(1837) Token HT-31B, Illustrious Predecessor

Coin Details

Description

This variety of the 1837 Illustrious Predecessor token represents a recognized die variant cataloged with the "B" suffix by Rulau. The design follows the standard Illustrious Predecessor format — jackass running left with Van Buren's inaugural quote on the obverse, tortoise with strongbox on the reverse — but is distinguished by specific die characteristics that separate it from the base HT-31 type. The composition of this piece is unrecorded or undocumented in some references, indicated by the "N/A" designation that occasionally appears for scarcer Hard Times Token varieties. Such tokens were struck on planchets of unrecorded alloy, or the specific composition may not have been conclusively determined by catalog editors working with limited surviving examples. Die variants in the Illustrious Predecessor series are distinguished by details such as the position of the donkey's ear relative to specific letters in the border legend, the shape and curl of the tail, and the relationship of the hooves to the groundline. The 28mm diameter is slightly smaller than the standard HT-31 at 29mm, indicating the use of a different die collar or planchet source. Such size variations between die varieties of the same basic design are typical of the decentralized production practices of private token manufacturers during the Hard Times period.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. The B variant is less commonly encountered than the standard HT-31. Exact surviving population undocumented.

Cross References

Low 17; Rulau HT-31B