Illustrious Predecessor, Hard Times Token, United States, 1837
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
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
- 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
- Record ID
- nmah_993336
