Lot 318a, Auction 3/19/2026: 1830s American Copper Hard Times Tokens & Half Penny

$260.00

In stock

United States & Canada, ca. early to mid-19th century CE. A collection of Hard Times tokens and related trade pieces issued during the financial crises of the 1830s and early 1840s, particularly surrounding the Panic of 1837. These privately struck copper tokens circulated as unofficial currency and as political commentary, reflecting public debate over banking, specie payments, and federal monetary policy during a period of economic instability. Included are examples such as an 1837 merchant token for Henry Anderson’s Mammoth Boot & Shoe Company of New York, the Running Boar and Andrew Jackson type, the 1837 “Millions for Defence / Not One Cent” token, an 1841 “Webster Credit Current” piece, an 1836 R & W Robinson button merchant token, the “I Take the Responsibility” token depicting President Andrew Jackson with money bag and sword and a jackass on the reverse, and a type showing a phoenix rising from flames commemorating the suspension of specie payments. Also included is a 1814 Canadian Half Penny token with Britannia and eagle. Size: 1″ Diameter (2.5 cm)

Condition: Heavy rubbing and softening to Half Penny. circulated condition with wear consistent with age and handling. Surfaces show expected smoothing, dark toning, and areas of oxidation typical for early copper tokens. Some pieces display minor edge nicks, surface marks, and uneven patina.

Provenance: private Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA collection, by inheritance, collected 1970’s

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