Is Your To Hanover Token Real? How to Spot a Fake

The Historical Significance of To Hanover Tokens

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this item is critical. The To Hanover token, also known as the “Cumberland Jack,” holds a fascinating place in numismatic history. These tokens emerged in 1837 following Queen Victoria’s accession to the British throne and the subsequent separation of the British and Hanoverian crowns due to Hanover’s strict male-only succession laws.

The token depicts the Duke of Cumberland, wearing the Hanoverian crown. Unlike St George who faces and slays the dragon, the Duke is shown avoiding and jumping over the dragon instead; the dragon has two heads, representing the former “un-natural” union of Britain and Hanover.

The political message was clear: “Hanover can keep Cumberland Jack if they want him, good riddance we say; we’ll keep Victoria, thanks.” King Ernst August died in 1851, so if the 1861 date is accurate, the king depicted had been dead for ten years.

Production Timeline and Varieties

These pieces were mass-produced from 1837 until 1883, when the Counterfeit Medals Act was drafted specifically with the intent of banning them. The Act can be found here: Counterfeit Medals Act 1883.

After the Act, token-makers switched to producing “in memory of the good old days” tokens that imitated the by-then-obsolete gold guinea, or various foreign coins including Prussian, Austrian, Russian, and even the Boer Republic of South Africa. This switch occurred because imitating foreign coins was not mentioned in the Act.

Key Authentication Points

Weight and Dimensions

Authentic To Hanover tokens typically measure around 22.5 mm in diameter and weigh approximately 4.34 grams. However, slight variations exist due to different manufacturers and production methods over the 50-year period of issue.

Magnetic Properties

Most authentic Cumberland Jacks are made from brass or copper-based alloys and should not be magnetic. If your token is strongly attracted to a magnet, this is a red flag indicating a modern reproduction or counterfeit made with ferrous metals.

Die Markers and Design Details

The Duke of Cumberland is depicted wearing the Hanoverian crown, jumping over a two-headed dragon. The dragon’s two heads represent the former union of Britain and Hanover. Pay close attention to these specific details:

• The Duke’s posture – he should be shown jumping over, not confronting, the dragon
• The crown design – authentic tokens show detailed Hanoverian crown features
• The dragon’s two heads should be clearly distinguishable
• Lettering quality and spacing around the edge

Edge Characteristics

Most Cumberland Jacks have reeded edges, though some variations exist. According to collector observations, most of these tokens have reeded edges applied post-striking by some variant of a Castaing machine – the same process where Spanish dollars had their edges applied.

Dates and Dating

Many To Hanover tokens bear dates, but these dates are not necessarily accurate indicators of production year. Common date combinations include:

• 1837 – Victoria’s accession year (when the Duke of Cumberland went “to Hanover”)
• 1861 – A common date seen on many specimens
• 1862 – Another frequently encountered date

The manufacturer could in theory have used a dated die for many years afterwards, making the date unreliable for authentication purposes.

Common Fakes and Reproductions

Modern Counterfeits

Modern reproductions often fail in several key areas:

• Inferior metal composition that may be magnetic
• Poor detail in the crown and dragon features
• Incorrect weight (often significantly lighter or heavier than 4.34g)
• Blurred or poorly defined lettering

Altered Genuine Tokens

Some fraudsters attempt to alter genuine tokens by:

• Changing dates through tooling
• Adding artificial wear to increase apparent age
• Applying fake patinas

Testing Methods for Authentication

Visual Inspection

Begin with careful visual examination under good lighting and magnification:

1. Check the overall strike quality and detail sharpness
2. Examine the edge for consistency with known authentic examples
3. Look for signs of casting (pitting, lack of sharp detail, seam lines)
4. Verify the weight falls within expected parameters

Weight Verification

Use a precise digital scale accurate to at least 0.01 grams. Authentic tokens should weigh approximately 4.34 grams, though slight variations are normal due to manufacturing differences.

Magnetic Testing

Even a simple refrigerator magnet can help identify ferrous metal counterfeits. Brass and copper-based alloys used in authentic tokens should show no magnetic attraction.

Specific Gravity Testing

For advanced authentication, specific gravity testing can help verify metal composition. Brass typically has a specific gravity between 8.4-8.7 g/cm³.

Market Value and Collectibility

Despite the long production period and numerous varieties, To Hanover tokens remain relatively affordable collectibles. The market shows little differentiation between common and supposedly rarer types, with most specimens trading in the modest range of $20-100 depending on condition.

The lack of active collectors seeking “full sets” of various types means these tokens don’t carry significant market premiums, even for the notionally rarer varieties. This accessibility makes them interesting pieces for both novice and experienced collectors interested in political tokens and Victorian-era numismatics.

Conclusion

The To Hanover token represents a fascinating intersection of political history and numismatics. While these tokens were produced for over 50 years in numerous varieties, authentication remains straightforward when you know what to look for: proper weight around 4.34g, non-magnetic properties, specific design details including the Duke jumping over a two-headed dragon, and characteristic edge features.

Remember that dates on these tokens are often unreliable indicators of age, and the sheer variety produced means collectors should focus on overall quality and authenticity rather than seeking specific date combinations. With counterfeits becoming increasingly sophisticated, careful authentication using the methods outlined above will help ensure your Cumberland Jack is genuine and worthy of your collection.

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