A Low 6 Hard Times Token from the Dick August estate
BillJones
Posts: 34,617 ✭✭✭✭✭
I knew the late Dick August when I lived in New England. He and I shared an interest in 19th century political tokens, and we bought a sold a few pieces between us.
One of them was Low 6 which is also known as HTT 14. Dick sold this one to me many years ago. He told me at the time that the piece he had in his collection was not much better.
In a recent StacksBowers auction, I noticed this piece from his collection. I started bidding on it, and was surprised to get it for a good deal less than I thought it would bring. PCGS graded it AU-58, which is accurate.
Dick was right. It's not that much better, but it does bring back memories of cool New England morning from many years ago, when I met him in Norwood, Massachusetts to complete the deal.
The market for the rarer Hard Times tokens is a real yo-yo. There are times when they are very expensive and other times when they seem cheap. This must be one of the down times.
Comments
I like these things, I think they are cool as heck, but seems there is very little discussion about them, here or anywhere that i'm aware of. Civil War tokens too. I grabbed a few of each, the most famous inexpensive types just to get started and have a look, but wish there was more interest in them.
Hard Times tokens (HTTs) have a small, but dedicated following. When the big players are looking for something, the prices can go very high. When they aren't, the prices fall, often by a lot. There are far more Civil War token collectors, and the market is more steady, although CWTs are generally more more common.
Here is a little history for you about the token I posted above. According to Dr. Robert A Schuman, who wrote the book, "The True Hard Times Tokens," the meaning of "Whigs of N, York / Victorious / Les Trois Jours / April / 8, 9. 10 / 1934" referred to three days in April when the French supporters of Louis-Philippe overthrew the Bourbons.
The Whigs referred to Andrew Jackson as "a king" and wanted him driven from office one way or another. Their hatred of Jackson was the main glue that held their party together. The slavery issued ultimately split the Whig Party. A good part of the abolitionist Republican Party rose from the ashes.
The Hard Times tokens are a lot of fun. The Early American Coppers Club has taken them in a part of the large cent era.
That's so cool, Bill.
Glad you were able to pick up a sentimental and nice piece yet didn't have to overpay.
It does look just a little better. Now, you have the pair.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
Really nice one, Bill. I think the second one is definitely better struck. Nice when our tokens remind us of conversations with lost friends. Frank Kraus "Broadstruck" comes to mind often. He knew so much and was kind to share his knowledge.
Dead Cat Waltz Exonumia
"Coin collecting for outcasts..."