Description:

6 Hard Times Tokens Incl. 4 Political & 1 Merchant

A small group of Hard Times tokens, ca. 1830s, including four political and one merchant. Five are copper and one is brass. Three of the tokens are in numismatic cardboard mounts while three are loose. Five of the six tokens appear to have been professionally graded. Please refer to the photos for additional information related to condition. The average size is 1.125" in diameter.

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, in chronological order:

1. Brass hard times token. Obverse: An American eagle entitled "A Faithful Friend To Our Country." Reverse: A man's bust portrait encircled "Our Next Govnr. Gulian C. Verplank." N.d. but ca. 1834. A punched-out cancellation.

Gulian C. Verplanck (1786-1870) was a lawyer, New York state legislator, educational administrator, and philanthropist. It was floated that Verplanck would run for New York Governor in 1834.

2. Copper hard times token. Obverse: A woman's head encircled by 13 stars. Reverse: "Millions for Defence / Not One Cent For Tribute." 1837.

3. Copper hard times token. Obverse: A woman's head encircled by 13 stars. Reverse: "Millions for Defence / Not One Cent For Tribute." 1837.

4. Copper hard times token. Obverse: A woman's head encircled by 13 stars, capped by "E Pluribus Unum." Reverse: "Millions for Defence / Not One Cent For Tribute." 1837.

5. Copper hard times token. Obverse: A building entitled "Merchants Exchange." Reverse: "New York Joint Stock Exchange Company / No. 6 / Tontine / Building / Wall St." N.d.

6. Copper hard times token. Illegible. N.d.

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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