(1694) Token Elephant - Sword Right

Coin Details

Auction Record

$7,200 • VF25 • 01-2013 • Heritage Auctions

Description

Exceptionally rare with fewer than a dozen confirmed examples (R.7), this London Elephant Token variety is distinguished by the misplacement of the sword on the City of London shield in the upper right quadrant rather than the correct upper left position. Cataloged as W-12050, Hodder 2-C, and Breen 188, it also features a saltire (X-shaped) cross rather than the plain cross on the common variety, and the elephant's tusks are positioned further from the rim. London Elephant Tokens were produced in England during the 1690s for circulation in the American colonies, particularly the Carolinas and New England. The elephant references the Royal African Company, which held the English slave and ivory trade monopoly, while the City of London arms connect the tokens to London's commercial establishment. The "Sword Right" designation refers to the dagger of St. Paul being engraved in the wrong quadrant, combined with the saltire cross substitution, indicating a die sinker unfamiliar with the precise London arms. Each confirmed specimen is individually tracked by colonial specialists.

Rarity Notes

R.7. Very rare; fewer than a dozen confirmed examples.

Cross References

W-12050, Hodder 2-C, Breen 188