The word “Fouree” is the word used for a counterfeit coin.  “Fouree” is based on a French word that means “filled.” These counterfeit coins were usually filled with bronze but then covered with silver or gold. Some are of very high quality so it may be that the same workers who made the officially minted coins also used their skills and tools to make counterfeits.  One way to know if you have a counterfeit is that its weight differs from the coins it is mimicking. But usually because of the age of these coins they have lost some of their silver/gold coating and you can see the bronze below.

There is a reference to counterfeit coins in the scriptures. Matthew 12:35 talks about evil (counterfeit) treasure.  This passage is a call to be pure in intention all the way through and not just “shiny” on the outside.  The person who is good treasure is the same all the way through and so goodness flows from them.

Ruler: Augustus

Date: 4BC-6AD

Denomination: Fouree

Obverse: Augustus

Reverse: Gaius & Lucius

Reference: Imitates Sear 1597