Counterfeits

Maximilian coinage was counterfeited.

10 centavos

KM-386.1 similar 10c Maximilian (Briggs & Bustos auction, 10 August 2025, lot 92)

This contemporary counterfeit is a cast flan. 18.4 mm in diameter, 2.57 grams, with coin alignment, and reeded edge. It i.s notable for its well-executed design and casting quality. The reliefs show slightly rounded edges and a fine porosity across the surface, which is barely perceptible to the naked eye. As for differences, the digits of the date “1864” and the mintmark “M” appear slightly thicker compared to a genuine coin. Metallic composition: 65.58% Copper, 25.46% Zinc, 8.25% Nickel, 0.4179% Lead, 0.2241% Cobalt, and 0.0688% Iron.

One peso

KM-388.1 similar $1 Maximilian (Briggs & Bustos auction, 10 August 2025, lot 93)

This contemporary counterfeit was struck on a copper flan, 37 mm in diameter, 24.95 grams, with plain edge and coin alignment. It has a crude overall design, easily identifiable by the incuse relief of the eagle and laurel branches at the centre of the shield. This piece shares the same dies as the following piece, which had cancellation cuts. Traces of silvering remain around the reliefs, though the piece exhibits heavy circulation wear, scratches on both sides, and a small flan flaw over the bust. Metallic composition: 92.64% Copper, 4.2941% Silver, 1.11% Tin, 1.0473% Zinc, 0.7501% Lead, 0.1082% Iron, and 0.0493% Nickel.

KM-388.1 similar $1 Maximilian (Briggs & Bustos auction, 22 February 2025, lot 51)

Struck in low silver, 37.5 mm, 23.14 grams. The same coarse design and rough workmanship, this coin has cancellation cuts to the bust, reverse and edge legends. Metallic composition: 49.17% Copper, 46.11% Silver, 1.98% Zinc, 13.7 Tin, 0.95% Iron, 0.41% Lead.

20 Pesos

KM-389 similar $1 Maximilian (Briggs & Bustos auction, 10 August 2025, lot 94)

A replica in cast and gold-plated silver, 33.8 mm in diameter, 18.85 grams, with reeded edge and coin alignment. Slight loss of detail, mainly on the shield. Metallic analysis 81.15% Silver, 10.02% Copper, 8.81% Gold, and 0.0251% Lead.

KM-389 similar $1 Maximilian (Briggs & Bustos auction, 10 August 2025, lot 95)

A replica in cast silver, 33.8 mm in diameter, 18.80 grams, with reeded edge and coin alignment. This has evident loss of design, mainly on the shield side.