Does anybody here collect Hard Times tokens?

Russ

I was just reading up a bit on these, and they seem pretty cool. The history and the reason they emerged adds a nice flavor, plus there's a lot of variety. They also seem to be relatively inexpensive. I'm thinking it might be neat to own a few. I know nothing about them, though. How about a discussion of them and maybe some scans?

Russ, NCNE

Bear

Russ - These are hard times and I dont need no stinking tokins to validate it

Russ

Well, Bear, I understand you were around when the originals were minted.

Russ, NCNE

FC57Coins

Mr. Bear - you have honey, doughnuts and balloons - how much better can it get?

Oh and Mrs. Bear

ldhair

There are some really cool hard times tokens. I'll put some up late tonight.
Would like to see other scans too. Anyone with any MS tokens that could share their scans?

Spinynorman

I've got a few, but no pictures right now. I'm partial to the 'not one cent' ones.

Russ

Spinynorman,

That is EXACTLY the one I was looking at today that prompted me to read up a bit. "Millions for defence, not one cent for tribute." There seem to be several varieties of that one alone.

Russ, NCNE

BigD5

Russ, I believe Bill Jones to be very knowledgeable with Tokens. His email is billsnotes@attbi.com (I don't mind giving out the email as it is in his signature here). He should be able to give you quite a bit of information, as well as a good selection in case you want to buy some. Good luck.
I agree, they seem cool, but I've never taken the plunge with them.

Spinynorman

Yeah there are, Russ. I have the L58 and L59. I'd like to get one of the ones with a phoenix on it one of these days. I went and dug out the L58, since it was nicer, and took a picture of it.



Now, if it will work here...

DCAMFranklin

Here's one on Ebay

Hard Times - ANACS

ldhair

These are nothing special but the history behind these is something to enjoy.

BillJones

Yes, the general designs for all the pieces you pictured are common pieces that sell for reasonable prices ($30 or so for decent examples).

I collect the political Hard Times tokens, but not the merchant pieces. My all time record is $3,000 for a single piece. I have sold some very rare ones for just over $3,000. Most of the pieces I handle however in the the $30 to $75 range.

Spinynorman

Hello again, I had someone ask me about pricing on a common token and I wasn't sure. Below is a somewhat lightened picture of the token. It was marked XF on the original holder, but I thought it was more like a VF. I didn't buy it individually, so I really don't have a good idea of what it should sell for. Any help would be appreciated.

Steve

Russ

Well, I sniped off a couple books about these this weekend. Anybody heard of these titles?:

Edgar H. Adams Plates of Lyman H. Lows Hard Times Tokens

and

Hard Times Tokens by Russell Rulau

Are there others I should look for?

Russ, NCNE

Spinynorman

I've considered getting the Rulau book, but haven't yet...

Gemini

I have been collecting HTT and CWTS for 25 years.

Do yourself a favor and go do a search on "Hard Times Tokens" there you will find much information listed such as HTT book sellers and there is also a great photo site with obverse and reverse photos of all varieties and Low numbers.

Spinynorman

Here's an unattributed one...

Gemini

Not One Cent for Dyno-mite variety?

Conder101

That would be a Good Times token.

BillJones

Hi Spinynorman!

The second (ship / ship wreck) Hard Times Token you pictured is list as HT 20 in Rulau book and as Low 62 in that classic work. It is rated as an R-1 and is common. The grade is Choice VF but today it will be sold as EF. The retail value in the $30 to $40 range.

Spinynorman

Thank you, Bill.