Dear Frank: I have an HT-46R 1837/57 Hard Times token that grades a strong AU-50 brown at least, with no problems to speak of other than a tiny amount of crud on a few of the reverse letters. It has never been cleaned. All I can gather from the Rulau guide is that it's worth $150 in fine. But, ALL of the "Millions For Defense" varieties that are R-7 list for $2,000 or more in that same guide, and those are VERY old auction prices realized.My question is: Does the Dice-Hick's Collection of HT tokens you're auctioning off on July 28 of this year contain one of these? And, if so, what grade and estimate is on it? Also, would it be worth my while to submit this one into that auction as well (if possible)?Thank you for your time, and have a great day! Sincerely, David E., Linn, MO
I have an HT-46R 1837/57 Hard Times token that grades a strong AU-50 brown at least, with no problems to speak of other than a tiny amount of crud on a few of the reverse letters. It has never been cleaned. All I can gather from the Rulau guide is that it's worth $150 in fine. But, ALL of the "Millions For Defense" varieties that are R-7 list for $2,000 or more in that same guide, and those are VERY old auction prices realized.
My question is: Does the Dice-Hick's Collection of HT tokens you're auctioning off on July 28 of this year contain one of these? And, if so, what grade and estimate is on it? Also, would it be worth my while to submit this one into that auction as well (if possible)?
Dear David E.: Yours sounds like a nice token.As for the Rulau guide, the prices were estimated for the most part as these trade hands so infrequently at public auction that no serious pricing has ever been available except for individual dealer-collector transactions. Lot 3043 of the upcoming July 28 Dice-Hicks sale has an Uncirculated HT-46, though its opening bid and estimate have yet to be determined. I think all eyes in the token world will be on the Dice-Hicks Collection when it sells in Baltimore at the end of July. Almost certainly a new standard and value range for the series will be established at that time, so stay tuned! Best Regards, Frank
Yours sounds like a nice token.
Dear Frank: I have a 1864 half-dime minted with an O. I can not find this stike for pricing anywhere. Can you advise? It is in fair to good shape. Sincerely, Maurice T., Sebree, KY
Dear Maurice T.: Hi, and thanks for writing.The New Orleans Mint was taken over by the Confederacy shortly before the war began in 1861, and by mid-1861 it had run out of silver bullion and no more coins were struck there. The mint reopened in 1879 and struck coins again until 1909 when it closed its doors for good. You may have some metal disturbance that resembles an O mintmark in that position. Best Regards, Frank
Hi, and thanks for writing.