Counterfeit expert to reveal new fake toonie at this weekend’s national show

This weekend’s National Postage Stamp & Coin Show is set to deliver one of its most eye-opening presentations yet as counterfeit expert Mike Marshall returns to unveil his latest discovery — a newly identified counterfeit toonie.

The show, held April 5-6 at the Hilton Mississauga/Meadowvale, will feature Marshall’s extensive exhibit of up to 500 counterfeit coins, offering attendees a rare opportunity to examine firsthand the scope and sophistication of Canada’s counterfeit coin problem. The presentation starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5.

Based in Trenton, Ont., Marshall has spent nearly 15 years researching counterfeit Canadian currency. His work has been instrumental in exposing a range of fake toonies, including a notorious group known as the “Camel Toe” counterfeits, which feature a telltale flaw on the polar bear’s paw. The fakes span more than a decade of dates, from 1996 to 2010, and have surfaced across the country.

Marshall’s latest find — a counterfeit two-dollar coin never before documented — will be the centerpiece of his presentation, where he’ll walk collectors through the markers that distinguish it from genuine issues. His hands-on exhibit will also include past counterfeit examples, serving as a valuable learning tool for hobbyists and dealers alike.

The two-day show will also feature more than 50 dealers from across Canada offering a wide range of coins, stamps, banknotes, covers, and collecting supplies. Other highlights include expert seminars, auction sessions, and a youth auction on Sunday designed to engage and inspire young collectors.

Admission is $6 on Saturday and $3 on Sunday, with free parking available. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just getting started, Marshall’s counterfeit showcase is sure to be one of the weekend’s must-see events.