© tpal1961 (CC BY)
© tpal1961 (CC BY)
Hard Times Token - Van Buren / Webster Ship token
1837 year| Silver | - | 29 mm |
| Location | United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Medals › Advertising medallions |
| Year | 1837 |
| Composition | Silver |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-11-13 |
| Numista | N#367039 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Full masted ship with "CONSTITUTION" on the hull sailing on smooth seas.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
* WEBSTER * CREDIT 1841 CURRENT
CONSTITUTION
Edge
Plain
Comment
Henry Davenport (1811-1898) is the only numismatist known to have collected Hard Times tokens during the time when they were being made. He commissioned silver strikings of HT-20A from Scovill & Co. It is R-7 (4-12 known). There are ten in the combined NGC and PCGS population reports.From contemporary newspaper accounts, it appears this anti Van Buren token was made in 1837. It was anticipating the 1840 election in which it was presumed the Whig Daniel Webster would win and become president. It turned out that the incumbent Martin Van Buren's opponent was William Henry Harrison who was elected the first Whig president in 1841.
The sinking ship “Experiment” in stormy seas dashed on rocks represents the Hard Times depression under Van Buren in 1837. The full masted ship “Constitution” in calm waters anticipated the coming tranquil times under Webster.
