Lot 318

1837 Hard Times Copper Emergency Trade Tokens

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Lot 318
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1837 Hard Times Copper Emergency Trade Tokens
1837 Hard Times Copper Emergency Trade Tokens
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1837 Hard Times Copper Emergency Trade Tokens

Estimate: $500 - $750

Starting Bid: $225

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
June 25, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

United States & England, ca. early 19th & mid-20th century CE. A collection of eight copper Hard Times tokens and related trade pieces issued during periods of economic instability. The American examples dated 1837 and 1841 feature a Liberty bust, a ship representing the Constitution, a running donkey, a turtle carrying a safe symbolizing the Sub Treasury, a wrecked ship referencing monetary experiments, and a phoenix rising from flames commemorating the suspension of specie payments in 1837. Also included is a British 1813 Worcestershire halfpenny token issued by John Knapp Junior of Worcester, bearing the city arms and issued to facilitate trade.

Hard Times Tokens were privately issued copper or brass pieces produced between about 1833 and 1843, originally created as political satire criticizing the economic policies of Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren during the Panic of 1837. Made to resemble official U.S. large cents in size and weight, they circulated widely as unofficial currency when gold, silver, and banknotes disappeared from everyday use due to bank failures and hoarding. Over time, they became both a practical substitute for small change and enduring artifacts of the intense political and financial turmoil of the era.

Provenance: private Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA collection, by inheritance, collected 1970's

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Item # 200144

  • Condition: All pieces show circulation wear consistent with age and use. Surfaces display oxidation, scattered nicks, and edge wear, with softened details on several examples. Inscriptions and major design elements remain legible throughout. Overall stable condition with expected patina for copper tokens of this period.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000