Here’s a beautiful one with Andrew Jackson on it. He is placed in a chest with a sword and a money bag, which are symbols of military and treasury. It’s on the political size as this shows the dangers of the Executive Branch to have power over both those things. Since no lid is on the chest it’s symbolic of a clown springing up like a jack-in-the-box does. The French saying is a devil in the box. This toy was very popular when the token was minted. “I take the responsibility” and “The constitution as I understand it” were spoken by Jackson. Jackson’s critics called him “jackass”. Combined with L.L.D. on the jackass, this refers to the honorary doctorate given him by Harvard. “Roman firmness” was a jibe to describe an obstinate, stubborn person. The “H” under the chest is the initial of the die cutter. His name was Edward Hulseman was from Attleboro, MA. He was employed to make buttons for the firm of Robinson’s, Jones & Co. from 1833-1836. Every thought from Jackson’s critics went into this token. If you think there is a lack of respect and civility in politics today, this token should remind us that such a thing never existed. This thread is not meant to be political in any way. I am just trying to explain what thoughts went into the design of this Hard Times Token. Please stay focused on the token. Thank you.
Good question. In his 8 years as President, Andrew Jackson had 5 vetos and 8 pocket vetos. He was the first President to use what had become known as a pocket veto. He used them rather than change legislation. He had a total of 12 vetos, more than the 5 Presidents total before him.
