United States of America 1846 N/A Hard Times Tokens - Rulau

Coin / United States of America / 1846 / N/A / Hard Times Tokens - Rulau /

The coin under consideration is a Hard Times Token from the year 1846, which is part of a series known as Rulau. These tokens were issued in the United States during a period of economic distress and are often considered a form of unofficial currency, used in local commerce primarily due to a shortage of coins. This particular token does not have a designated mint, denomination, or specific designer associated with it, indicating that it was likely produced by private individuals or businesses rather than an official mint. The material of the token is brass, which was commonly used for such tokens during that era due to its durability and low cost. Notably, the dimensions of the token (including width, height, diameter, and weight) are not specified, which may indicate that it is a unique or less commonly encountered piece. The absence of a mint mark suggests that it was not struck in any specific government mint location. This token is classified under the 'Coins' sub-type and is recognized as a 'Mint Strike' production type, signifying that it was deliberately produced for circulation. However, it is important to note that the token has a recorded mintage of zero, which might imply that it was produced in very limited quantities or that its issuance was not documented in conventional mintage records. Overall, this Hard Times Token from 1846 reflects a significant period in American history, representing both economic struggle and the creative responses of individuals and businesses to currency shortages. Collectors and numismatists often seek out such tokens for their historical context and unique place in American coinage.