Anyone know more about this Executive Decision Maker Donkey token?

U1chicago

While going through a recent Heritage sale of some ex - @coinsarefun pieces, I ran accross this cool piece. The design appealed to me and I ended up winning it. Does anyone know more information besides what Heritage wrote?
Undated Executive Decision Maker Token, Donkey, MS65 Prooflike NGC. Aluminum, 26 mm

Peasantry

This is what Grok thinks. Cool token

The "Executive Decision Maker Token, Donkey" appears to refer to a historical U.S. Hard Times Token from 1837, often cataloged as HT-32 or HT-33 (with slight variations). These were satirical copper tokens issued during the economic crisis known as the Panic of 1837, which stemmed from President Andrew Jackson's financial policies, including the dismantling of the Second Bank of the United States and the Specie Circular. The tokens mocked the Democratic administration, particularly Martin Van Buren, who succeeded Jackson and pledged to continue his predecessor's approach.

Design and Inscriptions

• Obverse (Donkey Side): Features a running donkey (or jackass, an early symbol for the Democratic Party) with the inscription "I FOLLOW IN THE STEPS OF MY ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR." This satirizes Van Buren for blindly adhering to Jackson's policies amid the financial turmoil.
• Reverse (Turtle Side): Shows a turtle carrying a safe labeled "SUB TREASURY," with inscriptions "EXECUTIVE EXPERIMENT" (referring to Jackson's "experiments" with state "pet banks" as fiscal agents) and "FISCAL AGENT." The slow-moving turtle symbolizes the sluggish and ineffective Independent Treasury system proposed by Van Buren to handle government funds without a national bank.
• Material and Size: Typically plain edge copper, about 27-28 mm in diameter, weighing around 8-10 grams. Some varieties exist in brass or other metals, but copper is standard for originals.

Historical Significance

Hard Times Tokens were privately minted during a coin shortage caused by the 1837 depression, serving as both substitute currency and political commentary. This particular design criticizes the government's handling of the banking crisis, specie suspension, and economic hardship. The donkey became a lasting Democratic emblem, while the turtle highlighted perceived bureaucratic delays. They were part of a broader series of over 100 Hard Times Tokens, blending merchant advertising, politics, and satire.

Modern reproductions or restrikes exist (sometimes in aluminum or brass), and originals in good condition (e.g., AU or MS grades) sell for $50-200+ at auctions or online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions.

U1chicago

@Peasantry said:
This is what Grok thinks. Cool token

The "Executive Decision Maker Token, Donkey" appears to refer to a historical U.S. Hard Times Token from 1837, often cataloged as HT-32 or HT-33 (with slight variations). These were satirical copper tokens issued during the economic crisis known as the Panic of 1837, which stemmed from President Andrew Jackson's financial policies, including the dismantling of the Second Bank of the United States and the Specie Circular. The tokens mocked the Democratic administration, particularly Martin Van Buren, who succeeded Jackson and pledged to continue his predecessor's approach.

Design and Inscriptions

• Obverse (Donkey Side): Features a running donkey (or jackass, an early symbol for the Democratic Party) with the inscription "I FOLLOW IN THE STEPS OF MY ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR." This satirizes Van Buren for blindly adhering to Jackson's policies amid the financial turmoil.
• Reverse (Turtle Side): Shows a turtle carrying a safe labeled "SUB TREASURY," with inscriptions "EXECUTIVE EXPERIMENT" (referring to Jackson's "experiments" with state "pet banks" as fiscal agents) and "FISCAL AGENT." The slow-moving turtle symbolizes the sluggish and ineffective Independent Treasury system proposed by Van Buren to handle government funds without a national bank.
• Material and Size: Typically plain edge copper, about 27-28 mm in diameter, weighing around 8-10 grams. Some varieties exist in brass or other metals, but copper is standard for originals.

Historical Significance

Hard Times Tokens were privately minted during a coin shortage caused by the 1837 depression, serving as both substitute currency and political commentary. This particular design criticizes the government's handling of the banking crisis, specie suspension, and economic hardship. The donkey became a lasting Democratic emblem, while the turtle highlighted perceived bureaucratic delays. They were part of a broader series of over 100 Hard Times Tokens, blending merchant advertising, politics, and satire.

Modern reproductions or restrikes exist (sometimes in aluminum or brass), and originals in good condition (e.g., AU or MS grades) sell for $50-200+ at auctions or online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions.

It found the information for this token below. That is a more well known token. I don't believe the two are related (outside of both having a donkey).

(photo from NGC)

BStrauss3

AI Slop. We really need to stop people from posting this unless there is some critical thinking and fact-checking involved.

CaptHenway

Judging from the lettering I would guess 1960’s novelty piece, possibly by Osborne Register of Cincinnati. Something that probably sold for a dollar back then.

Peasantry

@BStrauss3 said:
AI Slop. We really need to stop people from posting this unless there is some critical thinking and fact-checking involved.

It was prefaced as such. You didn't have to read it or go screaming for mom. "We really need to stop people from saying things I don't like."

The aluminum reproductions seemed applicable and the history prior explanatory. Your tantrum on the other hand......

lkenefic

The OPs coin is NOT a Hard Times token... HT-33 or otherwise. Sorry, but Grok totally missed the boat on this one.

JBK

@Peasantry said:

@BStrauss3 said:
AI Slop. We really need to stop people from posting this unless there is some critical thinking and fact-checking involved.

It was prefaced as such. You didn't have to read it or go screaming for mom. "We really need to stop people from saying things I don't like."

The aluminum reproductions seemed applicable and the history prior explanatory. Your tantrum on the other hand......

What you posted clearly had no relevance to the token in the original post. You realize that, right? 🤔

Peasantry

@lkenefic said:
The OPs coin is NOT a Hard Times token... HT-33 or otherwise. Sorry, but Grok totally missed the boat on > @JBK said:

@Peasantry said:

@BStrauss3 said:
AI Slop. We really need to stop people from posting this unless there is some critical thinking and fact-checking involved.

It was prefaced as such. You didn't have to read it or go screaming for mom. "We really need to stop people from saying things I don't like."

The aluminum reproductions seemed applicable and the history prior explanatory. Your tantrum on the other hand......

What you posted clearly had no relevance to the token in the original post. You realize that, right? 🤔

Yes. Agreed. The aluminum reproductions being modern era seemed relevant though. Did I think something untrue? Incorrect? Say it ain't so!!

BillJones

The token in the OP is of a completely different fabric and style from a Hard Times token. It was probably made from the mid 1940s to the mid ‘60s.

I know that for a decent part of the 19th century, aluminum was as expense as gold. That would have included the mid to late 1830s.