(1837) Token HT-53A, Van Buren - Not One Cent

Coin Details

Description

This silver variety of the 1837 Van Buren / Not One Cent token was produced as a premium specimen. The silver composition and slightly larger 28.5mm diameter mark this as a presentation piece rather than a circulatory token, intended for collectors or prominent political figures rather than everyday commerce. Silver Van Buren tokens are particularly scarce, as the combination of a specific political figure with the Not One Cent design in precious metal was a narrow production niche. The token's message — simultaneously mocking Van Buren's presidency and declaring the piece's unofficial status — was most effective in copper, where it could reach the broadest audience through daily circulation. Silver versions served the more limited purpose of commemorating the political critique in a durable and prestigious format. The 28.5mm diameter of this silver piece is slightly larger than the standard 28mm, a difference that may reflect the use of silver planchet stock cut to slightly different specifications than copper blanks. Silver is denser than copper (10.5 g/cm³ vs. 8.96 g/cm³), so a token of the same weight in silver would be slightly thicker or smaller than its copper counterpart; the slightly larger diameter may compensate for a thinner planchet.

Rarity Notes

Very rare. Silver Van Buren strikings are exceptionally scarce. Very few examples documented.

Cross References

Low 38; Rulau HT-53A