(1835-8) Token HT-228A, New York NY

Coin Details

Description

This New York City token from 1835–38 falls within the Bale & Smith die-cutting firm's catalog range (HT-227 through HT-230). The variant may represent a piece struck by Bale & Smith using one of their stock dies paired with a custom reverse, or it may be a die variety of one of the firm's own advertising tokens. Bale & Smith of 68 Nassau Street were prolific producers of Hard Times tokens, manufacturing pieces for merchants throughout the eastern United States. Their stock obverse designs—including a bust of George Washington and various patriotic and commercial symbols—appear on tokens for merchants in multiple cities, creating a visual continuity across geographically dispersed businesses. The firm's central role in token production makes any piece attributable to their workshop historically significant. The 1835–38 dating encompasses the firm's most active production period, when demand for merchant tokens surged as the coin shortage intensified. Bale & Smith would have been running their presses at maximum capacity during 1837–38, producing tokens for dozens of merchants simultaneously while also striking their own advertising pieces to promote their die-cutting services.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. NYC token in the Bale & Smith catalog range.

Cross References

Rulau HT-228A