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1837 Executive Experiment Hard Times Token 1c Grades Select AU

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money Start Price:20.00 USD Estimated At:55.00 - 110.00 USD
1837 Executive Experiment Hard Times Token 1c Grades Select AU
1837 Executive Experiment Hard Times Token 1c Grades Select AU. Hard Times tokens are privately issued mostly copper large cent sized tokens that were produced from 1833 to 1844. The period of economic hardship during Van Buren's presidency (the Panic of 1837) came to be known as the "Hard Times". With America in a deep recession, people began hoarding coins as a safeguard, and small change disappeared from the marketplace. In response, merchants began buying tokens from private mints so they could make change in business transactions.  They were made of copper with a reverse similar to legal U.S. cents. This example is an ideological token without a head. The ‘executive experiment’ was Van Buren’s sub-treasury idea using a fiscal agent. The tortoise carrying the safe meant the democrats could never get the Bill through congress. On the reverse is a line from Van Buren’s inaugural speech when he said, “I follow in the steps of my illustrious predecessor.” Contemporary cartoons showed Van Buren behind a Jackass stepping in its hoofprints. A rare piece of American history, and a true prize for collectors. HT-32