Found something that looks like a large penny dated 1837, but there is a banner over the head with the words: e pluribus unum and the back says millions for defense not one cent for tribute I'll try to get photos in the next could days, if they will help. what is it? thanks.
I think it may be a Hard times Token. See the link below. www.limunltd.com/numismatica/articles/hard-times-tokens.html
It’s also a great history lesson. I believe it was off the coast of Liberia or elsewhere in Africa where pirates were active at the time, and they demanded money to leave a country’s ships alone. So, the quote means that the nation should spend millions (a HUUUUGE amount at the time, similar to “gazillions” today) for defense from adversaries, but not one cent for protection money to the bad guys.
I could not get the link to work to see what was there, so forgive me if I am repeating anything. This item would be a Hard Times token. Large, clear photos of both sides will be needed as there are a number of very similar dies. Hair curls, various device positions, number/location of berries, etc. will need to be checked for determining correct id.
And you are very correct, JBK. These sort of things have great history behind them. I have given a few talks at local schools (my kids' history classes) and displayed many coins/tokens and other artifacts as part of it, and the teachers have all told me that the kids show a great deal more interest in what is being taught on those days than normal. And you should see their faces when I hand out freebies to everyone!
Looks like we don't have any Leathernecks among us, or one of them would have already pointed out the connection between that motto and the U.S. Marines.
