This is a rare and scarce double struck hard times token advertising piece. Obv. Around rim of coin reads SMITH & BROTHERS with 2 flowers on either side of PHILADELPHIA. In the center is a meat cleaver with 188. Above and below the cleaver is MARKET STREET. This you have the business name and complete address. On the Reverse side is a saw in the center with HARDWARE CUTLERY above and below the saw. Around the rim is IMPORTERS & DEALERS IN FOREIGN & DOMESTIC. This token is in XF condition with the saw, worn but complete and an ND on the saw. It should read AND for HARDWARE AND CUTLERY. The doubling is above, below and on top of the objects and words. A striking and remarkable token. Rare in higher grades like this one. It is silvered brass with only about 5% of the silver remaining. It is 27mm and this is the scarce, double struck variety. The doubling is clearly visible to the naked eye. I blew up a few photos to make it easier to see. Both sides of the token are completely doubled. The saw, the cleaver and the letters are all doubled.
got out the Dice-Hicks catalog; Low 386A, HT417A I think. R5! There are 3 varieties, all very scarce, thought to have been struck around 1837.
Now I am confused. Were there more than one double struck? Was it done because the first strike wasn't strong enough?
