(1837) Copper Token HT-315, Smith's Clock Establishment NY

Coin Details

Auction Record

$288 PR63BN 05-01-2018 Heritage Auctions

Description

This 1837 copper Smith's Clock Establishment token features the curved "Establishment" script with decorative ornaments on the reverse, distinguishing it from the ornament-free varieties (HT-313, HT-314). The small leafy ornaments flanking the text add a decorative flourish that gives this variety a slightly more elaborate appearance. The Smith's Clock series (HT-311 through HT-317) represents one of the most complete and well-documented merchant token groups in the Hard Times era. The multiple die varieties indicate sustained production over a period of months or years, suggesting that Smith's Clock Establishment found the tokens to be an effective advertising medium as well as a useful cent substitute for conducting business during the coin shortage. The survival of multiple Smith's Clock varieties in collectible condition reflects both their original production volume and the care with which many were preserved. The attractive clock face design made these tokens popular keepsakes even during their period of circulation, and some examples show minimal wear consistent with early removal from commerce for preservation — evidence that numismatic collecting impulses existed even among the general public of the 1830s.

Rarity Notes

Common. The curved-script-with-ornaments variety is one of the more available Smith's Clock tokens. Rarity R-1.

Cross References

Low 135; Rulau HT-315