United States of America 1858 N/A Hard Times Tokens - Rulau

Coin / United States of America / 1858 / N/A / Hard Times Tokens - Rulau /

The coin in question is a Hard Times Token from the year 1858, produced in the United States of America. This coin is part of the Rulau series, which reflects the economic struggles and social sentiments of the period. While its specific denomination is not listed, Hard Times Tokens were often used as a form of currency during the late 1830s and 1840s when there were widespread currency shortages. This particular token has no designated mint, as many Hard Times Tokens were privately issued by various merchants rather than struck by an official government mint. The coin is composed of copper, a common material for tokens of its time. It was produced as a mint strike, indicating that it was manufactured using traditional minting techniques. Interestingly, several key physical attributes such as width, height, diameter, and weight are marked as '0.00000000', suggesting that either these details are not applicable or not recorded for this specific token. There is also no mint mark present, which aligns with many privately issued tokens that did not originate from government mints. The Rulau series includes various designs and messages, often reflecting themes pertinent to the economic hardships of the era. As a collectible, the value of this Hard Times Token can vary significantly based on its condition, rarity, and the specific design it features, but it is typically sought after by numismatists interested in American history and unusual forms of currency.