1694 Token Elephant - Thick Planchet

Coin Details

Auction Record

$19,975 MS61 05-16-2014 Heritage Auctions

Description

This 1694 Elephant Token on a thick planchet represents a distinct physical variant within the Elephant Token series. The obverse features the elephant facing left that defines the series, while the reverse design varies but is struck on a notably thicker copper blank than the standard thin-planchet versions. The increased thickness results in a heavier coin with higher relief and potentially sharper design details, as the thicker metal fills the die cavities more completely during striking. The Elephant Token series includes both thick and thin planchet varieties, and this distinction is one of the primary ways collectors differentiate between major types. The thick planchet may indicate a different batch of blanks, a different production run, or a deliberate decision to produce a heavier, more substantial token. At approximately 29mm in diameter but with increased thickness, the coin has a noticeably different feel and heft compared to the thin planchet version. The debate over the origin and purpose of the Elephant Tokens extends to the planchet varieties, with some scholars indicating the thick and thin versions was produced at different times or for different markets. The thick planchet version, being somewhat more substantive, was intended for use where a heavier, more coin-like token would be more readily accepted in trade. This variety provides important physical evidence for understanding the production methods and commercial intentions behind the Elephant Token series.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. The Thick Planchet variety is scarce, with approximately 30-50 examples known across all grades.

Cross References

PCGS #55; NGC #108097; Breen; Hodder; cf. PCGS #58 (Thin Planchet), PCGS #67 (LON/DON), PCGS #64 (Sword variety)