1864 New York Ht-267 3c Ms

Coin / United States of America / 1864 / Unknown / Hard Times Tokens - Rulau / Other / Varied

The coin in question is a Hard Times Token from the year 1864, a notable piece in the series of tokens issued during a time of economic distress in the United States. These tokens were often created as a means of currency when official coins were scarce. Produced with an unknown mint location, this particular token represents a unique segment of American numismatic history. While it is categorized primarily under the 'Coins' type, it bears characteristics distinct to tokens that were not officially recognized by the U.S. Mint. The denomination of this piece is classified as 'Other / Varied', which reflects the diverse forms these tokens took, often tailored to local businesses or communities, thus lacking a uniform monetary value. Unfortunately, both the weight and diameter of this token are recorded as zero, suggesting that specific details may be unrecorded or that this is a representation rather than a physical specimen. The absence of documented mintage implies that this token may either be extraordinarily rare or part of a group where no official production numbers were maintained. Hard Times Tokens are collectible due to their historical context, scarcity, and the rich stories they tell about the socio-economic climate of their time. Collectors often seek out these tokens not only for their numbers or physical attributes but also for their place in American history, making this an intriguing item for numismatists and history enthusiasts alike.