1841 Not One Cent Webster Obv . Hard Times Token 1c Grades vf details. Hard Times tokens are privately issued mostly copper large cent sized tokens that were produced from 1833 to 1844. This one is for Van Buren Metallic Currency and Webster Credit Currency. The period of economic hardship during Van Buren's presidency (the Panic of 1837) came to be known as the "Hard Times". With America in a deep recession, people began hoarding coins as a safeguard, and small change disappeared from the marketplace. In response, merchants began buying tokens from private mints so they could make change in business transactions. They were made of copper with a reverse similar to legal U.S. cents. Nice brown color with a bit of corrossion. I estimate the grade to be XF+. It is a rare piece of American history, and a true prize for collectors.