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Figures show counterfeit euro coins on the rise

Figures show that in 2004 there was a substantial rise in the number of fake euro coins removed from circulation, according to European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF).

The number of counterfeit euros rose from 26,191 in 2003 to 74, 564 in 2004. The favourite coin for counterfeiters is the 2 euro coin showing the German national design.

However, OLAF noted that the number is small compared to the 55 billion genuine coins in circulation and still much lower than the number of fake national currency coins detected before the introduction of the Euro.

National authorities succeeded in tracing and dismantling three illegal mints during the course of the year, two in Italy and one in Spain, preventing 80,000 fake coins from going into circulation, EurActiv reported.

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