Hard times token question

Manorcourtman

I'm trying to figure out what's going on with this 1841 Webster Credit Currency 1837 Van Buren Metalic Copper Hard Times Token. I have not been able to locate one with the same Van Buren side.

It almost looks double struck? The area above the boat is unlike any other one I have seen. It has contemporary damage on both sides.

I'd appreciate any opinions out there. Were there different versions of the dies these where struck with? Thank you for any ideas.

jonathanb

Severe pmd

JohnnyCache

@Manorcourtman

 

I think it looks like this one circled below:

 

Manorcourtman

@JohnnyCache said:
@Manorcourtman

 

I think it looks like this one circled below:

 

Thanks so much!! I need to get that book!!

EXOJUNKIE

HT-18 in my opinion, not HT-19. Easy to get them confused … even the TPGs do. With the PMD, worth about $5-10.

tokenpro

If you follow the diagnostics I believe that you will find that your token is HT-18. The left most lightning bolt passes over the rock and ends under the letter A. On HT-19 the same bolt hits the right side of the rock. Again on HT-18 the right most bolt touches the rigging on the broken aft mast; on HT-19 it stops short of the rigging line. There are others that are partially obscured by the damage but these two are clearly visible.

HT-19 is a scarce token but I believe that you have the very common HT-18. As to catalogs, the Whitman "Guide Book Of Hard Times Tokens" has some problems with selection, execution and useful pricing but the color photos are night and day superior to the black & white pictures in the dated Rulau catalogs.

Manorcourtman

Thanks Guys. It’s a junk box find of mine. Had it for a long time and was curious. I think I paid $3 for it over 10 years ago at a flea market! Back into the junk box it goes!