What is the logic in...

[jtryka]

...counterfeiting bullion coins? Now normally it would seem obvious, to pass off less metal for the price of more metal. But I was reading the ANA counterfeit guide, and it stated that there are a number of counterfeit bullion coins, particularly Mexican 50-pesos floating around, but that the composition was identical to the genuine article. So why would anyone counterfeit a bullion coin with the correct amount of bullion in it?

[Gunsmoke]

Hmmmmm.....I give up, what is the logic?

[gmarguli]

Did the face value become worth more than the gold in it?

[jtryka]

I think Grover Cleveland was president the last time 50 pesos was worth more than the gold in the 50-peso gold piece (about 1.2 oz). So it couldn't be for the face value.

[gmarguli]

Perhaps someone was testing their skills on these bullion coins and if the market accepted them, he'd move on to rarer dates?

[Oldtrader3]

The only reason that I can think of is that it is easier to pass bullion coins than bullion. This is because most Bullion Dealers will do a smear/chemical test on raw gold to check finess. Whereas, bullion coins, if they look righteous, will more often be accepted at face.