2017-07-21 Fri

A special collection of Hard Times tokens was auctioned by Stack’s Bowers Galleries on 21st June at the Whitman Coin and Collectibles Expo in Baltimore. The collection consists of privately issued tokens that were produced from 1832 to 1844. They are categorised into two parts: store cards issued by merchants, and tokens depicting political messages. An Undated (1835 to 1838) Atwood’s Railroad Hotel Hard Times token, graded MS-63 Brown was sold for $3,877.50.

The obverse features George Washington riding a horse. The reverse depicts the inscription CARRY ME TO ATWOOD’S RAILROAD HOTEL 243 BOWERY AND MY FACE IS GOOD FOR 3 CENTS. Most examples of this type are well-worn, making this particular MS 63 brown example rare.

The token is sought after by Washington and presidential collectors. The name of the manufacturer Bale & Smith is inscribed on the obverse. The same token was earlier sold for $3,877.50.