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Showing posts from October, 2020

1837 Liberty Head Hard Times Token

 This post will take a look at an1837 Liberty Head Hard Times Token.  On the front is Lady Liberty flanked by stars on each side with American motto in latin words E Pluribus Unum.  The bottom of the obverse displays the year 1837.  During this period in US history a depression was going on and tokens like this were used as money (hence why it is called a Hard Times token).  On the reverse is the phrase "MILLIONS FOR DEFENSE NOT ONE CENT FOR TRIBUTE."  This was coined by Robert Goodloe Harper in the late 1700s in defiance of a request of bribes by Talleyrand (French Foreign Minister) in order to negotiate.  Apparently this wasn't something out of the ordinary for Talleyrand to request, American diplomats were offended.  The Quasi War occurred shortly afterwards and lasted for a couple of years.