Illustrious Predecessor, Hard Times Token, United States, 1837

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Object Details

Description (Brief)

One (1) Illustrious Predecessor hard times token

United States, 1837

Obverse Image: Running donkey.

Obverse Text: I FOLLOW IN THE / STEPS / OF MY / ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR

Reverse Image: Turtle carrying a safe on its back.

Reverse Text: EXECUTIVE / FINANCIERING / SUB TREASURY / 1837 / FISCAL AGENT

Description

During the 1830s and the early 1840s, the U.S. faced economic decline and a shortage of coins. Copper tokens, called hard-times tokens, were issued privately and used as money. Some contain satirical images, such as a tortoise carrying a safe with the word “Treasury” on it.

Credit Line

Mendel L. Peterson

date made

1837

associated date

1837

ID Number

NU.71.321.1

catalog number

71.321.1

accession number

297935

Object Name

token

Physical Description

copper (overall material)

Measurements

overall: .2 cm x 2.85 cm; 3/32 in x 1 1/8 in

place made

United States

associated place

United States

Related Publication

Feingold, Ellen R.. Value of Money, The

See more items in

Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection

Exhibition

Value of Money

Exhibition Location

National Museum of American History

Data Source

National Museum of American History

Metadata Usage

CC0

Link to Original Record

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-76af-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record ID

nmah_993336