THREE HARD TIMES TOKENS (all different)
1841
1841. Copper tokens, printed privately and issued during the Panic of 1837. The three in this group, all somewhat worn, are printed with different messages on each side: 1) "Millions for defence not one cent for tribute. / Substitute for shin plasters." November 1837. 2) "I follow in the steps of my Illustrious Predecessor. / Executive experiment. Fiscal agent." 1837. 3) "Van Buren metallic current 1837. / Webster credit current 1841."
According to David Corrigan in his essay, "Hard Times Tokens," written for the Museum of Connecticut History, these tokens were meant to satirize both President Andrew Jackson's, and later his successor Martin Van Buren's economic policies regarding specie and the Second Bank of the United States: "In July 1836, Jackson issued his 'Specie Circular' stipulating that all purchases of government land were to be made in specie- gold and silver coinage- no paper money or banknotes, which supporters of hard currency derisively referred to as 'shin plasters.' " This policy resulted in the hoarding of coins and the contraction of the economy. (Inventory #: 64280)
According to David Corrigan in his essay, "Hard Times Tokens," written for the Museum of Connecticut History, these tokens were meant to satirize both President Andrew Jackson's, and later his successor Martin Van Buren's economic policies regarding specie and the Second Bank of the United States: "In July 1836, Jackson issued his 'Specie Circular' stipulating that all purchases of government land were to be made in specie- gold and silver coinage- no paper money or banknotes, which supporters of hard currency derisively referred to as 'shin plasters.' " This policy resulted in the hoarding of coins and the contraction of the economy. (Inventory #: 64280)
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