Denomination Size of one cent
Date 1837
Country USA
Weight 1 ounce
Description Hard Times Token issued by Nathaniel March, Bookseller and Stationer, No. 7 Exchange Buildings, Portsmouth, New Hampshire and William Simes & Co., Dealers in Teas, Wines and Groceries, No. 1 Peirce's Buildings, Portsmouth , N.H. The piece dated 1837.
Condition All lettering clear probably F+.
History The token described as Low 124 apparently was a joint venture of two Portsmouth, New Hampshire merchants. The obverse bears the inscription:NATHL. MARCH, BOOK SELLER & STATIONER NO.7 EXCHANGE BUILDINGS, PORTSMOUTH, N.H. 1837. The reverse describes the activities of another merchant: WILLIAM SIMES & CO. DEALERS IN TEAS, WINES, AND GROCERIES. NO. I PEIRCE'S BUILDINGS PORTSMOUTH N.H.Nathaniel March was born in Portsmouth on June 14, 1807. He became a junior partner in the firm of Childs & March, the successor to Childs & Sparhawk. Childs left the firm soon thereafter, and business was subsequently conducted as Nathaniel March & Co. until about 1839. After that time the business was conducted simply in his personal name, Nathaniel March. He died on July 19, 1846, after which the trade was continued by Samuel A. Badger.William Simes was born in Portsmouth on April 9, 1806. He entered business in 1828. At different times Thomas E. Call and Henry F. Gerrish were partners. His business was sold in 1860 to Moulton & Blaisdell, who continued the trade for many decades thereafter. In 1861 and 1862 William Simes was elected mayor of Portsmouth. A third nomination was subsequently declined. The token issued by March and Simes is believed to have been struck by H. M. & E. I. Richards of Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Provenance NY estate