Good to have you here Captain. That's an interesting find, but it's hard to pin down which variety it is. All the Seward tokens like this were struck about 1834 or 1835 and there's 7 or 8 different varieties. They're considered Hard Times Tokens and were used in commerce much like private issues were used during the Civil War when people hoarded regular circulating coinage. The Seward tokens are listed in Russ Rulau's catalogue of U.S. tokens. His designation numbers go from HT26 and HT26a through HT 29A. All are very similar in style but yours appears to be either HT28 (27.1 mm brass) or HT29A (27 or 28 mm brass). As far as value...very difficult to say but all of them are fairly rare with a few exceptions. Being dug, your piece is damaged and its value would be reflected in that. Rather than hazard a guess, I'd advise you to search eBay for other examples that have sold recently. There are some pretty good Hard Times token collectors on the forum, so hopefully they'll chime in with their opinions. In any case, it's a great find. Thanks for showing it to us. Bruce
Thanks for the input. These are poor grainy pictures taken with an I-phone. I'm getting a new camera today and should be able to post better photos. I'll also try to get a measurment. It would be nice to know which one it is. Thanks again!
No, definitely don't clean it. Cleaning coins or tokens, unless professionally done, is a big no-no. Bruce
Other than a bath in some distilled water I'd leave it be...... Welcome to the forum Captain.........
Bruce, the coin's edges are pretty good, so I think I can get an accurate measurement. My brother in law has a digital caliper. So, 27.1 vs 27 means a different issue? That is just an amazing little fact in itself! I got my NX300 camera in the mail today and it is a little beast. I will definitely have some better pictures. I'll take one with the caliper on it. Thanks for the tips on cleaning (Bruce and green18). When you dig one up it's almost irresistible to keep from scubbing it down to see what it is.
Apparently, there is a difference in size only between these two varieties, although that's hard to believe. Rulau lists HT28 as 27.1 mm and in brass and estimates it was struck in 1834. HT29A is 27 mm and also in brass, but he lists no estimated date of issue. (He believes some of these Seward tokens may have been struck in 1838 and this may be one of them). Other than that, the two seem to have the same exact design elements. Looking forward to seeing some better pictures Captain. I'll see if I can identify it from those for you. Bruce
Here it is in the caliper. it appears to a 27.1 version. I've got to crop the other pictures so I'll post them later.
I'm surprised by the .1 difference in varieties. Makes me want to get a more precise caliper. By the way, cool find!
Just saw your new pictures Captain...been away all day. I'll check them out tomorrow as soon as I can. Thanks! Bruce
Your token is an example of HT28 Captain, because of the 27.1mm size. I'd eliminated all the rest for various reasons (position of letters, different captions, etc.) except the HT29A...same exact token except at 27mm. That small difference seems to make all the difference so yours would be an HT28. Yours is a Rarity-3 (R-3) and considered "scarce". In rarity scales for Hard Times Tokens, R-3 examples are estimated to have over 200 pieces known. A great token, but, unfortunately, nor one of the rarer ones. Great find though. Congratulations! Bruce
Thanks for your help with this Bruce. The ones I've seen for sale are all in better shape than mine. They vary from dull like mine (but more defined) to new looking and shiny brass. The dull ones go for about $200 and the good ones have sold for as much as $1800. Do you think $50 to $100 would be a fair asking price for this one? Thanks
I agree, it is a HT28. It is missing the "period" on the reverse which would show it most likely to be a HT 29. I love that it is from a dig. My picture of the coin here at Cointalk is from a dig. (R C Hine). While your Seward is of the worst condition I can find.... yet because it is from a dig.... I would be willing to buy it. Is it for sale? $50.00.... paypal?
C'mon Henry.......you've been around here long enough to know that offers to buy or sell are verbotten in the general forums.
