(1836) Copper Token HT-180, Gibbs Tiffany & Co. MA

Coin Details

Description

This 1836 copper token from Gibbs Tiffany & Co. of Massachusetts advertises a mercantile firm that operated during the peak years of Hard Times Token production. The "& Co." suffix indicates a partnership with additional principals beyond the named Gibbs and Tiffany, a common business structure in 1830s New England where multiple investors shared both the capital requirements and the risks of commercial enterprise. The Gibbs Tiffany firm should not be confused with the famous Tiffany & Co. of New York City, which was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis Tiffany. The Tiffany surname was not uncommon in New England, and the Massachusetts firm represented a separate commercial operation. The token's 29mm diameter is slightly larger than the standard 28-28.5mm used by most issuers, giving it a modest visual distinction. Massachusetts merchants in 1836 were operating in an economy that appeared prosperous but contained growing imbalances. Land speculation, excessive credit, and a developing banking crisis were creating conditions that would trigger the Panic of 1837. Tokens issued in 1836, like this Gibbs Tiffany piece, capture a moment of apparent commercial confidence that would soon give way to economic crisis.

Rarity Notes

Common. Standard copper variety. Rarity R-1 to R-2.

Cross References

Rulau HT-180