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Prominent African Americans

Owner:  coinsbygary
Last Modified:  6/20/2023
Set Description
Though the achievements of African Americans go largely unnoticed in American History, there are those whose contributions cannot be ignored. Many of these people have been memorialized on commemorative coins throughout the world. This collection is a tribute to all African Americans who have made this country a better place for everyone.

Set Goals
African Americans who have changed the course of American history.

Slot Name
Origin/Country
Item Description
Full Grade
Owner Comments
Pics
View Coin Am I Not A Man & A Brother G.BRIT - MIDDLESEX 1/2P (1790'S)G.B. D&h-1037 MIDDLESEX - POLITICAL E: PAYABLE IN DUBLIN NGC AU 58 BN
View Coin Am I Not A Woman & A Sister United States 1838 HT-81 AM I NOT A WOMAN & A SISTER & A SISTER NGC VF 30 BN A long search finally yields for me the 1838 Hard-Times, Am I Not A Woman And A Sister Token.

Ive been on the prowl for the Hard-Times, Am I Not A Woman And A Sister token for some time. After looking through numerous E-Bay listings over time, Ive finally bought an example I am happy with. Most of the tokens I rejected were problem tokens or had a weakly struck date on the reverse. Many more were of a lower grade than I was seeking, and all were raw until now. This token is problem free with wear and toning that is consistent with its VF-30 grade.

The token was struck by Gibbs, Gardner & Company of Belleville, New Jersey in 1837 (dated 1838) during The Financial Panic of 1837. The token primarily circulated in New York and there are an estimated 500-1000 tokens that remain today. There is an accompanying, Am I Not A Man And A Brother token of which just three examples are known to exist.

My token is a near copy of a late 18th century Conder Token which circulated in Great Britain before slavery was abolished there. Hoping to lay the groundwork for an abolitionist movement in the United States the design of the Conder Token was adapted for use here. In the Red Book Guide of United States Tokens and Medals it is suggested that this token was the inspiration for Sojourner Truths famous 1851 speech, Aint I a Woman. Since she lived in New York she was likely familiar with these tokens that generally circulated from 1838-1843.

I have a lot of reasons for wanting this token, but the primary reason is that I have a good number of African-American friends, and I am trying to understand their perspective on American History as it pertains to slavery and race relations today. Therefore, this token will be the centerpiece of my research along with my 1860-O SS Republic shipwreck half-dollar. That ship laden with silver and gold was heading from New York to New Orleans when it sank in hurricane off the coast of Georgia. The money on board was intended by Northern investors to purchase land in the South during the re-construction period following the Civil War.

When I look at this token, it is a somber reminder to me of a people stripped of their dignity and basic human rights. The inspiration of this token then is as a symbol in the never ending struggle and will to be free. Therefore, this token will be included in my Inspirational Ladies custom set.
Gary
View Coin Booker T. Washington United States 50C 1946 S BOOKER T. WASHINGTON PCGS MS 64
View Coin Washington-Carver United States 50C 1953 S WASHINGTON-CARVER PCGS MS 64
View Coin Jackie Robinson United States $5 1997 W JACKIE ROBINSON NGC PF 69 UC
View Coin Jackie Robinson United States S$1 1997 S JACKIE ROBINSON NGC PF 69 UC
View Coin Black Patriots Crispus Attucks United States S$1 1998 S BLACK PATRIOTS NGC PF 69 UC
View Coin Duke Ellington United States 25C 2009 S SILVER DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA NGC PF 70 ULTRA CAMEO
View Coin Civil Rights Act of 1964 United States S$1 2014 P CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 NGC MS 69
View Coin Tuskegee Airmen United States 25C 2021 P 5oz Silver Tuskegee Airmen NGC SP 70

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