Alicia writes: Could you please help me identify and perhaps find the value, if any of a coin, 1841, appearing to be copper, with “Webster Credit Current” surrounding what appears to be a clipper ship marked “Constitution” on the hull of the boat. On the reverse it is marked “millions for defence” around the outside, and in large letters in the center, “Not one cent for tribute”. I found other coins with this phrase on your site, but nothing with the front markings. Thank you in advance!
You have a “Hard Times” token from the Jacksonian era. There were hundreds of privately issued tokens that attempted to make up for the coin shortages during this period. They were not only money but a means to spread political propaganda or advertising messages. (For more information about these interesting tokens and the Jacksonian era, see: “Hard Times” tokens
There are several varieties of “Webster Credit” tokens and they represent Daniel Webster’s advocacy of renewing the charter of the Bank of The United States in opposition to President Jackson. It features a clipper ship with the word CONSTITUTION on its side, surrounded by the legend *WEBSTER* CREDIT 1841 CURRENT (or CURRENCY on some varieties). The reverse shows the legend MILLIONS FOR DEFENCE and in a wreath (or sometimes a border of stars) NOT ONE CENT FOR TRIBUTE. The token is 28 mm in diameter and was struck in copper. Value depends on grade. Approximate range: $3 – $175.(unc)
