Counterfeit Detection: Macdonough Medal

NGC - In the 1800s, museums commonly displayed electrotypes, which can fool today's collectors.

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During the War of 1812, Thomas Macdonough commanded the American naval forces that defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Champlain. This confrontation was a major turning point in the war. To recognize Macdonough's service, Congress requested that he be presented a gold medal struck by the United States Mint. Bronzed copper versions also were produced and are what are typically seen in the marketplace today. The gold specimens of this medal (and other U.S. Congress Gold Medals) are extremely rare and generally unattainable.


The electrotype (left), likely produced in the 19th century for display purposes, is very convincing. The genuine piece is a restrike (Julian-NA-15) produced by the U.S. Mint long after the initial examples were struck around 1822.

The large-format medals struck by the mint in the 19th century are stunning works of numismatic art. Skilled engravers often cut directly into the die steel. Modern fakes of these historic pieces are rather uncommon, but contemporary copies exist. Imagine the surprise of a Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) grader when he looked at the edge of a lovely example submitted for authentication and saw that the piece was, in fact, an electrotype!

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