Book recommendation

[beef1020]

I am mostly a large cent collector, but am getting interested in the hard times/conder tokens. Can anyone recommend some books to start with?

[tokenmaven]

Hi,

As regards Hard Times Tokens (HTT), you should get a copy of Russell Rulau's Standard Catalog of United States Tokens, 4th ed. It covers the HTT as well as other American series including Civil War Tokens. Personally I prefer Rulau's Hard Times Tokens 2001 ed. which covers only HTT, but it is out of print and you may have trouble finding a copy.

When it comes to Conder tokens, the standard reference is The Provincial Token Coinage of the 18th Century, by Dalton and Hamer. Copies are available but go for $150-$200+. My recommendation to you would be to get a copy of The Token Book, by Withers and Withers. It covers most of the British series, has great color pictures, and sells for under $100. You can get a copy from Bill McKivor, who advertises in Penny-Wise Swaps and Sales. Contact me if you can't find these books, and I may be able to help you.

[copperhobbie]

I have found that it is difficult to nail down a specific reference on the subject of Hard Times tokens. HTT's cover a very wide range because there were a lot of tokens already in circulation years before the onset of hard times and a lot of these crossed international borders. A lot of English and Canadian tokns circulated here while kegs full were made here and sent into Canada. Also privately made store cards were popular in circulation in the early 30's. I prefer to call these Hard Times Era tokens.
The True Hard Times Tokens is the title of a recent book by Robert A. Schuman, edited by Chris McCawley and published by M&G publications 2010. This book covers tokens that are specific to hard times such as the political, satirical and not-one-cents. It is one of a couple of books you'll need in your HTT library.

[beef1020]

I have found that it is difficult to nail down a specific reference on the subject of Hard Times tokens. HTT's cover a very wide range because there were a lot of tokens already in circulation years before the onset of hard times and a lot of these crossed international borders. A lot of English and Canadian tokns circulated here while kegs full were made here and sent into Canada. Also privately made store cards were popular in circulation in the early 30's. I prefer to call these Hard Times Era tokens.
The True Hard Times Tokens is the title of a recent book by Robert A. Schuman, edited by Chris McCawley and published by M&G publications 2010. This book covers tokens that are specific to hard times such as the political, satirical and not-one-cents. It is one of a couple of books you'll need in your HTT library.

I picked up the Rulau 1700-1900 book as well as ordered a D&H from Bill. I saw the Dr. Schuman book on CVM's website but was not sure if it was good. So you would recommend it?

[tokenmaven]

I agree with copperhobbie. The pictures in the Schuman book are huge and excellent. The info seems right on. Good luck.

[BillA]

On another forum I am a member of a link was posted to a site that has Dalton & Hamer's The Provincial Token Coinage of the 18th Century. A number of knowledgeable Conder collectors have noted that the reference material is most useful.

http://provincialtokencoinage.weebly.com/index.html