1694 (Undated) 1/2 Pence Colonial Elephant Token, Thick variety PCGS AU50

1694 (Undated) 1/2 Pence Colonial Elephant Token, Thick variety.

      It is with pleasure that we at AUCM offer for consideration a rare piece from Colonial American and British history, a 1694 (undated) Colonial Elephant Token, thick planchet. This is the perfect specimen for the Colonial numismatic enthusiast, one that features a dramatic image of an African elephant on its obverse. An idea for a type set would be to collect coins and tokens that circulated in America during the Colonial period. And this would be a great piece to kick-start that fascinating set!

     This is a mysterious and curious series, for not much is known about it. It is quite possible that these token were originally created to circulate as half pence, or perhaps produced as a kind of commemorative. There is some evidence pointing to their use as coins in America, for the Red Book tells us, "These pieces were not struck for the colonies, and probably did not circulate widely, although a few may have been carried there by colonists." 

     They were produced in the Tower Mint of London, most likely in or around 1694, as they are attributed to that year. The dies were located in the Tower Mint and have been preserved. Considering that the colonists had a dearth of coinage, it is more than likely that any such Elephant tokens found were employed in Colonial commerce. All of the Elephant tokens present a large tusked elephant on the obverse. There is a single elephant punch known, but two dies were produced from it. One features the stately creature close to the center of the planchet, while the other has it more to the left. In all, there are seven varieties of this token, with four displaying the shield of the city of London, consisting of a cross and a sword in the upper left quadrant. The motto, GOD PRESERVE LONDON, is found on three of the varieties. Hence the name, "London Elephant Tokens." Such pieces are found with both thin and thick planchets. Collectors of the more rare 1694 Elephant tokens of Carolina and New England generally have a penchant for collecting the London Elephant Tokens.