DescriptionDetails & specsAttachments
Obverse
A turtle carrying a large safe labelled "SUB TREASURY" to right. Date below, lettering around, beaded border
Lettering:
EXECUTIVE FINANCIERING
SUB
TREASURY
1837
FISCAL AGENT
Reverse
A running jackass to left. Lettering above and below, beaded border.
Lettering: I FOLLOW IN THE STEPS OF MY ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR
Edge
Plain
Year 1837
Value 1 Cent (0.01)
Composition Copper
Weight NA
Diameter 28.5 mm
Thickness NA
During the US financial crisis of 1837, a satirical token emerged, symbolizing Van Buren's failed sub-treasury plan. Featuring a tortoise carrying a safe, it mocked the Democrats' struggle to push the bill through Congress. On the reverse side, a quote from Van Buren's inaugural speech reinforced the ridicule, depicting him following in his predecessor's footsteps. This period marked a pivotal moment in US history, sparked by Andrew Jackson's veto of the Bank of the United States' extension in 1832. The ensuing economic depression led to a scarcity of silver coins, prompting the issuance of small tokens for transactions. These tokens, like the "Jackass running," served as early symbols of the Democratic Party and conveyed political messages critical of the government's policies. They sparked debates on suffrage and slavery, potentially influencing the shift towards direct voting for the president. These tokens not only served as propaganda tools but also laid the groundwork for modern campaign materials like buttons and pins.
A turtle carrying a large safe labelled "SUB TREASURY" to right. Date below, lettering around, beaded border
Lettering:
EXECUTIVE FINANCIERING
SUB
TREASURY
1837
FISCAL AGENT
Reverse
A running jackass to left. Lettering above and below, beaded border.
Lettering: I FOLLOW IN THE STEPS OF MY ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR
Edge
Plain
Year 1837
Value 1 Cent (0.01)
Composition Copper
Weight NA
Diameter 28.5 mm
Thickness NA
During the US financial crisis of 1837, a satirical token emerged, symbolizing Van Buren's failed sub-treasury plan. Featuring a tortoise carrying a safe, it mocked the Democrats' struggle to push the bill through Congress. On the reverse side, a quote from Van Buren's inaugural speech reinforced the ridicule, depicting him following in his predecessor's footsteps. This period marked a pivotal moment in US history, sparked by Andrew Jackson's veto of the Bank of the United States' extension in 1832. The ensuing economic depression led to a scarcity of silver coins, prompting the issuance of small tokens for transactions. These tokens, like the "Jackass running," served as early symbols of the Democratic Party and conveyed political messages critical of the government's policies. They sparked debates on suffrage and slavery, potentially influencing the shift towards direct voting for the president. These tokens not only served as propaganda tools but also laid the groundwork for modern campaign materials like buttons and pins.