Counterfeit 50c coin puzzles cops

Here's one from the strange-but-true file: the discovery in Auckland of a counterfeit 50c.

While counterfeit dollars are relatively common in New Zealand, police say they have never come across a counterfeit coin.

Sergeant Matthew Frost, of the Waitakere police, said whoever made the coin did a remarkable job because, apart from its slightly lighter weight, it looked and felt like the real thing. "You can expect to come across counterfeit $20, $50 or $100 notes, but never coins," he said. "It's very unusual.

"Somebody has gone through a lot of trouble for not much financial return."

Constable Matt Duncan said the coin was handed in yesterday by a woman who found it in her purse.

"She thought it was ... too light. Under close inspection she had a feeling it was fake and brought it to our attention.

"If there's one, there's probably more. So we want to hear from anyone who might feel their 50c coin is unusual."

Mr Duncan said Waitakere's police intelligence unit would investigate the coin's origin.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY