Hard Times Tokens are a type of collectible coinage created during the economic hardships of the 1830s and 1840s in the United States. They were used as substitutes for currency due to a shortage of coins and were often issued by private individuals, businesses, or organizations. The tokens typically featured political, social, or promotional messages and imagery, reflecting the sentiments of the time. Rulau's cataloging system, notably in the book "Hard Times Tokens," lists and provides details about these tokens, including dates and designs, many of which are assigned specific varieties. The year 1900 does not pertain to the creation of Hard Times Tokens as they were primarily produced earlier; the "Unknown" classification may refer to tokens with unverified origins or issuers.

Item Denomination Series Year Mint
(C.1900-06) Chicago Ht-M19 Il Ms Other / Varied Hard Times Tokens - Rulau 1900 Unknown