Customer Reviews

The Standard Catalog of Hard Times Tokens

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This book focussing on a period of time which the authors state is known at America's First Great Depression, is one of the most well-constructed and well-thought out numismatic books I own. It has loads of great photos (1000) accompanied by important information (relative rarity, size, metal, production year, 2000-01 auction results where applicable, and fascinating commentary that helps to identify or place the token in the genre). According to the authors in their rather opaque and fuzzy introduction, these Hard Times Tokens took the place of circulating change because of a shortage resulting from the peculiar Jacksonian economic politics of the time (including the fight over a Federal banking system). Hence their artwork and slogans often trenchantly reflected the contemporary politics prevailing (either in the form of satire or pure political sentiment). In recognition of this, the authors dedicate an entire section of this book to the Satirical Hard Times Token genre, in addition to cataloguing the token issues along individual State lines. Additionally, there are sections concerning Hard Times related Ephemera/Paraphernalia/Notes, so-called 'Store Cards,' and even Slave Tags. The appendices contain information on the ever-expanding numbering system; an examination of the methodology used for identifying coin states and iterations; discussions on token designers and producers; and wonderful photographic blow-ups as examples. As I said, this reference is jam packed with essential information. As such, I highly recommend this book to seasoned collector and novice alike. It rates 4 stars only because, for the price, it should be hardbound. A new stand alone edition of this text has been released approximately every 5 years so this 9th Edition should remain current until the next prospective update in the year 2006/7.