Lot 25
(1680) London Elephant Token Halfpenny. Thick planchet. PCGS graded EF-40. Although the actual year struck is not known, it is believed they were coined in the period 1666 to 1690, with the dates 1672 and 1680 most commonly quoted. The reason behind the production of this piece is unknown, but the reverse provides a clue in GOD PRESERVE LONDON that they were made after the devastating London fire of 1666 and the plague of the same year. We do know that some of these apparently came over with Mark Newby's "St. Patrick" coppers, as elephant tokens have been found in non-collector accumulations in New York and New Jersey of the period (Breen).
Clean surfaces for the grade, the coin is evenly toned a dark chocolate brown throughout. Struck from worn dies, with some of the reverse letters drawn to the rim.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,200.
Ex: Ira S. Reed, 7/21/44 for $3.50.
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| Realized $1,035 |
