Wayne,

Looking at the picture, I'd be more inclined to believe that the center has what I'd call tarnish bleed from the brass. Amazing how good it really looks when this happens.

I had a strike once that looked very similar which had such a brass bleed toning. Came right off with no effort using a jewelers polish rag.

I suspect if it's gold plating it would not come off easily at all.

It it is gold plating, I'd suspect an altered token.

I have some cracked cases that lead to gold/brass toning lines across the silver center where the cracks are.