Last Hunt of 2021 yields an 1837 Hard Times token!

ScaredOfClowns

Full Member
Apr 21, 2012
157
639
Bucks County, PA
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Equinox 800 / Garrett AT Pro / Garrett ProPointer, Garrett ProPointer AT
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
Today was a grey, rainy day but I was determined to get one last hunt in before the end of the year. I went to a local schoolyard I've had some luck at, and started hunting the woods adjacent to it.

I was barely six feet into the woods when I got a 24 signal on my Equinox. I figured it was just another Lincoln cent, but after digging about 8 inches down through roots I found this token:

Hard Times Token - In The Hole.jpg

It's an 1837 "Hard Times" token, which was issued during the "Panic of 1837" during Martin Van Buren's presidency.

Hard Times Token - Both Sides.jpg

(Here is a sample of one in slightly better condition)
Hard Times Token - Sample.jpg

I've read about these, but never expected to find one at the local schoolyard. It's a pretty great way to finish 2021 (and hopefully the "Hard Times" are over soon!)

Happy New Year to everyone - hope 2022 brings good luck and good health to all of us.
 

Upvote 16

Digger RJ

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Aug 24, 2017
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SW Missouri/Oklahoma
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Today was a grey, rainy day but I was determined to get one last hunt in before the end of the year. I went to a local schoolyard I've had some luck at, and started hunting the woods adjacent to it.

I was barely six feet into the woods when I got a 24 signal on my Equinox. I figured it was just another Lincoln cent, but after digging about 8 inches down through roots I found this token:

View attachment 1999961

It's an 1837 "Hard Times" token, which was issued during the "Panic of 1837" during Martin Van Buren's presidency.

View attachment 1999960

(Here is a sample of one in slightly better condition)
View attachment 1999962

I've read about these, but never expected to find one at the local schoolyard. It's a pretty great way to finish 2021 (and hopefully the "Hard Times" are over soon!)

Happy New Year to everyone - hope 2022 brings good luck and good health to all of us.
Nice!!! Congrats!!!Happy New Year!!!🎉
 

Lenrac2

Silver Member
Apr 1, 2021
2,761
6,386
Illinois
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Denise-Nokta Legend/Garrett Apex Nox600
Bob-AT Max/ Nox800
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Great find! Pretty great condition too!
 

E-Trac-Ohio

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Feb 9, 2020
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Eastern Ohio
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A big congrats on a finding a great piece of US history ! :occasion14:

I found a different version of a 1837 Martin Van Buren Token approx. 7 or 8 years ago.
It's shows a slow moving Tortoise carrying the Treasury on it's back.
And President Jefferson's opinion of Van Buren on the other side ... a Jack Ass.
Like your post - here's photo's of the dug and non dug examples.

Good Hunting !
 

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  • ZZZ - MAH - Finds - 3-24-13 - 1837 Token - B.JPG
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pepperj

Gold Member
Feb 3, 2009
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136,990
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Nice keeper for the last dig of the year, congrats.
 

JeffInMass

Silver Member
Jan 14, 2006
4,678
7,095
Cape Cod
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Minelab Manticore, Minelab Equinox 600, Minelab Explorer SE Pro, Explorer XS, Fisher CZ6A
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Awesome last day of the year find- Congrats!!
 

OP
OP
S

ScaredOfClowns

Full Member
Apr 21, 2012
157
639
Bucks County, PA
Detector(s) used
Equinox 800 / Garrett AT Pro / Garrett ProPointer, Garrett ProPointer AT
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
A big congrats on a finding a great piece of US history ! :occasion14:

I found a different version of a 1837 Martin Van Buren Token approx. 7 or 8 years ago.
It's shows a slow moving Tortoise carrying the Treasury on it's back.
And President Jefferson's opinion of Van Buren on the other side ... a Jack Ass.
Like your post - here's photo's of the dug and non dug examples.

Good Hunting !

Love it - that token is awesome! These have a very interesting history.

I was also surprised at the good condition of my token - the rim is still well-defined and smooth, unlike many/most of the LCs I've found. At first I assumed it must be something more recent (like a Chuck E Cheese token, several of which I've found at this schoolyard). I was shocked when I saw the "Not One Cent" in the wreath on the back of the coin.

Congrats on a very cool find, and Happy New Year!
 

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