© stephiesstuff (CC BY-NC-SA)
© stephiesstuff (CC BY-NC-SA)
Hard Times Token - Nathaniel March / William Simes and Co. Portsmouth, New Hampshire
1837 year| Copper | - | 28.5 mm |
| Location | United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Medals › Advertising medallions |
| Year | 1837 |
| Composition | Copper |
| Diameter | 28.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Updated | 2024-11-13 |
| Numista | N#304631 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
Text only, all lines are curved downward. Denticles around rim.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
WILLIAM SIMES & CO
DEALERS IN
TEAS, WINES, &
GROCERIES.
NO. 1 PIERCE'S
BUILDINGS
PORTSMOUTH
N.H
Edge
Plain
Comment
This is one of two Hard Times Tokens originating from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. According to Bowers (2015, pp. 158-9), Nathaniel March (1807-1846) was a stationer and bookseller who "was prominent in civic affairs" and "was active in Democratic politics in New Hampshire." William Simes (1806-1880) was a grocer and was "elected mayor of Portsmouth in 1861 and 1862."Bowers (2015, p. 158) explains, "Likely, the tokens were a cooperative venture between Nathaniel March and William Simes & Co., purely as a matter of convenience. Such tokens were inexpensive in their day, so there was no need for a cooperative venture." Bowers also mentioned the tokens were made by R. & W. Robinson in Attleboro, Massachusetts, "as evidenced by the distinctive style, which features lettering arranged in curved rows."
Source:
Bowers, QD. (2015) A Guide Book of Hard Times Tokens: American Political and Commercial Tokens of the 1830s and 1840s. Whitman Publishing, LLC. Atlanta, Georgia. 312 pp.
