What The Experts Say...

HT 70, Low 51

Recent research has shown that this token is probably the first cent-sized political type token which achieved wide circulation, and it opened the door for a flood of similar items. The die was cut by Edward Hulseman in Attleboro, Mass. in the fall of 1833, and the tokens were struck by the button-makers, Robinson's Jones & Co. of Attleboro, who were Hulseman's employers 1833-1836.

The tokens of this and later types (HT 69, 71 and 72) refer to Jackson, who is shown with sword and purse. The next year, Jackson is seen on another Hulseman-designed token (HT 25) with sword and purse in a different stance.

The feeling which led to to adoption of the sword and purse device continued for some time after the Whigs had taken the reins of government. the Albany Argus for October 1, 1842 said:"The liberties of the country were alarmingly threatened under Mr. Van Buren's administration by a union of the purse with the sword in the same hands."

The dates of issue of numbers 69 and 71 are somewhat uncertain, though they are after 1833. The issue date on 72 could be as late as 1842.

(Rulau 9th Edition)