Lot 27
(1680) London Elephant Token Halfpenny. "LON DON". The first coin in this set is the extremely rare "LON DON" issue, of which according to our consignor there are about 15 to 20 known. This coin grades Very Good-8 and has very pleasing surfaces. Toned a light to medium brown, with some darker shades adhering near the devices. Almost always found in lower grades, this defect free example should generate high bids from colonial specialists.
Second in this set is the regular issue (Breen-166) struck on a thick planchet. This one grades Extremely Fine 40 and was cleaned and retoned some time ago. Now a medium brown with some very minor surface ticks and handling marks.
The last coin in the set has diagonals at the center shield, but the piece representing this is a cast copy.
This is a fascinating set of these, the important coin is the "LON DON" reverse, or "Godless halfpenny" which is a high rarity-6 variety. So named because the motto "GOD PRESERVE LONDON" has been reduced to only LON DON, spaced on either side of the shield. The longer motto on the coin refers to the great plague and fire that decimated London in 1665-66.
An impressive group that is mounted in a custom Capital Plastics holder. Lot of 3 coins.
Estimated Value $1,000-UP.
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| Realized $2,070 |
