1837 Executive Experiment Token, Copper. Hard Times Token

Looks like a decent example of a fun issue. The coloration is most likely environmental staining, not uncommon on old copper-based coins. There are no definitive grading standards for the Hard Times Tokens, but I would call this one AU. The weakly struck turtle is commonplace.

IMHO, lacking the higher definition of an XF, this is a VF details token. I suspect that the staining may have been the consequence of a leaking fountain pen .... I'm old enough to vaguely recall those! I've seen many an antique desk drawer with similar stains, too.

Condition aside, I've long been drawn to pictorial images on early tokens like this one. The history lessons are equally compelling. Even today, big banks, the powerful financiers, elitists, remain a major threat to the U.S. economy. Paper currency is now being challenged by digital currency .... a move that threatens to make us old collectors, those who appreciate holding tokens, broken bank notes and the like, virtual dinosaurs. Like Jackson, I prefer specie to paper!