Half Cent denominated Hard Times token, HT-73, struck “for public convenience” in 1837 as the U. S. Mint had temporarily ceased production of the denomination. A popular Redbook variety, collected along with the U. S. Federal series, as well as part of the “Hard Times” series. An original Choice Uncirculated example, certified NGC MS-64BN. Pretty original surfaces, a medium Brown with steel blue toning highlights around the rim. Always a bit difficult to value & price as Uncirculated specimens while scarce are not really rare, and tend to wind up all over the place when sent to auction. Two recent sales in the grade at Heritage, a PCGS MS-64BN at $1,020 (August, 2022), an earlier sale of an NGC MS-64BN with important provenance at $1,320.

NGC 4633537-003