catalogs because "currency" includes coins and notes. Sorry......too late Fred.