Store coin, Portsmouth, ca. 1837

Coin

-

Portsmouth Historical Society

Name/Title

Store coin, Portsmouth, ca. 1837

Entry/Object ID

701

Description

Store coin or a “hard luck coin.” Token used to make change in times of coin shortages. Approximately the same weight and size as the old U.S. large cents then in circulation. Intended as a shopkeeper’s pledge to redeem in U.S. coinage on the customer’s next trip to the same shop. They served two purposes: to facilitate a sale, and to advertise the establishment. This piece is marked: Portsmouth, NH, 1837 / Wm. Simes & Co. / Dealers in teas, wines, groceries / No. 1 Peirce's Buildings / Portsmouth / NH

Collection

Portsmouth Historical Society Curatorial Collection

Acquisition

Accession

701

Source or Donor

Dodge, Hugh A.

Acquisition Method

Gift

Mintage

Date made

1837

Notes

Early Date: 1837

General Notes

Note

Notes: used to make change in times of coin. Given in 1993 Status By: Melisa Status Date: 1999-04-18