Fun of the coin fair: In pictures

In the economic downturn, old or rare coins are seen as an investment opportunity.

Expert Paul Revell studies a collection at the Midland Coin Fair, held near Birmingham

Nearly 50 dealers from around the UK gather to buy and sell once a month.

Some of the coins on sale are for the hobby collector - these cost 50p each.

But many enthusiasts are searching for a specific item to complete their collection.

This ancient Greek coin dates from 385BC. It is valued at �200 and is one of the oldest on show.

Ten-year-old Dylan Adams is on the hunt for a coin from the time of Julius Ceasar...

...could this be what he is looking for? He is certainly enjoying the search.

Coin fair organiser Mike Veissid has been in the business for a little longer - 35 years.

And Rich Clamp specialises in commemorative Royal Mint-issued pieces.

Forgery seems to be nothing new, these Celtic Staters are 2000 years old. But which one is a fake?

Most serious collectors have a reference book with them...

...but there are always more books on sale. The Midland Coin Fair is a regular fixture in the numismatic calendar.

And the counterfeit...is the coin on the right. The genuine gold coin has kept its shine.