Klippe coins are generally square coins using round or square dies. Most of these coins were originally issued under unfavorable conditions, such as a city under siege, and so qualify under the general heading 'emergency coinage.'

Genuine klippes are normally quite valuable. An internet search on 'klippe coin' yields many interesting and valuable results. But Edith probably has a reproduction, not a genuine coin, worth only a few dollars to collectors of novelty pieces.

On this page of the World Internet Numismatic Society (WINS) web site you can see Martin Purdy's description of a collection of Authentic Replicas of ancient coins. I am not sure what an authentic replica is, but I am sure it has no value. The coin in question is plainly seen in the top row:


While it is not always 100 percent reliable, a good method for discerning genuine coins from fakes is to look at them side-by-side. Well-financed counterfeiting operations produce high-quality fakes, and the side-by-side method fails for such coins, but most counterfeiting is done by amateurs and the quality of their products cannot stand direct comparison to genuine pieces.


The image above shows a genuine klippe coin from the old German state of Saxony alongside the authentic replica described on this page. The comparison is startling when done this way.

CoinQuest thanks Martin Purdy and eBay seller bsccmen for use of their coin photos. The genuine klippe from bsccmen is a remarkable specimen, selling for well over $1000 US dollars, and worth every penny.