Counter Token - Ivory

The commercial trade, import, and export of Asian elephant ivory is prohibited internationally under CITES and strictly banned in the U.S. and China. Possession is generally legal only for antique items (over 100 years old) or pre-Act ivory with documented proof. Violations carry severe penalties, including seizure and heavy fines. Numista does not endorse the illegal trade of ivory and this page serves informational purposes only. It reports about historical items to further research and civil enlightenment.

These counter tokens were hand-carved from asian elephant ivory, sourced in China and Southeast Asia. The same type of planchet as this example were commonly designed for use as poker chips in the western United States during the 19th century, though this piece is an Asian-made and Asian-used example.