(1835) Token HT-421, Philadelphia PA

Coin Details

Description

This brass token advertises James Watson, importer and dealer in foreign and domestic hardware and cutlery at 11 North Fourth Street, Philadelphia. The obverse features an anvil flanked by stars—a universal symbol of the hardware and metalworking trades—with Watson's name and address. The reverse depicts a saw and identifies the business as importers and dealers in hardware and cutlery, with the notable misspelling "HARDWAR" omitting the final "E." North Fourth Street intersected with Market Street at the heart of Philadelphia's hardware merchant district. Watson competed directly with neighboring firms including Smith & Brothers at 188 Market Street, Samuel & Joseph Harvey at 195 Market Street, and Buehler's & Smith at 192 Market Street. This concentration of hardware importers reflected Philadelphia's position as a major port for European manufactured goods, particularly British and German cutlery, tools, and ironware. The "HARDWAR" misspelling on the reverse die is a permanent feature of all specimens, as correcting a die-cutting error required producing an entirely new die. Such spelling errors are common on Hard Times tokens and add character to these pieces. Watson's token is among the more attractive Philadelphia merchant pieces, with its anvil and saw designs clearly communicating the nature of the business.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. Brass with reeded edge, 27mm. Note "HARDWAR" misspelling on reverse.

Cross References

Rulau HT-421