Lot 29
(1680) London Elephant Token Halfpenny. Thick planchet. PCGS graded MS-64 Red and Brown. An outstanding example of this rare issue, one which boasts lovely mint red in the protected fields, and light tan toning elsewhere. The surfaces are very clean, as expected on a near gem coin, and examination will not find fault. One tiny speck is noted on the back foot of the elephant, and this will help identify this specimen in the future. Fully struck throughout, with bold details on the elephant and lettering. Peck believed these were struck around 1672, while the Guide Book guesses the year was 1694, while others say 1680. The motto GOD PRESERVE LONDON probably refers to the outbreak of the Black Death Plague and Great London Fire of 1665-6. The exact circumstances of the Elephant halfpence is not known, but a few did turn up in non collector accumulations in New Jersey and New York, where all coins were greatly needed for commerce. PCGS has graded only 1 coin as such, with 2 others graded higher of this particular variety.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
From the Paul Arthur Norris Collection.
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| Realized $6,038 |
