From the Dark Corner: An “Authenticated” Counterfeit 1694 Elephant Token

The 1694 Elephant Token, a fascinating artifact from British numismatic history, has long captivated collectors with its mysterious origin and historical intrigue. Struck to promote the Royal Africa Company, these tokens were initially tied to England’s colonial ventures and trade in Africa. However, their allure has also made them a prime target for counterfeiters, and even seasoned collectors can fall victim to sophisticated forgeries.

In this article, we’ll explore a chilling example of an “authenticated” counterfeit 1694 Elephant Token, revealing how it was identified and why such pieces remain a cautionary tale for collectors.

The Original 1694 Elephant Token

The Elephant Tokens were struck in England as a marketing tool for the Royal Africa Company, which was deeply involved in the transatlantic slave trade. These tokens bear the image of an elephant on the obverse and a legend on the reverse, often referencing “God Preserve London.” Though technically not coins, they are closely associated with early British colonial history and the emerging trade economy of the time.

Genuine Elephant Tokens were struck in copper and occasionally in brass, with variations in size and design. Their historical significance has ensured that surviving examples are highly sought after, often commanding significant premiums in numismatic circles.

The Counterfeit Discovery

A collector recently brought to light an example of a counterfeit 1694 Elephant Token that had been previously authenticated by a reputable third-party grading service. This fake token was housed in a professional grading slab, complete with a detailed label affirming its authenticity. Unfortunately, closer examination by a numismatic expert revealed telltale signs of forgery.

Identifying the Fake

1. Planchet Quality:
   The first red flag was the material. Genuine Elephant Tokens are known for their specific copper alloy, whereas this counterfeit exhibited a slightly lighter color and a softer, less durable composition.
2. Striking Characteristics:
   Original tokens often show uneven striking due to the minting process of the 17th century. The counterfeit displayed an unusually sharp and uniform strike, inconsistent with the authentic production methods of the time.
3. Design Anomalies:
   Subtle differences in the elephant’s features, such as the trunk’s curvature and the leg proportions, were not aligned with known genuine examples. Additionally, the legends on the reverse showed irregular spacing and inconsistent letter shapes.
4. Tooling Marks:
   Under magnification, tooling marks from modern engraving equipment were visible, betraying the token’s contemporary origin.

Lessons for Collectors

The appearance of an authenticated counterfeit Elephant Token underscores the importance of vigilance when acquiring rare coins or tokens, even those certified by trusted grading services. While such cases are rare, they highlight several key points for collectors:

1. Educate Yourself:
   Understanding the characteristics of authentic pieces, including their weight, dimensions, and design nuances, is essential.
2. Trust but Verify:
   Even professionally graded coins and tokens should be subjected to scrutiny. If a piece seems suspicious, seek a second opinion from a reputable expert.
3. Rely on Provenance:
   A strong provenance can add a layer of confidence when purchasing rare numismatic items.

Conclusion

The counterfeit 1694 Elephant Token serves as a stark reminder of the challenges collectors face in the ever-evolving world of numismatics. While third-party authentication remains an invaluable tool, it is not infallible. By combining careful research, expert advice, and an eye for detail, collectors can protect themselves from falling prey to forgeries. For those who love the thrill of the hunt, stories like this highlight the importance of staying vigilant, even in the “authenticated” corners of the numismatic market.

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