Andrew Jackson Token

Welcome aboard, colosfj. Many kind and helpful folks on this site.

Looks to me like you have a desireable issue of a Hard Times token, dating to 1834. It's an HT-5 if it's brass. While I'd gauge it as having VF detail, it's sadly experienced environmental damage. Without the damage, it'd be worth maybe $400-600. My guesstimate is $100-150, as is. You can probably locate a few sales on ebay or other auction sites (Heritage and Stacks are quite good), and gauge the market value of your piece.

There is a reported but unconfirmed specimen of this variety that was struck in white metal. It's tentatively catalogued as HT-5a. You might take your token to a show and have a knowledgeable dealer confirm that it's brass. The environmental damage can affect the token's natural color.

Regardless of condition, this is a fairly scarce token that has cross-appeal to collectors of political items as well as exonumists. It's a neat find from a fascinating era of U.S. history. It's the sort of token that one may later regret selling; this, as you start learning more about it. Then too, it's a great starter token for forming a collection of Hard Times tokens! Enjoy ...

Environmental damage or no, it is very cool.

There have been some copies of Hard Times tokens made over the years, but this oldtimer has seen very few of those which are typically underweight. Common HTT's generally sell in the $15-30 range for VF-XF. UNCs, common varieties, fetch $150 and up. The HT era generally covers tokens issued between 1832-44. The Red Book lists some varieties ... see "Hard Times" in the index.

There are many dozens of fairly common HTT's. IMHO, the best book for anyone considering collecting HTT's is Rulau's "U.S. Tokens 1700-1900." This huge book covers early, colonial era issues, HTT's, merchant tokens, Civil War tokens or CWT's and later 1800's trade tokens. The later of the four editions contain a thousand pages or so ... a wealth of info. Older editions can be had for a modest cost, probably $10-$15. The latest or 4th edition will likely run over $20 for a used copy. Buy the book before the token! Many rare tokens await discovery, and gathering knowledge is the key to making great finds.

Regarding this specific token, I'd conserve/clean it with acetone - the kind found in hardware stores and not nail polish remover. A pint can cost maybe $8 and will last a looong time. I pour it into small bottles for convenience and give them to friends. Use a Q-tip and gently swab the token on one side, afterwards using the dry end to lift the contaminants. Repeat the process on the other side and the edge. It may require a few such treatments before the Q-tip no longer turns green or brown. Don't rub the token harshly, but do massage it with a soft, non-abrasive cloth to assure it's totally dry before holdering it. You may want to experiment with some old wheaties, first. Do a search on CCF for acetone and read what others have said and done in this regard.

Hi Cheetah .... Having seen your above post, I revisited my Rulau book, 4th ed. This token is listed as HT-5, an R-3.

As much as I appreciate the 2004 Rulau book, IMHO the prices were all over the map. Some prices seemed inflated while others were well under-valued at the time. Granted that token values can be more difficult to assess than coins, doubtless due to their relative scarcity, I do believe that many of the cited 2004 prices were unrealistic. As a case in point, Rulau then valued an Alabama Civil War token at $600 when they were easily fetching three times that amount. Personally, I'd have mortgaged my house to then buy a roll at $600, each!

Regarding this specific token, HT-5, I'd have welcomed the opportunity to purchase a VG for $40-60 back in 2004. I do believe that a serious collector of HTT's would pay $150 for this one in today's market.

I see VF+ detail on this one, but the ED is almost always a major detraction for exonumists. I've not seen enough of these to comment on weak strike issues, but my guess is that's not an issue with this one. I've seen a few other tokens struck by Wright & Bale, and that's my measure. Their tokens impress me as being uniformly well struck.

There are many varieties of Andy Jackson tokens out there; enough to make a very interesting collection for a relatively modest investment. Even some of the scarcer ones, far more difficult to obtain than 1909-s VDB's, can be had for under $100. From my experience, shows are the best place to gather tokens; this, as many an ebay seller will attest. More often than not, you'll have to ask each dealer if he has them; typically, in a box behind his display.

Not sure I can agree. I'll go as far as saying Choice Fine.

At the end of the day, IMO, the only way we'd truly tell is to assess the token in hand.

Exo... I meant HT-4. You were right.

I wish that this dealer was still around, I probably still work for him.
Got mixed with the wrong crowd and is no longer with us.
RIP - Wayne thanks for all the great coins and good memories.

Thanks for all the great information, think I will check some antique stores and see what I can find - ebay was not so great.