Counterfeiting presents a considerable threat to public confidence and is further exacerbated during economic recessions. Significant progress has been made in recent years towards reducing counterfeiting, however, many of these improvements are quickly countered by criminals. This presentation will cover coin authentication techniques, the challenges in mitigating counterfeiting activity, as well as the security advantages of zinc-based coins versus other material options. Combining security features such as zinc-based options with elaborated construction and overt features results in a secure coin currency which will be especially important when Central Banks and Monetary Authorities evaluate their banknote-coin boundary.