United States: copper Hard Times token; C.D. Peacock Jeweler, Chicago, "1837" (struck ca. 1902)

United States: copper "Hard Times" token; C.D. Peacock Jeweler, Chicago, "1837" (struck ca. 1902)



PCGS MS63 BN; still the sole PCGS-certified example (population 1, none higher) of the HT-M21 copper variety as of early 2021.

This was struck to the approximate size of a large cent, as Hard Times tokens usually were. But large cents and Hard Times tokens had long been obsolete when these tokens were issued in the early 20th century, circa 1900-1906.

This particular type (HT-M21) was struck in 1902 by the Gorham Manufacturing Company in a quantity of 7,500 pieces, for the C.D. Peacock Jewelers firm of Chicago, Illinois. It was deliberately created in the style of the earlier Hard Times tokens which had circulated at the time the C.D. Peacock firm was founded in 1837, albeit with a new design.

And it is a truly stunning design indeed. The "Time Is Money" clock face motif is also interesting, and alludes to the business the firm did in fancy watches. And they still do. C.D. Peacock remains a seller of fine timepieces to this day. They are located in the Palmer House hotel in Chicago, behind an ornate pair of Art Nouveau style brass doors.

Despite this piece being something of a throwback, "fantasy" Hard Times token due to its early 20th century production, it is cataloged with those.

I acquired it in a trade with another collector who badly wanted my Monitor Civil War token because he needed that particular die variety. So he offered me the Peacock in an even swap.

I was initially reluctant, despite liking the Peacock very much indeed. You see, I was also extremely fond of Monitor, so it was a difficult decision. In the end, I relented, and we made the trade. And I really haven't regretted it since.

















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My wife's a Georgia peach.