(1837) Token HT-39A, Liberty - Not One Cent

Coin Details

Description

This silver variety of the 1837 Liberty Head / Not One Cent token is a rare precious-metal striking from the E PLURIBUS UNUM subgroup. Silver versions of the Liberty/Not One Cent design were produced in very limited numbers as collector pieces or presentation specimens, contrasting sharply with the mass-produced copper versions that circulated by the thousands. The silver composition adds an additional layer of irony to the token's message. The Jacksonian Democrats championed hard money — gold and silver coinage — as the only sound basis for the nation's currency. By striking their satirical "NOT ONE CENT" token in silver, the Whig opposition was essentially saying: "Here is your precious hard money, and it's worth nothing because of your policies." The political commentary embedded in the choice of metal was as pointed as the inscriptions themselves. Silver Liberty/Not One Cent tokens are among the most elusive pieces in the entire Hard Times Token series. Their extreme rarity, combined with the popularity of the Liberty Head design among collectors of early American coins and tokens, ensures strong demand and premium prices whenever examples appear at auction.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Silver strikings are among the scarcest compositions in the Liberty/Not One Cent series. Fewer than 10 examples survive.

Cross References

Low 24; Rulau HT-39A