The East India Company’s 1808 coinage represents a fascinating chapter in numismatic history, particularly the Ten Cash denomination that has captured collectors’ attention worldwide. However, with increased interest comes the unfortunate reality of counterfeits flooding the market. Understanding how to identify an 1808 east india company coin fake is crucial for collectors, historians, and anyone interested in acquiring these remarkable pieces of colonial history.
Historical Context of 1808 East India Company Coins
The East India Company issued various denominations in 1808, with the Ten Cash coin being among the most notable. These copper coins were minted during a period of significant expansion of British colonial influence in India. The historical significance of these coins extends beyond their monetary value, as they represent the complex relationship between British commercial interests and Indian territories.
Many authentic 1808 East India Company coins available today have a unique provenance connected to maritime archaeology. The Admiral Gardner, a ship carrying a substantial cargo of these coins, sank in 1809 and was recovered in 1985. This shipwreck has provided a significant source of authentic coins, though it has also created opportunities for counterfeiters to exploit the romantic story behind these recovered treasures.
Physical Characteristics of Authentic 1808 East India Company Coins
Weight and Dimensional Standards
When examining a potential 1808 east india company coin fake, precise measurements are your first line of defense. Authentic 1808 Ten Cash coins adhere to strict specifications:
- Weight: Approximately 6.47 grams
- Diameter: 25.8 millimeters
- Material: Pure copper composition
Any significant deviation from these specifications should raise immediate red flags. While minor variations can occur due to wear or manufacturing tolerances of the era, substantial differences often indicate counterfeit production. Professional counterfeiters may attempt to match these specifications, but achieving exact weight and dimensions requires sophisticated equipment that many forgers lack.
Design Elements and Lettering Quality
Authentic 1808 East India Company coins feature crisp, well-defined design elements that reflect the high standards of British minting technology of the period. Key features to examine include:
- Sharp, clear lettering with consistent font styling
- Precise border details without blurring or inconsistencies
- Proper spacing between letters and design elements
- Correct spelling of all text elements
Counterfeit coins often exhibit telltale signs of inferior production, including blurry lettering, uneven spacing, or subtle misspellings that casual observers might miss. The quality of the original dies used by the East India Company was exceptional, and replicating this level of detail proves challenging for most counterfeiters.
Edge and Rim Examination
The edges and rims of authentic coins provide crucial authentication clues. Genuine 1808 East India Company coins feature:
- Consistent edge definition throughout the circumference
- Proper rim height and uniformity
- Appropriate edge treatment for the denomination
Fake coins frequently display irregularities in these areas, including uneven reeding, inconsistent rim height, or edges that appear either too sharp or overly rounded. These imperfections often result from the casting processes commonly used in counterfeiting operations.
Surface Analysis and Metal Composition
Identifying Surface Imperfections
The surface quality of an authentic coin tells a compelling story of its production method. Genuine coins struck from dies exhibit:
- Smooth, even surfaces with natural wear patterns
- Absence of casting marks such as seams or parting lines
- Proper metal flow indicating struck production
Counterfeit coins, particularly those produced through casting methods, often display characteristic flaws:
- Small bubbles or pits from air trapped during casting
- Seams near the rim where mold halves joined
- Soft, fuzzy texture instead of sharp design details
- Unnatural surface irregularities inconsistent with struck production
Metal Composition Verification
The copper composition of authentic 1808 East India Company coins creates a distinctive appearance and patina over time. Suspicious indicators include:
- Unusual coloration suggesting different metal content
- Silver or other metallic appearances inconsistent with copper
- Artificial aging attempts that appear unnatural
- Magnetic properties (copper is non-magnetic)
Specific Counterfeit Variations and Red Flags
Gold Pagoda Counterfeits
The 1808 Gold Pagoda represents one of the most counterfeited East India Company issues. Specific differences between authentic and fake examples include:
- Pellet count discrepancies: Counterfeits may show 75 pellets around the rim versus 46 on genuine coins
- Improper stops: Fake coins might display stops between letters where none should exist
- Flat pellet centers: Authentic coins feature raised pellet centers in star designs
- Scrollwork variations: The decorative elements below the pagoda base differ significantly
- Tamil character inconsistencies: The reverse side characters may be incorrectly formed
Admiral Gardner Shipwreck Considerations
Coins recovered from the Admiral Gardner shipwreck present unique authentication challenges due to their underwater exposure. Legitimate shipwreck coins exhibit:
- Natural corrosion patterns consistent with saltwater exposure
- Appropriate surface damage from extended underwater conditions
- Provenance documentation from the recovery operation
However, the popularity of these shipwreck coins has led to numerous fakes claiming similar provenance. Authentic Admiral Gardner coins should come with proper documentation and display corrosion patterns consistent with their underwater history.
Fantasy Coins and Modern Creations
A particularly deceptive category of 1808 east india company coin fake includes so-called “fantasy coins” featuring Hindu religious motifs. These modern creations often display:
- Religious imagery of Hindu deities like Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman
- Temple token characteristics rather than official currency features
- Modern production techniques inconsistent with 1808 technology
- Inappropriate design elements never used on official East India Company coinage
These pieces, while potentially interesting as modern tokens or souvenirs, should never be confused with authentic historical currency.
Authentication Resources and Expert Consultation
Professional Numismatic Services
When uncertainty exists about a coin’s authenticity, professional authentication services provide invaluable expertise. Reputable third-party grading services such as:
- NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation)
- PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
- ANACS (American Numismatic Association Certification Service)
These organizations employ expert numismatists who can definitively authenticate coins and provide detailed grading information. Coins certified by these services receive tamper-evident holders with detailed authenticity information.
Reliable Reference Sources
Building expertise in identifying authentic 1808 East India Company coins requires access to quality reference materials:
- Numismatic publications specializing in British colonial coinage
- Auction records from reputable houses showing verified authentic examples
- Museum collections with documented specimens
- Academic research on East India Company monetary systems
Online Communities and Forums
The numismatic community offers valuable resources for collectors seeking authentication assistance:
- Specialized forums focused on British colonial coinage
- Social media groups dedicated to East India Company numismatics
- Expert networks of experienced collectors and dealers
However, while these communities can provide helpful insights, they should supplement rather than replace professional authentication when significant value is involved.
Prevention and Best Practices
Purchasing Guidelines
To minimize the risk of acquiring an 1808 east india company coin fake, consider these purchasing strategies:
- Buy from reputable dealers with established track records
- Request detailed provenance information when available
- Insist on return privileges for authentication purposes
- Compare prices with known market values for authentic examples
Documentation and Record Keeping
Maintaining proper documentation for your coins helps establish their authenticity and provenance:
- Purchase receipts and dealer information
- Authentication certificates from grading services
- Detailed photographs showing key diagnostic features
- Provenance history when available
Conclusion
Identifying an 1808 east india company coin fake requires a combination of technical knowledge, careful observation, and access to reliable resources. By understanding the specific characteristics of authentic coins, recognizing common counterfeiting techniques, and utilizing professional authentication services when necessary, collectors can protect themselves from fraudulent pieces while building meaningful collections of these historically significant coins.
The market for East India Company coinage continues to attract both legitimate collectors and unscrupulous counterfeiters. However, armed with the knowledge outlined in this guide, collectors can confidently navigate this complex field while preserving the historical integrity of these remarkable numismatic artifacts. Remember that when in doubt, consulting with professional numismatists or utilizing third-party grading services provides the most reliable path to authentication.
The investment in proper authentication not only protects your financial interests but also contributes to the broader preservation of numismatic history and the integrity of the collecting community.
How to identify fake coins in India?
Great question! The 20 Indian rupees coin is made of nickel brass fake coins often use incorrect metal compositions. Making them feel too light or too heavy. Small blue diamond weight and dimensions 10 Indian rupees
Which coin was issued by the East India Company?
In December 1672, the East India Company started a mint in Bombay and European style gold, silver, copper, and tin coins were struck. The gold coin was named Carolina, the silver coin Anglina, the copper Copperoon, and the tin coin called the Tinny.
What was the value of the East India Company?
From my experience, The Dutch East India Company brought an end to the Portuguese monopoly over the spice trade, and at its height, the company’s stock was worth 78 million Dutch guilders (approximately US$ 7.9 trillion).