It's a clever quote to hide a fake penny.

In the early 1800's, many enterprising citizens would use excess copper to make "tokens" that could be used for exchange. They quickly noticed that the easiest way to use their "tokens" for exchange is if they were thought to be US coins. The citizens didn't want to COUNTERFEIT US coinage, but if a merchant were to accidentally account their token as money, then it's on them.

They had to come up with a design idea that could be mistaken as US currency, while they could not be accused of counterfeiting. So they came up with a clever idea: use a well known (and convenient) quote on the reverse.

"Millions for defense, not ONE CENT for tribute."

Looks strikingly similar to a legitimate US minted ONE CENT coin.

Image Source

This quote was a very clever way to claim innocence if ever accused of making a forgery. The coin clearly states the VALUE of the token, "NOT ONCE CENT", while quoting a (then) famous dinner toast.

Not One Cent

A little history: It began with a diplomatic upset with the French in the late 1700's. When establishing negotiations with France, the newly formed United States was met with certain terms, if they wanted to open negotiations:

1. President Adams had to write an apology for anti-French sentiments
2. The envoys must make a "personal payment" of a 1.2 million Livre as tribute
3. The US Government must issue a large loan to the French government.

The news of these demands reached the US and President Adams responded by working with Congress to increase funding for military defense. He was successful and millions were spent on defense, in order to avoid paying tribute.

"Millions for defense, not one cent for tribute"

The French eventually backed down and opened up negotiations. Since then, the US adopted the policy of massive military spending (whatever it took) to never pay "one cent for tribute".

This policy resulted in the first US military conflict with the Barbary pirates, when the US refused to pay "tribute" for the safe passage of ships. The "millions for defence" payed off with the capturing of a city in Tripoli and ending the conflict.

Hard Times

It was a clever tactic to mint this famous quote on these tokens, placing the words "ONE CENT" in the middle of the reverse, with an easily overlooked "NOT" above it.

Because they say "NOT ONCE CENT", they make no claim of value, but the obverse and reverse are so similar to what we know today as the "Large Cent", that everyone knew what they were doing.

These are known today as "Hard Times" coins, since citizens minted them out of desperation at a time when there was a massive coin shortage.

Trillions for Defence, Billions for Tribute

These days, the budget for military defense spending is almost science fiction type numbers. The amount of money spent on the military is beyond the GDP of our entire country.

In addition to that, we are sending billions overseas for what is called "foreign aid". But you have to wonder, if that "foreign aid" were to cease, what would be the response? It's a personal gift, a good-will gesture, humanitarian aid, bringing stability to the region.... no it's TRIBUTE.

I think the slogan is still good: $2,000,000 cap on military defense spending, and $0.00 (not once cent) spent for... TRIBUTE.

Image Source

If we keep this policy going, we might find ourselves making our own "Hard Times" tokens, just to buy enough food to stay alive. Or to pay tribute to our "liberators". Let's hope it never comes to that!

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Benjamin Turner: God fearer. Rooted in Messiah. Husband of @lturner. Father of SEVEN wonderful children. The guy behind the camera. Blockchain enthusiast.

Bless the Most High!

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