New Jersey--Belleville. (1837) T.D. Seaman. W-NY-320-10j, HT-204B, Low-155. Rarity-5. Copper. Plain Edge. 27.5 mm. EF-40.，Medallic alignment. This lovely specimen has just a trace of wear, smooth fields, and hints of original mint red in the legends. Seaman was a butcher in Belleville, identified by Low as Tobias D. Seaman, who in later years kept hotels in Newark. According to an 1848 issue of the <em>Journal of the American Temperance Union</em>, a Tobias Seaman was fined $40 by the Court of Oyer and Terminer in Newark for selling liquor on Sunday. One of the most interesting and curious designs in the Hard Times token series -- made by the private mint that also made copper bouquet sous for distribution in Canada. A "story" token par excellence.From the Q. David Bowers Collection.
