Show us the pictures of yours with corresponding weights and information, if alleged silver coins react to a magnet, and you'll probably hear the opinions you want.
I collect coins and tokens which circulated in Africa from 18th century to 2000. I sell about 7000 illustrated world coins from http://www.avscoins.com.
Chinese fakes are becoming better, in particular after old (but functional) mint presses were sold there into private hands. Fakes are not limited to big silver coins, though these are the most common. Since fakes are often sold in bulk in China at about $1 a piece, I suppose every coin with value of $3-4 or more would economically be worth faking.
To avoid fakes one should compare the looks of the coin with known originals (pictures of coins authenticated by PCGS or another grading company are good for such comparisons), check coin's weight against catalog, and in general train one's eye. Nothing but experience helps to identify a good fake. I don't know any collector who never ever owned a fake. In early days of collecting we all make mistakes.
I collect coins and tokens which circulated in Africa from 18th century to 2000. I sell about 7000 illustrated world coins from http://www.avscoins.com.
I guess it's a measure of the community here maturing somewhat that this discussion can now take place at all.
Not too long ago I was referred to as a racist, xenophobe, neo-con, bigot, globalist and a neo-colonialist for referring to counterfeits made by Chinese workers, in Chinese factories, in China, as "Chinese fakes".
I'm guilty as charged of course, except for the globalist and neo-con part, both of which I despise almost as much as political correctness.
Non illegitimis carborundum est. Excellent advice for all coins.
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