United States of America 1830 N/A Hard Times Tokens - Rulau

Coin / United States of America / 1830 / N/A / Hard Times Tokens - Rulau /

The item in question is a Hard Times Token from the Rulau series, dated 1830-1836, and it represents a unique aspect of American numismatic history during a period of economic hardship, known as the Hard Times era. These tokens were primarily produced by private businesses and organizations as a response to the coin shortage that plagued the United States during this time. Being a representative piece of this historical series, it is made of brass and possesses a notable absence of mint marks, indicating it was not produced by a government mint. Instead, these tokens were made as "mint strikes" by private manufacturers, serving as a form of currency in everyday transactions. While specific measurements such as width, height, diameter, and weight are not available, the numismatic significance of this token relies on its connection to the economic climate of the era and its collectible appeal among enthusiasts of American coinage and tokens. The Hard Times Tokens often featured designs that reflected the sentiments of the period, with various images and inscriptions that denoted value or made social commentary. Tokens from this time are appreciated for their historical context and rarity, as many were produced in limited quantities, and thus their mintage is often very low, making specific pieces highly sought after by collectors. Given the properties listed, it is clear that this token is part of a specific niche in American numismatics, evoking interest not only for its physical characteristics but for its historical narrative as well. For collectors, the rarity of such items can dictate a range of values, often depending on the specific design, condition, and provenance of the piece.