1694 Token Elephant - LON / DON

Coin Details

Auction Record

$16,100 EF40 11-07-2006 Stack's

Description

This 1694 Elephant Token of the LON/DON variety is the most commonly encountered type in the Elephant Token series. The obverse features an elephant facing left, while the reverse bears the word LONDON split across two lines as LON/DON, indicating a connection to the capital of the British Empire and its commercial interests. The token measures approximately 29mm in diameter and is struck in copper. The LON/DON variety is generally considered the prototype or most standard version of the Elephant Token series, from which the other varieties (Carolina, New England, etc.) derived. The London inscription references one of the great London-based colonial trading companies, most the Royal African Company, which used an elephant as part of its armorial bearings and was deeply involved in trade between England, Africa, and the American colonies. The Royal African Company held a monopoly on English trade with West Africa, including the slave trade, and tokens bearing the elephant device would have been appropriate promotional or trade pieces for the company. The LON/DON variety's relatively greater availability compared to the Carolina and New England types supports the theory that the London version was the primary issue, with the colonial-legend varieties being special adaptations for specific markets. Despite being the most common Elephant Token, it remains a scarce and historically significant colonial piece that documents the commercial networks linking London to its American colonies.

Rarity Notes

Rare but the most available of the Elephant Token varieties. Approximately 100-200 examples survive across all grades. Well-struck examples with clear elephant detail are especially valued.

Cross References

PCGS #67; NGC #108100; Breen 186; Hodder; cf. PCGS #70 (Carolina), PCGS #76 (New England), PCGS #55 (Thick Planchet)