Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 October 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 November 2009. It was answered by Sarah McCarthy-Fry (Labour) on Thursday, 5 November 2009 on behalf of the Treasury.

Coinage: Counterfeit Manufacturing

Question: To ask THE Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent estimate he has made of the purported face value of counterfeit coins in circulation.

Answer: The most recent survey conducted by the Royal Mint found that its sample contained a £1 coin counterfeit rate of 2.52 per cent. orapproximately £37 million.The Royal Mint does not currently undertake regular surveys for other denominations. It is widely believed (by the Royal Mint, the Serious Organised Crime Agency and industry partners) that there is not a significant counterfeit issue with any other denominations.Some £2 counterfeit coins have been returned to the Mint but the quantities are minimal and they are of a poor quality.

Secondary information