(1869) Token Double Elephant Bolen Fantasy

Coin Details

Description

A fantasy token created by John Adams Bolen (1826-1907) in 1869, featuring a "Double Elephant" design. Bolen was one of the most skilled and prolific die-sinkers in 19th-century American numismatics, producing a wide range of copies, imitations, and fantasy pieces that are today collected as important artifacts of the hobby's history. The "Double Elephant" theme references the Brasher Doubloon tradition and broader American numismatic mythology surrounding elephant-themed colonial tokens. The original "Elephant tokens" of the late 17th century are among the most mysterious and debated pieces in colonial American numismatics. Bolen's 1869 fantasy takes creative inspiration from this tradition while creating an entirely original design that was never an authorized or circulating piece. Bolen was known for his exceptional skill as a die-sinker and his imagination in creating pieces that combined historical numismatic elements in novel ways. Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, he produced fantasy items that delighted collectors and that he carefully documented. Bolen typically produced fewer than 25 examples of each piece and maintained meticulous records of his productions, which have become invaluable to modern numismatic researchers. Bolen's tokens and copies are avidly collected today. His work represents the highest level of 19th-century American die-cutting craftsmanship, and his fantasy pieces are valued both as works of numismatic art and as historical artifacts. The "Double Elephant" fantasy token of 1869 stands as one of his more creative and imaginative productions.

Rarity Notes

Rare. Bolen typically produced fewer than 25 examples of each piece. His tokens are eagerly sought by specialists in numismatic Americana and die-sinker productions.

Cross References

Bolen, John Adams (1826-1907); Musante JAB series; Related: Elephant Tokens, colonial American series