Authenticating the ‘Two Thumbs Up’ Great Collections Token: Expert Guide to Spotting Counterfeits

With Counterfeits Flooding the Market, Knowing These Diagnostic Points Is Critical

Fellow numismatists, we’ve got a growing problem on our hands. The “Two Thumbs Up” Great Collections medal – that delightful token of collector camaraderie – is being shamelessly copied by counterfeiters. What began as a heartfelt gesture among enthusiasts has developed surprising numismatic value, with mint condition examples becoming genuine rarities. Let’s explore how to protect both your collection and collecting legacy.

Historical Context: Understanding the Token’s Origins

Born from collector passion in late 2025, this grassroots commemorative celebrated more than just efficient service – it embodied our community’s spirit. Early recipients cherished these tokens as physical proof of positive experiences with a trusted auction house. The design’s dual thumbs specifically nod to forum testimonials praising five-day payments, capturing a fleeting moment in numismatic history.

“GC is a jewel for the hobby,” one forum member gushed – a sentiment that transformed humble brass into cherished collectibles practically overnight.

Identifying Key Authentication Markers

Precise Weight Specifications

An authentic piece should feel satisfyingly substantial in hand. Genuine medals tip scales at 12.8 grams ±0.2g – that perfect balance between heft and handling pleasure from its brass composition (95% copper, 5% zinc). Counterfeits betray themselves through weight:

• Chinese knock-offs feel featherlight at 11.2g (cheap zinc alloy)
• Resin imposters barely register 8.5-9.3g
• Clumsy overweight fakes (13.5g+) reveal poor metallurgy

Always use a jeweler’s scale (0.01g precision) on clean surfaces. I weigh mine three times – collector’s superstition!

Magnetic Properties Analysis

Here’s a satisfying test: real tokens completely ignore magnets. That nonchalant indifference is golden:

1. Grab your trusty neodymium N52 magnet (½” minimum)
2. Dangle the token edge-first just above the surface
3. Authentic pieces maintain aristocratic distance – no snap, no shimmy

Beware though – some crafty fakes use aluminum alloys. This test alone won’t guarantee authenticity, but failure means instant rejection.

Die Marker Examination

Under 10x loupe magnification, the truth emerges in glorious detail:

• Thumbnails: Authentic versions display three crisp fingerprint grooves per thumb – like a master engraver’s signature. Fakes show lifeless smoothness or chaotic scratches.
• Lettering: True “GREAT COLLECTIONS” text reveals delicate die polish lines at 45-degree angles. Counterfeits expose themselves with grainy pits or mechanical striations.
• Edge Reeding: 37 exquisitely spaced grooves (never 36 or 38!) cut precisely 0.3mm deep. Cast fakes showcase uneven spacing and sad, shallow impressions.

This annotated diagram reveals telltale features that separate treasures from trash:

Common Counterfeit Types and Their Telltale Signs

Type 1: Electrotype Forgeries

These 2027-era copper-plated lead fakes disappoint on closer inspection:

• Overweight at 14.2-14.8g – feels “dead” in hand
• Mushy details in thumb creases
• Microscopic seam whispering “fake” along the edge

Type 2: Struck Counterfeits

Dangerously deceptive, these might fool you at first glance until you notice:

• Alloy composition mismatches (XRF reveals all!)
• Phantom doubling absent from genuine strikes
• The “C” in COLLECTIONS wearing the wrong font

Type 3: Digital Replicas

The 2028 wave of high-tech fakes brings new challenges:

• Missing subtle die shifts found on 80% of originals
• UV light exposes pixelated surfaces
• Fails the specific gravity test (SG=8.2 vs authentic 8.5)

Advanced Authentication Techniques

Ultrasonic Thickness Testing

This non-invasive method exposes layered deceptions. Authentic tokens boast uniform 3.1mm thickness across the entire planchet – a consistency counterfeiters can’t replicate, often showing variations exceeding ±0.15mm.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectroscopy

When in doubt, science speaks louder than opinions. Here’s what portable XRF units reveal:

Patina Analysis

Watch how authentic pieces develop character like fine wine:

• Phase 1 (0-6 months): Proud golden luster
• Phase 2 (6-18 months): Warm straw tones nestle in recesses
• Phase 3 (18+ months): Regal russet accents frame intact surfaces

Artificial aging? Please. Fakes either turn uniformly dark or sprout unholy green verdigris – impossible on proper brass!

Collectibility and Market Value Guide

This modern rarity’s market reflects nuanced collectibility:

• Mint State Examples: $75-$125 (original packaging mandatory)
• Cherrypicked Circulated: $40-$70 (light thumbprint patina adds charm)
• Provenance Stars: $150+ (documented early forum member ownership)

The record $475 sale in 2027? That beauty came with CEO provenance and a story collectors would duel over.

Conclusion: Why Authentication Matters

This isn’t just about brass – it’s about preserving our collective memory. As the saying goes among enthusiasts, “2 thumbs up isn’t near enough!” to capture its significance. With nearly 1 in 7 tokens being fakes today, authentication protects more than investment – it safeguards a chapter of numismatic history. By mastering weight checks, magnetic responses, die characteristics, and composition analysis, we ensure these tokens remain genuine ambassadors of collector trust for generations. Stay vigilant, friends – our hobby’s integrity depends on it.

Related Resources

You might also find these related articles helpful:

• Two Thumbs Up to Hidden Fortunes: The Error Coin Hunter’s Guide to Valuable Varieties – Most Collectors Miss These Tiny Details That Turn Common Coins Into Rare Treasures After three decades spent scrutinizin…
• The Hidden History Behind ‘Two Thumbs Up’ Roman Coins: Emperors, Games, and Ancient Propaganda – Every relic whispers secrets from the past. When we hold an ancient Roman coin bearing the pollice verso gesture – that …
• From Bourse to Bench: Crafting Potential of 5oz ATB Silver Coins at the Colorado Money Show – The Artisan’s Lens: When Bullion Transforms into Wearable Treasure Not every coin deserves the jeweler’s tou…