Counterfeit Detection: Great Britain 1909B Trade Dollar

Several world powers issued large silver coins to facilitate trade in Asia, including Great Britain. The Great Britain Trade Dollar was struck from 1895 to 1935 for use in Hong Kong (and, in the currency’s first few years, the Straits Settlements).

Great Britain 1909B Trade Dollar Click images to enlarge.

All 1909-dated British Trade Dollars were struck in Bombay, India, as indicated by the ‘B’ in the center prong of the trident on the obverse. The coin is far from being a key date, but Mint State examples still bring several hundred dollars at auction (according to the NGC World Coin Price Guide), creating an incentive for counterfeiters. NGC recently received a purported example of a 1909B Trade Dollar.

Counterfeit Great Britain 1909B Trade Dollar Click images to enlarge.

The red flags with this coin begin with its weight, which is 26.4 grams instead of the expected 26.96 grams. A metallurgical analysis reveals the coin is 60% copper, 29% zinc, 7% nickel, 2.5% manganese and only 1% silver. The coin should be 90% silver, which is much denser than the other metals, meaning it takes up less space per gram. When a counterfeiter uses a less-dense alloy, they either must make the coin weigh less or use a thicker planchet, or both.

Close-ups of the obverse of the counterfeit (left) and genuine coin Click images to enlarge.

The coin’s color is inconsistent with what is expected, and its surfaces are grainy. It also appears too Prooflike, possibly because the counterfeiter attempted to polish away this graininess on the dies. In addition, the coin has a pervasive lack of details in its design, which is especially noticeable in the ship, waves and Britannia’s clothing.

Close-ups of the reverse of the counterfeit (left) and genuine coin Click images to enlarge.

The lettering is also too rounded and not as well struck up as in a genuine example. A close examination of the Jawi text on the reverse shows that it is too thick and rounded when compared to an authentic coin.

Counterfeiters don’t always target key dates, so it’s good practice to carefully examine any coin with numismatic value. If you are unsure of your own authentication skills, remember that NGC backs its determinations of authenticity and grade with the NGC Guarantee.

Did you know? NGC has created a comprehensive Counterfeit Detection resource to help collectors and dealers identify counterfeit and altered coins. Visit NGCcoin.com/counterfeit.