Hubbell Trading Post  Ganado, AZ   Jááhkel Binaalyéyé Bá Hooghan  “The deaf one’s trading post”.  Apparently Lorenzo Hubbell was hard of hearing.

   More has been written about Hubbell Trading Post than any trading post in Navajo history.  To this day it remains emblematic of the greatness and character of Navajo trading posts.  The Hubbell token is the most popular Navajo trade token.   The store still operates in the building constructed in 1889.  In 1882 Lorenzo Hubbell partnered with CN Cotton of Gallup.  Hubbell had been elected Sheriff and then served on the Territorial Legislature.  Cotton technically owned the post during that time so that Hubbell has no conflict of interest.  When his terms expired, he bought back the shares from Cotton.  Both Cotton and Hubbell numbered their tokens.  Cotton had interest in several stores and the tokens were transferable.  Hubbell tokens were numbered so that Cotton and Hubbell could account for their business obligations.  When my grandparents settled in Salina Springs, 38 miles northwest, the Hubbells were their closest neighbors. 

   Trade token pricing is subject to availability.  They quit using them in the early 50s after the government banned their use in the 30s.  The use of tokens was originally proposed by the Navajos because they couldn’t read or write and therefore couldn’t understand trader’s ledger books.  The Government had issued tokens to the Navajos went they were in exile at Bosque Redondo in 1863, so they were familiar with their use.  The Government accused the traders of using tokens to entrap their customers.  Production ceased in the 30s but the use of tokens continued until the early 50s.  Thirty years ago, $15 for a trade token was considered high because there was still an adequate supply.  Now, most Navajo trade tokens are scarce and prices have at least quadrupled; higher on some.  So, how much is too much when there are no more?  This should ensure and the value of Navajo trade tokens will always hold and likely increase with time.