(1694) Token Elephant, Thick Planchet, BN MS(PCGS#55)

The January 2013 Americana Sale

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

10657

Grade

MS64

Price

8,225

Lot Description

Undated (Circa 1694) London Elephant Token. Hodder 2-B, W-12040. GOD PRESERVE LONDON. Thick Planchet. MS-64 BN (NGC). A somewhat glossy deep golden-tan specimen with soft luster and pale rose-brown iridescence throughout. Struck from a stressed obverse die with metal flow lines immediately obvious at the elephant's feet. Low magnification reveals some small natural planchet flaws, as struck, none of them readily available to the unassisted eye; no marks of measure are seen that were not in the planchet when struck, even under low magnification. Generally considered to have their origins circa 1672-1694 (certain thin planchet Elephant tokens are known on cut-down pattern British pennies circa 1672), though there are those collectors who cling tenaciously to the 1694 date as the solitary date of issue. Choice for the grade and high in the roster of pieces seen and certified by NGC.