“Fake coins often come from illegal workshops in Europe, and their technical quality is mostly high or very high,” says the National Bank of Slovakia (Národná banka Slovenska, NBS). This means it can be difficult to tell them apart from real ones, especially if you don’t pay enough attention. In 2025, Slovakia confiscated 2,812 counterfeit euro coins, with 91.2% of them being 2 euro coins.
Why are fake coins dangerous?
Fake money has no value, and using it is a criminal offense. If you accidentally receive a counterfeit coin, you lose its value because it cannot be exchanged. Also, spreading fakes supports criminal activity.
How to recognize a fake: tips from NBS
The National Bank of Slovakia advises paying attention to several key signs to distinguish real 2 euro coins from fakes.
- Magnetic test. A real 2 euro coin has a magnetic core, so it is attracted to a magnet, at least in the center. Most fake coins do not have this property.
- Coin edge. Original coins have fine and dense ridges, as well as an inscription indicating the issuing country. Fakes may have less pronounced, sparser, or no ridges at all, and the inscription on the edge may be missing.
- Minting quality. Pay attention to the details of the image and text. On real coins, they are clear and embossed. On fakes, details may be blurry, uneven, or defective.
What to do if you find a suspicious coin?
If you suspect a coin is fake, do not try to use it for payment. According to the law, you must hand it over to the police or directly to the National Bank of Slovakia. This will help prevent further spread of fakes and assist in identifying illegal producers.
Overall, the chance of receiving a counterfeit banknote or coin in Slovakia remains relatively low. In 2025, only 14 fakes were found per million genuine banknotes, one of the lowest rates since the euro was introduced. However, vigilance is never too much.
