Description:

2 Hard Times Tokens Lambasting Jackson & Van Buren

Two Hard Times tokens, ca. 1830s-1840s, including one anti-Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) and one anti-Martin Van Buren (1782-1862). Both copper tokens are housed in numismatic cardboard mounts. One of the two tokens appears to have been professionally graded. Expected wear and weathering, with three of the four sides in very good condition and clearly visible, and one corroded side being only partly visible. The average size of the tokens is 1.125" in diameter, with the mounts measuring 2" square.

Hard Times tokens were a form of unofficial currency that was accepted as legal tender in the United States from ca. 1833-1843. The widespread use of Hard Times tokens as alternative currency in the 1830s was caused by the collapse of the Second Bank of the United States, a lack of legitimate circulating specie, and a reluctance to use inflation-causing overprinted paper money. Hard Times token scholar David Corrigan estimated that there are 600 types of tokens that are currently identified. Of these, many satirize Democratic fiscal and economic policy, especially that endorsed by Andrew Jackson and his successor Martin Van Buren.

The lot includes:

1. Copper hard times token. Obverse: "Van Buren / Metallic / Currency / 1837." Reverse only partly visible, but from examples it should read: "Webster / Credit / Currency / 1841." The Democratic ship "Experiment" shown crashing into an iceberg contrasts with the Whig vessel "Constitution" depicted at safe harbor.

2. Copper hard times token. Obverse: Andrew Jackson bust, around which is inscribed: "My Substitute for the U.S. Bank / Experiment / My Currency / My Glory." Reverse depicting a running (or hunted?) boar: "Perish Credit / Perish Commerce / 1834 / My Victory / My Third Heat / Down With The Bank."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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December 14, 2022 11:00 AM EST
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University Archives

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