How to tell if you have a fake pound coin

So, since the story hit the news a couple of weeks ago, I thought I would keep my eyes open and see if I ended up getting palmed off with one of the 30 million (or approximately 2%) fake pound coins that are reported to be in circulation...I had a few pass through my hands that were definitely a "maybe" (but I couldn't be 100% sure) until I happened to be lucky(?) enough to get two identically dated Welsh-themed year 2000 pound coins - comparing the two, it was immediately clear that they had some considerable differences (you can click these pictures to zoom in much further if you like, I took them at quite high res) -

Firstly - looking at the front, you can see the fake coin (on the right) is a much lighter colour, the face image isn't centred properly, and lots of the detail, including many of the little dots around the edge are either blurred or missing completely...

Next step, carefully spin the coin over, flip it horizontally without turning it at all (this is important) you can see a similar lack of detail to the front, but most tellingly, the front and back of the coin are not perfectly aligned, the fake coin is close, but it's definitely off by a few degrees...a classic sign of the amateur mint...

Thirdly, turn the coin on it's side and examine the edge, you can see that not only is the fake coin's text irregular (check out the giveaway tiny "S" in a slightly different font) and wonky, it's also not even Welsh! If you are in any doubt at all, you can check out which edge corresponds with which front here in the Royal Mint Design Portfolio...some are obvious, like this example, others not so, also make sure the text is good and deep, and the lines running all along the edge are clearly defined...

Now comes the difficult part...As an academic/investigative exercise I've successfully identified that I have been given a fake coin. However, this does now mean I will be guilty of commiting a crime if I go ahead and spend it...So I think the lesson learned here is, as long as it looks convincing enough at first glance (when you are handed it), don't bother looking too much further (I don't really want a pile of fake coins cluttering up the house)...Sometimes ignorance is bliss...

>:S

Money in Mexico

Been doing a bit of research into currency in the land of the "Full Tamale" in advance of our epic trek in about 2 weeks time (we fly out on the 9th of May)...and quite the most important thing that has stood out thus far is the *extremely* common saying "No Hay Cambio" (or "There is no change" for the non-fluent Spanish speakers among us), apparently, even though the Bank of Mexico currently has 360 billion pesos in coins and notes in circulation, the visitor will soon get used to hearing this apology, whether it’s trying to use 50 pesos to pay for a 30-peso taxi journey, or 100 pesos note for a 20-peso bottle of water, and it's not only in this (almost understandable type of situation), it's even common at local shops, restaurants, and even at supermarket checkouts. Even if you *do* get change, from the sounds of things it's not uncommon for people *with* notes to hand you all your change in coins if you have a larger note to use and a small amount in your basket.

So, major tip number 1 - take plenty of small notes, walking around with a 500 peso note can be almost the same as walking around with no money at all. If you do find yourself in that unhappy position it's only worth trying to spend it in the largest of shops, and then saving all the change for other situations/tipping chamber maids etc.

The next thing I noticed is that there doesn't appear to be a lot of point in buying US Dollars for exchange in Mexico if your home currency is the Canadian Dollar, Pound Sterling, or the Euro (unless you can change completely commission free), exchanging these currencies directly into Mexican Pesos is extremely straightforward, as is using bank cards to take out cash at ATMs and you will get a decent rate of exchange for them. The best value exchange rate is often to be found at airports in Mexico itself.

Major tip number 2, if possible, use the bureaux de change in Mexican airports, or use protected credit/debit cards to withdraw cash, exchange rates in resorts or in the big hotels tend to be much less competitive (as you would expect)...

Next up, tip 3 - Take only as much money out with you as you think you'll need for the the day. If you happen to see something tempting to buy and don't have quite enough money, a small deposit will always secure it. You can return later on or ask for the item to be delivered to your hotel, this is commonly done.

So, forewarned is forearmed (urk...shouldn't have mentioned arms...still hurting from the jabs)...bleugh... ;)

If anyone else has been to Mexico and has any other good tips, please post a comment! We already know to take plenty of immodium/antacid and to get a good (and strong) deet spray, oh and to book our seats at chosen restaurants on the first day of the visit (to avoid disappointment)...anything else we should know?