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CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 THIS BOOK IS ONE OF A 
 COLLECTION MADE BY 
 
 BENNO LOEWY 
 1854-1919 
 
 AND BEQUEATHED TO 
 CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029793472 
 
THE E ABLY COINS OE AMEBIC A. 
 
THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPRISING ALSO DESCEII'TIONS OF 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MAIT PIECES OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN. 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 FIEST PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
 1875. 
 3 
 
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-three, by 
 
 SYLVESTER S. CROSBY, 
 In the Clerk's Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
I N T R O D U O T I O N 
 
 In view of the great interest in the study of Numismatology, and the many recent 
 discoveries of local coins not heretofore described, as 'well as the numerous errors (perhaps 
 unavoidable at their time,) into which writers upon the subject of American coins have fallen, 
 it was deemed expedient, a few years since, by the New England Numismatic and Archaeo- 
 logical Society, at the suggestion of their then Vice President, (Mr. Charles Chaplin,) to 
 publish a work which should contain full and correct descriptions of those coins known 
 among American collectors as " Colonials." A committee, consisting of Messrs. Sylvester S. 
 Crosby, Dudley E. Child, Chas. Chaplin, Chas. S. Fellows, T. Edward Bond, and Jas. E. 
 Root, was thereupon appointed to prepare the work for publication. 
 
 When it became known that such a work was contemplated, many friends, in whose 
 judgment the greatest confidence was reposed, advised that it should be made to include also 
 copies of the laws by authority of which such coins were issued, as well as of acts and 
 proposals, or petitions, having in view the establishment of a coinage, which were presented 
 to or passed by those States which took action upon this subject. This advice was accepted, 
 though not without much hesitation, in consequence of the magnitude of the work which 
 such a plan would necessitate, and the time requisite for the study and research which should 
 be devoted to the subject to insure reliability. 
 
 Circumstances having relieved the Committee to whom the work was entrusted, from their 
 labor, the duty of preparing this volume most unexpectedly devolved upon myself, originally 
 the Chairman of the Committee. Having constantly in view the plan adopted, I have therefore 
 personally inspected and copied nearly all the records and documents relating to coinage 
 which the strictest search could discover in the archives of the several States; and of most 
 of those not examined by me, certified copies have been procured. Of some documents I 
 
iv THE KARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 have been compelled to obtain copies from the State Paper Office in England, where they 
 were made for me with great care, and carefully revised. Among these may be mentioned 
 some papers referring to the coinage of New England, to that of Lord Baltimore, and to the 
 patents of William Wood. 
 
 When this work was undertaken, it was with the feeling that there was little to be found 
 not already known to most of those who are interested in this science; but my labors have 
 been rewarded with more success than I had reason to expect, and I think I can say with 
 truth, that this work contains much information never before published, and several important 
 papers heretofore entirely unknown. 
 
 My intention has been to give all the trustworthy information at my command relative 
 to those coins, or the tokens which were intended to serve as coins, which were either struck 
 in those parts of America which now constitute the United States, or were intended for use 
 therein. Some coins are treated upon herein which perhaps are not strictly comprised within 
 the above limits, but which, being of interest from their connection with the early history 
 of our country, or from association therewith, are eagerly sought by collectors of American 
 coins. The most noticeable instance of this kind is the coin of the Sommer Islands; in reference 
 to these I have quoted much from Smith's History of those islands which was thought to 
 be of interest in this connection, as it contains the only early reference to these coins that has 
 come to my knowledge, as well as some other passages of numismatic interest. 
 
 I would here express my obligation to many numismatists who have materially aided me 
 in my undertaking: To William S. Appletqn, A. M., of Boston, for great assistance in descrip- 
 tions, particularly upon points of heraldry, as well as for facilities for illustrating many 
 pieces in his extensive collection; to Hon. Charles II. Bell, of Exeter, New Hampshire for 
 copies of the Act, and drawings of the designs of coins for that State; to J. Caeson Beevooet 
 Esq., of Brooklyn, N. Y., for assistance in the tabulation of State coins, and the loan of many 
 coins required for illustration; to Ciiaeles I. Bushxell, Esq., of New York, so well known 
 as an indefatigable student and collector, not only of coins, but also of their history for 
 much of the result of his labors ; to Chaei.es Clay, M. D., of Manchester, England, for impres- 
 sions of many coins in his collection, then in England; to Jeremiah Colburx A. M of 
 Boston, for many important favors ; to Robert C. Davis, Ph. G., and Edward Maris M D 
 of Philadelphia, for many new varieties of coins, and for copies of papers not otherwise 
 attainable ; to Hon. Ciiaeles J. Hoadly, of Hartford, Conn., for copies of papers unknown 
 to us except through him ; to Messrs. Lorin G. Parmelee, of Boston, the present and 
 Georoe F. Seavey, of Cambridge, the former owner of the "Seavey Collection," for the use 
 
INTKODUCTIOlSr. V 
 
 of any specimens in that collection that would facilitate my object; to Matthew A. Stickney, 
 Esq., of Salem, Mass., for the use of several specimens, unknown except in his Cabinet, as 
 well as for other assistance ; to Messrs. Henry S. Adams, Samuel A. Green, M. D., and 
 Dr. W. Elliot Woodward, of Boston, Messrs. Benjamin Betts, Edward Cogan, Colin 
 Lightbody and William H. Strobridge, of Brooklyn, N. Y., Isaac Francis Wood, Esq., of 
 New York, William Fewsmith, A. M., of Philadelphia, Augustine Shurtleef, M. D., of 
 Brookline, Mass., and to many others, who have rendered me valuable assistance. 
 
 The subscribers, who have the sincere thanks of the author for their assistance and 
 forbearance, will call to mind, some with impatience, and many with regret, but none with 
 the sorrow of the author, the many occasions of delay in the issue of the several parts. These 
 delays were unavoidable, but have, beyond a doubt, contributed to the completeness of the 
 work, as the interest awakened by it, and the time allowed for the exercise of that interest, 
 have been the means of bringing to light several new and important pieces, and some information 
 of value, which would otherwise have remained unavailable in this connection. 
 
 I intend no exaggeration in stating that I have long anticipated the day that should 
 witness the completion of my labors, as a day that would bring me relief from the greatest 
 care with which I have been burdened; a care I would never have accepted had I entertained 
 the most remote idea that the whole labor and responsibility would devolve upon me, as has 
 proved to be the case. And although my labors in this undertaking have brought me many 
 pleasant correspondents, acquaintances and friends, yet the frequent, long, and often vexatious 
 delays, and the absence of expected assistance, have rendered them, at times, extremely arduous. 
 
 I now send forth this volume, in the hope that I have fallen into no more grievous 
 
 errors than has been the fortune of earlier numismatic, writers; that my labors have not 
 
 been fruitless in obtaining material for some addition to the amount of knowledge upon a 
 
 subject which has been too much neglected; and, as the study of Numismatics is a valuable 
 
 adjunct to the study of History, I trust that my work may not prove to be without value 
 
 in an historical point of view. 
 
 S. S. CROSBY. 
 Boston, July 1, 1875. 
 
In commencing this work, it was thought that a book might be produced free from 
 
 typographical errors, if not from errors of statement ; but the force of the old couplet, — 
 
 "Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see 
 Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor e'er will be," 
 
 is realized, and attention must be called to the following corrections. 
 
 Page 16, twelfth line, for Felget. read Felgat. 
 
 Page 82, seventh line, for J) read p 
 
 Page 98, last line, for John Addington, read Is a Addington. 
 
 Page 106, last line, for pees, read pies. 
 
 Page 121, first line, for 1605, read 1705. 
 
 Page 102, tenth line, for 14, read 24. 
 
 Page 180, cuts No. 29 and 30, should be transposed. 
 
 Page 249, the lower brace in the dash column of the table of reverses, should include F. 
 
 Page 290, twenty-sixth line, for March 5th, read March 3d. 
 
 Page 347, seventh line, y, should be ? 
 
MARKS. AND COSTTEACTIOlsrS 
 
 A Dash (-) over a letter, indicates the omission of a letter, usually a 
 repetition, following the one marked. 
 
 A Curved Line ~ indicates the omission of one or more letters after the 
 one marked. 
 
 Superior Letters, usually indicate the omission of contiguous letters, either 
 preceding or following them, though they are sometimes used where the word 
 is written full. 
 
 Some doubtful words are placed between brackets [ J. 
 
 Kepetitions in the original records are printed in Italics, as are also 
 some parts which in the original were erased. 
 
 The following' characters are used in the manner indicated: — 
 
 'B 
 
 a, — trear, treasurer. 
 66, — tio, — accon, action, 
 m, — mm, — comon, common, 
 m, — settlem", settlement, 
 n, — nn, aho, anno, 
 ii, — restraihng, restraining, 
 o, — amo n , amount. 
 
 p, — par, por, — pt, part ; ption, portion. - 
 p, — per, — pform, perform, 
 p, — pro, — pvide, provide. 
 p, — pre, — pface, preface. 
 s, — scl, said, 
 t, — capt, captain, 
 ii, — goue r , governor. 
 
DIRECTIONS TO THE BINDER. 
 
 oXK© 
 
 Plate I to face title page. 
 
 Manuscript Plate (two page) to face page 
 
 " (one " ) " 
 Plate II to face page 
 III " 
 tt iv " " 
 
 « y " " 
 
 a YI « " 
 
 a YII " " 
 
 " VIII " 
 
 IX " 
 
 X " 
 
 34 
 41 
 58 
 146 
 162 
 186 
 250 
 298 
 322 
 338 
 354 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 INTRODUCTION, ........ iii 
 
 SOMMER ISLANDS, ....... 11 
 
 VIRGINIA, ........ 19 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS, SILVER CURRENCY, . . . .25 
 
 MARYLAND, ........ 123 
 
 CANADA, ........ 133 
 
 THE SAINT PATRICK, OR MARK NEWBY HALFPENCE, . . 135 
 
 PROPOSALS FOR COINAGE, ...... 139 
 
 THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES, . . . . .145 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA, . . .... 169 
 
 NEW HAMPSHIRE, ....... 175 
 
 VERMONT, ........ 177 
 
 CONNECTICUT, ........ 203 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS COPPER CURRENCY, .... 225 
 
 NEW JERSEY, ........ 275 
 
 NEW YORK, ........ 289 
 
 THE FUGIOS, ........ 297 
 
 PATTERNS AND TOKENS, .... .303 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, . . . . . .349 
 
 THE EARLY PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT, . . 363 
 
 SOUTH CAROLINA, . . . . . . .367 
 
 CONCLUSION, ........ 369 
 
Part 1. 
 
 Price $1 
 
 -tt-s 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 '■*.*■■ 
 
 COMPBISING ALSO D^SdktPTIONB OF 
 
 » ■■■;.: «>/,'-:■; 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND . EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 "■■''.' AND THE 
 
 FIRST PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
 *j . BOSTON, MASS.: $ 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 1873. 
 
 Charles Chaplin, Printer, 80 Washington Street, Boston. 
 
THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
PLATE I. 
 
 
 
 #i... 
 
 ;- ; ? 
 
 ^:i; :> ' 
 
 
 
 ik At JSp , mm 
 
 
 
 ■ws 
 
 13 
 
 
 THOSE BELOW ARE COPIES. 
 
 t^%, /£ : Af^< 
 
 ^y''^\A 1( /J 
 
 
 HELIOTYPE PATENT. 
 
THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPBISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OF 
 
 t 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OP UNKNOWN ORIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 PIEST PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PEOFUSELT ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
 BOSTON, MASS.: 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 1873. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by SYLVESTER S. CROSBY, in the Office of 
 
 the Librarian of Congress, in "Washington. 
 
 CHARLES CHAPLIN, PEINTEB. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 To the Numismatic Public : 
 
 In view of the increasing interest in the study of Numismatology, and the many recent 
 discoveries of local coins not heretofore described, as well as the many errors (perhaps una- 
 voidable at their time,) into which writers upon the subject of American coins have fallen, it 
 was deemed expedient, a few years since, by the New England Numismatic and Archaeo- 
 logical Society, at the suggestion of their then Vice President, (Mr. Charles Chaplin,) to 
 publish a work which should contain full and correct descriptions of those coins known among 
 American collectors as "Colonials." 
 
 A committee, consisting of Messrs. Sylvester S. Crosby, Dudley R. Child, Chas. Chaplin, 
 Chas. S. Fellows, T. Edward Bond, and Jas. E. Root, was thereupon appointed to prepare the 
 work for publication. 
 
 When it became known that such a work was contemplated, many friends, in whose 
 judgment the greatest confidence was reposed, advised that it should be made to include also 
 copies of the laws by authority of which such coins were issued, as well as of acts and 
 proposals, or petitions having in view the establishment of a coinage, which were presented 
 to or passed by those States which took action upon this subject. 
 
 Although this advice was accepted, it was not without much hesitation on the part of 
 the committee, who had little confidence in their ability to produce a work of the magnitude 
 which such a plan would necessitate, and who could not well give the time requisite for the 
 study and research which should be devoted to the subject to insure its reliability. 
 
iy INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Notwithstanding these difficulties, and having this object constantly in view, one of the 
 committee (Me. S. S. Crosby,) personally inspected and copied nearly all the records and docu- 
 ments relating thereto which the strictest search could discover as having been preserved in 
 the archives of the several States ; and of most of those not so obtained certified copies have 
 been procured. 
 
 Of some documents we have been compelled to obtain copies from the State Paper Offices 
 in England, where they were made for us with great care, and carefully revised. Among 
 these may be mentioned some papers referring to the coinage of New England, to that of 
 Lord Baltimore, and to the patents of William Wood. 
 
 When we entered upon this task it was with the feeling that there was little to be found 
 not already known to most of those who are interested in this science ; but our labors have 
 been rewarded with more success than we had reason to expect, and we now think we can 
 safely promise much which has not heretofore been published. 
 
 Our intention is to give all the trustworthy information at our command relative to such 
 coins, or tokens which were intended to serve as coins, that were either struck in those parts 
 of America which now constitute the United States, or were intended for use therein ; and 
 as we have been promised the assistance of Charles I. Bitshnell, Esq., of New York, so well 
 known as an indefatigable student and collector, not only of coins, but also of their history, 
 we shall ourselves be disappointed if we fail to furnish some items of interest. 
 
 Some coins may be treated upon herein which are not strictly comprised within the above 
 limits, but which, being of interest from their connection with the early history of our country, 
 or from association therewith, are eagerly sought by collectors of American coins. 
 
 The most noticeable instance of this kind is the coin of the Sommer Islands, in reference 
 to which we have quoted much of the history of those islands which was thought to be of 
 interest in this connection, as it contains the only early reference to these coins which has 
 come to our knowledge, as well as some other passages of numismatic interest. 
 
 We would here express our obligation to many numismatists who have materially aided 
 us in our undertaking : To Wm. S. Appleton, A.M., Jeremiah Colburn, A. INI., Sam'l A. Green 
 M. D., and Dr. W. Elliot Woodward, all of Boston ; Hon. Chas. H. Bell, of Exeter N. H.- 
 Messrs. Benjamin Betts, J. Carson Brevoort, Edward Cogan, Colin Lightbody and W. II. 
 Strobridge, of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Robert C. Davis, M. D., and Wm. Fewsmith, A. M. of Phila- 
 
ESTTRODUCTIOiN". V 
 
 delphia ; Chas. Clay, M. D., of Manchester, Eng.; Hon. Chas. J. Hoadly, of Hartford, Conn.; 
 Geo. F. Seavey, of Cambridge, Mass.; Augustine Shttrti.eff, M. D., of Brookline, Mass.; 
 Matthew A. Stickney, Esq., of Salem, Mass., and to many others who have kindly rendered 
 us much invaluable assistance. 
 
 Trusting that we have fallen into no more grievous errors than have been the fortune of 
 earlier numismatic writers, we send forth this work, hoping that our labors have not been 
 fruitless in obtaining material for some slight addition to the amount of knowledge upon a 
 subject which has been too much neglected ; and, as the study of Numismatology is a valuable 
 adjunct to the study of History, it is hoped that our work may not prove to be without value 
 in an historical point of view. 
 
 THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION. 
 
SOMMEE ISLANDS 
 
 As the coinage for the Bermuda or Sommer Islands was doubtless the 
 first ever struck for the English colonies in America, that first claims atten- 
 tion in the development of our plan. 
 
 These islands, although now having no political connection with the 
 United States, were claimed by the Virginia Company as included in their 
 grant, until their claim was sold, about 1612. 
 
 The following sketch of the history of their settlement, as given by 
 Capt. John Smith, in " The Generall Historie of Virginia ISTew-England and 
 the Summer Isles," published in London in 1624, may not be without interest, 
 aside from the numismatic information it furnishes. 
 
 In excuse for quoting so much which is apparently irrelevant to the 
 subject, the reader is referred to the first sentence of these extracts, in 
 which he may make the alterations necessary to suit it for the purpose ; 
 for, as Geography has an intimate connection with History, so also has 
 Numismatology a relation hardly less intimate or less important. Captain 
 Smith writes : 
 
 "Before we present you the matters of fact, it is fit to offer to your 
 view the Stage whereon they were acted, for as Geography without History 
 seemeth a carkasse without motion, so History without Geography, wandreth 
 as a Vagrant without a certaine habitation. Those Bands lie in the huge 
 maine Ocean, and two hundred leagues from any continent, situated in 32. 
 degrees and 25. minutes, of Northerly latitude, and distant from England 
 "West South-West, about 3300. miles, some twenty miles in length, and not 
 
12 THE EARLY COESTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 past two' miles and a halfe in breadth, enuironed with Rocks, which to the 
 North-ward, West-ward, and South-East, extend further then they haue bin 
 yet well diseouered : by reason of those Rocks the Country is naturally very 
 strong, for there is but two places, and scare two, vnlesse to them who 
 know them well, where shipping may safely come in, and those now are 
 exceeding well fortified, but within is roome to entertaine a royall Fleet : 
 the Rocks in most places appeare at a low water, neither are they much 
 couered at a high, for it ebbs and flowes not past fiue foot." 
 
 " How these lies came by the name of Bermudas, or the infinite number 
 of blacke Hogs, or so fearefall to the world, that many called them the lie of 
 Deuils, that all men did shun as Hell and perdition ; I will not expostulate, 
 nor trouble your patiences with those vncertaine antiquities further then 
 thus ; our men found divers crosses, peeces of Spanish monies here and 
 there. Two or three wracks also they found, by certaine inscriptions to bee 
 some Spanish, some Dutch, some French ; but the greatest rumour is, that a 
 Spanish ship called Bermudas was there cast away, carrying Hogges to the 
 West-Indies that swam a shore, and there increased : how the Spaniards 
 escaped is vncertaine : but they say, from that ship those Res were first 
 called Bermudas, which till then for six thousand yeares had beene namelesse. 
 But the first English-man that was euer in them, was one Henry May, a 
 worthy Mariner that went with Captaine Lancaster to the East-Indies 1591," 
 who, on their return, were, on the seventeenth of the following December, 
 '' cast away vpon the North-west of the Bermudas." 
 
 "You haue heard, that when Captaine Smith was Gouernor of Vir- 
 ginia, there were nine ships sent with Sir Thomas Gates, and Sir George 
 Somers, and Captaine Nuport with fiue hundred people, to take in the old 
 Commission, and rectifie a new gouernment : they set saile in May, and in 
 the height of thirty degrees of Northerly latitude, they were taken with an 
 extreme storme, or rather a part of Hericano, vpon the fiue and twentieth 
 of Iuly, which as they write, did not onely separate them from the Fleet, but 
 with the violent working of the Seas, their ship became so shaken, torne and 
 leake, she receiued so much water as couered two tire of Hogsheads aboue 
 the ballace, that they stood vp to the middles, with Buckets, Baricos, and 
 Kettles, to baile out the water. Thus bailing and pumping three daies and 
 three nights without intermission, and yet the water seemed rather to increase 
 then diminish. * * That Sir George Somers all this time sitting vpon the 
 poupe, scarce taking leisure to eat nor sleepe, couing the ship to keepe her as 
 
THE SOMMER ISLANDS. 13 
 
 vpright as he could, otherwaies she must long ere that needs haue foundered, 
 most wishedly and happily descried land ; * * not long it was before they 
 strucke vpon a rocke, till a surge of the sea cast her from thence, and so 
 from one to another, till most luckily at last so vpright betwixt two, as if she 
 had beene in the stocks; *• * they vnshipped all their goods, victuall, and 
 persons into their Boats, and with extreme ioy, euen almost to amazednesse, 
 arriued in safetie, though more then a league from the shore, withoiit the • 
 losse of a man ; yet were they in all one hundred and fiftie : * * and they 
 found it the richest, healthfullest and pleasantest they euer saw, as is for- 
 merly said." 
 
 "At their first hunting for hogs they found such abundance, they killed 
 32 and this hunting and fishing was appointed to Captaine Robert Walsing- 
 ham, and Mr. Henry Shelly for the company in general : they report they 
 killed at least 500 besides Pigs, and that many were killed by diuers others; 
 for the birds in their seasons, the facility to make their cabens of Palmeta 
 leaues, caused many of them vtterly forget or desire euer to returne from 
 thence r they liued in such plenty, peace and ease." Captain Smith jocosely 
 says, " You may plainly see no place knowne hath better walls nor a broader 
 ditch." 
 
 "But hauing finished and rigged their two new Cedar ships with such 
 prouisions they saued from the Sea-aduenturer they left amongst the Rocks, 
 they called the one the Patience, the other the Deliuerance, * * they set 
 saile the tenth of May 1610, onely leauing two men behinde them." 
 
 " Lord Laware * * vnderstanding what plenty there was of hogs and 
 other good things in the Bermudas, was desirous to send thither to supply 
 his necessary occasions ; whereupon Sir George Summers, the best acquainted 
 with the place, whose noble minde euer regarded a generall good more then 
 his owne ends, though aboue threescore yeeres of age, and had meanes in 
 England sutable to his ranke, offered himselfe by Gods helpe to performe 
 this dangerous voyage againe for the Bermudas, which was kindly accepted, 
 so vpon the 19. of Iune he imbarked in his Cedar ship, about the burthen 
 of thirty tunnes, and so set saile." 
 
 "Much foule and crosse weather he had, and was forced to the North parts 
 of Virginia, where refreshing himselfe vpon this vnknowne coast, he could not 
 bee diuerted from the search of the Bermudas, where at last with his company 
 he safely arriued : * * In that very place which we now call Saint Georges 
 towne, this noble Knight died, whereof the place taketh the name. But his 
 
14 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 men ' * * embalmed his body and set saile for England, being the first that 
 euer went to seeke those Hands, which haue beene euer since called Summers 
 lies, in honour of his worthy memory. * * This Cedar ship at last with 
 his dead body arriued at Whit-Church in Dorsetshire, where by his friends he 
 was honourably buried, with many vollies of shot, and the rites of a Souldier, 
 and vpon his tombe was bestowed this Epitaph. In English thus : 
 
 "Alas Virginia's Summer so soone past, 
 Autumne succeeds and stormy Winters Mast, 
 Yet Englands ioyfull Spring ivith ioyfull showers, 
 Florida, shall bring thy sioeetest flowers." _ 
 
 "Now you are to vnderstand, that Captaine Matthew Somers, Nephew 
 and heire to Sir George, that returned with his dead body, though both he 
 and his Company did their vtmost in relating all those passages to their 
 Countrey-men and aduenturers, their relations were beleeued but as trauellers 
 tales, till it came to be apprehended by some of the Virginia Company, how 
 beneficiall it might be, and helpfull to the Plantation in Virginia, so that 
 some one hundred and twentie of them bought the pretended right of all the 
 Company, and had sent this ship to make a triall • but first they had ob- 
 tained Letters Patents of the Kings most excellent Maiestie. Sir Thomas 
 Smith was elected • Treasurer and Gouernour heere, and Master Richard More 
 to be Gouernour of the lies and Colony there." 
 
 "Master More * * so presently landed his goods and sixty persons 
 towards the beginning of Iuly 1612, vpon the South side of Smiths He." 
 
 Governor More was succeeded in 1615, according to Smith, by six 
 Governors, who were to rule one month each, alternately, although but four 
 are named by him as having occupied that position, viz : Charles Caldicot, 
 John Mansfield, Christopher Carter, and Miles Kendall. 
 
 " The next newes that happened in this time of ease, was, that a merry 
 fellow hauing found some few Dollars against the Flemish wracke, the bruit 
 went currant the treasure was found, and they all made men. Much adoe 
 there was to preuent the purloining of it, before they had it : where after 
 they had tyred themselues with searching, that they found, amounted not to 
 aboue twenty pounds starling, which is not vnlike but to be the remainder 
 of some greater store, washed from some wracke not farre from the shore." 
 
 After many troubles under the rule of the several Governors, choice was 
 
SOMMER ISLANDS. 15 
 
 made of "Master Daniel Tuckar, that a long time had bin' a planter in 
 Virginia in the gouernment of Captaine Smith." 
 
 "About the mistd of May (1616) arriued this Gouernor, where finding the 
 Inhabitants both abhorring all exacted labour, as also in a manner disdaining 
 and grudging much to be commanded by him ; it could not but passionate 
 any man liuing. But at last according to the Virginia order, hee set euery 
 one was with him at Saint Georges, to his taske, to cleere grounds, fell trees, 
 set corne, square timber, plant vines and other fruits brought out of England. 
 These by their taske Masters by breake a day repaired to the wharfe, from 
 thence to be imployed to the place of their imployment, till nine of the clocke, 
 and then in the after-noone from three till Sunne-set. Beside meat, drinke 
 and cloaths, they had for a time a certaine. kinde of brasse money with a 
 hogge on the one side, in memory of the abundance of hogges was found 
 at their first landing." 
 
 Richard Sanders, with four others, having built a boat of three tons; in 
 which to make their escape from the tyranny of the Governor, after several 
 weeks of buffeting among the waves, and having nearly destroyed their little 
 vessel for firewood, finally landed in Ireland. In the words of Smith, " This 
 fortunate Sanders going to the' East Indies, in the rifling some ships there 
 tooke, it was his chance to buy an old chest, for three or foure shillings, 
 but because it wanted a key hee repented his bargaine, and would gladly 
 haue sold it againe for lesse. A certaine time it lay tossed to and fro as a 
 thing hee little regarded, but at last hauing little to doe, hee broke it open, 
 where he found a thousand pounds starling, or so much gold as bought him 
 in England a good estate, which leaning with his wife he returned againe 
 to the East Indies." 
 
 Governor Tuckar being much disliked, and much trouble arising there- 
 from, he returned to England, leaving Miles Kendall in authority as his 
 deputy. Kendall seems to have been much liked, but he was, in October, 
 1619, succeeded by Captain Nathaniel Butler, who arrived on the twentieth 
 day of that month, — a very energetic Governor. Captain Smith writes that 
 he "Finding accidentally a little crosse erected in a by place, amongst a 
 many of bushes, vnderstanding there was buried the heart and intrailes of 
 Sir George Summers, hee resolued to haue a better memory for so worthy a 
 Souldier, then that. So finding also a great Marble stone brought out of 
 England, hee caused it by Masons to bee wrought handsomely and laid ouer 
 the place, which hee inuironed with a square wall of hewen stone, Tombe 
 
16 THE EARLY COITSTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 like ; wherein he caused to bee grauen this Epitaph he had composed, and 
 fixed it vpon the Marble stone ; and thus it was, 
 
 In the yeere 16 1 1, 
 
 Noble Sir George Summers went hence to heauen ; 
 
 Whose well trPd worth that held him still imploid, 
 
 Gaue him the knowledge of the world so wide. 
 
 Hence , t was by heauens decree, that to this place 
 
 He brought new guests, and name to mutuall grace. 
 
 At last his soule and body being to part, 
 
 He here bequeathed his entrails and his heart." 
 
 At the expiration of his rule, in 1621, Gov. Butler left the government 
 of these islands in charge of Captains Felget and Stokes, and Masters Hewes, 
 ]STedom, and Ginner. In 1622 John Bernard arrived, who lived only six 
 weeks, when both he and his wife died so nearly at the same time that both 
 were buried in one grave and on the same day. 
 
 Master John Harrison was then chosen as Governor until orders should 
 come from England. He was ruling in 1623, at which time Captain Smith 
 thus dismisses the subject : "It is too true, in the absence of the noble 
 Treasurer, Sir Edward Sackvill, now Earle of Dorset, there haue beene such 
 complaints betwixt the Planters and the Company, that by command the 
 Lords appointed Sir Thomas Smith againe Treasurer, that since then accord- 
 ing to their order of Court he is also elected, where now we must leaue 
 them all to their good fortune and successe, till we hear further of their 
 fortunate proceedings." 
 
 It is to these islands that we are indebted for the earliest coinage which 
 can be considered as intended for America. 
 
 History has preserved for us but the most meagre account of this first 
 coinage struck in Europe for her possessions in the New World, — one 
 only, and that simply Smith's passing notice of the former use and partial 
 description of this coin, can we glean from her pages ; and the all-devouring 
 tooth of Time has spared us but few specimens from which to determine 
 with what legends and. devices it was embellished. 
 
 Three of the Shillings and one Sixpence are all now known to the numis- 
 matic world of the coinage struck for the " Sommer Islands ; " and no records 
 exist for our instruction as to its precise date, by whom coined or the circum- 
 stances under which it was issued or obtained a currency. 
 
SOMMER ISLANDS. 17 
 
 Smith informs us that "Master Daniel Tuckar" arrived at the islands 
 about the middle of May, 1616 ; and he leaves it to be inferred that it was 
 under the rule of this Governor that "Beside meat, drinke and cloaths, 
 they had for a time a certaine kinde of brasse money with a hogge on the 
 one side, in memory of the abundance of hogges was found at their first 
 landing." 
 
 Governor Tuckar's rule was for about two years ; thus, if the inference be 
 correct, the currency of these coins must have commenced between May, 
 1616, and 1619, and it could not have been of long continuance, as in 1624 
 it is recorded as an event of the past. 
 
 These coins have been considered as medals, struck in commemoration 
 of some event of interest relating to these islands ; but the recent discovery 
 of a similar coin, of half the size and value of those before known, sets at 
 rest all speculation upon that point, and is sufficient, even in the absence 
 of Capt. Smith's assertion that they were " money," to prove that they were 
 intended to serve the purposes of coin, even though they may have been 
 issued without the authority requisite to legalize their currency, and thus 
 entitle them to be denominated coins. 
 
 SHILLING. 
 
 Obv. a hog, standing, facing left, above which are the Roman numerals 
 XII, the whole sun-ounded by a beaded circle. Legend : sommer * islands * 
 around which is a circle similar to that enclosing the device. 
 
 Rev. A full-rigged ship, under sail, to the left, with a flag flying from 
 each of her four masts. The circle around it is composed of larger beads 
 than those upon the obverse. 
 
 Copper ; size 19 ; weight, 177 grains. 
 
 [Plate I, Fig. 1..J 
 
 But two of these pieces are known to us, one of which is in the collec- 
 tion of William S. Appleton, Esq., of Boston, and the other has recently come 
 into the possession of the writer. The latter piece was found, a few years 
 since, in a bag of old coppers considered as of very little value, and bought, 
 without knowledge of its rarity, by a junk dealer in New York ; but, being 
 discovered by a collector, was quickly rescued from its obscurity, and has 
 now found its way to its present resting-place. 
 
18 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 SIXPENCE. 
 
 The design of the Sixpence is similar to that of the Shilling, but has 
 the numerals "VI over the hog. Legend : som mer >fr ila nds ►!•< 
 Size 17. 
 
 [Plate I, Fig. 2.] 
 
 The only known specimen of the. Sixpence was found, some twenty years 
 since, in a garden upon one of the Bermuda Islands, (the island of St. George, 
 if we mistake not,) and is now owned by Benjamin Betts, Esq., of Brooklyn, 
 1ST. Y., through whose kindness our illustration of it is obtained. 
 
 These coins have been supposed to be made of brass, because of the term 
 " brasse money," applied to them by Capt. Smith, who used that expression in 
 accordance with the custom, common in early days, of giving that name to 
 copper, or its alloys, without proper discrimination. 
 
 In illustration of this use of the word, we find written in the Scripture, 
 "A land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass;" 
 " Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses." 
 
 . A fact pertinent to this subject is that the Roman copper coins are still 
 known as " first brass," " second brass," or " third brass," according to their 
 sizes. 
 
VIRGINIA. 
 
 Although in the charter granted by King James to Virginia, April 10th, 
 1606, the right of coining money was specified as one of the privileges 
 conveyed thereby, this privilege does not appear to have been taken advan- 
 tage of by the colonists, and no disposition to exercise that right seems to 
 have been manifested until the passage of the act of November, 1645, which 
 will be given in its proper place. 
 
 Section X of the chai'ter referred to runs thus 1 : "And that they shall, 
 or laAvfully may, establish and cause to be made a coin, to pass current there 
 between the people of those several colonies, for the more ease of traffic and 
 bargaining between and amongst them and the natives there, of such metal, 
 and in such manner and form, as the said several Councils there shall limit 
 and appoint." 
 
 In relation to the financial Condition of Virginia, during the early years 
 of her colonial existence, we can furnish no information more reliable than 
 that contained in the " Sketch of the Early Currency in Maryland and Vir- 
 ginia," 2 by S. F. Streeter, read before the Historical Society of Maryland. He 
 says : 
 
 "At the time of the settlement of Maryland, the Virginians had already 
 begun to feel the inconvenience of thus relying upon an article of fluctuating 
 and diminishing value as currency ■; and in August, 1633, the assembly of 
 
 JLueas's Charters of the Old English Colonies, p. 5. 2 Historical Magazine, vol. ii. p. 42. 
 
20 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 that Colony passed a law requiring all contracts, bargains, pleas, and judgments 
 to be made in money, and not in tobacco, since the exclusive use of the 
 latter 'had bred many inconveniences in trade, and occasioned many troubles, 
 as well to the merchants as the planters and inhabitants among themselves.' 
 
 "■ In January, 1640, r tobacco, by reason of excessive quantities made,' had 
 become so cheap, that it was decided to burn all the bad and half the good 
 tobacco in the country ; require all creditors to take forty pounds in the 
 hundred, and to demand for all tobacco made during the year one shilling 
 per pound, and two shillings for the next year's crop. These measures, how- 
 ever, do not appear to have increased the quantity of specie in circulation, 
 for the next year a law was passed making money debts not recoverable 
 or pleadable, on account of the 'manic and great inconveniences which do 
 dayly arise by dealing for monie.' In March, 1643, f for the encouragement 
 of the owners of horses, mares, or sheepe,' an exception was made in their 
 favor, and they were allowed to require and receive cash for the sale of those 
 animals. 
 
 "At the same session was coirmmed an agreement which had been made 
 with the Governor of Maryland, on the third of r June, 1642, allowing the 
 people of the two colonies to trade or barter for all kinds of commodities 
 raised within their respective territories, (servants and goods imported, and 
 horses, mares, and sheep excepted,) provided tobacco was not used as a 
 medium of exchange ; yet the last act of this assembly brought the circulating 
 medium nearer to that appropriate for a primitive condition of society than 
 had been recognized since the establishment of the colony. The troubles in 
 England between Charles the First and his Parliament had cut off the sup- 
 plies of Sir William Berkeley, his majesty's Governor, and a levy was there- 
 fore made of two shillings a head on every tithable person in the colony, to 
 be paid in provisions, at fixed rates. Among these were ' corn at 10s. per 
 barrel ; wheat at 4s. per bushel ; beef at 3^d. per lb. ; good hens at 12d. ; 
 capons at Is. 6d.; calves at six weeks old, 25s.; butter at 8d. per lb.; 
 good weather goats at 20s.; piggs to roast at three weeks old, at 3s. per 
 pigg ; cheese at 6d. per lb. ; and geese, turkeys, and kidds at 5s. per peece.' 
 These articles were deposited at places appointed, and transported in boats 
 to James City, where they were deposited in the Governor's grand larder or 
 treasury. About the same period tavern-keepers were by law forbidden to take 
 more than ten pounds of tobacco for a meal, and to sell any 'wines or strong 
 liquor, excepting strong beer, for which they were allowed to charge < eight 
 
VIRGINIA. 21 
 
 lbs. of tobacco per gallon, and no more ; and ratably for smaller quantities.' 
 The tonnage duties upon vessels arriving at this time were payable in powder 
 and shot, 'one halfe pound of powder per every tunne burthen, and three 
 pound of leaden shott, or lead.' " 
 
 Thus feeling the necessity of some more convenient medium of exchange, 
 the following act 1 was passed at a session begun in James City, November 
 20, 1645 : 
 
 "Act. XX. The Governor, Council and Burgesses of this present Grand 
 Assembly having maturely weighed & considered how advantageous a quoine 
 current would be to this collony, and the great wants and miseries which do 
 daily happen vnto it by the sole dependency vpon tob'o, have at length resolved 
 and enacted, and he it by the authoritie aforesaid enacted as the onely way to 
 procure the said quoine and prevent the further miseries, That all peeces of 
 Eight in Spanish money be valued and taken in payment, att the rate of sixe 
 shillings and all other Spanish silver quoines proportionably which shall be 
 brought into the collony : And whereas it is conceived that the said quoine 
 will not continue with vs vnless we have a leger quoine, Therefore serious 
 consideration had of the many wayes tending to that effect, It was at length 
 generally allowed, That a quoine of copper would be the most beneficial to, 
 and with most ease procured by the collony, And that after proclamation 
 made by the Governour and Council that all person or persons within this 
 collony whether merchants or others do desist or leave off tradeing for tob'o, 
 vpon the penaltie and forfeiture of the thing so bought or sold, The one 
 moyetie whereof shall be and come to the informer, and the other to the 
 benefit of the state. 
 
 "The, quoine to be erected after this manner, 10000 lb. of copper to be 
 bought by the publique at the rate of 18d per lb. which amounts to £750 
 sterl. which to be paid in tob'o. at the rate of Id. 1-2 per lb. 120000 of tob'o. 
 which being collected per pole accounting 5000 persons in this collony it 
 comes to 24 lb. of tob'o per pole every pound of copper to make 20s. and to 
 allow for the mintage 12d. per pound soe there will remaine £9.500 sterl. 
 The mintage allowed and deducted. The stocke to be Equallie divided amongst 
 the adventurers to be quoined in two pences, three pences, sixe pences and 
 nine pences. And if it shall happen at any time hereafter that the aforesaid 
 
 !The original of this Act is in the Library of Congress, Washington, D. C, and we are 
 indebted to G. I. Bushnell, Esq., for our copy of it. 
 
22 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 quoine be called in and become not currant, Yet the republique shall make 
 good the quantity of so much (vizt.) £10000 to be levied per pole, And that 
 it may be provided that this quoine may not be counterfeited and brought 
 in, Besides the inflicting of capitall punishment vpon these who shall be found 
 delinquents therein, That vppon every peece of coyne there be two rings, The 
 one for the motto, The other to receave a new impression which shall be 
 stampted yearly with some new ffigure, by one appointed for that purpose in 
 each county, And that the hoivble, Sir William Berkeley, Knt. Gov'r, shall have 
 the disposall and placing of such and soe manie officers as shall be neces- 
 sarilye required for performing and finishing the aforesaid service, Onely Capt. 
 John Upton is hereby confirmed Mint Master Generall : Wee reposing much 
 confidence in his care, ability and trust for the performance of the said office." 
 
 This act probably was never put in execution, as, had it been, we should 
 doubtless have some of its results preserved among - our numismatic treasures. 
 Mr. Streeter remarks upon it : 
 
 '' Whether it was ever carried into effect we are not informed ; but if it 
 was, the conflicting legislation, the various expedients, and the depressed con- 
 dition of the colony in after years, show that the new issue neither supplied 
 the place of tobacco, nor met all the wants of the community for purposes 
 of convenience and traffic." 
 
 " The legislature of Virginia [in 1645] prohibited dealing by barter, and 
 established the Spanish piece of eight at six shillings, as the standard of 
 currency for that colony." * 
 
 In 1655 ''the Virginian legislature changed the Spanish piece of eight 
 from six shillings, and established it at five shillings sterling, as the standard 
 of its currency." 2 
 
 Oldmixon, in his History, 3 says of trade in Virginia, "Tho the common 
 way of Traffick there is by Barter or Exchange of one Commodity for another 
 or of any for Tobacco ; yet there is some Silver Coins, English and Spanish, 
 and were much more, till the lowering of the Value tempted People to export 
 the Coin to the other Plantations, where it went for more than it did in 
 Virginia. 
 
 " The Chief of their Coins are either Cold of the Stamp of Arahia, or 
 Silver and Gold of the Stamp of Spanish America, or English Money. There's 
 very little of either kind to be seen in this Country for the Eeasons above- 
 mention'd. 
 
 iHuluK's's American Annals, vol. i., p. 336. 2 Ibid, p. 366. 3 Oklmixon, vol. i., p. 315. 
 
VIRGINIA. 23 
 
 :t The Government, round about it, often raising the Value of the Coin, 
 is the Cause that Virginia is drain'd of the little it has. And 'tis impossible 
 to prevent this Inconvenience, unless all the Colonies on the Continent were 
 oblig'd to have one and the same Standard for. their Coin, which there have 
 lately been some attempts made to effect, tho without the Success that was 
 expected and desir'd. 
 
 "The Scarcity of Money is such in this Plantation, that' Gentlemen can 
 hardly get enough for Travelling Charges, or to pay Labourers and Trades- 
 mens Wages. It occasions also the commencing many vexatious Suits for 
 Debt, which by this means are contracted. 
 
 " The Value of the several Coins that are there, is as follows : 
 
 The Spanish Double Doublon, 
 
 The Doublon, consequently, 
 
 The Pistole, 
 
 Arabian Chequins, 
 
 Pieces of Eight, (except of Peru,) weighing 16 penny Weight, 00 
 
 French Crowns, 
 
 Peru Pieces of Eight, and Dutch Dollars, 
 
 And all English Coin as it goes in England.' 1 '' 
 
 Oldmixon 1 further informs us that in 1679 "The Assembly taking into 
 Consideration their Loss by lowering their Coin, which had occasion'd 
 the Country's being almost drain'd of it by Exportion to Places where it 
 past for more than it did in Virginia, order'd a Bill to be 'brought in for 
 raising it. 
 
 " The Governour interposing in the matter, told them, it was the King's 
 Prerogative to alter the Value of the Coin, and the Prerogative being intrusted 
 with him, he wou'd do it by Proclamation. The Assembly durst not oppose 
 such an Argument. Those were not times to dispute the Prerogative Royal; 
 so the Governour's Reasons were allow'd and the Act dropt. 
 
 "His Lordship (Colpepper,) having gain'd his Point, privately bought 
 up all the light Pieces of Eight he could get, at 5 s. the Piece ; and then 
 put forth a Proclamation, to raise the Value of them to 6 Shillings : He soon 
 after produc'd an Order to pay and disband the Regiment that had been sent 
 
 £ 
 
 s. 
 
 ' (1. 
 
 03' 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 01 
 
 15 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 17 
 
 06 
 
 00 
 
 10 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 05 
 
 00 
 
 00 
 
 04 
 
 00 
 
 ^Vol. i., p. 259. 
 
24 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 over by Sir John Berry ; and accordingly he paid them off with those Pieces 
 at 6 s. a piece ; and they were forc'd to take them at that rate. 
 
 " This Lord however found very great Inconveniencies by his raising the 
 Coin, as well on account of Jus own Sallary, his Duty on Ships, as of the 
 King's Taxes, which were paid in Pieces of Eight at 6 s. a piece : The loss 
 was like to be more than his Gain, by injuring the j)Oor Soldiers." 
 
MASSACHUSETTS 
 
 SILVER CURRENCY. 
 
 Before entering upon the records of the laws for the establishment and 
 government of the silver mint of Massachusetts, it may not be unprofitable 
 briefly to consider the straits to which the colonists were reduced for want 
 of a convenient medium of exchange, and the laws passed by them, for the 
 regulation of such as appeared to them most available, amongst the many 
 materials which were presented for their consideration. 
 
 The use of furs, grain, and fish 1 for purposes of exchange, and the pay- 
 ment of private debts, as well as taxes, had existed from the first settlement 
 of the country ; but the earliest attempt made to establish a currency, if we 
 may except the fixing of a certain value, by the General Court, upon these, 
 as well as cattle and some other commodities, which may in some measure 
 entitle them to the name of currency, they being current by legal enactment, 
 was the adoption of the shell money, or wampum, of the Indians, which was 
 
 1 In Marblehead, some time ago, while Signor Blitz was giving performances, a large number 
 of people who were short of quarters paid for their admission in fish. The receipts in this cur- 
 rency, on one occasion, amounted to twenty dollars. In some parts of Mexico pieces of soap pass 
 in exchange for merchandise, as a substitute for a better currency. In Iowa territory, in 1840, 
 the marriage fee was three goat skins or four bushels of sweet potatoes. In the back settle- 
 ments of Oregon the only money consisted of live stock currency. A hog was one dollar ; a 
 sheep, fifty cents ; turkeys twenty-five cents each ; and a pup, twelve-and-a-half cents ; so if A 
 owed B four dollars and ninepence he sent him five hogs, and received as change one sheep, 
 one turkey, and a pup. 
 
26 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 first brought by the Dutch from Manhadoes, in 1627, and the regulation of the 
 trade therein, and of its value, which, as well as that of the various other 
 materials serving the same purpose, was changed from time to time, as the 
 demands of trade seemed to indicate a necessity therefor. 
 
 Although wampum may be said to have been the first adopted, the first 
 legislation upon the subject of a small currency was that of March 4th, I63*, 1 
 here following : "It is ordered that hereafter farthings shall not passe for 
 currant pay. — 
 
 "It is likewise, ordered, that muskett bulletts of a full boare shall passe 
 currantly for a farthing apeece, provided that noe man be compelled to take 
 above xii d att a tyme in them." 
 
 The purpose of this order may have been to compel a more thorough 
 distribution of the munitions of war, which, at that time, were liable to be 
 called into requisition at a moment's warning, rather than a desire to drive 
 from circulation the small brass or copper coins of English origin, which must 
 have formed a much more agreeable medium of exchange than the bulky and 
 inconvenient substitute here authorized. 
 
 The first record we find relating to the value of wampum is dated No- 
 vember loth, 1637, 2 "It was ordered that Wampampege should passe at 6 a 
 penny for any sume vnder 12'V On the 7th of October, 1640, 3 "It is ordered 
 that white Wampampege shall passe at 4 a penny & bleWe at 2 a penny, & 
 not above 12 d at a time except the receiver desire more;' June 2d, 1641, 4 
 "It is ordered that Wampampege shall passe currant at 6 a penny for any 
 sume under TO 1 for debts hearcafter to bee made." On the 27th of September 
 1642, B " It was ordered that for the payment of the rate (w eh is to bee paid 
 the nvnth month) wheate, & barley shall passe at 4 sh s the bushell, rye, & 
 -pease at 3 s 4 d the bushell; indian corne at 2 s 6 d the bushell in these at these 
 prices, or in beaver money, or wampam pay is to bee made." 
 
 The following fragment of an order, changing the amount as fixed by that 
 last copied, is at the foot of page 36, volume ii, the lower part of which is 
 worn off, with the most important part of the order : Oct. 17, 1643, " Whereas 
 by a former order, men were ordered in debts to accept Wampam to the 
 
 1 Mus,s i K-.lniset(« Records, vol. 1, p. 138. The quotations from these Records are from the 
 originals, but the corresponding pages can be found in the printed Records by the starred 
 page numbers on their margins. 
 
 2 Mass. Records, i. 204 ; 3 i. 287 ; 4 i. 308 ; 6 ii. 22. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 27 
 
 valewe of 10 \ it is now ordered it shall passe: but to the value of" the 
 
 remainder is missing. 
 
 On the 27th of October, 1648, 1 " It is voted for tiyall, untill the next Co'te 
 that all pasable or payable peage henceforth shalbe intire w th out breaches, 
 both the white, & black, w th out deforming spots sutably strung, in eight knowne 
 peels the penny 3 d . 12 d 5 s in white the 2 d . 6 d 2£ s & 10 s in black." Under 
 the same date an act was passed by both Houses, conferring upon ferrymen 
 certain privileges. We here give the record of the vote of the House of Dep- 
 uties: 2 "Yppon the petition of ffrauncis Hudson & James Heydon farmours 
 of Charlstowne ferry wherein they expresse there desirs that some Course 
 may be taken to pVent passengers disorderly pressinge into Boats & escapinge 
 out of them without paying their fare ptending that they haue nothinge to 
 pay or that they are on the countryes service It is ordred that from hence- 
 forth it shalbe Lawfull for any ferriman to demauud & receiue his due before 
 his Boate puts off from shore nor shall he be bound to passe ouer any that 
 shall not giue satisfaction, & any ferry man may Refuse any wampom not 
 strunged or vnmerchantable & such psons whether horse or foot which are 
 passage free by order of Court must shew somthing sufficient for theire 
 discharg or else must pay as others doe, except magistrates & deputies who 
 are generally knowne to be ffree." In the same body it was, May 4th, 1649, 3 
 " Voted : that peage shall still Remayne passable from man to man aeording 
 to the lawe in force ;" but under date of May 1G, 1649, 4 the Deputies passed 
 an order, which had been on the 2d of that month passed by the Magistrates,? 
 to this effect : " Itt is Ordered that it shall not be in the liberty of any 
 Toune or pson to pay peage to the Country rate, nor shall the Treasurer 
 accept thereof from time to time." 
 
 Under date of October 18, 1650,° (though probably the correct date was 
 October 26th, it being the last record of the session, which was dissolved on 
 that day,) " Itt is Ordered that wampam peage ffiffteene dajes after this present 
 sessions of Courte shall passe Currant in pajment of debts to the vallew of 
 forty shillings the white, at eight a penny ; and the blacke at fower so as 
 they be entire without breaches or deforming spotts except in pajment of 
 Countrje rates to the Treasurer which no Towne nor person may doe nor he 
 accept thereof from time to time : " while in 1661, 7 May 22d, the law relating 
 to wampum was repealed in these words : " on observation of much Inc'ori- 
 
 iMass. Records, ii. p. 222 ; Siii. p. 160 ; 3 iii. p. 218 ; 4 iii. p. 233 ; 5 ii. p. 237 ; 6 iv. p. 32 ; ?iv. p. 369. 
 
28 THE EARLY CODSTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 venience of the lawe for payment of forty shillings in wampampeage, in 
 sattisfaction of debts & payments except to the Tresurer, page 78, It is 
 ordered by this Court & the Authorise there of that the sajd lawe be 
 henceforth Repealed." Later 'than this we learn nothing more from the 
 records relating to wampum as a currency, although it is said to have been 
 in use among the people until the time of the Revolutionary war, 1 and is 
 still, as well as some kinds of shells in their natural state, used among some 
 of the Indian tribes remaining in the land. In fact, samples of wampum can 
 to this day be obtained from the Penobscot and other friendly Indians. 
 
 Strings of wampum were also used by the Indians as necklaces and 
 bracelets. And another kind, made in wide bands, and composed of various 
 materials, were generally worn by the belles of the tribes. Sometimes a young 
 brave would receive one of these ornaments as a gift from his betrothed, 
 and wear it as an amulet, in the firm belief of its power to protect the wearer 
 from all danger. A modem poet has made this tradition the subject of his 
 verses, and thus a dusky maiden sings to her warrior lover : 
 
 "Brave son of a chieftain! beloved Cherokee! 
 This token of wampum is woven for thee ! 
 A token to flutter and shine on thy breast, — 
 My bravest and brightest, my wisest and best ! 
 
 'Tis woven with coral, with beads, and with shells ; 
 It shall lie on thy breast the most potent of spells, 
 To save thee from ambush, to shield thee from harm, 
 To quicken thy sight, and give strength to thine arm." 2 
 
 Wampum also served another purpose, as important as its other uses. 
 This was when, usually in the form of belts, it was given as a pledge of 
 friendship, in ratification of treaties, or to establish friendly relations in their 
 preliminary stages. 
 
 We find it frequently mentioned in the Documents relating to the Colo- 
 nial History of New York, as " strings of wampum," " belts of wampum," 
 "' a large black belt," " a* large covenant belt," " a belt black wampum," " a 
 belt of invitation ; " and an Indian says, in presenting, " a prodigious large 
 belt." 
 
 " Be attentive to what we now propose. * * Look upon this Belt as 
 
 1 Drake's Hist. Boston, p. 326. 2 E. Sargent, Jr. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 29 
 
 a pledge of our inviolable attachment to you, and of our unshaken resolution 
 of joining you in all your measures." 
 
 This belt had wrought into it a figure of the sun, as an emblem of light, 
 to signify that their eyes were opened to the true light, and that they were 
 convinced of the truths of all things then proposed. 
 
 In addition to the articles already enumerated, boards and cattle, which 
 latter included horses, sheep, swine, goats, and "ases," formed no small part 
 of the circulating medium, a mixture which should have furnished a variety 
 sufficient to satisfy the demands of the most exacting. 
 
 To show the source whence much of the silver which afterwards found 
 its way to the mint, flowed hither, as well as the effect of the financial dis- 
 turbances of the period, we quote some passages from Winthrop's Journal, 1 
 August 27th, 1639 : "Here came a small bark from the West Indies, one 
 Capt. Jackson in her, with commission from the Westminster company to take 
 prize, etc., from the Spaniard. He brought much wealth in money, plate, 
 indico and sugar." 
 
 2 October, 1640, " The scarcity of money made a great change in all com- 
 merce. Merchants would sell no wares but for ready money, men could not 
 pay their debts though they had enough, prices of lands and cattle fell soon 
 to the one half and less, yea to a third, and after one fourth part." Win- 
 throp relates that 3 " The wars in England kept servants from coming to us, 
 so as those we had could not be hired, when their times were out, but upon 
 unreasonable terms, and we found it very difficult to pay their wages to their 
 content (for money was very scarce). I may upon this occasion report a 
 passage between one of Rowley and his servant. The master, being forced 
 to sell a pair of his oxen to pay his servant his wages, told his servant he 
 could keep him no longer, not knowing how to pay him next year. The 
 servant answered, he would serve him for more of his cattle. But how shall 
 I do (saith the master) when all my cattle are gone ? The servant replied, 
 you shall then serve me, and so you may have your cattle again." 
 
 The first action taken by the General Court for fixing the value of 
 foreign coin, appears in the following extract from the Records, 4 under date 
 of September 27th, 1642 : " This Co r t considring the oft occasions wee have 
 of trading w th the hollanders at the Dutch plantation & otherwise ; do 
 therefore order that the holland ducatour being worth 3 gilders shalbee 
 
 1 Winthrop's Journal, vol. i. p. 369 ; 2 vol. ii. p. 21 ; 3 vol. ii. p. 269. 4 Records, vol. ii. pp. 23-24. 
 
30 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 currant at 6 s in all paymt 8 w th in o r iurisdiction, & the rix doller being 2£ 
 o-ildrs shalbee likewise currant at 5- & the ryall of 8: shalbee also currant 
 
 at 5 s ." 
 
 The old English coins known as JSTobles 1 and Marks 2 were also' sometimes 
 made use of, at least by name, as we find in the records, October 18th, 1645, 3 
 that " The Cou r te being often troubled w th y B suits of pticule 1 psons, doe o r de r 
 y* m r Smith shall pay twenty nobles for ye defraying ye chardge of ye Courte 
 in y L " hearing of his Cawse ; " and entered as the same date, 4 ' c Itt is o r dered 
 y' m 1 ' Eawson shallbe allowed out of the treasury the some of twenty markes 
 for the se'vice he hath donne in keeping & transcribing the records of the 
 Howse of Deputs for the time past." Also, in 1690, " The Magistrates Ordered 
 that the Said Tho s Hawkins pay Twenty marks in Money for the Charges 
 of His Prosecution and Imprisonment. 1 ' 5 
 
 Still the scarcity of money proved detrimental to business in every depart- 
 ment ; and though this mixed currency passed very well for a time, and served 
 the purposes of trade between the colonists and the Indian tribes, yet, for 
 the reasons that much of it had no real intrinsic value, and that no method 
 was provided for the redemption of that which was otherwise valueless, as 
 Avell as the perishable nature of many, and the difficulty of transporting most 
 of the articles which it comprised, it rapidly disappeared before the influx of 
 Spanish, English, and Dutch money, obtained by trade with the West Indies 
 and with the mother country. 
 
 This influx of the various foreign moneys, after a time, becoming burden- 
 some on account of the large amount of base and counterfeit coin found 
 amongst it, as well as by reason of the confusion incident upon the use of 
 coins of so many differing standards of value, occasioned the issue of a 
 printed order, by the General Court, for its alleviation. Although no copy of 
 this order is known to be now in existence, it was, beyond a doubt, as will 
 be seen by the reference to it in the preface to the act of May ™, 1652, for 
 the purpose of authorizing the appointment of some person or persons, whose 
 duty it should be to examine and test the quality and worth of the foreign 
 moneys in circulation;, and to stamp upon each piece its proper value, 
 according to some uniform standard, probably sterling. This preface was not 
 consented to by the deputies, but its omission was made one of the conditions 
 of their consent to the remainder of the bill. The preface referred to was as 
 
 ■A gold coin of about $1.61. 2 A gold coin of about 3.22. 3 Records, vol. iii. p. 50; 
 
 < vol. iii. p. 61 ; 5 Provincial Records, Council & Court, vol. 6. p. 118. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 31 
 
 follows : " fforasmuch as the new order about mony is not well Kesented 1 by 
 the people and full of difficulties, and vnlikely to take effect in regard no 
 psons are found willing to try and stampe the same." 
 
 The printed order mentioned in the act last referred to, is the first legis- 
 lation of the New England colonies, regarding coinage, of which we have 
 been able to find any trace ; and it is the earliest known authority for the 
 affixing of a stamp upon foreign coin as a token of its acceptance or endorse- 
 ment by the colonies, in lieu of a coinage of their own ; but on account of 
 its failure to effect the objects aimed at, they were soon compelled to resort 
 to the establishment of a mint. 
 
 How much earlier than the passage of the act of May % 1652, the printed 
 order was passed, it is impossible to say, as that act contains the only refer-' 
 ence we find thereto. It is probable, however, that not many months were 
 suffered to pass in unsuccessful efforts to find " psons willing to try & stampe 
 the same," the necessities of the colonists rendering it imperative that some 
 plan be resorted to which should induce a supply of coin, and that with the 
 least possible delay. 
 
 In relation to the causes which led to the establishment of the mint, and 
 the appointment of its officers, we have John Hull's own statement, as written 
 in his Diary. 2 He says "Also upon occasion of much counterfeit coin brought 
 in the country, and much loss accruing in that respect (and that did occasion 
 a stoppage of trade) , the General Court ordered a mint to be set up, and to 
 
 x The use of the word resented, then used in the sense of favorably received, is appropri- 
 ately illustrated in the life of Mr. John Wilson, contained in Mather's Magnalia, as follows : 
 "Mrs. Wilson being thus perswaded over into the difficulties of an American desart, I have 
 heard that her kinsman, old Mr. Dod, for her consolation under those difficulties, did send her 
 a present, with an advice, which had in it something of curiosity. 
 
 " He "sent her, at the same time, a brass counter, a silver crown, and a gold Jacobus ; all of 
 them severally wrapped up ; with this instruction unto the gentleman who carried it : that he 
 should first of all deliver only the counter, and if she received it with any show of discontent 
 he should then take no further notice of her ; but if she gratefully resented that small thing 
 for the sake of the hand it came from, he should then go on to deliver the silver, and so to 
 the gold: but withall assure her, 'That such would be the dispensation of God unto her, and 
 the other good people of Xew-England : if they would be content and thankful with suci) 
 little things as God bestowed upon them, they should, in time have silver and gold enough.' 
 Mrs. Wilson accordingly, by her cheerful entertainment of the least remembrance from good 
 old Mr. Dod, gave the gentleman occasion to go through with his whole present, and the 
 annexed advice ; which hath in a good measure been accomplished." 
 
 2 Coll. Amer. Antiq. Soc. vol. iii. p. 145. 
 
30 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 coin it bringing it to the sterling standard for fineness, and for weight every 
 shilling to be three pennyweight ; i. e., 9d. at 5s per oz. And they made 
 choice of me for that employment ; and I chose my friend, Robert Sanderson, 
 to be my partner, to which the Court consented." 
 
 Hutchinson 1 gives a short account of this mint, which agrees substantially 
 with the above. He says : " The trade of the province increasing, especially 
 with the West-Indies, where the bucaneers or pirates at this time were 
 numerous, and part of the wealth which they took from the Spaniards as 
 well as what was produced by the trade being brought to ]S T ew-England in 
 bullion, it was thought necessary, for preventing fraud in money, to erect a 
 mint for coining shillings, six-pences and three-pences, with no other impression 
 at first than N B on the one side, and XII. VI. or III. on the other ; but 
 in October 1651 2 the court ordered that all pieces of money should have a 
 double ring with this inscription, Massachusetts and a tree in the centre on 
 one side, and New-England and the year of our Lord on the other side." 
 
 " The first money being struck in 1652, the same date was continued upon 
 all that was struck for thirty years after ; and although there are a great 
 variety of dies, it cannot now be determined in what years the pieces were 
 coined. ISTo other colony ever presumed to coin any metal into money. It 
 must be considered that at this time there was no King in Israel. ISTo 
 notice was taken of it by the parliament or by Cromwell ; and having been 
 thus indulged, there was a tacit allowance of it afterwards even by King 
 Charles II. for more than twenty years ; and although it was made one of 
 the charges against the colony when the charter was called in question, yet 
 no great stress was laid upon it. It appeared to have been so beneficial, 
 that during Sir Edmund Andros's administration endeavours were used to 
 obtain leave for continuing it, and the objections against it seem not to 
 have proceeded from its being an encroachment upon the prerogative, for 
 the motion was referred to the master of the mint, and the report against it 
 was upon mere prudential considerations. It is certain that great care was 
 taken to preserve the purity of the coin. I do not find, notwithstanding, 
 that it obtained a currency anywhere, otherwise than as bullion, except in the 
 New-England colonies. A very large sum was coined. The mint master, 
 John Hull, raised a large fortune from it. He was. to coin the money of 
 the just alloy of the then new sterling English money ; and for all charges 
 
 1 Hist. Mass. 3d ed. vol. i. p. 164. 2 Evidently an error in the date. See Hist. Mag. vol. iii. p. 197. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS - . 33 
 
 which should attend melting, refining, and coining, he was to be allowed to 
 take fifteen pence out of every twenty shillings. The Court were afterwards 
 sensible that this was too advantageous a contract, and Mr. Hull was offered 
 a sum of money by the court to release them from it, 1 but he refused to 
 do it. He left a large personal estate, and one of the best real estates in 
 the country. Samuel Sewall, who married his only daughter, received with her, 
 as was commonly reported, thirty thousand pounds in New-England shillings. 
 < He was the son of a poor woman, but dutiful to and tender of his mother, 
 which Mr. Wilson his minister observing, pronounced that God would bless 
 him, and although he was then poor yet he should raise a great estate.'" 
 
 The earliest document known to us, relating to this mint, is the original 
 draught of the act already referred to, comprising the minutes of the secretary, 
 and showing the erasures and^alterations made therein during its discussion 
 by the two houses. 
 
 This is the only record known (if we except the copies of it upon the 
 records of the General Court,) making the slightest reference to any action 
 whatever relating to coinage, as having been previously taken or proposed. 
 
 It will be seen that the last clause of this act is for repealing of the 
 " all other orders concerning the valuation or coyning of money." This was 
 probably merely for the sake of form, or referring to the printed order; which 
 may have been considered as coining ; but that clause, whatever its intention, 
 was considered of so little importance as to have been omitted from the 
 records of the House of Magistrates, which constituted the law of the colony, 
 nor is it to be found in the printed book of laws, issued in 1660. 
 
 In order to show more distinctly the changes made in this act, as well- 
 as the peculiar style of chirography of that day, we present a fac simile of 
 the draught, copied from the original document by the heliotype process. 
 That the reader may be assisted in deciphering the antique style of writing 
 in which it appears, we present a transcript of this document on the next two 
 pages, and immediately opposite each page will be found the corresponding 
 parts of the original. 
 
 1 We find nothing to prove this. On the contrary, the contract was repeatedly renewed 
 upon nearly the same terms. The Records show, however, that in 1660, a committee was ap- 
 pointed to treat with the mint masters and induce them to pay a bonus out of their profits. 
 They offered ten pounds as a gift, but would then agree to nothing further ; but in 1667 
 they agreed to pay into " the public treasury the sum of forty -pounds, and yearly thereafter, 
 for seven years, ten pounds. These transactions will be found, at length, at their proper dates. 
 
34 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 [The erasures in the original are designated in this transcript by italics. Some doubtful punctuation marks are omitted.] 
 
 "fforasmuch as the new order about mony is not well Resented by the people 
 and full of difficulties, and unlikely to take effect in regard no psons are found 
 willing to try <& stampe the same, the sajd Order is Repealed. 
 The Courte therefore Ordereth & enacteth that the p r inted orde r about 
 
 Seauenth month 
 
 1 mony shall be in force vntill the first of x July next and no longer 
 
 2 '5That from and After the first of Septembe 1 next the mony heere 
 after Apointed & expressed shall be the Currant mony of this Comon 
 
 vnless English & consent therevnto 
 
 wealth and no other, A (except it be at the Receivers A chojse). In pu r suance 
 of the Intent of this Courte heerein Bee it further Acted Ordered 
 & enacted by the Authority of this Court ; That all persons what 
 soeuer have liberty to bring in vnto the mint howse at Boston all 
 bulljon plate or Spannish Cojne there to be melted & brought to the 
 allay of sterling Silver by John Hull master of the sajd mint and his 
 sworne officers, & by him to be Cojned into 12 d : 6 d : & 3 d peeoes which 
 shall be for forme ct) flatt & square on the sides & stamped on the one 
 side with 1ST E & on the other side w th the figure xn d vi d & m d = 
 
 according to the valew of 
 
 peeces which shall bee each peece, together with a privy marke ■=■ 
 
 which shall be Appointed euery three months by the Gouerno r & known 
 
 only to him & the sworne officers of the mint. 
 
 8 And further the sajd master of the mint aforesajd is heereby Required 
 
 new 
 to cojne all the sajd mony of good Silver of the Just allay of A sterling English 
 
 two 
 mony, & for valew to stampe three pence in a shilling of lesser vallew 
 
 4: then the p r sent English Cojne & the lesser peeces p r oportionably : And 
 
 all Such Cojne as aforesajd shall be acknowledged to be the Currant Cojne 
 
 of this Comonwealth & passe from man to man in all pajments accordingly 
 
 within this Jurisdiction only. 
 
 5 And the mint master for himselfe & officers for their pajnes & labour in 
 melting Refining & Coyning is Allowed by this Courte to take one shilling 
 six pence out of euery twenty shillings which he shall stampe as aforesajd 
 
 6 And It shall be in the liberty of any pson who brings into the mint howse 
 
 he prsent & 
 any bullion plate or Spannish Cojne as aforesajd to A see the same melted Refined 
 
 & Allajed, & then to take a receipt of the master of the mint for the = 
 
 weight of that which is good Silver allajed as afforesajd, for which the 
 
 in currant money, 
 mint master shall deliuer him the like weight A viz. euery shilling 
 
 to troj : 
 
 weighing the three penny A weight & lesser peeces proportionably. deducting 
 Allowance for Cojnage as before exposed : And that this Order being 
 of So great Concernment may not in any pticular thereof fall to the 
 ground Itt is further Ordered that m r Richard Bellingham m r 
 willjam Hibbens, the p r sent Secretary, Capt, John Leueret & mr Thomas 
 Clarke be a Comittee appointed by this Court to Appointe the mint howse 
 in some Convenient place in Boston, to Give John Hull master of the 
 mint the oath suiteable to his place. And to Approove of all other 
 
«tff 
 
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 k» oOrmtf 
 
 
 
 
HENRY AHLBORN, 
 
 Buys and sells all kinds, of American and Foreign Coins 
 
 and Medals, 
 
 \ AT THE 
 
 "Old Toll House,'' Foot of Cambridge Street, 
 'B O ST O N. 
 
 EDWARD COGAN, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals, 
 
 No. 408 STATE STREET, BROOKLYN, N Y. ' 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, 
 
 and Confederate Paper Money and Books 
 
 relating to the same. 
 
 Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, Post free, . . . $1.60 
 Field Medal, Bronze, 1.25 
 
 512 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, 
 
 CANADA. 
 
 Subscription, $1.50 Canadian currency, per annum, in advance, payable to 
 R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86 1-2, Montreal. 
 
 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS 
 
 AND 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archslogical Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, $2.00 a year, in advance. 
 
 Address JEREMIAH COLBTJRN, 18 SOMERSET -ST., BOSTON, MASS. 
 
Part 2. 
 
 Price $1. 
 
 ^ 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPRISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OF 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OF UNKNOWN OEIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 FIEST PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
 ® 
 
 (Jfy BOSTON, MASS.: X 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHiEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. A^B?i, 
 
 1873. W^$ 
 
 Charles Cliaplin, Printer, 89 Washington Street, Boston. 
 
NEW COINS OF THE WORLD. 
 
 The Bankers' Almanac for 1873, 
 
 Richly Illustrated with Sixty Engravings, 
 
 300 Pag^es, Price Tlxree Dollars, 
 
 C OBTAINING 
 
 A list of all the National and State banks in operation to date, 2,500'in number; the lo- 
 cation, names of officers, capital, and New York correspondent of eacli. A list of the Pri- 
 vate Bankers in the United States, 2,100 in number ; with population of each place. A list 
 of chartered Savings banks in New England, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, California, 
 and Pennsylvania, 500 in> number. An alphabetical list of 2,500 Cashiers and of assistant 
 Cashiers in the United States. List of Stock Brokers in New York, Philadelphia, Boston 
 and Baltimore. The fluctuations in prices of Government, State, and City Bonds ; Railroad 
 Stocks and Bonds ; of Cotton, Sugar, Corn, etc The daily premium on Gold for a series of 
 years. The production of Gold and Silver throughout the world, in the last twenty years. 
 Annual Report on the Condition of the National banks for eight years, 1863-1872. The 
 Census of the United States, 1860 and 1870, compared. Population of all the prominent 
 cities and towns in the United States ; Postal Rates, 1872 ; with numerous other subjects 
 valuable to the banker and merchant. 
 
 Also, engravings of new coins of England, France, Germany, Russia, Swe- 
 den, Denmark, Canada, Spain, Austria, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, Wur- 
 lemtturg, Frankfort,' and Japan. 
 
 WITH A DESCRIPTION OP IB-A-CH: COIIST. 
 
 (J2P Each advertisement in the new volume will reach every bank, banker, and Savings 
 bank in the United States and Canada. 
 
 Address the Bankers' Magazine Office 251 Broadway, 
 
 or Post Office Box 4574, jNTow York. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. . 35 
 
 officers and determine what els shall Appeare to them as 
 
 hecessaryly to be donne for the Carrying an end of the 
 
 whole order. 
 
 concerning money the valuation or corning of money 
 & That all other orders A past this Court shalbe repealed: 
 
 The magists have past this with Reference to the Consent 
 
 of their bretheren the Depu ts heereto 
 
 The Deputyes Consent hereto pvided that 
 the pface be left out & yt in steade of 
 * * for Coynage be inserted 1^ only 
 w th reference to the consent of o r hon r ? 
 magists hereto 
 
 The magists. Consent heereto. 
 
 Edward Rawson Secrety 
 
 William Torrey Cleric. 
 Edward Rawson Secrety 
 
 It appears that in the original draught 1 of the foregoing act, a larger 
 allowance for the mint master was proposed by the Magistrates, than the 
 Deputies thought proper ; the amount stated in the first instance being one 
 shilling six pence, the words " six pence " having been erased at the suggestion 
 of the Deputies, who returned the paper to the Magistrates with this addi- 
 tion : " The Deputyes Consent hereto pvided that the pface be left out & 
 yt in steade of * * 2 for Coynage be inserted 1? only w th reference to the 
 consent of o r hon'T 1 magists hereto." These conditions were acceded to by the 
 Magistrates, and the bill, thus amended, was passed, and became a law. 
 
 The preceding document bearing no date, it is left for us to ascertain 
 that point by the date of its entry upon the Court records. 
 
 Two dates are there given, in consequence of which we have referred to 
 this act by the double date, May $, 1652 ; the first, being the date given 
 upon the records of the House of Magistrates, the last, that of the House of 
 Deputies. 
 
 For the purpose of completeness we copy both of these records, although 
 one is nearly a repetition of the other. 
 
 In the preceding copies we have, in order to exhibit the fashion of that 
 
 1 Archives, vol. c. p. 42. 
 
 2 The amount originally written here has been entirely obliterated, for what reason it is 
 impossible to determine ; but it is probable that it was Is. 6d., there evidently having been 
 figures here, while in the body of the draught the words were written in full. 
 
36 . THE EAKLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 period, given the extracts from the Records punctuated as in the originals. 
 In those which ensue we shall" not follow them, with exactness, in that respect, 
 as many of the marks are apparently unintentional, and tend to pervert the 
 meaning, and in some cases there is almost an entire absence of punctuation. 
 The following is copied from the Records of the House of Magistrates : 1 
 "Itt is Ordered and by the Authoritje of this Courte Enacted that the 
 printed Order about mony shall be in force vntill the first of September next 
 and no longer. And that from and after the first of September next the 
 mony heereafter Appointed and expressed shallbe the Currant mony of this 
 Comonwealth and no other vnlesse English (except the Receivers Consent 
 therevnto:) In pursuance of the Intent of this Courte heerein bee it further 
 Ordered and enacted by the Authoritje of this Courte That all persons what- 
 soeuer have libertje to bring in vnto the mint howse at Boston, all bulljon plate 
 or Spannish Cojne there to be melted and brought to the allay of starling 
 silver by John Hull master of the Sajd mint and his sworne officers, and by 
 him to be Cojned into twelve penny Six penny, and three penny peeces which 
 shallbe ' for forme flatt and square on the sides and stamped on the one side 
 with IS E and on the other side with the figure xii d vi d & hi according to 
 the valew of each peece, together with a privy marke which shall be Ap- 
 pointed euery three months, by the Gouno r . and knowne only to him and 
 the sworne oflicers of the mint. And further the sajd master of the mint 
 aforesaid is heereby Required to Cojne all the sajd mony of good silver of 
 the Just allay of new starling English mony and for valew to stampe two 
 pence in a shilling of lesser value then the present English Cojne and the 
 lesser peeces proportionably. And all such Cojne as aforesajd shallbe acknowl- 
 edged to be the Currant Cojne of this Comonwealth and passe from man to 
 man in all pajments accordingly within this Jurisdiccon only. And the mint 
 master for himselfe and oflicers for their pajnes and labour in melting Refyn- 
 ing and Coynning is Allowed by this Courte to take one shilling out of 
 euery twenty shillings which he shall stampe as aforesajd and it shall be in 
 the liberty of any person who brings into the minthowse any bulljon Plate or 
 spannish Cojne as Aforesajd to be present and see the same melted Refined 
 and Allajed, and then to take a receipt of the master of the mint for the 
 weight of that which is good silver allajed as aforesajd for which the mint- 
 master shall deliuer him the like weight in Currant money, viz : euery shilling 
 
 1 Records, vol. iv. p. 81. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 37 
 
 to weigh threepenny troj weight and lesser peeces proportionably, deducting 
 Allowance for Cojnage as before expressed. And that this Order being of 
 so great Concernment may not in any pticcular thereof, fall to the ground, Itt 
 is further Ordered that m r Richard Bellingham m r "Willjam Hibbens m r 
 Edward Rawson Capt Jn° Leueret, and. m r Thomas Clarke be a Comittee 
 appointed by this Court, to Appoint the mint howse in some Convenjent place 
 in Boston to Give John Hull master of the mint the oath suiteable to his 
 place, and to Approove of all other officers and determine what else shall 
 appeare to them as necessarily to be donne for the Carrying an end of the 
 whole order." 
 
 The record upon the book of the House of Deputies 1 is as follows : 
 "It is Ordred by this Court & the Authoritie thereof that the printed 
 Order about money shalbe in force vntill the first of the seuenth mo fl next & no 
 longer. And that from & after the first of September next the money hereafter 
 appoynted & expressed shalbe the Current money of this Common wealth & 
 no other, vnles English, except the receiuers consent therevnto. in psuance of 
 the Intent of this court herein Be it further Ordred & enacted by the 
 Authoritie of this court That all psons wbatsoeuer haue libertie to bring in 
 vnto the mint howse at Boston all Bullion plate or Spanish Coyne there to 
 be melted & brought to the Allay of Sterling siluer by John Hull master of 
 the sd mint, & his sworne officers & by him to be Coyned into twelue pence 
 Six pence & three pence peeces which shalbe for forme flatt & square on the 
 sides & Stamped on the one side with 1ST E & on the other side with xii d . 
 vi d & iii d according to the value of each peece together with a priuie marke 
 which Shalbe appoynted euery three monethes by the gouerno 1 & knowne 
 only to him & the sworne officers of the mint, & further the sd master of 
 the mint Afforesd is hereby required to Coyne all the sd money of good 
 siluer of the Just allay of new Sterling English money & for value to Stampe 
 two pence in a shilling of lesser valew then the psent English Coyne & the 
 lesser peeces pportionable. And all such Coyne as aforesd shall be acknowl- 
 edged to be the Current coyne of this comon wealth & pass from man to 
 man in all payments accordingly within this Jurisdiction only. And the mint 
 master for himselfe & Officers for theire paynes & labour in meltinge refineinge 
 & Coyninge is allowed by this court to take one shillinge out, of Euery 
 twenty shillings w ch he shall stampe as afforesd, & It shalbe in the liberty of 
 
 1 Records, vol. iii. pp. 332-333. 
 
38 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 any pson who brings into the mint howse any bullian plate or Spanish Coyne 
 as afforesd to be fJsent and se the same melted & refined & Allayed & then 
 to take a receit of the master of the mint for the weyght of that which is 
 good siluer allayd as aforesd, for which the mint master shall deliuer him 
 the the like weight in Current money viz*, euery shilling to weigh three 
 penny Troy weight & lesser peeces proportionably deducting allowance for 
 coynage as before exprest. And that this Order beinge being of so great 
 Concernment may not in any perticuler thereof fall to the ground It is 
 further Ordred that m r Eichard Bellingham m 1 W m Hibbens the psent secrity 
 Capt. John Leueritt & m r Thomas Clarke be a Comittee appoynted by this 
 court to appoynt the mint howse in some Convenient place in Boston to 
 giue John Hull master of the mint the oath suteable to his place & to 
 approue of all other Officers & determine what else • shall appeare to them as 
 Necessary to be done for the Carying an End of the whole order, & that all 
 other Orders concerning the Valuation or coyning of money past this court 
 shalbe repealed." 
 
 The committee, however, which was appointed " for the carrying an end " 
 of this work, either meeting with opposition from Messrs. Hull and Saunder- 
 son, or being otherwise persuaded that the compensation was insufficient, in 
 the order soon to follow increased it to the same amount with that originally 
 awarded : the one penny an ounce for waste, amounting to three pence in 
 twenty shillings, which, added to the fifteen pence per twenty shillings for 
 coinage, etc., amounts to just one shilling and sixpence. 
 
 A different view of this is taken by the writer of the remarks upon the 
 coinage of Massachusetts appended to Hull's Diary, 1 owing to the extreme 
 difficulty of deciphering certain words which, in the fac simile, are indeed 
 illegible, but which a close scrutiny of the original manuscript, and comparison 
 with like words in other writings by the same hand, show to be six pence 
 instead of eight pence, as supposed by him. 
 
 The theory there advanced is that Hull, refusing to accept the award of 
 one shilling in twenty, the committee "were compelled, therefore, to increase 
 his compensation, on their own responsibility, to an allowance of fifteen-pence 
 in every twenty shillings, besides one penny for waste in every ounce. This 
 brought the allowance to one shilling sevenpence in every twenty, — nearly 
 the same as it was in the original draught." 
 
 1 ColL-Amer. Antiq. Soc. vol. iii. p. 285. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 39 
 
 The ensuing papers show the action taken by the committee having the 
 mint business in charge, the first being a rough, unfinished draught, of which 
 the second is a repetition, in a slightly different form. 
 
 1 " wee whose names are herevnder exp r ssed • E B. m 1 
 Whereas, the Gennerall Court have Appointed m 1 "W. H. m 1 E* E- C: t: L. 
 & m 1 ' Th : C : as a Comittee to Conside 1 " and determine of whatsoeuer may best 
 tend for the Carying an end of the order ffor melting Eefining & Coyning of 
 Silver haveing spent sometime in Considering of what may, w th most speede & 
 least charge, Carry that buisnes an end Eespecting the Countrjes Advantage 
 . . doe hereby declare that thire shall be an howse built at the Countryes 
 Charge of sixteene foote square tenn foote high, substantially wrought and 
 further also, pvide all necessery tooles & Implements for the same at the 
 Countrjes charge : And that the mint m 1 . may not have Just Cawse to Complaine 
 wee Cannot but Judge it meete to Allow the sajd mint master for melting 
 Eefyning & Coyning such Bulljon Plate & mony y* shall be brought vnto 
 them: what in their Judgements & consciences on their experience he shall 
 Judge Aquall So as they exceede not 15 d in a 1 ? ou 1 ' & besides a l d in eu r y 
 ounce allowed for wast till the next sessions agn* wch tjme It is to be hoped, 
 such experience will be had of w* is necessary to be Allowed as there will 
 be no Just occasion of Complaint only wee doe desire & Advise the sajd 
 | ] : that there being a likly hood of seu r all sorts of worke 
 
 in which they are to be Implojed where there is no Eefining & so less labor 
 they would take lesse & where both Eefining and Cojning is necessary, there 
 if they find" * * * * This draught is left unfinished, but that 
 next given completes the record of this session of the committee. 
 
 On the margin of this paper are the names of Symon Bradstreet and 
 Jn° Woodbridge, apparently autographs ; " Eobert Saunderson, his coptner," 
 probably written by Secretary Eawson, and underneath is the autograph of 
 the mint master, John Hull, a fac simile of which is presented underneath 
 the two papers facing page 41, together with representations of some rough 
 sketches of designs for the proposed coinage, which are drawn upon the 
 margin of the back of this paper, — not that with which they are there 
 illustrated. 
 
 The smallest of these designs is quite interesting, as it shows one plan 
 to have been to place only the numerals xii in the centre, having the date, 
 
 1 Archives, vol. c. p. 37. 
 
40 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 of which the first three figures only are legible, in the same circle with the 
 legend, new England. 
 
 The completed draught of this action of the committee reads thus : 1 
 "20 June 1652 
 
 Whereas the Gennerall Courte hath Appointed vs whose names are 
 heerevnder exp r ssed A Comitee to Consider and determine of whatsoeuer may 
 •best tend for the Carying an end of the order, for melting Refyning and 
 Coyning of silver having spent some tjme in Considering of what may, with 
 most speede and least charge Carry that buisenes an end, Respecting the 
 Countrjes Advantage ; doe heereby declare, that there shall be an howse built 
 at the Countrjes charge, of sixteene ffoote square, tenn foote high ; substan- 
 tially wrought ; and further also, Provide all necessary tooles and Implements 
 for the same, at the Countrjes charge all wch is in Acting And that the mint 
 master may not have Just Cawse to Complajne, wee cannot but Judge it meete 
 to Allow the said mint master, for melting Refyning' and Coyning such bulljon, 
 plate & mony, that shall be brought vnto them, what in his Judgment and 
 Conscience, on his experience he shall Judge aequall, so as he exeeede not 
 15 d in twenty shillings ouer and besides a penny in euery ounce allowed for 
 wast till the next sessions Against which tjme, Itt is to be hoped such 
 experjence will be had of what is necessary to be Allowed, as there will be 
 no Just occasion of Complainte only wee doe desire and Advise the sajd 
 John Hull, (there being a likely hood of seuerall sorts of worke : in which he 
 is to be Implojed where there is no Refjning aTtid so lesse labor, he would 
 take lesse : and where both Refining and Coyning is necessary there ; if he 
 finde he Cannot subsist with lesse he may take fiveteene pence, for euery 
 twenty shillings. • • 
 
 Ri. Bellingham 
 "William Hibbins 
 Edward Rawson See 
 Yoted by the whole Court, that they Allowe Tho : Clarke 
 
 ye Act of the Comittee for minting of mony, 
 Respecting the howse & Allowance of 15 a p 20 s . 
 
 28 £ , 1652: Edw Rawson Secrety. 
 
 Comitee about ye mint to stand to ye next sessions E R S " 
 
 1 Archives, vol. c. p. 40. 
 
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MASSACHUSETTS. 41 
 
 Although this committee exceeded its instructions, their proceedings were 
 approved by the Court in the note appended to the document, and there 
 dated October 28th, while upon the records it appears under date of October 
 26th. 
 
 This discrepancy was occasioned by the custom of the secretary of dating 
 but few of the days of a session, [sometimes he recorded a whole session 
 under one date,] thus rendering it impossible to determine from the records 
 the precise dates of the passage of most of the acts there recorded. Greater 
 apparent errors than this appear in some other entries, which must be attributed 
 to the same cause. 
 
 The secretary's record of this vote stands thus : 1 " The whole Courte by 
 their Gennerall vote did Allow and Approove of the acte of the Comittee 
 about minting of money & Respecting' their building of the mint howse at 
 the Comon charge, and allowance of the officers 15 d in euery twenty shillings 
 for their paines and Ordered the Comittee to Continew in theire power till 
 the next Eleccon." 
 
 Upon the back of the paper which contains the record of the action of 
 the committee mentioned above is found the form of oath to be administered 
 to Messrs. Hull and Saunderson, as " aequall office 18 in the minting of mony," 
 in these words : 2 
 
 "Boston : 11 : June. 1652. 
 Itt is Ordered that the Oath here vnde 1 written shall be the 
 oath that John Hull and Robt Saunderson shall take as aeqviall 
 office rs In the minting of mony &c. 
 
 Whereas yo^ John. Hull and Robert Saunderson are Appointed 
 
 by the order of the Gennerall Courte bearing date the 10 th of 
 
 June 1652. to be officers for the massachusetts Jurisdiccon in 
 
 u epos ]\^ ew England, f or £h e melting, Refyning, and -Cojning of silver 
 
 Same day before vow ^ oe neere sweare by the great name of the euer living God 
 
 ye Comittee. that yo w will faithfully and dilligently pforme the duty of you r 
 
 IRS: places that all mony Cojned by yow = shall be of the Just 
 
 Rob* Saunderson j^ aj of ye English Cojne that euery shilling shallbe of due 
 
 epose mo _ W eight, viz. three penny troj weight, and all other peeces pro- 
 
 portionably, according to the order of Courte so neere as yo w 
 
 Cann = So helpe yo w God : " 
 
 1 Records, vol. iv, p. 111. 2 Archives, Pec. vol. c. p. 40. 
 
42 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 m r Hibbins 
 Capt Leutt. 
 M* Clarke 
 Eclw. Rawson. 
 
 "We find no reference to this action of the Court upon their records, nor 
 does it appear from them that the Court was in session at the time here 
 mentioned, although, owing to the absence of daily dates, it is impossible to 
 determine precisely upon what day the adjournment took place, June 1st 
 being the last date recorded prior to the adjournment, which was to the 19th 
 of October. 
 
 In order further to carry out the provisions of the law, the committee 
 issued the following : 1 
 
 "Att A meeting of the Comittee for Carrying an end of the 
 P r sent orde 1 ' cone, mony, on 22 day of June, 1652, 
 
 Rich Belhngham j^ wc ] 1 mee ti n g it was determined : 
 
 1 that there should be a mint howse & all tooles and Imple- 
 ments necessary thereto, built & poured At the Countries 
 charge wch is in acting & a declaration accordingly made. 
 
 2. That warrants should Issue Out to the Constables of Boston, 
 for the p r essing Isacke Cullimore for that Service wch was 
 donne. 
 
 3. That A warrant should- Issue out to the sajd Isacke Cullj- 
 more, for ye Impowering him to p r esse other workemen Car- 
 pente rs &c. as may Joyne w th him in the Countrjes Service w cU 
 was donne. 
 
 1. That the sajd mint howse shall be sett vppon the land of 
 the sajd John Hull : and if It is Agreed betweene the sajd 
 committee and ye sajd John Hull that when euer either by 
 his death or otherwise the said John Hull shall cease to be 
 the mint master, that then the Countrje shall have the ground 
 ye howse stands vppon at such prize as two Indifferent men, 
 equally chosen by the Countrye & ye said John Hull or his 
 Assignes shall determine, or else the sajd John Hull on the like 
 termes shall have the sajd Howse as two Indifferent men shall 
 Judge it to be worth at the choice of the Countrje : 
 
 William Hibbins 
 Edward Rawson Sec: 
 Tho : Clarke " 
 
 Archives, Pec. vol. c. p. 38. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 43 
 
 The extreme scarcity of the coins struck in accordance with this act, 
 and the simple form of the dies with which they were struck, renders it next 
 to impossible to give an intelligible list of their varieties, which were not 
 numerous, not more than some half dozen varieties being known to us. They 
 were made from thin planchets of silver, apparently clipped to the desired 
 size, weight, and form ; and although the latter was ordered by the Court 
 to be "flatt and square," a subsequent decision of the committee determined 
 that they should be coined " in A Round forme," as witness their order here 
 copied, the draught of which is found underneath the form of oath, and on 
 the same paper : 1 
 
 :t Whereas: by order of the Gennerall Courte It is Appointed that all 
 monies Coyned heere, for forme should be flatt and square, wee, whose names 
 are heere vnder written, Appointed by the Gennerall Court, as A Comittee to 
 Consider ^and determine °f whatsoeuer wee should Judge necessary for the 
 Carrying an end of the order Res P ectin s mta « n s <* ™>n yes doe hereby determine & 
 declare that the office 18 for the minting of mony shall Coyne all the mony 
 that they mints in A Round forme till the Gennerall Courte shall otherwise 
 declare their minds = therein any thing in the former order notwithstanding." 
 
 A fae simile of the record of this action of the committee will be found, 
 together with those of the form of oath to be administered to the mint officers, 
 the draughts of designs for the proposed coinage, the autograph of John 
 Hull, and the order for Twopenny pieces, facing page 41. By reference to 
 that fac simile it will be seen that the names of the committee were not 
 affixed to the order as therein stated. 
 
 These coins were very irregular in their outlines, which was of little 
 importance so far as the coining was concerned, for the dies, (if they should 
 be dignified with the name of dies,) were simply punches, upon one end of 
 which were sunken the letters for the obverse, or the numerals for the reverse, 
 (which occupied the greater part of their surfaces,) and which were struck 
 upon the planchets at opposite edges, that one stamp might not obliterate or 
 deface the other. 
 
 The original clipped and irregular form of this issue rendering it partic- 
 ularly liable to a repetition of the process of clipping by dishonest traders, who 
 did not hesitate, even in those days of honest dealing, (as they are reputed,) 
 to avail themselves of every opportunity for the increase of their worldly 
 
 I Archives, Pec. vol. c. p. 40. 
 
44 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 gains at the expense of the public good, it was found necessary to change 
 the design of the impress, in consequence of which this order was issued, 
 under date of October 19, 1652 : 1 
 
 "ffor the prevention of washing or Clipping of all such 
 peices of mony as shall be Cojned w th in this Jurisdiction. It is 
 Ordered by this Courte and the Authoritje thereof, that hence- 
 forth all peices of mony Cojned as afore sajd shall have a double 
 Ring on either side, with this Inscription — Massachusetts, and a 
 tree in the Center on the one side, and New England and the 
 "Fi g ri. yeere of our lord on the other side, according to this draught 
 
 heere in the margent." 
 The entry of this order, as it appears on the records of the House of 
 Deputies, 2 differs from that of the Magistrates but little, even in form, yet we 
 here give a copy of it : "ffor the pvention of washing or Cliping all such 
 peeces of money as shalbe Coyned within this Jurisdiction It is ordred by 
 this court & Authoritie Thereof that Henceforth all peeces of money Coyned 
 as afforesd both shillings & smaller peeces shall haue a double Ringe on 
 either side with this Inscription (massachusetts) & a tree in the center on 
 the one side, And (New england) & the date of the yeare on the other side 
 according to a draught herew th all psented." 
 
 It is a fact to be noticed that no coin is to be found agreeing in or- 
 thography with the specifications of this order ; and had the shillings dated 
 1650 been coined at that date, it is extremely probable that one of these, or 
 at least a draught more nearly resembling them, would have been presented ; 
 whereas no mention of them seems to have then been made. 
 
 Our studies of this coinage have led us to a conclusion directly opposed 
 to that generally accepted regarding the coinage of the different varieties of 
 the silver money of Massachusetts. 
 
 The only satisfactory theory which presents itself in relation to this point, 
 is the ensuing : 
 
 The earliest issue of this mint was, of course, the N- E series, this being 
 in exact accordance with the description given in the act for the establish- 
 ment of the mint, that bearing a tree following it, in accordance with the 
 order of October 19, 1652, which furnishes the draught of that device. 
 
 The cuts on the next page (Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5,) furnish good represen- 
 
 1 Mass. Records, vol. iv. p. 98. 2 Records, vol. iii. p. 358. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 45 
 
 tations of the coins of the series first mentioned. [See also Plate I, Nos. 3, 4, 
 and 5.] 
 
 The ]S" E Shilling may be described as a plain, hammered or rolled 
 planchet of silver, in size varying from sixteen to nineteen, clipped to an 
 irregularly circular form ; upon the obverse, N B in relief upon a depressed 
 field, which is straight upon three sides but arched at the top. The length 
 of this field is usually somewhat less than one-half the diameter of the planchet, 
 and near its upper edge ; the central line of the N" is prolonged into a curve 
 under the E, and the top of its right limb is also curved or bent forward, 
 crossing the upright of, and forming the top to, the E. 
 
 Reverse : upon a field similar to that, of % the obverse, but smaller, and 
 more nearly square, not being rounded or arched at the top, the Roman 
 numerals XII This stamp also is placed near the edge and at the top of 
 the planchet ; not behind that upon the obverse, but so that when held with 
 the numerals upright, that upon the opposite side will usually be at the 
 bottom, though it is occasionally found at one side. 
 
 The Sixpences and Threepences differ from the Shilling in the form of 
 the depressed field : that upon the obverse of these, instead of being nearly 
 square, is indented on its four sides, and irregularly quadrilobed, to conform 
 to the outlines of the letters. The reverses differ but little from the Shilling, 
 except in the numerals, which here are VI and III In size the Sixpence 
 
46 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 varies from twelve to fourteen, and the only Threepence we have measured 
 is size twelve-and-a-half. 
 
 But two undoubtedly genuine specimens of the Threepence are known, 
 those in the collections of William S. Appleton, A. M., and Yale College ; 
 those recently sold in New York, as well as the Sixpences and Pennies, having 
 been pronounced forgeries. 
 
 Next to the N E series we place the Willow Tree coins, these bearing 
 
 the rudest resemblance to the draught accompanying the order for a change 
 
 in the design. 
 
 [See Plate I, Nos. 6 and 7.] 
 
 The coins bearing this tree are so rude in conception and bungling in 
 execution, (though not partaking of the errors of reversed letters which appear 
 in some varieties of both Oak and Pine,) as to deserve none other than a 
 position among the experimental attempts of novices in the art of coining ; 
 unless, as has been suggested, they are to be considered as counterfeits; 
 which to us does not appear probable. So rude, indeed, are they, that it is 
 difficult to believe them to have been accepted by any people except under 
 urgent necessity for coin of some kind, however imperfect. 
 
 Of these we have never met with a perfect specimen, all being doubly 
 struck, and most, very faint impressions and much worn. We find of them 
 three obverse and seven reverse dies for the Shilling, and of the Sixpence only 
 one die of each, obverse and reverse. 
 
 TABLES OF VARIETIES OF WILLOW TREE SHILLINGS. 
 
 OBVERSES. 
 
 Die. 
 
 Legends. 
 
 Tree. 
 
 Roots. 
 
 Grains of 
 Ring. 
 
 Letters. 
 
 Obv. 
 
 With 
 Rev. 
 
 No. 1. 
 
 f MMAS THVSE IN. 
 1 I ASA HVBTS N 
 
 A confused mass of 
 
 curves and lines. 
 
 Trunk double and wide. 
 
 Long, pointing 
 downward. 
 
 Round. 
 Separate. 
 
 Large. 
 Heavy. 
 
 la 
 lb 
 
 At 
 A2 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 ( MAS THVSE S : IN 
 ( SATH ETS : UN 
 
 Angular. Trunk double. 
 
 Curved to left 
 
 Small. 
 
 'Rather light. 
 
 2a 
 
 B 
 
 with cross lines. 
 
 and right. 
 
 Connected. 
 
 2b 
 
 C 
 
 
 MAASATTH SE SS II 
 
 A net-work of curves 
 
 
 
 
 3» 
 
 D 
 
 No. 3. 
 
 MASSATVSETSS IN 
 - MAASSAT ETS TS : N. 
 
 and lines, more compact 
 than the last. 
 
 Long, open. 
 Pointing right. 
 
 Large. 
 Some con- 
 
 Medium. 
 
 3l> 
 3" 
 
 E 
 F 
 
 
 MASAATVSETS : IN 
 
 Large dot in centre. 
 
 nected. 
 
 
 3d 
 
 Gi 
 
 
 I MA ATEHVS ETS IN 
 
 Trunk narrow. 
 
 
 
 
 3e 
 
 & 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 47 
 
 BEVEESES. 
 
 Die. 
 
 Legends. 
 
 Figures of Date. 
 
 Numerals. 
 
 Grains. 
 
 Letters. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 With 
 Obv. 
 
 A 
 
 (ne nlan m - 
 (:ne l nd ndom 
 
 Eather large. 2 high. 
 
 Large. 
 
 Eound. 
 Separate. 
 
 Eather large. 
 
 Al 
 
 A2 
 
 la 
 lb 
 
 B 
 
 [EWS NGLAND N DO 
 
 Worn. 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Connected. 
 
 Medium. 
 
 B 
 
 2a 
 
 C 
 
 NE NOLAN N DOM. 
 
 Large. 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Connected. 
 
 Eather light. 
 
 C 
 
 2b 
 
 D 
 
 :new and - an om: 
 
 Large, heavy. 
 
 Large, heavy. 
 
 On thread. 
 
 Large, heavy. 
 
 D 
 
 3» 
 
 E 
 
 NE] EWENGLD.ANDOM 
 
 Large, heavy. 
 
 Large, heavy. 
 
 Connected. 
 
 Large, heavy. 
 
 E 
 
 3b 
 
 F 
 
 NEWEWEND :AA1ND0M 
 
 Eather heavy. 
 
 Eather heavy. 
 
 Connected. 
 
 Small, light. 
 
 F 
 
 3c 
 
 G 
 
 JNEWNGLAA D AN DOM 
 ( NEW ENGGLA D ANDOM 
 
 Eather heavy. 
 
 Eather heavy. 
 
 Connected. 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Gi 
 
 G2 
 
 3d 
 3° 
 
 The confusion in the legends of these pieces has been thought by some 
 to constitute different varieties. It is occasioned by the intermingling of the 
 letters, by double or triple impressions, of which doubtless many more speci- 
 mens might be given, were it worth our while to follow so unsatisfactory a 
 pursuit. These few are mentioned as an illustration of the unskillful execu- 
 tion of the coins of this class. 
 
 In explanation of this table we would say that the letters in the column 
 following the numbers of the obverse dies, refer to the reverse with which 
 that die is coupled ; and the figures following the letters designating the 
 reverse dies, are those of the obverses with which they are> coupled. The 
 small letters or figures simply refer to the particular combinations of the letters 
 of the legends caused by double impressions. Thus, 3 d G 1 , indicates that the 
 legends of that particular specimen are as there represented : as it is hardly 
 possible that two pieces can be found showing the same combinations of 
 letters, when doubly struck, this is really of little importance. 
 
 Next, the Oak Tree coins. See Plate I, Nos. 8 to 17, and Figs. 6 to 12. 
 
 Notwithstanding the fact that the Twopenny pieces, — all of which have for 
 their device an oak shrub, — bear the date of 1662, (which fact we consider 
 
48 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 does not in the least degree conflict with this theory,) we think these also 
 must have preceded the device of the Pine tree, and for several reasons. 
 
 1st. The resemblance of the device, upon both Oaks and "Willows, to the 
 draught presented by the General Court, October 19, 1652, the Willows 
 being the rudest representations of the draught previously illustrated. 
 
 2d. Their general inferiority, in point of execution, to the Pine Tree 
 coins. 
 
 3d. Their size, which varies but slightly from that of the 1ST B series, 
 which preceded ; or the larger, which are believed to be the older of those 
 of the Pine Tree series. 
 
 4th. The stamp of this mint was spoken of by a writer in 1680, as " a 
 New England pine." Had the Oak Tree device been still in use, this term 
 would not have been then used. 
 
 5th. The scarcity of specimens of these, and the small number of varie- 
 ties which they furnish, — the - Shillings of the Willows numbering but three 
 obverse dies, and of the Oaks nine. 
 
 Allowing the coinage of the Oak Tree variety to have commenced very 
 soon after the design was adopted, and to have been continued for ten years 
 or a little longer, about one third of the whole coinage, (exclusive of the 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 49 
 
 Twopenny pieces,) would be likely to have been issued ; and the Twopenny 
 pieces, with their date of 1662, would be included among these in style. 
 
 6th. The punctuation, which we take to be the privy mark ordered to 
 be put upon them, is upon these of the more simple character ; some having 
 none, and none of the Willow and but few of the Oaks having more than 
 colons for such marks. 
 
 7th. Sir Thomas Temple, in 1662, showed at the council table in England, 
 some of this money, which Dr. Eliot, in a letter to Mr. Hollis, 1 written in May, 
 1768, says had upon it "a pine tree 2 of that sort which is thick and bushy 
 towards the top," [how did he ascertain the particular style of tree upon the 
 coin which was shown in England more than one hundred years before ? ] 
 informing the king, in answer to his direct inquiry, that it was the " royal oak 
 which preserved his majesty's life." Had this been really a pine tree, Sir 
 Thomas would hardly have been so bold as to have stated it to the king, 
 who was then in no mood to be trifled with, to be an oak. Conceding it to 
 have been an oak, he could hardly have had it in his possession to have 
 shown at that time and place, had not these been coined previous to 1662. 
 It is more probable that those previously coined had been of the Oak Tree 
 variety, and that soon after 1662 a change was made to the Pine. 
 
 The whole story here referred to has been considered merely as a pleasant 
 myth, and is called by Ruding 3 a "ridiculous story;" but the fact of the 
 money being so shown by Sir Thomas is sufficiently proved by records still 
 preserved in the State archives, a copy of which will be given on a subse- 
 quent page. 
 
 Although it may be objected that this story implies that Sir Thomas did 
 falsify in his answer, for the purpose of making his point, we think it more 
 probable, and as much implied, that, instead of making a false statement, he 
 merely turned the truth to his advantage, making it subserve his purpose by 
 his ready wit. He could not have given the king credit for much intelligence 
 to have attempted to foist upon him a pine tree for an oak, when, from the 
 experience of Charles with the latter tree, he should have been supposed to 
 know the difference between it and a pine. 
 
 Upon the next two pages are tables of varieties of the Oak Tree coins. 
 
 1 Hollis Memoirs, vol.- i. p. 397-8. 
 
 2 Probably calling it so in accordance with a custom which continues to this day, of call- 
 ing all these, of whatever variety, "Pine Tree coins." 3 Vol. i. p. 416. 
 
50 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
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52 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Some notes may be necessary for the greater ease in distinguishing the 
 varieties of these coins, which we will here endeavor to supply. 
 
 The consecutive numbers and letters on the tables indicate the different 
 dies used upon these coins, — figures being used to represent the obverses 
 and letters for the reverses. 
 
 The superior letters, or figures, affixed to some of the figures, or letters, 
 indicate that those dies have undergone alterations, — the superior characters 
 indicating the number of different forms in which they appear. 
 
 An interrogation mark is used where a point is doubtful, or where no 
 specimen is found sufficiently clear to give the particulars of the portions 
 indicated thereby. The measurements of the tree, and the inside diameters 
 of the rings, are made in sixteenths of an inch. 
 
 SHILLINGS. 
 
 The first die showing alterations is No. 1. In l a the tree is covered with 
 coarse spines, lying pretty closely upon the branches; the lower limb at the left 
 curves upward, pointing at h. The roots are many, and very fine. R G . 
 
 In l b the spines are lighter and more open, and the lower branch points 
 at the second A. The roots are less numerous and heavier. It is this 
 vai'iety that Wyatt's counterfeit most closely resembles. See Plate I,. No. 
 10, and Fig. 6. R 3 . For Wyatt's counterfeit see Plate I, No. 21. 
 
 No. 2 has the inner ring nearly round, the grains separate, and the lower 
 branches of the tree curving equally. Plate I, No. 9. R. 
 
 In No. 3 the ring is longer horizontally, many grains joined, and the 
 lower limb at the right is low, pointing at the third s. Plate I, No. 8. R 4 . 
 
 No. 4. In this the ring is neaily round, with the grains joined above 
 and below ; the trunk is very broad, and of several lines. R 3 . 
 
 No. 5 is much like No. 4, but the grains are round and separate, the 
 trunk narrower, and of but two upright lines. R 6 . 
 
 6 a and 6 b closely resemble each other, but may be distinguished by the 
 lower limb at left, which in 6 a curves upward, pointing at the second A, and 
 the shrub under it is midway between the trunk and the ring; while in 
 6 b the limb points near the right foot of the first a, and the shrub is as near 
 to the tree, as is the one at the right. The n is reversed. R 4 . 
 
 No. 7 has a tree covered with spines, and the letters are mostly forked 
 at the ends. It is represented at Fig. 7. The n is reversed. R. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 53 
 
 Of No. 8 we have found but a single specimen, and that, unfortunately, 
 is so much clipped that a full description of the die is impossible. It may 
 be seen on Plate I, No. 12. E 6 . 
 
 No. 9 has a ring more high than wide, the grains joined under sets, 
 and upon a thread in the rest of the ring. It is represented with reverse h, 
 on Plate I, No. 11. 9-G R 6 .; 9-H R 2 .; 9-1 R 6 . 
 
 SIXPENCES. 
 
 No. 1 is most frequently met with. l a has the letters masathvsets cor- 
 rect, and in their proper positions. R. 
 . In l b , M and A are joined below, and the first s rests upon the inner ring. 
 
 In l c , m and a are separate, as in l a , but the s is reversed, and here also 
 rests upon the inner ring. The jst is reversed in all. Fig. 10. R 3 . 
 
 No. 2 is a variety rarely found, and all very poor specimens. The tree 
 seems to stand upon a hillock, which, as well as the trunk, is cleft; the grains 
 of the ring are so closely connected as to render a count impossible. Its 
 reverse is peculiar, the date being often mistaken for 1650, on account of the 
 2, which seems to have been first cut reversed, then altered, thus resembling 
 a cipher resting upon a line. The date is very high in the field. R 5 . 
 
 No. 3 is a curious variety, and can be better understood by reference 
 to Fig. 9 than by any written description. This variety has m on both sides, 
 but has no beaded ring outside of the legend. R 6 . 
 
 No. 4 has a tall tree of fine branches, many fine cross lines in the trunk, 
 standing upon a hillock, cleft. The points of the first colon are diamond 
 shaped. Plate I, No. 13. R 4 . 
 
 No. 5, the largest Sixpence we have found, is represented by Fig. 8. • R 6 . 
 
 No. 6 is peculiar in that the word est is omitted from the obverse; it is, 
 however, found upon the reverse die. R 3 . 
 
 THREEPENCES. 
 
 No. 1 has every s reversed, and the dots of the group very small and 
 close together. The grains of the inner ring are very small, some being 
 connected by a fine line or thread. The trunk is double, curving left. Plate 
 I, No. 15. R 5 . 
 
 No. 2. The tree is heavier on the right, with trunk double and cross- 
 lined. The first s only is reversed, the dots of the group large, the grains 
 
54 
 
 THE EAKLY COINS 0E AMERICA. 
 
 of the ring large and so joined as to render an accurate count impossible. 
 Plate I, No. 14. E 5 . 
 
 No. 3 has a more evenly-balanced tree, with trunk double, but no cross- 
 lines. The grains are mostly separate, but slightly joined at the top of the 
 ring. Fig. 11. K 6 . 
 
 No. 4. The tree leans to the right, trunk double, ground joins ring at 
 both sides, and no roots visible. E 3 . 
 
 No. 5 resembles No. 4. The tree leans to the right, the trunk is single, 
 and the ground does not reach the ring. Several fine roots point left. E 2 . 
 
 No. 6. The only specimen of this variety known to us is so much worn 
 upon its obverse as to render a description impossible. We can only say 
 that it strongly resembles the Twopenny piece, but appears to have been 
 punctuated with a group of dots. E 6 . 
 
 TWOPENCE. 
 
 The varieties of this are found simply in alterations of the reverse die, 
 A 1 , having the figure 2 uniform in size with the other figures of the date, 
 (Plate I, No. 17,) A 2 having the 2 very small, (Plate I, No. 16,) and on A 3 
 it is broken, resembling jc. 
 
 The letters E to E 6 , in the notes, indicate the comparative rarity. 
 
 The latest issue we take to be those bearing the device of a Pine Tree. 
 The following cuts (Figs. 13 and 14,) represent varieties of the Pine 
 Tree Shillings not given upon Plate II. 
 
 
 These coins (the larger of which we consider to have been the first coined,) 
 as they diminish in size increase in the complexity of their punctuation, — 
 some of the largest having none, others single points, (one variety only of 
 the larger ones having a group,) while the medium and smaller sizes have 
 groups of dots or pellets, consisting of from four to eight each, and in some 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 55 
 
 instances combinations of groups with single points. This type furnishes at 
 least twenty-four obverse dies of the Shilling, or about double the number 
 of both Willows and Oaks, and are met with in about the proportion of four 
 of these to one of those. This is the result naturally to be anticipated had 
 the Pine Tree replaced the Oak at about 1662, and continued until the sus- 
 pension of the operations of the mint, whose legal existence is supposed to 
 have terminated about June 3d, 1682, they having been coined for about twice 
 the number of years covered by the preceding issues ; and having made their 
 appearance at from twenty to thirty years later, might reasonably be expected 
 to be more frequently found, and in a better state of preservation, than would 
 their predecessors, which is the case. 
 
 This theory of their order of coinage seems to reconcile all the difficul- 
 ties besetting that which regards the Pine Tree coins as taking precedence, 
 and the Oak as following them at about 1662, while it does not conflict with 
 the basis of that theory, — that basis being, if we mistake not, simply that the 
 date of the Twopenny pieces, all of which bear the Oak Tree, is 1662, which, 
 it should be remembered, is the date of the order by authority of which they 
 were coined. [See fac simile facing p. 41. J 
 
 Neither Folkes nor Ruding seem ever to have known of the act author- 
 izing a coinage of this denomination, which accounts for their doubts respect- 
 ing this date. 
 
 An arrangement, according to the punctuation, gives a gradual reduction 
 in size, (though not with perfect regularity, as different coins from the same 
 dies often differ in thickness, and consequently in size,) from the IN" E coins 
 to the smaller Pine Tree Shillings, the economy of which change may have 
 been suggested by the superior durability of the smaller dies, as proved by 
 the greater relative proportion of the smaller Shillings, as well as the greater 
 number of Oak Tree coins found among the smaller denominations than among 
 the larger, the dies probably being made use of until they were so much worn 
 or broken as to render them worthless ; and even when much worn they seem 
 to have been recut, and slightly altered, to fit them for still further service. 
 
 If we place the Pine Trees first, and suppose either a gradual decrease, 
 or increase in size, one of which seems very probable, we are compelled to 
 make a sudden change, either from the small Pine Tree Shilling to the larger 
 Oak, in the first case, or, in the last, from the large N E to the small Pine 
 Tree Shillings. This sudden change, in either case, is by the foregoing theory 
 avoided, which to us appears to strengthen the probability of its correctness. 
 
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58 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 In the following notes the figures -representing the trees, as 8 3 7, indicate 
 that the tree has eight branches on the left, three small points at the top, 
 and seven branches on the right of the trunk. 
 
 Branches are said to be in pairs when springing from the trunk oppo- 
 site each other; alternate, when between two branches of the opposite side. 
 
 No. l a . Tree of 7 3 7, all in pairs. The second limb on left, and second 
 and third on right, forked; a break near the trunk, between the third and 
 fourth limbs on the right; trunk cleft to fifth pair of limbs. R 4 . 
 
 No. l b . Tree similar, but third limb on right not forked, but long, 
 extending nearly to s; no break in the tree. Pig. 13. R. 
 
 ]STo. 2 a . Tree of 8 3 7, the ten lower in pairs. Seventh limb on left, and 
 third and fourth on right, do not join the trunk, which is heavy below the 
 second pair of branches, then suddenly contracts. R 4 . 
 
 No. 2 b . Tree similar, but all limbs join the trunk, which tapers gradu- 
 ally, and is cleft to the sixth limb on the left. Fig. 14. R 5 . 
 
 No. 3. Tree of 8 2 7, ten lower in pairs. The lowest pair short, all. 
 joining the trunk, which is solid, but heavier below the second pair of 
 branches. Plate II, No. 2. R 5 . 
 
 No. 4. Tree of 7 3 6, alternate. The limbs rise sharply, and are rigidly 
 straight; the two lower are very short. The trunk tapers from the ground 
 to the fourth limb. Pig. 45. R 3 . 
 
 No. 5. Tree of 8 2 7, mostly alternate. The second and third on the 
 right are forked; the trunk tapers from the ground to the top. Plate II, 
 No. 1. R 3 . 
 
 No. 6. Tree of 6 2 7, six upper in pairs. Trunk very tall below the 
 branches. Plate II, No. 6. R°. 
 
 No. 7. Tree of 8 ' 8, mostly alternate. Two lower limbs very light, that 
 at the right forked; trunk heavy to seventh limb. Plate II, No. 3. R 4 . 
 

 THOSE BELOW ARE "COMES- 
 
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MASSACHUSETTS. 59 
 
 No. 8. Tree of 4 ? 4, all in pairs. The limbs are very heavy, and curve 
 uniformly; trunk heavy, tapering slightly. The only specimen we find of 
 this variety is so much clipped and worn that a full description cannot be 
 given. E 6 . 
 
 No. 9. Tree of 6 4 6, alternate. Trunk heavy, tapering to the top, and 
 bending to the left. This variety is as rare as the last, and in but little 
 better condition. Plate II, No. 5. E 6 . 
 
 No. 10. Tree of 6 3 6, mostly in pairs. The branches on the right are 
 nearly horizontal, and but slightly rising on the left. The trunk tapers but 
 little; the points and the grains of the rings are very large and heavy. 
 Plate II, No. 4. E 5 . 
 
 No. 11. Tree of 7 2 7, alternate and irregular. The lower branch at the 
 left is very near the ground; the trunk is crooked. Four heavy roots left of 
 the trunk below, and two above the ground at right, point to the right. The 
 legend on this variety is enclosed in a plain ring, not beaded. Punctuated 
 with a point and a group of seven. This may be an early counterfeit. E 6 . 
 
 No. 12. 6 3 7, alternate. The trunk tapers very slightly; four long light 
 roots below the ground, and three above, point to the right; a pellet at each 
 side of the trunk. Point, and group of seven. Fig. 16. B. 
 
 No. 13. Tree of 4 4 4, all in pairs. The limbs are rather heavy, curving 
 slightly; the trunk heavy, tapering slightly at top. Two groups of four 
 each. E 2 . 
 
 No. 14. Tree of 5 3 5, eight in pairs. The lower limbs are straight near 
 the trunk, but curve upward at the ends. The third and fifth limbs on the 
 left are short. Two groups of four each; second group joined. Fig. 17. E 2 . 
 
 No. 15. Tree of 5*5, eight in pairs. The branches are rather light, 
 curving uniformly; the trunk heavy to above the third pair. The first T is 
 defective at the right of cross, and the group of five, usually faint in the 
 first and outer points. Groups of five and seven. Plate II, No. 7. E 4 . 
 
 No. 16. Tree of 5 2 5, all in pairs. Trunk bulges at the left near the 
 ground, and tapers very little till near the top ; T and v double cut. Groups 
 of six and seven. Plate II, No. 9. E 4 . 
 
 No. 17. Tree of 5 1 5, four lower in pairs. The trunk is nearly straight 
 from ground to tip; second A, v, and s double cut. Groups of seven (?) and 
 six. The position of the points in the first group is such that there may 
 have been two more in the die, which, for some unknown reason, fail to 
 appear on this coin, of which we find no duplicate. Plate II, No. 11. E 6 . 
 
60 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 No. 18. Tree of 6*7, alternate. The lower branches curve more at 
 their points; a heavy line is between h and v, and a break joins the fifth 
 and sixth branches, near the trunk; another break extends from the ground 
 to the first s. Groups of seven and six. Plate II, Nos. 16 and 18. E 4 . 
 
 No. 19. Tree of 5*5, all in pairs. The branches are nearly horizontal, 
 but double curved; hvs small. Two groups of seven. Plate II, No. 19. E 5 . 
 
 No. 20. Tree of 5 3 5, four lower in pairs. The trunk is irregular; 
 second t and i double cut; a break extends from first A to edge. Groups 
 of seven and eight. Plate II, No. 17. E 3 . 
 
 JSTo. 21. Tree of 6 3 5, six in pairs, others alternate. The trunk tapers but 
 very slightly; the second and third limbs on left join at points; first A and 
 second s, double cut. Groups of seven and eight. Plate II, ISTo. 14. E. 
 
 No. 22. Tree of 7 2 5, mostly alternate. The trunk curves slightly to 
 the right; ring double over as, h double cut. Groups of seven and eight. 
 Plate II, Nos. 13 and 15. E. This variety was duplicated on the plate by 
 mistake. One of these obverses should be the same with that of No. 9, which 
 has the reverse of this as well as the one there given. 
 
 No. 23. Tree of 7 3 7, mostly alternate. The trunk is nearly the same 
 size from the ground to its tip, and curves slightly to the left; two roots 
 under the trunk are separate and low. Groups of eight and seven. Plate II, 
 Nos. 10 and 12. E 4 . 
 
 No. 24. Tree of 7 3 6, two lower and four upper in pairs. The trunk 
 tapers gently to the upper pair of limbs, then turns slightly to the left; 
 second A double cut, hvs small. Groups of eight and seven, each preceded 
 by a single point. Plate II, No. 8. E 3 . 
 
 No. 25. Tree of 5 2 5. Branches all in pairs, curving parallel, full of 
 fine leaves; the trunk tapers from the ground to the top; the legend is 
 not distinct, but probably is massatvsets • in ■ This piece has a modern 
 appearance, and its genuineness is doubted. E 6 . 
 
 SIXPENCES. 
 
 Of these, the only variety often met with is No. 1. It is a tree of 4 2 4, 
 the limbs all in pairs, the lower pair being doubly curved; the others are 
 more nearly straight. It has a pellet at each side of the trunk, like No. 12 
 of the Shillings. Plate II, No. 20, and Fig. 18. E. 
 
 No. 2. Tree of 4 2 4? The branches are covered with spines. The 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 61 
 
 only specimen of this variety we have found is so much worn and mis-struck 
 that it cannot be fully described. It may be identified by its punctuation, 
 which is a colon, a group of eight, and a colon. Its reverse is from the same 
 die with that of No. 1 of the oak tree sixpences, D. Plate II, No. 21. K 6 . 
 
 THREEPENCES. 
 
 No. 1 has a tree of I 2 4, and is of a design much like No. 1 of the 
 Sixpences, having, like that, a ^pellet at each side of the trunk. It is shown 
 on Plate II, No. 23. No. 22 should represent the same obverse, with the 
 reverse above it. This mistake was caused by the misplacing of the obverse 
 and reverse of No. 23, which should have been transposed. 
 
 No. 2 a . Tree of 3 3 4. The second branch on the right is partly double ; 
 sa very close upon the inner ring. Group of nine. Plate II, No. 24. R 3 . 
 
 In No. 2 b the only difference to be noted in the worn specimen which 
 alone is found, is in the letters, the first A being narrow, the second heavy, 
 sa higher than the others, and h double cut. R 6 . 
 
 A few words here in regard to the "mint mark," as the group of dots 
 or points has been called. 
 
 It will be seen, by reference to the order for the establishment of the 
 mint, May fj, 1652, that one of its requirements is that there shall be stamped 
 upon the coins "a privy marke which shall be Appointed euery three months 
 by the Gouno r and knowne only to him and the sworne officers of the mint." 
 The probability is that these groups, differing in number, and in the number 
 of points of which they are composed, as well as other variations in the 
 punctuation, are the "privy markes," changed in accordance with this pro- 
 vision ; nor is it unlikely that the forms of the trees, and the peculiarities of 
 reversed letters, which is usually confined to the n of est on the obverse, and 
 the first n of bkglasd, on the reverse, may also have been intentional, and 
 with the same design. 
 
 Had this regulation been strictly complied with it would have necessitated 
 at least one hundred and twenty varieties of each denomination, (excepting the 
 Twopennies,) that is, supposing the coinage of all denominations to have been 
 continuous, and for the period of thirty years. The number of varieties known 
 to us falls so far short of this that it is reasonable to suppose it to have 
 been but partially regarded. 
 
62 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Attempts have been made to cast ridicule upon the coinage of this mint, 
 because, forsooth, the devices adopted upon it do not conform to the precise 
 pattern which some minds have imagined as proper to be followed. 
 
 It may be remarked that the records make no mention of the pine tree ; 
 neither do they specify any particular species of tree which should be repre- 
 sented, but leave it entirely optional with the mint master as to what tree he 
 would adopt, or to change it as reason, fancy, or that clause of the act relating 
 to a privy mark might dictate ; and we think none will hesitate to concede 
 that the pine tree device is a vast improvement upon most of those which 
 preceded it. 
 
 These coins were known in their early days as Boston or Bay Shillings. 1 
 The first application we find of the name of " pine " to them was in May, 1680, 
 in a proposition to make the mint free, (which will be found upon another 
 page;) and it seems not improbable that this name was given them soon 
 after the change from the oak to the pine as a device ; as were there any 
 interest whatever taken in the subject by the people in general, (and it would 
 seem there must have been,) so decided a change must have occasioned remark, 
 and would naturally lead to the application of some popular name to so popular 
 a commodity, and one from which so much benefit was expected. 
 
 We find no reason to believe that any action was taken toward estab- 
 lishing a coinage, earlier than the year 1652, notwithstanding the existence of 
 certain Pine Tree Shillings bearing the date of 1650, these being evidently 
 
 'New York Records, 1672, and Lambert's Colony of New Haven, p. 193. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS . 
 
 63 
 
 nothing more than modern results of the reprehensible passion for possessing 
 coins merely on account of their rarity, without regard to their historical value. 
 Although it has been declared probable that these pieces "were all 
 returned to the crucible in 1652," that assertion is the only reference we 
 have found relating to the issue of coin in the colonies previous to the year 
 1652. 
 
 It is thought that the following letter, from Dr. Ammi Brown, of Boston, 
 who first brought these pieces into notice, will be considered as sufficient 
 confirmation of the opinion we have expressed regarding them : 
 
 Boston, September 21st, 1868. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I will give you the history of the 1650 Massachusetts 
 Shillings as correctly as my memory will serve me. I have mislaid the letters 
 relating to them, but as they would only fix the date of receiving the pieces 
 they are of no especial value at this time. 
 
 In the Fall of 1854, while residing in Salem, Mass., a young man named 
 
 , from Boscawen, N. H., called on me and wanted to buy coins. I told him 
 
 I did not sell, but kept duplicates for exchange ; that I was much interested 
 in the colonial series, and desired to secure as many varieties of Massachusetts 
 pieces as possible ; and if he would find some that 1 did not possess I would 
 give him Roman coins, which he much desired, in exchange for them. 
 
 He appeared to have no knowledge whatever of numismatics, but was 
 merely a collector of curious pieces. He said he had some of the Massachu- 
 setts shillings at home, that he had bought from an old person in New 
 Hampshire, in a lot of silver, some of which was Spanish, and that the dates 
 were 1650 and 1652. 
 
 I told him that he was probably mistaken about the dates, — that they 
 were all of 1652 ; but if any were of 1650 I should like to have them. He 
 
64 THE EARLY COIHS OF AMERICA. 
 
 offered to exchange a 1650 shilling for one of my 1652 duplicates and a 
 Koman coin worth about fifty cents. In about a week he sent by letter the 
 large shilling of 1650, with fruit or cones upon the branches. I returned by 
 mail what was agreed upon, and he expressed himself perfectly satisfied with 
 the exchange, and said that he would bring the others and exchange them 
 also. A short time after this he called with the other pieces, consisting of 
 three shillings of 1650, small size, all fine, same die, but one imperfectly struck, 
 and several of 1652. Those of 1652 were of ordinary types and undoubtedly 
 genuine, being from the same dies as some in my collection. He wanted a 
 Massachusetts Twopence, very much, and I gave it to him for one of the 
 shillings of 1650. The market value of a twopence, (if it could be said to 
 have any,) at that time was perhaps $2.50. For the other two shillings of 
 1650 I gave him some Eoman coins, the cost to me certainly not exceeding 
 two dollars each. I also obtained, by exchange, two of 1652, which were 
 very fine, on very favorable terms. During the winter of 1856 or 1857, after 
 I had moved to Boston, he sold me a shilling, and I bought it with the 
 understanding that it had been altered from 1652 to 1650. It was cleverly 
 done, although I easily detected the tooling. I gave him five dollars for it, 
 as he said he had obtained it for me of another person, after some trouble. 
 It was in fine condition, and different from any in my possession. 
 
 I saw him once or twice after that, but had no dealings with him. He 
 had been among coin collectors and brokers, and I found had got his ideas 
 somewhat raised in regard to the prices of coins. The possession of these 
 pieces by me created considerable interest among collectors, some of whom 
 he knew and had dealings with ; and reports of their extreme rarity and 
 value must have reached his ears, although I heard nothing from him on the 
 subject. 
 
 In the year 1858 I sold my collection, — the large shilling, one of the 
 small ones, and the altered piece, passing into the hands of Mr. Mickley. 
 One of the small pieces went with the rest of the collection to Mr. Brooks, 
 of Salem, who afterwards sold it to Mr. Finotti. The third is still in my 
 possession. 
 
 A short time after I had sold the pieces above-named, I received a letter 
 
 from Mr. , saying that he had experienced religion, and was very sorry 
 
 for many things he had done ; that in our exchange of coins he had taken 
 advantage of me ; that all the pieces he let me have were false ; and he 
 desired very much to get them again into his possession, and make restitution 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 65 
 
 of the amount he had defrauded me. He enclosed the Massachusetts two- 
 pence, and desired me to return one of the 1650 shillings, and let him know 
 how much money he should send me for the remaining pieces, as he had 
 parted with the pieces I had given him. 
 
 There was something about this letter that did not appear exactly right; 
 and it occurred to me that, finding out the value of the pieces, he was willing 
 to acknowledge himself a trickster for the purpose of obtaining them again, 
 and to test the matter I cut one of the 1652 shillings into ten or fifteen 
 pieces, and enclosed them in a letter to him, saying that it would take some 
 time for me to obtain the others, as they had passed out of my hands; but 
 as soon as I got them back I proposed to mutilate them as I had done with 
 that enclosed, and would send the pieces to him, that I might be sure no 
 other person was deceived as I had been, at the same time asking him to 
 give me some information as to how, when, where, and by whom they were 
 fabricated. To this letter, and to another that I sent soon after, asking the 
 same questions, I received no answer; nor did he ever send any more coins 
 or any money to me. 
 
 If these pieces are fabrications they must have cost a considerable sum, 
 and could only have been made for the purpose of gain. At that time a 
 shilling of 1652, in fair condition, could be obtained for $1.00. I imported 
 several fine ones from England for $1.50 each; and a twopence, the finest 
 specimen I ever saw, for sixty-two cents. There was no enthusiam whatever 
 in regard to the Massachusetts money. These 1650 shillings did not cost me 
 more than $2.00 each, and at that time it would have required large sales to 
 make it pay as a swindle. 
 
 If the pieces are false, and his repentance sincere, I shall deeply regret 
 having doubted him when he offered to repair the wrong he had done; but 
 his subsequent course strengthened the suspicion I at first entertained. 
 
 I have been offered $50.00 for the one I possess, by a person who knows 
 all the facts connected with it, but I decided not to sell it while any doubt 
 of its genuineness remains. If it is a fabrication, it is worthless; if genuine 
 it is worth a great deal more. 
 
 Make any use you please of the information herein conveyed, if it will 
 
 help to settle the question, but do not make any mention of Mr. 's 
 
 name publicly. Whatever he may have been, I have no wish to publish him. 
 
 Yours, truly, Ammi Brown. 
 
66 THE EARLY COE5TS OE AMERICA. 
 
 Our belief in regard to the transactions related in the foregoing letter is 
 that the person from whom these coins were obtained was honest in his 
 statement that he had procured them with a lot of other silver, and that 
 neither he, nor the one from whom he obtained them, knew of the non-exist- 
 ence of genuine pine tree money dated 1650; but, that this lot of silver had 
 previously belonged to some person possessed of shrewdness enough to know 
 that no such coin, of that date, existing, if he could produce one which should 
 be believed to be genuine, it would afford him a handsome profit, even at 
 that time, when the "coin fever" had not reached its height; that he so far 
 carried out his design as to make, or procure, dies for their production, and 
 had pieces struck; but that he was prevented, by some cause, possibly 
 death, (perhaps he experienced religion with a more beneficial effect upon 
 his life than he who in his letter claimed to have done so,) from consum- 
 mating his plan, and the coins were left to be disposed of by his executor, 
 
 who perhaps was the party from whom Mr. received them. That Mr. 
 
 , after disposing of them, found that they were creating an excitement 
 
 among collectors, and devised the plan of procuring them again by confession 
 of a pretended fraud, designing to dispose of them in a more judicious 
 manner, at some future time, which plan was frustrated by the quick percep- 
 tion of his purpose, and the attempt to draw from him the full particulars of 
 their origin. 
 
 We can readily excuse the former owner of these pieces for hesitating 
 summarily to condemn them as forgeries without positive evidence; yet the 
 writer of the letter therein acknowledges that some person had taken the 
 trouble to alter one of the coins he bought, and has said to us that the three 
 small shillings, all of which were from the same dies, were the only ones to 
 which the slightest credit could be given. If these are genuine it would 
 certainly appear very strange that three specimens, the only ones known, 
 should have been preserved unseparated for upwards of two hundred years, 
 or should have again come together, after a separation of many years, with 
 no tradition proving any unusual interest attaching to them. 
 
 The fact, that from the same source was obtained one an acknowledged 
 alteration, and another evidently a counterfeit, and so pronounced by all 
 experts whose opinions upon this subject we have heard stated, as well as 
 by Dr. Brown himself, thus proving that pine tree coins had, at that time, 
 been considered by counterfeiters as worthy of their attention, together with 
 that of no other impression from the dies of the smaller pieces being else- 
 
A 
 
 PRACTICAL TREATISE 
 
 ON 
 
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 BY 
 
 JAMES WILLIAM GILBART, F. R. S., 
 
 FORMERLY MANAGER OP THE LONDON AND WESTMINSTER BANK. 
 
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 FOURTH AMERICAN EDITION, 
 
 WITH AN 
 
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 NEW YORK: PUBLISHED AT THE 
 OFFICE OF THE BANKERS' MAGAZINE', AND STATISTICAL REGISTER, 
 
 No. 2S1 BROADWAY. 
 
 PEICB, FIVE DOLLARS. 
 
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, $2.00 a year, in advance. 
 Address JEREMIAH COLBURN, 18 SOMERSET STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 Subscription, $1.50 Canadian Currency, per annum, in advance. 
 Payable to R. "W. McLACHLAN, Box 86^, Montreal. 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
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 Field Medal, Bronze, . . . . ... . . . . . . '. . .1.25 
 
 512 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
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 Dealer in Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals, 
 No. 408 STATE STREET, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
 
 HENRY AHLBORN, 
 
 Buys and Sells all kinds of American and Foreign Coins and Medals, 
 
 AT THE 
 
 "Old Toll House," Foot of Cambridge Street, 
 
 BOSTON. 
 
Part 3. 
 
 Price $1. 
 
 ^ 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPRISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OF 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES. OF UNKNOWN OKIGIN, 
 
 - OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 FIKST PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
 BOSTON, MASS.: 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 ■ 1873. 
 
 Charles Chaplin, Printer, 89 Washington Street, Boston. 
 
NEW CO INS OF THE WORLD. 
 
 The Bankers' Almanac, for 1873, 
 
 Richly Illustrated with Sixty Engravings, 
 
 300 Fa&em, Price Three Dollars, 
 
 CONTAINING 
 
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 WITH A. DESCRIPTION OP EACH OOIJST- 
 
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MASSACHUSETTS. 67 
 
 where found, while three of these spring from this deposit, is sufficient to 
 condemn the whole of them. 
 
 It remains for us to mention one other piece belonging to this series, 
 the genuineness of which has been doubted. We refer to the Good Samar- 
 itan Shilling, whose claim to a place among the issues of this mint we 
 consider as being fully established by the specimen in the collection of Charles 
 I. Bushnell, Esq., of Xew York. See Fig. 22. 
 
 For the argument in favor of this piece, which, had it not been so gen- 
 erally thought to owe its origin to a more recent period, we should consider 
 as needing no argument to establish its claim, we are indebted to the kind- 
 ness of the owner, and we here give it place in his own words: 
 
 " The Good Samaritan Shilling in my possession differs materially from 
 the one formerly in the Pembroke Collection, and from the variety "engraved 
 in Ruding, Plate XXX, ~So. 10, reverse not given, the existence of which is 
 veiy doubtful. Ruding incorporated the plates which had been engraved for 
 the work of Folkes, so far as they would serve his purpose, the Plate XXX 
 being one of .them; and he expressly says he knows not on what authority 
 this shilling is there given. Snelling, in describing the piece, remarks, ' It is 
 said to be in the Pembroke Collection,' proving that he himself had never 
 seen it, (though his statement turned out to be true when the collection was 
 dispersed;) but, curiously enough, in his representation of it, [Fig. 23, J 
 copied the obverse of Ending's, or rather, Folkes's plate, and the reverse from 
 the Pembroke plate, and thus, by not copying both sides from the latter, 
 he has given a representation for which there was no existing authority 
 whatever, his obverse differing from the only known specimen in the Pem- 
 broke Collection by having masathvsets ° in • ° in full, instead of only in mas 
 with dots in place of the remaining letters. 
 
 My specimen is not only unique, but is the most perfect. It has a well- 
 executed representation of the incident of the Good Samaritan, and the words 
 masathvsets 0000 in: in full. The subject is allowed to speak for itself, as the 
 words 'Fac simile,' on the specimen engraved are omitted on mine. The 
 reyerse has also an important difference, the circumscription reading in new 
 England • ano : and in the centre xn without the o beneath. It is, more- 
 over, five grains heavier than the Pembroke one, and is a perfectly genuine 
 struck coin. The reverse die was evidently in the act of breaking, from a 
 flaw, the effect of which, while it fortunately destroyed no part of the 
 impression, in this instance has an appearance rendering it probable that no 
 
68 
 
 THE BAKLY COESTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 other could be struck from it. The style of work and letters correspond, 
 moreover, with that on the Pine Tree Shilling of the same date. 
 
 I think there is little doubt of these having been pattern pieces, and, for 
 some reason, not adopted by the authorities. The fact of no mention being 
 made of it in the records is no argument against its genuineness, for no such 
 mention would in any case be made of pattern or trial pieces, but would be 
 confined entirely to those coins which were intended for circulation as author- 
 ized coinage, if indeed any such records were so accurately made in a hew 
 and thinly-populated state. 
 
 The catalogue describes the Pembroke specimen to have been much 
 rubbed; mine is not so, but only unevenly struck, — the last five letters in 
 masathvsbts have not come up as prominently as the others. 
 
 I do not at all consider the specimen in the Pembroke Collection in any 
 way spurious, nor can I attach the least importance to the note to the lot 
 describing it, in the sale catalogue of that collection, of 1848. That catalogue 
 was drawn up by the late Mr. Burgon, who was chosen for this duty on 
 account of his being justly considered the most competent authority on 
 Greek and Roman coins, to which he had directed his studies exclusively, 
 thinking them alone worthy of his attention or appreciation. 
 
 It is also necessary to bear in mind some particulars relating to the 
 Pembroke Collection. The Earl Thomas, by whom that celebrated collection 
 was formed, succeeded to the title as early as 1683, and died in 1733. The 
 fourth volume of plates issued in his name was not completed and published 
 till 1746, by his son and successor. The collection, however, remained intact 
 until its dispersion by the present earl, in 1848, under the superintendence of 
 his half brother, Mr. Sidney Herbert, — the earl being a constant resident 
 abroad, which may probably account for the collection being wholly unknown 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 69 
 
 except through the volume of 1746; indeed, it seems seldom, if ever, to have 
 been exhibited since the decease of the original collector, for Snelling, when 
 publishing his work, had no access to it, and obtained all his information 
 from the plates; and, in fact, when he speaks of coins said to be existing in 
 the Pembroke Collection, acknowledges that he had no opportunity of judging 
 for himself in the matter. I cannot give the date of the birth of the Earl 
 Thomas, but as he succeeded his brother in 1683, [his father having died as 
 early as 1669,] the latter, at least, must have been living at the date of this 
 coin or pattern. 
 
 I am to a considerable extent justified in regarding it as genuine, in the 
 absence of anything like proof to the contrary, as there could be no motive 
 or interest to be gratified by fabricating a spurious piece relating to a dis- 
 tant possession of so very recent date as was 1652, at the time when the 
 collection was formed. 
 
 Folding's Plate XXX, first published by Folkes in 1763, is not copied from 
 the Pembroke plate, as it is altogether different; and although the specimen 
 it purports to represent may not be now known, I cannot think that any one 
 will venture the supposition that so eminent a gentleman and antiquary as 
 was Sir Martin Folkes, could have published such a piece without having 
 sufficient authority for so doing. 
 
 Snelling's engraving goes for nothing, as he had seen no specimen; but 
 finding such good authority for the existence of the piece, he could not but 
 notice it without damage to the completeness of his work, and therefore 
 copied the obverse from Folkes and the reverse from Pembroke. 
 
 Now comes the specimen I have, differing from the Pembroke, and five 
 grains heavier; from Folkes, and also from Wyatt's even. I am quite at a 
 loss to conceive what the inducement could be for fabricating a piece of so 
 little interest and value, for certainly until very recently it could possess 
 neither; yet, before the least attention could be attracted to its existence, here 
 are evidently two pieces struck from dies altogether different, — the Pembroke 
 and mine, to say nothing of Folkes. 
 
 It could never answer to coin spurious specimens in such small numbers, 
 as that, after the lapse of two centuries, only two specimens alone should be 
 known, and both of these unique varieties. 
 
 I am in the belief that they were pattern pieces, struck and submitted 
 when the issue of a coinage was first contemplated in the colony; and this 
 supposition will alone account for the unfinished character and rarity of these 
 
70 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 » 
 
 pieces, and, since they were not adopted, for the absence of any mention of 
 them upon the records. 
 
 It will be seen that the date side of the Pine Tree Shillings is different 
 and more complete than is the corresponding side of either of the pieces in 
 question. 
 
 The die from which mine is struck was evidently soon broken ; probably 
 no other could have been struck from it, hence the necessity for a new one 
 being made, even for the limited service of a pattern. 
 
 It must be remembered that it was particularly the custom to strike 
 pattern pieces, — witness those for the entire sets of silver for the Common- 
 wealth coinage, by Ramage and by Blondeau, the former the most beautiful, 
 while the design of the latter was adopted. Now all these patterns were 
 struck in 1651, and are now much in request, and always produce high 
 prices." 
 
 We can only add to the foregoing statement that, having examined the 
 Good Samaritan Shilling, we can with confidence say that the piece is of a 
 character agreeing with other coins of that period, and bears no evidence of 
 having been tampered with, but, on the contrary, was evidently struck from 
 dies. A certain proof that it could have been no alteration from the common 
 issues of that date is found in the legend upon the reverse, it being in new 
 England • ANO : , which is found upon none of the Oak or Pine Tree Shillings. 
 
 Much trouble being occasioned by the exportation of the issues of this 
 mint in such quantities as to increase the scarcity of silver coin in the colo- 
 nies, as a means of preventing its loss to the country, the Court, on the 22d 
 of August, 1654, 1 passed an order for preventing the exportation of this specie 
 in any amount exceeding twenty shillings, which we here copy: 
 
 1654 22 August. "Itt is Ordered by this Court and the Authoritje 
 thereof, that no Inhabitant of this Jurisdiccon, or strannger, shall from 
 henceforth send, Carry, or transport out of this Jurisdiccon, directly or 
 Indirectly, by sea or land, any of the mony that hath binn or shall be Cojned 
 w th in this Jurisdiccon, except twenty shillings for necessary expences, on 
 the pcenalty of Confiscation, not only of such money so cojned, but also 
 all the vissible estate of him that shall any way be found sending or export- 
 ing any of the Cojne aforesajd, one third whereof shall be to the vse of the 
 Informer, or officer, the other two thirds to the Countrje ; and that this lawe 
 
 1 Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, p. 174, and vol. iii, p. 430. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 71 
 
 may be duely observed and executed, Peter Oliner and Jn° Barrell for 
 Boston, Jacob Greene for Charles Toune, George Willjams and Samuel 
 Archer for Salem, Robert Lord for Ipswich, Henry Bice for Sudbury, Henry 
 Sherborne for Piscataque, and Hercules Hawkins for the Be of Shoales, are 
 heereby Appointed and Authorized as serchers to examine and search all 
 psons, vessells, Packs, truncks, chests, boxes, or the like, that shallbe trans- 
 porting out of this Jurisdiccon, and finding any mony shall seaze the same, 
 and forthwith Informe the next magistrate thereof, who shall Issue out 
 his warrant for the present seazure of the whole vissible estate of the partje 
 so transporting contrary to this lawe, for the vse of the Comon-wealth and 
 partje seazing or Informing, as is above exprest. And Itt is heereby further 
 declared, that all such masters, marriners, or other persons that shallbe found 
 to be privy or Consenting to the exporting of any of the Cojne aforesajd out 
 of this Jurisdiccon, he or they shall for euery such offence forfeite the some 
 of twenty-pounds a peece, to be to the vses aforesajd : and the sajd Serchers 
 are to take the oath for searchers, only insteede of halfe, a third p'te to be 
 Inserted, and to certify the next magistrate insteed of the Auditor. And in 
 all other Tounes the Constables are by theire oathes bound to see to the 
 executjon of this order." 
 
 It does not appear that this action of the Court had the desired effect, 
 as we find the same trouble repeatedly referred to on later pages of the 
 Records. 
 
 Under the impression that the agreement with the mint masters was too 
 favorable to them, action was taken by the Court, under date of October 16, 
 1660, 1 with the intention of obtaining terms more advantageous to the country, 
 namely: "Itt is Ordered : that Capt Gookin & y* Tresurer, m 1 ' Anthony Stod- 
 dard, & m l .w m Parks, shall be a Comittee & are hereby Impowred to treate 
 w th the mintmaster for Allowing such an Annuall some as may be Agreed 
 vpon, as a meete honorarium to the Country for the yearely bennefitt the}- 
 receive by minting, that so the Country may Reape some bennefitt after so 
 long a forbearance, hauing Given them the bennefit thereof for the tjme 
 past, or otherwise to declare that this Court Intends to agree w th some 
 other meete person to minte the money of this Country; making theire 
 report to the next Court what they shall doe heerein." 
 
 In ' observance of this order the committee reported in these words : 2 
 
 1 Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, p. 351. a Archives, vol. c, p. 79. 
 
72 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 " Eeturne of the Comittee impoured to treat w th the mint master, 
 wee haue, acording to order, treated w th the mint masters, m r Hull & m r San- 
 derson, and find y m vtterly vnwilling to pay any certaine pportion to ye 
 country of the allowance paid them for coyning mony; only they offered 
 tenn pounds as a free gift to the country in Case they will please to accept 
 it; but the comitte refused that pffer, aledging that the vse of the mint & 
 house required in justice some certaine pt of the income recvd by y m , w ch 
 vpon examination wilbe found to bee (62 l ) vpon euery thousand pound; out 
 of w ch the comity ppounded they should allow one twentieth part for the 
 country : but they consented not this is the psent state of that affaire, leauing 
 it to the court to take such further order therein as vnto y m seemes meet, 
 datted the 6th of June 1661. 
 
 The deputyes thinke meete that this Comittee 
 be reimpowred to treat w th the mintmastcr, & to 
 
 receive the ten pound aboue mentioned & what Daniel Gookin 
 
 else they can gett by way of recompenc for the Richard Russell, 
 
 mint howse for the time past, & y* it be deliuered Anthony Stoddard • 
 
 to the Treasurer to be bestowed in powder & oill, "William Park 
 
 with reference to the Consent of o r . Hon 1 '? magists 
 hereto. William Torrey Cleric. 
 
 7 June 1661 : Consented to by the magists. 
 
 Edward Rawson Secret. 
 
 The foregoing is copied from the original return made by the committee, 
 and it will be "noticed that it bears date the 6th and 7th of June, while the 
 entry upon the book of the secretary is under the date of May 22d. 1 The 
 decision of the Court thereon is recorded as follows : " The Court Judged 
 it meet to order that this Comittee should be reimpowred to treate w th the 
 mint maste r s, & to Receiue the ten pounds aboue mentioned, & what else 
 they Cann Gett by way of Recompence for the mint house for the tjme past, 
 & that it be deliuered to the Tresurer to be bestowed in pouder." 
 
 The Shillings, Sixpences, and Threepences which were issued from this 
 mint, with the exception of those of the N" E type, (which bore no date,) all 
 bear the date of the establishment of the mint, 1652, (which circumstance 
 
 1 Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, p. 375. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 73 
 
 was one of the objections urged against the mint, by its enemies,) although 
 it is altogether likely that their coinage continued from that year to the year 
 1682 ; but when the Twopenny pieces were coined, the date of 1662 was 
 placed upon them, that being the date of the year in which the order by 
 authority of which they were struck was issued ; and these bear no other 
 date. 
 
 The coinage of these pieces was ordered to contirflie for seven years, 
 but it seems certain, from the mention made of them by John Hull, in his 
 paper of June 6th, 1680, (to be given on a later page,) that they continued 
 to be coined for a much longer time. The small size of the dies, and their 
 consequent durability, may account for the absence of varieties other than 
 those caused by repairs of the reverse die, from among them. The draught 
 of the order for their coinage is still preserved in the Massachusetts Archives, 1 
 though in a somewhat mutilated condition, [see fac simile, facing page 41,] 
 a copy of which we next present : 
 
 It is ordered by this court, and the mint master is hereby inioynt 
 of the first Bullion that comes to his hand, to coyne two pen 
 of Siluer, in proportion according to the iust vallew & alloy of 
 monys, alowed here, to answer the occasions of the contrey for exch 
 that is the first yeare fifty pounds in such small mony for eue 
 pounds by him to be coyned ; & for after time twenty pounds in lik 
 mony anualy for euery hundred pounds, that shalbe coyned 
 order is to continue in force for seauen yeares. any law 
 to the contrary notwithstanding . The v magists haue past this w tb Ref 
 erence to the Consent of their brethren the Deputys hereto. 
 
 Boston . 16 • May 1662. Edw • Rawson Secrety. 
 
 Consented to by the depu*. s William Torrey Cleric." 
 
 The following is a copy of the same, as entered upon the Court records : 2 
 
 " It is Ordered by this Court, & the mint master is hereby enjoyned out 
 
 of the first bullion that Comes to his hand to Coyne two penny peeces of 
 
 Siluer, in proportion to the just value & allay of other monys allowed heere, 
 
 to Answer the occasions of the Country for exchange ; that is the first yeare 
 
 1 Vol. c, p. 86. 2 Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, p. 401. 
 
74 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 fifty pounds in such smale money for euery hundred pounds by him to be 
 Coyned, & for after time twenty pounds in lik smale money Annually for 
 euery hundred pounds that shall be Coyned. & this order is to Continew in 
 force for Seuen yeares, any lawe to the Contrary notw th standing." 
 
 The first of the preceding copies must be considered as bearing- the 
 correct date of the passage of this act, although it is entered upon the 
 records under date of May 7th, which was that of the commencement of 
 that session of the Court, and the only one recorded during the session, 
 which date has accordingly been quoted as that of its passage. 
 
 No authority is to be found for the coinage of a piece of the value of 
 a penny, although Sir Martin Follies, whose work was published in 1763, 
 gives an illustration of a piece purporting to be such ; yet if any pieces of 
 this denomination were ever coined, none are known to have descended to 
 our time. 
 
 24 
 
 The illustration given by Folkes [Plate XXX, Xo. 14 — see Fig. 24, J 
 somewhat resembles a pine tree, and bears date 1652 ; while two specimens 
 now known, and claimed to be genuine and original pennies, are of the oak 
 tree variety, as are all the twopenny pieces, certainly from the same obverse 
 die with them, and, like them, are dated 1662. 
 
 Both these pieces, though differing slightly from each other in the date 
 and numerals, while one of them has a pellet at each side of its numeral, 
 bear so strong a resemblance on the reverse, to the twopenny pieces, (the 
 obverse die being identical with them,) as to render it almost certain that 
 they have been altered from coins of that value. 
 
 The fact that one of these, the only one the weight of which we have 
 been able to ascertain, (although from a rubbing of the other, in our posses- 
 sion, we should judge its size, and, from our recollection of it, its weight, to 
 be about the same,) is eleven grains, being but one grain less than the legal 
 weight of the twopenny piece, renders it still more certain that they were 
 coined for pieces of the same value. It would certainly be an anomaly in 
 the history of coinage to issue two silver coins from the same mint, the 
 smaller of which was but half the nominal value of the larger, while contain- 
 ing an amount of silver but one-twelfth less than it. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 75 
 
 In this year, 1662, occurred the incident which gave rise to the anecdote 
 about Sir Thomas Temple, 1 which has been so often related, the truth of which 
 is by some doubted, and is called by Euding 2 a "ridiculous story." The fact 
 of the exhibition of the money at the council table is proved by the extract 
 from a draught of an address to the king, which follows the story now to be 
 related. What remarks this occurrence provoked must remain unknown, 
 unless their gist was correctly reported in this anecdote. 
 
 " Sir Thomas Temple, brother to Sir William, resided several years in 
 New England during the interregnum. After the Restoration he returned 
 to England. The king sent for him, and conversed with him on the state of 
 affairs in the Massachusetts, and discovered great warmth against that colony ; 
 among other things, he said they had invaded his prerogative by coining 
 money. Sir Thomas, who was a real friend to the colony, told his majesty 
 the colonists had but little acquaintance with law ; that they had no ill 
 design, and thought it no crime to make money for their ow« use. In the 
 course of the conversation Sir Thomas took some of the money out of his 
 pocket, and presented it to the king. On one side of the coin was a pine 
 tree, of that sort which is thick and bushy towards the top. Charles inquired 
 what tree that was? Sir Thomas informed him it was the royal oak; adding, 
 that the Massachusetts people, not daring to put his majesty's name on their 
 coin, during the late troubles, had impressed upon it the emblem of the oak 
 which preserved his majesty's life. This account of the matter put the king 
 into good humor, and disposed him to hear what Sir Thomas had to say in 
 their favor, calling them a parcel of honest dogs. 
 
 "In c A collection of original papers relative to the history of the colony 
 of Massachusetts Bay,' published at Boston, 1769, the following description 
 of this money, by Edward Randolph, is inserted : 
 
 "As a marke of sovereignty they coin mony, stamped with inscription, 
 TMattachusets,' with a tree in the centre, on the one side, and ' New England,' 
 with the year 1652, and the value of the piece, on the reverse. All the 
 money is stamped with these figures, 1652, that year being the era of the 
 common-wealth, wherein they erected themselves into a free state, enlarged 
 their dominions, subjected the adjacent colonies under their obedience, and 
 summoned deputies to sit in the general court ; which year is still commem- 
 orated on their coin.' 
 
 1 Mollis'* .Memoirs, vol. i, pp. 397, 398. 2 Vol. i, p. 416. 
 
76 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 " This is extracted from a long invidious narrative, sent by this Randolph, 
 (who appears to have been a court spy upon the people of Massachusetts,) 
 in the year 1676, to c the right honorable Lords of his Majesty's most honor- 
 able privy council, appointed a committee for trade and plantations.' 
 
 "The editor of this ( collection,' in a marginal note upon the latter of 
 these paragraphs, says, f This is a misrepresentation. The first money of this 
 impress being stamped in 1652, they never altered the date, although they 
 stamped more annually for thirty years together.' 
 
 "Some of this money must be yet in being. It is not improbable but 
 Mr. Hollis must have had some of it. A professed antiquary will, in some 
 remote period, seek for it with avidity." 
 
 In the Massachusetts Archives 1 we find this passage, written October 30, 
 1684, which proves the foregoing anecdote to have some foundation in fact, 
 even if not wholly correct : "And as for the minting or stamping pieces of 
 Silver to pass .amongst our selves for xii d , vi d , iii a , we were necessitated there- 
 unto, having no staple Comodity in our Country to pay debts or buy neces- 
 saries, but Fish & Corn; which was so cumbersom & troublesom as could 
 not be born. And therefore for some years Paper-Bills passed for payment 
 of Debts; w ch were very subject to be lost, rent, or counterfeited, & other 
 inconveniences. Then comes in a considerable quantity of light base Spanish 
 Money, whereby many people were cousened, and the Colony in danger of 
 being undon thereby; Which put vs upon the project of melting it down, & 
 stamping such pieces as aforesaid to pass in paym* of Debts amongst our 
 selves. ]SR>r did we know it to be against any Law of England, or against 
 His Majesties Will or pleasure, till of late ; but rather that there was a tacit 
 allowance & approbation of it. For in 1662, when our first Agents were in 
 England, some of our Money was showed by Sir Thomas Temple at the 
 Council-Table, and no dislike thereof manifested by any of those right honour- 
 able Persons : much less a forbidding of it." 
 
 There seem to have been no proceedings against the mint, taken by 
 the king or his emissaries, sufficient in importance to cause much apprehension 
 in the minds of the colonists, until 1665, when, in May, recorded at the 8th, 2 
 the king's commissioners sent the following letter to the General Court : 
 
 " Gentlemen : Wee in his Majestjes name desire a booke of your lawes 
 may be sent vs, that wee may haue the pervsall of yo r lawes, that such as are 
 
 iVol. cvi, p. 336. a Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, \>. 500. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 77 
 
 against this act, & such as are Contrary & derogatory to the king's authority 
 & Gouernment, mentioned in his gracious letter of June 28 th , 1662, may be 
 anulled & repealed." 
 
 The commissioners, having received and examined the book of laws, on 
 the 24th of May, 1665, addressed another letter to the Court, from which we 
 give extracts ■} " Vpon pervsall of the booke entituled the booke of the Generall 
 Lawes & libertjes Concerning the Inhabitants of -the Massachusets, wee finde 
 Just reason to propose in his Majestjes name, that these ensuing alterations 
 & necessary additions be made." Here follows a list of twenty-six articles 
 which they require to be repealed or amended, of which the twenty-second 
 is, " That page 61, title money, the law y* a mint house, &c, be repealed, for 
 Coynig is a Royall prerogatiue, for the vsurping of which y e act of indem- 
 nity is only a Salvo." 
 
 The copy of the law referred to in this letter is so nearly a repetition 
 of the acts already printed, on pages 36, 37, 70, and 71, that it will be unne- 
 cessary to copy it here. 
 
 The colonists, hoping to avert the wrath of the king, who had now begun 
 to make his displeasure, on account of the mint, felt by them, though not on 
 that account only, decided, as a means of propitiation, to send him a present. 
 Accordingly an order was passed, May 18th, 1665, 2 for something "in the 
 best Comodity that may be procured in this his Colony, meete for transpor- 
 tation & accomodation of his Majestje's Navy to the value of five hundred 
 pounds." This order was not effectual at this time, probably owing to " The 
 occasions of the Country calling for more than ordinary disburse this yeere." 
 
 The subject recurs, on September 11th, 1666, 3 when " two very large 
 masts " were ordered ; and on October 10th, 1666, 4 " a shipps loading more 
 to be bought & Contracted for," as a present for the next year. 
 
 These were obtained and sent in the ship "Royall Exchange," under 
 the charge of Capt. John Pierce, to be presented to the king, by agents in 
 England, together with suitable letters declaring their continued loyalty and 
 respect to his majesty. 
 
 Hull refers to these gifts, in his Diary, 5 under date of September 12th, 
 1666 : " They concluded to write, and send a present, two brave masts, but 
 sent no person to answer in our behalf ; " and, May, 1668, 6 " The Generall 
 Court sent a shipload of masts as a present to the king's majesty." 
 
 1 Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, p. 512 ; 2 vol. iv, p. 468 ; 3 vol. iv, p. 575 ; 4 vol. iv, p. 580. 
 5 Coll. Amer. Antiq. Soc, vol. iii, p. 223 ; 6 p. 227. 
 
78 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Notwithstanding the protest of the commissioners, the law relating to 
 the mint was not repealed, but on the 15th of May, 1667, 1 another committee 
 was appointed to treat with the mint master, as appears in the order next 
 quoted : 
 
 K m r Thomas Danforth, Majo r Generall Jn° Leueret, Capt Georg Coruin, 
 m 1 Anthony Stoddard, & m r w m Parks, are Appointed a Comittee to treat & 
 Agree w th the master or masters of the mint in refference to some allowance 
 anually, or otherwise, for & in Consideration of the charge -the Country hath 
 binn at in erecting a mint house, & for the vse of it for so many yeares 
 w th out any Considerable sattisfaction, & to make returne thereof to the next 
 session of this Court ; and in Case they Cannot Agree w th the present mint 
 masters, they are Impowred to make such agreement as they Cann w th any 
 other." 
 
 The report of the above-mentioned committee is recorded under date of 
 October 9th, 1667 : 2 
 
 " Boston, in New England, October 4 th , 1667. 
 
 In Observance of an order of the Generall Court held the 15 th of May, 
 1667, nominating & Impowring vs, whose names are subscribed, to treat 
 & agree w th the master 8 of the mint, wee hauing duely weighed the Couhtry s 
 Interest in the sedimces apperteyning to the sajd office, and Agitated the 
 matter w th m l Jn° Hull & m r Robert Saunderson, the present mint masters, haue 
 agreed w th them as folio weth, namely : In Consideration of the Country b dis- 
 bursments on the sajd sediffices, & for the Interest the Generall Court hath 
 therein, to pay vnto the publick Tresury, w th in sixe months next Coming, 
 forty pounds in money, & for seven yeares next Coming [the sajd Hull & 
 Saunderson, or either of them, personally abiding in the sajd Imploy,] to 
 allow the publick Tresury annually, in money, tenn pounds ; the sajd terme 
 to beginne from the date aboue named. In witnes hereof the sajd Hull and 
 Saunderson haue herevnto put their hands, the day & yeare aboue written. 
 
 Jn° Leueret 
 John Hull, Tho: Danforth, 
 
 Robert Sanderson. Anthony Stoddard, 
 
 W m : Parke. 
 The Court thankfully acknowledgeth the good service of the 
 Gent n subscribers in the premisses, and order It to be recorded. 
 
 1 Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, p. 584 ; 2 vol. iv, p. 591. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 79 
 
 Another order was passed, May 19th, 1669, 1 with intention similar to that 
 of August 22d, 1654, and probably with no more effect in remedying the 
 evil. It here follows : 
 
 " Order to preuent exportation of money out of this Jurisdiction : ffor 
 the better Execution of the Law, page 62 : sect : 2 : for the restrainng the 
 Exportation of money, it is ordered by this Court & the Authority hereof, 
 that the persons hereafter named, viz': 
 
 "For Boston, Capt: James Olliuer & m r Thomas Brattle, or either of 
 them; For charls towne, Captaine John Allen; For Salem, m 1 Edmond Batter; 
 For Piscattaqua, m 1 Elias Stileman ; For marble head, m r Samuell Ward ; For 
 Dedham, Ensigne ffisher ; For Braintry, moses Paine ; For Malboro, William 
 Kerley ; For Springfeild, Lawrence Bliss. 
 
 " Bee all & euery of them appointed, impowred & required to search for 
 & seize all moneyes of the Coyne of this Jurisdiction that shall bee found or 
 discouered in any ship, or any other uessell, that hath weighed Anchor to 
 depart from that Port where shee ladeth, or all such money that shall bee 
 found in any person's pocket, cloake, bag, Portmantle, or any other thing 
 belonging to them after such Person hath taken horse back, to proceed & 
 trauell in his or their jorney, out of this Jurisdiction, from the first Towne 
 or station whence such Persons begin their trauell ; & all money that such 
 searcher shall find (except soe much as is allowed by Law,) hee shall safely 
 keepe it vntill the next Court of the shire, & then psent the same vnto the 
 sajd Court ; and if it bee judged by the Court to bee forfeited according to 
 Law, then the sajd Court are required to Order the deliuery of one third part 
 to the officer that seized ye same, and the other two parts to returne to the 
 publike Treasury of the Country. & it is further Ordered that the the searchers 
 before named are hereby impowred to breake open any chest, Trunck, Box, 
 Cabbin, Cask, Truss, or any other suspected place or thing where they or any 
 of them conceiue money may be Concealld, & seize the same ; and also they 
 or either of them are impowred to require such assistants from any Consta- 
 bles or others as to them may seeme Expedient, who are to ajd them, vpon 
 the penalty of fforty shillings fine for euery neglect." 
 
 At the session held May 15, 1672, it is recorded, 2 " In Ans 1 to the Humble 
 proposall of Joseph Jencks, Sen., for y B making of mony, &c, the Court 
 Judgeth it meet not to Grant his request." This Joseph Jencks, Sen., had 
 
 2 Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, pp. 632, 633 ; 2 vol. iv, p. 701. 
 
80 THE EAKLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 previously been said to be " of Linn," and it is supposed it was he who cut 
 many of the dies for the coinage of this mint. 
 
 It does not appear that the amount of silver here coined was sufficient, 
 even protected, as it was, by stringent legislation, entirely to relieve the 
 distress occasioned by the dearth of authorized coin ; and as there still con- 
 tinued to be a lack of silver presented at the mint for coinage, on account 
 of the greater profits accruing from the exportation of foreign money, by 
 reason of the expense incident to its conversion into current coin, an act was 
 passed, October 8th, 1672, designed to obviate this difficulty. 1 
 
 " Whereas peeces of eight are of more value to Carry out of the Country 
 then they will yield to mint into our Coyne, by reason whereof peeces of 
 eight, which might else Come to Coyning, are carrjed out of the Country, 
 It is therefore Ordered by this Court & the authority thereof,' that all peeces 
 of eight that are full weight & good siluer, that is sixe shillings of new 
 England money, of mexico, sivil & pillar, & so all lesser peeces of each Sort 
 shall passe in this Jurisdiction as Current as our oune money ; peeces of 
 eight at sixe shillings a peece, and all lesser peeces proportionably therevnto : 
 Provided that all such peeces that shall passe in this Jurisdiction haue a 
 stampe affixt vpon them, wch shall be H: to euidence that are of right 
 allay, and due weight ; and that m r John Hull & m r Robert Saunde'son, or 
 either of them, be the persons for the tryall & stamping of such money, & 
 that therby fower pence vpon the pound pajd for the rest, one fowerth thereof 
 to the officer & the rest to the Country Tresurer. 
 
 "whereas peeces of eight, weighing sixe shillings, are ordered to passe 
 for sixe shillings, & ordered to be stamped, &c, according to the sajd law, 
 refference thereto being had ; and for asmuch as few or no peeces of eight 
 are of that weight, and so the intent of Good to the Country therein will be 
 disappointed, as an addition to the sajd lawe, Be it ordered & enacted by 
 this Court & the authority thereof, that peeces of eight vnder the weight of 
 sixe shillings shall likewise be passable for so much of new England money 
 as they shall weigh, and that it be impressed vpon the stampe how much 
 each peece doth weigh, in legible figures, w th the other letters on y e same, & 
 of the same Alloy." 
 
 We have been unable to find any coins proving this act ever to have 
 been put in execution, although we have long sought for them. The writer 
 
 1 Massachusetts Records, vol. iv, p. 706. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 81 
 
 of the remarks on " the coinage of Massachusetts," appended to the Diary of 
 John Hull, before referred to, says, 1 " Some of these worn Spanish pieces, 
 which had wholly lost their original impression, stamped with NE on the 
 one side, and the figures 12, 6, or 3 on the other, exist in some of the 
 English collections. Both Folkes and Ruding are puzzled by them, and the 
 earliest authorities supposed they were stamped at Newcastle. Folkes's copies 
 of them are copied in Mr. Felt's ' Currency of Massachusetts.' " 
 
 The writer of the foregoing strangely overlooked the possible existence 
 of some specimens of the coinage first ordered, May |?, 1652, which exactly 
 answered to this description, making due allowance for the evident mistake of 
 writing " 12, 6, or 3," instead of xii, vi, and iii, — (the iii is not illustrated,) 
 as may be seen by reference to the illustrations referred to. For these coins 
 we need not search England, as they are to be found in American collections, 
 although they may be reckoned among the rarest of our coins. 
 
 It will also be noticed that this order provides for no stamp upon both 
 sides, but says, in the addition to the said law, " that it be impressed vpon 
 the stampe how much each peece doth weigh, in legible figures, w th the other 
 letters on y e same, & of the same Alloy." May not this provision have caused 
 a complication sufficient to have thwarted the whole intent of the order ? 
 
 At the session of the Court convened upon the 12th of May, 1675, 2 a 
 third committee was appointed to confer with the mint masters, which authority 
 is given in the ensuing form : 
 
 ' r Whereas the time formerly agreed vpon w th the mint masters is now 
 expired, for the future well setling of that matter This Court doth desire & 
 Impower the Honoured Gofine r and magistrates residing in Boston, or any 
 three of them, to be a Comittee to treate w th such persons as they shall thinke 
 meet, and to make such an Agreement w th them for the Coyning of the mony 
 of this Jurisdiction as may be most Incouraging to all persons that haue 
 bulljbn, to bring the same to the mint." 
 
 The report which follows gives the action of this committee in their own 
 words, and is found in the Records 3 under date of July 9, 1675. 
 
 "In pursance of an order of fhe Generall Court, held May the 12 th , 
 1675, relating to the future Setling of the mint, It is Agreed by vs, the 
 Subscribers, as a Comittee appointed therevnto, as followeth, i. e. 
 
 " That the former masters of the mint, viz', Robert Saunderson & John 
 
 1 Hull's Diary, Am. Antiq. Soc. Coll., vol. iii, p. 297. a Mass. Rec, vol. v, p. 28; 3 vol. v, p. 41. 
 
82 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Hull, doe Continue to mint what Siluer bulljon shall Come in for this Seven 
 yeares next to Come, if either of them liue so long, and doe receive of those 
 that bring bulljon to the mint, as a full reward for their paynes, twelve pence 
 for euery twenty shillings, & three pence for the wast of euery three ounces 
 of sterling Siluer that they shall so mint, vizt: fiueteen pence in the whole for 
 euery twenty shillings, and the sajd minters are to pay in to the Treasurer 
 of the Country, in mony, twenty pounds p Anno during abouesajd terme. 
 that this is our Agreement wittnes our hands heerevnto put the 3 rt of June,. 
 1675. John Leueret 
 
 Symon Bradstreete 
 The Court Approoves of this Eeturne and the Edward Tyng 
 
 Setlement of the mint accordingly. Eobe r t Sanderson 
 
 as Attests, Edward Rawson, Secrety. John Hull." 
 
 Still hoping to escape" the consequences of the king's displeasure, which 
 was yet directed against the colonists, and partly on account of their mint, 
 another present was sent to him, in pursuance of an order recorded October 
 10th, 1677 : * "It is ordered that the Tresurer doe forthwith prouide tenn 
 barrells of Cranburyes, two hogsheads of speciall Good Sampe, and three 
 thousand of Cod ffish, to be sent to ou 1 messenge r s, by them to be presented 
 to his Majesty as A present from this Court." . 
 
 In a letter to the agents of the colony, Messrs. William Stoughton and 
 Peter BulMey, the Court writes, October 22d, 1677, 2 "As for the Coynage, or 
 any other Additionall priuiledge -offered, (not prejudiciall to our charter,) wee 
 would not slight but humbly accept * * * * As for a present to his 
 maje tje wee are Considering of some thing to send, w th hope Piscataqua men 
 & others will prouide a ships loading of masts, if his maj tje please send a 
 ship, & ourselues some Cor fish, sampe, & Cranburyes." 
 
 In the letter book of the treasurer and mint master, John Hull, 3 we find 
 this letter to the agents, dated at Boston, December 22d, 1677, giving some 
 further information upon the same affair : 
 
 "Gent., I have sent you in this ship, — the 'Blessing,' John Phillips, 
 master, — eighteen hundred and sixty codfish. There is about seven hundred 
 of them very large fish, between two and three feet long, the other under 
 two feet ; they are well salted down in the ship's bread room. 
 
 1 Mass. Records, vol. v, p. 148; 2 vol. v, p. 156. 3 Coll. Amer. Antiq. Soc\, vol. iii, p. 131. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 83 
 
 "Also ten barrels of cranberries and three barrels of samp, as by the 
 invoice and bills of lading enclosed, you will see more particularly.' The 
 ' invoice of fish, cranberries, and samp, shipped on board the ' Blessing,' John 
 Phillips master, on account of the Massachusetts Colony, and consigned to 
 William Stoughton, Esq., and Mr. Peter Bulkley,' is as follows : — 
 
 ' Eighteen hundred and sixty codfish, whereof the very large fish cost, 
 
 with all charges on board £35 10? 1 ? 
 
 Ten barrels of cranberries 6 
 
 Three barrels of samp 7 
 
 JOHN HULL, Treasurer:" 
 
 In another letter to the same agents, dated " Boston, 10 . 8 . 78," but found 
 in the Records 1 under elate of October 2d and 7th, 1678, the Court writes, 
 "As for that particcular of our Coyning money w th ou r oune Impress, His 
 Maj ty of his Gratious Clemency towards us hath not binn pleased as yet to 
 declare his pleasure therein ; and wee haue Confidence that when he shall 
 truely be informed of the symplicity of our Actings, the publicke Joy thereof 
 to his subjects here, and the great damage that the stoppage thereof will 
 Inevitably be to ou 1 necessary Comerce and abatement of his Maj t:ies Customes 
 yearely Acruing by ou 1 merchants & Nauigation, & is pajd at London, his 
 maj* 3 ' 6 will not Account those to be freinds to his Croune that shall seeke to 
 Interrupt us therein ; and for the Impress put vpon it wee shall take it as 
 his maj t:ies signall ouning vs if he will please, to order such an Impresse as 
 shall be to him most Acceptable." 
 
 Joseph Dudley and John Richards, Esqs., having been chosen, the former 
 on the 20th, the latter on the 23d of March, 16^, to be "Agents to goe & 
 wayte on his maj ty , &c," 2 their instructions, which were dated 15th February, 
 1681 (-2,) commence as follows : "1. Yow shall most humbly present the 
 Humble Address of this Court to His Royall majesty, with our humble thanks 
 for his Gracious resjoect to the peace .& weale of his subjects scittuate so 
 remote from his Royall Court, And with refference to Complaints exhibbited 
 against us ; 2. Yo 11 shall Informe his maf ie That we tooke vp stamping of 
 silver meerely vpon necessitje, to prevent cheats by false peeces of eight, 
 which were brought hither in the tjme of the late Confusions ; and wee haue 
 been well Informed that his maj tje had knowledge thereof, yet did not manifest 
 
 1 Vol. v, p. 194 ; 2 vol. v, p. 343. 
 
84 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 any dissatisfaction thereat vntil of very late ; And if that be a Trespasse 
 vpon His maj stjes Royal Prerogative, of which wee are Ignorant, wee Hunbly 
 beo- His Maj 43 ' 68 pardon and Gratious Allowance therein, It being so exceeding 
 necessary for our Civil Commerce, & no way, as wee humbly Conceive, detri- 
 mentall to His Royal Majtje." 
 
 That the Court considered these instructions of great importance may 
 be inferred from the fact that they were a long time in agreeing upon the 
 letter, of which this forms a part, which is shown by the several draughts of 
 that letter now preserved in the Archives, 1 each of which indicates a different 
 form of instructions for "A. B. Agents," not then appointed. 
 
 The section relating to the mint, however, appears in all, and in sub- 
 stantially the same form. Their dates are " 25 th of ffebruary, 1680," this having 
 the date repeated thus : " 25 : 12 • |J =" One has no date, one " 21 th ffebruary, 
 1681," and the other, " 29 of March, 1681," more than a year having passed 
 between the date of the first, and that of the letter as recorded. 
 
 Two other draughts appear in the Archives, 2 one of which is dated 
 " March 16, 1681," in which are these words : " Hoping also and humbly 
 praying your Maj tys favour for the continuance of our liberty of Coyning." 
 Neither of these was adopted. 
 
 Not being able to effect either the recoinage, or the stamping of the 
 weight, etc., upon the foreign coins in circulation, and despairing of being 
 able to keep their coin at home by actual prohibition of its exportation, but 
 still hoping to retain it in the country by further legislation, the Court reg- 
 ulates its value, in the act of May 24th, 1682 : 3 " This- Court, taking into 
 Consideration that by the frequent exportation of our New England Coyne 
 out of the Country, whereby Comerce and trade is very much obstructed, As 
 an expedient to keepe money in the Country, It is Ordered that all peices of 
 s as pillar, Civil, & mexico Coyne, that are good sillier, shall passe amongst 
 us as Currant mony of New England, according to their weight in the present 
 New England Coyne ; " and, bearing tlate the 11th of October, 1682, 4 we find 
 this action, explanatory of the last : " The Court, on the 24 th day of may 
 last, taking into Consideration the Frequent exportation of ou 1 ' new England 
 Cojne out of the Countrey, whereby Comerce and trade is very much obstructed, 
 as an epedient to keepe money in the Countrey, did order that all peices of 
 
 i Vol. cvi, pp. 222, 227, 230, 248 ; 2 vol. cvi, pp. 238, 252. a Mass. Rec, vol. v, p. 349. 4 Mass. 
 Rec, vol. v, p. 372. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 85 
 
 eight,, as pillar, sevil, and mexico Coyn, that are good siluer, should passe 
 amongst us as Currant money of new England, according to their weight in 
 the present new England Coyn. As an explanation of that law, It is to be 
 vnde r stood, and It is heereby declared that those peices of eight in the law 
 mentioned shallbe pajd and received at sixe shillings eight pence p ounce 
 Troy weight, and all smaller peeces of the like Coyn, that are good siluer, 
 shall passe at the same price & weight." 
 
 The original draught of the act last copied, 1 'will be found to differ little, 
 except in form and date, from that of the Records. 
 
 "24 May 82 
 
 " This Court taking into Consideration y* by y e frequent Exportation of 
 o r New England Coyne out of the Country, whereby Comerce & trade is 
 very much Obstructed, As an Expedient to keep money in the Country it is 
 ordered that all peeces of jj, as Piller, Civil, and Mexico Coyne, y* are good 
 Silver, shall pass amongst us as Currant money of ISTew England, according 
 to there weight in the present New England Coyne. 
 
 "As an Explanation of y e law, title peeces of |, it is to be vnderstood & 
 declared that those peeces of jj In that law mentioned, shalbe payd & Receaued 
 at Six Shillings Eight pence the ounce, troy weight, the Magis ts haue past 
 this, their brethren the deputyes heereto Consenting. 
 
 12 Octo 1682. Edw d Rawson Secret. 
 
 " Consented to by y e Deputys, & ordor also that all Smaller peces of the like 
 Coyne y* are good Siluer Shall pass as Curant mony at Six Shillings Eaight 
 pence the ounce, troy waight, o r hon rd Maj strats Consenting. 
 
 Oct. 16: 1682: Elisha Hutchinson p 1 ord 1 . 
 
 " Consented to by the majjis ts . Edw d Rawson Secret." 
 
 This is the latest action upon the subject we find to have been taken 
 previous to the cessation of coining in New England. 
 
 In 1680 Randolph still complained of the " Bostoneers," that " They coyne 
 money of their owne impress." 1 And in his "Articles of high Misdemeanor, 
 
 'Archives, vol. c, p. 285. 2 Hutchinson Papers, vol. ii, p. 265. 
 
86 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 exhibited against the General Court sitting 15th February, 1681," " The said 
 faction have neglected to repeale all laws of their colony contrary to the 
 laws of England, though required thereunto by his Majesty's letters of 28th 
 of Feb. 1662, and the observance thereof promised by their agents at that 
 time ; and also by particular direction from the right honourable the Lords 
 of the committee of trade and plantation to their late agents, in 1678, by 
 which meanes coining of money (acknowledged in their agents' petition to his 
 Majesty, a great crime and misdemeanor, who then craved his Majesty's 
 pardon to the government for the same,) is continued to this day, &c." 
 
 Lord Culpepper states, August, 1681, Eandolph's papers having been sent 
 to him, " C I have perused Mr. Eandolph's writings sent me, and, during my 
 stay in Boston, did hear most of the matters of fact specified therein.' He 
 added, ( that the coinage of New-England was greatly prejudicial to the king's 
 subjects.' " r 
 
 The committee on plantation, in April, 1678, expressed the opinion " That 
 though his majesty may, upon due application, grant the colony a charter, 
 with power of coining, yet they must solicit his majesty's pardon." 2 
 
 In a letter from the king to the Court, October, 1681, the accusation is 
 made " That you presume to continue your mint, without regard to the pen- 
 alties thereby incurred ; " 3 and in June, 1683, Randolph says, " They persist 
 in coining money, though they had asked forgiveness for that otfence." 4 
 
 Thus the mint appears to have been a fruitful source of dissatisfaction, 
 furnishing a ready and acceptable weapon for the enemies of the colony, and 
 finally called forth the proceedings recorded in the ensuing documents. 
 
 The following letter, found at the State Paper Office, in London, 5 is the 
 first of a series of documents bearing upon the reestablishment of the mint 
 in New England : 
 
 "Letter to Mr. Guy, about Instructions to be prepared by y' Comm 1 '* of 
 y e Customs for New England — Monopoly — The Mint : 
 
 rt S 1 Council Chamber, 22 November, 1684. 
 
 " His Ma ty having thought fit to appoint Col. Kirk 6 to be Governor of the 
 Colony of Massachusets Bay and other adjacent Provinces in New England, 
 
 •Chnlmer's Annuls, Book i, p. 438; 2 ibid, p. 440; 3 ibid, p. 448; 4 ibid, p. 462. s Colonial 
 Entry Book, vol. lxi, p. 218. 6 Col. Percy Kirke, — he never entered upon the duties of Govern- 
 orship, to which he was appointed. See Drake's Hist. Boston, p. 458. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 87 
 
 and the E* hono bl the Lords of the Committee for Trade & forrein Planta- 
 tions, having under consideration the preparing such Instructions for Col. 
 Kirk as may be most proper for the Goverment of those Colonyes, have 
 ordered me to acquaint the Lords Comm 18 of the Treasury, with the desire 
 that the Comm rs of the Customs may be directed to consider of and prepare 
 a draught of such Instructions (from his Ma ty to the Governor,) relating to 
 Trade and Navigation, as may best Conduce to the Execution of the Acts of 
 Parliam* in that behalf. And that the Comm 1 ' 8 of the customs may likewise 
 consider of the clause herevnto annexed concerning trade and Engrossing of 
 Comodities, and return their opinion thereupon. Their Lo ps having likewise 
 taken notice that a mint has hitherto been kept up and imployed at Boston 
 in New England, for the Coyning of money different in value and alloy from 
 that of England, and it being now in his ma* power to continue or set 
 aside the further exercise of such a mint, as shall be found most requisit for 
 his Service, Do further desire the Lords Comm" of the Treasury to receive 
 the opinion of the Comm rs of the Mint in this matter, that his ma tys pleasure 
 may be knowne thereupon, and Instructions given to Colonel Kirk accordingly. 
 "22 November 1684." 
 
 Neither of the letters from Mr. Guy, referred to in the following reports, 
 can be found : 
 
 " To the K* Hon We y e L ds Comm 1 ' 8 of his Majesty 8 Treasry. 
 "May it please yo 1 Lordp 8 , 
 
 " In Obedience to yo 1 Lordp 6 Comands signified by m 1 Secretary 
 Guy, ye 24 of Novb 1 last, in Keference to a Mint w ch hath been hitherto kept 
 up & imployed at Boston in New England, 
 
 "Wee haue mett with a Copy of what was ordered by the then Court 
 as they termed themselves, being of the Collony of Massachusets, & sitting 
 at Boston, in N E aforesaid, did in y B year 1652, Settle j" s d Mint, w ch manor 
 of settlem" Wee put down in their owne words (Viz.) 
 
 "Itt is ordred by this Court & y e Authority thereof, that a Mint house 
 be erected in Boston, Ano Dom, 1652, and that y e mastor of y e s d Mint & all 
 y e officers thereof, shall be sworne & allowed by this Court or by such as 
 shal be Authorized by this Court for that purpose. And all persons whatsoeuer 
 haue Liberty to bring into y B s d Mint all Bullian, Plate, or Spanish Coyne', 
 there to be Melted & brought to Allay of starling mony by the mastor of y e 
 s d Mint & his sworne officers, from time to time, by him or them to be 
 
88 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Coyned in to 12 peny, 6 peny, or 3 peny Pieces, w oh shal be Stamped with a 
 double Ring on either side, with this Inscription : Massachusets and a tree in 
 y e Center, and on y e one side, New England, with the year of o r Lord & the 
 figners xii. vi. iii. according to the uallue of each piece, on the other side, to 
 gether with a privy Marke, w oh shalbe appoynted euery three Months by y c 
 G-ouernor, & only knowne to him & the sworn Officers of the Mint ; and 
 y e mastor of ye Mint afore said is Requiered to Coyne all the said Mony of 
 good silver, of y e Just allay of new starling English Mony, and for Value 
 Two pence in y e shilling of Less Vallue then y e present English Coyne & 
 the Lesser pieces proportianably ; and all such Coyn as aforesaid (& no 
 other, Except English,) shal be acknowledged to be the Currant Mony of 
 this Conionwealth, and to pass from man to man in all payments accordingly 
 w th in this Jurisdiction. 
 
 "And the Mint Mastor, for himselfe & officers, for their pains & Labour 
 in Melting, Refining, & Coyning, is allowed by this Court to take One shilling 
 out of euery twenty shillings w ch he shal stamp as aforesaid. And it shal 
 be in the Liberty of any person who brings into the Mint house any Bullion, 
 Plate, or Spanish Coyn, to be present & to se the same Melted, refined, & 
 allayed, & then to take a Receipt of the Mastor of the Mint for y e weight 
 of that w ch is good siluer, allayed as aforesaid, for w ch y B Mint mastor shall 
 deliver him the Like weight in Currant Mony, (Viz) euery shilling to weigh 
 3 pene Troy weight, & lessor pieces proportianably, deducting allways for 
 Coynage as before is exsprest. And it is further ordered that a Comittee 
 be Chosen to appoynt a Mint house in sum Conveniant place in Boston, & to 
 approue & Swear y e Mastor, & to ordor & determine what shal further appere 
 Necessary to cary on this Order to effect. 
 
 "Wee haue examened y e 12 pene, 6 C \ & 3 d pieces coyned at y e Mint in 
 Boston in 1ST E aforesaid, for weight & allay, & do finde as to y e allay it is 
 equal to his Maj ts silver Coyns of England, but different in weight, being 
 Less by about 21 grains upon the shilling, & so proportianobly in the other 
 Coyns from his Majesty 8 shilling Coyne, w cl1 is near two pence three farthings 
 upon the shilling, & is about 22 1 p Cent ; besides a third more is allowed 
 for the Coynage then what hath been allowed for the Coynage of his Maj sts 
 Silver Mints in England. 
 
 "The preserving of one certain Standard for weight & fineness of his 
 Maj sts silver Coyns, in all his Maj sts Kingdoms & Dominians, is Very much 
 for the Security & advantage of his Maj sty and the altering thereof, w oh are 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 89 
 
 y e Comon measures given by his Maj sty unto his people, cannot well be done 
 in any one of his Maj sts s d Dominians without eminent prejudice to the Best. 
 
 " Besides, according to y e advantage before set downe, it will be a great 
 Encoragem" for y e drawing away y e Current Cojns of this Kingdom, so fan- 
 as that trade may promote it. It will also be y e occasian of makeing all 
 Marchandize & other goods rise in proportion to that Mony. 
 
 " Wee are humbly of opinian, if his Maj sty shal think fitt to settle a Mint 
 in N E, for making of Coyns of silver, of 12 pences, 6 cl , & 3 d , that they be 
 made in weight & fineness answerable to his Majestys Silver Coyns of 
 England, & not otherwise. 
 
 "And for smaller pieces, (Viz) farthings, half penc, and peny pieces, if 
 his maj sty shal so think fitt, that they be made of Tinn, & so supplyed from 
 hence, which will be to his Maj sts advantage. 
 
 " It also may be observed, that tho' they haue Continued this unwarrant- 
 able way of Coyning of Monys euer since y e year 1652, yet there is no alter- 
 ation of date appears upon their Coyne of 12 d , 6 d , & 3 d pieces, but the same 
 date (Viz) 1652, as was at first coyning of them. 
 
 "Itt is also further to be obserued that for y e Incoragein" of bringing 
 Silver to their Mint to be Coyned, they do promis that there shall be but 
 two pence in y e shilling Less in Vallue then the English shilling, but aftor 
 the Mint master hath the same in Custody & Coyned the same, they order 
 him to pay y e Mony out by weight at 3 d Troy weight for their shillings & 
 lessor pieces proportianably, w ch 3 pene Troy is about 9 d I Starling, and makes 
 out the amo" as before about 22 \ p Cent besides the Charge of Coynage. all 
 w ch we humbly Leaue to yo 1 ' Lordps further Consideration. 
 
 " Dated at y e Mint y* 15 day of Jan iy , 1684. ' Tho JS"eale 
 
 Cha. Duncombe 
 Ja. Hoare." 1 
 
 " To the E' Hon ble Lawrence, Earle of Rochester, 2 
 
 x Lord high Tresurer of England, 
 
 " May it please yo 1 ' Lo p 
 
 " In obediance to yo 1 ' Lord ps Comands, Signified to us y e 
 10 th of this month, by Letter from Henry Guy, Esq 1 ., Wee haue Considored 
 of the papers enclosed to us in y e s d Letter concerning a Mint to be reestab- 
 lish! in New England, & doe find that Vpon alike reference from y B L ds 
 
 1 Archives, vol. c, p. 350 ; 2 vol. c, p. 388. 
 
90 THE EAKLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Com rs of the Treasury, of y B 24 Noub 1 , 1684, of this Matter the officers of the 
 Mint did by their Report of the 15 of Jan 17 following deliver their opinion 
 concerning y e same, a Copy of w cl1 Report is hereunto annext, no cause 
 appering to us to ater our Judgm tts therein, presuming only to add this 
 further, that when a grant was obtained by S r Thomas Vyner & others, in 
 y e year 1662, for Coyning Small Silver monys in Ireland, aftor it wass by 
 his Maj sty in Council refered to the Lord Tresurer & Chancellour of the 
 Exchecq r , who heard the pattentees & the officers of the Mint upon Report 
 of their Lord ps , His Late Maj sty , by his ordor in Council of the 14th of 
 November, 1662, was pleased to Comand the s d Letters Pattents to be deliv- 
 ered up at the borde to be canceled for waighty Reasons exprest in the s d 
 Report. Wee may likewise obserue to yo 1 Lord ps that when in y e year 1678 
 the Earle of Carlisle did make application for ppwer to Erect a Mint in 
 Jamaca, of w ch Island he was Gou r , it was then found Impracticable, under 
 the termes of keeping the weight & fineness of the Moneyes to English 
 Standard, (w ch can not be altered, as we humebly Conceive,) with out dishon 1 ' 
 to his Maj sts Coyns, & prejudice to his subjects of his other Dominians, in 
 w ch opinion we are Confirmed by y e Report made upon this occasion by y e 
 Lords of y e Comitte for trade & forraigne Plantations, y e 8 th of ffeb v 1678. 
 As for the second part of m r Guys Letter, w ch directs us to think upon some 
 other Inscriptions more agreable to the Kings prerogative, to be stampt upon 
 y e Coyne of New England, if a Mint be settled there, Wee craue some time 
 to Considor of, after yo 1 ' Lord ps shal have perused these papers, & will be 
 redy to obay yo r Lord ps therein. 
 
 " Dated at the Mint the 15 th day of July, 1686. 
 
 Phil Loycl 
 
 Tho. Neale 
 Cha: Duncombe 
 Ja: Hoare." 
 
 * It has been the opinion of most writers upon the subject that this coinage 
 was continued until suppressed by action of the authority of the crown, 
 during the administration of Sir Edmund Andros. This could hardly have 
 been the case, as Andros did not reach this country until the latter part of 
 December, 1686, before which time the foregoing papers show the reestab- 
 lishment of the mint to have been proposed. 
 
 The information already given upon this point favors the belief that it 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 91 
 
 terminated, (the machinations of its enemies probably being not without influ- 
 ence in producing this result,) with the expiration of the agreement with the 
 mint masters, dated June 3d, 1675, although it is impossible now to determine 
 with certainty. 
 
 The final closing of the mint would, in this case, probably have been 
 somewhat later than June 3d, 1G82, as the committee report, June 3d, 1675, 
 " that the former masters of the mint, vizt. Robert Saunderson & John Hull, 
 doe Continue to mint what siluer bulljon shall come in for this Seven yeares 
 next to Come, if either of them Hue so long," — its actual termination would 
 therefore be extended more, or less, from that date, according as there hap- 
 pened to be much, or little, uncoined silver on hand at that time. 
 
 It appears certain, however, that coining was discontinued, and the mint 
 abandoned, as early as 1684, as may be seen from the letter of the - officers of 
 the king's mint, already given, dated January 15th, 1684 (-5,) referring to a 
 letter dated November 24th, 1684, which spoke of " a Mint w ch hath been 
 hitherto kept up & imployed at Boston in New England," — a vague expres- 
 sion, but explained by a later sentence in the same, where the officers state, 
 " Wee are humbly of opinian, if his Maj sty shal think fitt to Settle a Mint in 
 N E," and also by a reference in the letter of July 15, 1686, from the same, 
 to the lord high treasurer of England, where they say, " Wee haue Considored 
 of the papers enclosed to us in y e s d Letter concerning a Mint to be reestab- 
 lisbt in New England, & doe find that vpon alike reference from y B L ds 
 Com rs of the Treasury of y e 24 Nov 1 ', 1684, of this Matter," thus proving that 
 the letter of November 24th, 1684, had reference to the reestablishment of the 
 mint, which, as a matter of course, must previously have been discontinued. 
 
 " Letter from M r Guy to M r Blathway 4 , w th papers about a Mint, &C. 1 
 «S r 
 
 " By my Lord Treasurers Command, I send you the two inclosed Papers 
 about reestablishing a Mint in New England, w ch his Lo p desires you to lay 
 before the Lords of the Comittee for Trade and Plantations. 
 
 " I am, S 1 ', Yo r most humble Servant, Hen. Ghiy. 
 
 " Treasury Chambers, 23 7bris, 1686." 
 
 "Reasons for a Mint in New England. 2 
 « ^st ]y[ one y i s ftie measure for the valuation of Houses, Lands, or Goods, 
 
 Colonial Entry Book, vol. Ixi, p. 137 ; 2 Ibid. 
 
92 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 but because the Stock of Lands & Goods in every Country is one hundred 
 times more then the Stock of Money, there fore the value of Money must of 
 necessity depend upon & be governed by the value of Goods. Witness the 
 rising & falling of Money in Bills of Exchange every weeke. 
 
 " 2. Although the Standard of the Money of England hath been kept in 
 its purity and fineness, yet the value and weight thereof hath been very often 
 changed, according to the Rate of Silver and Increase of Trade, So that the 
 Old Easterling penny of the Conqueror was raised to three half pence by 
 King Henry the 6th, thence to Two Pence by King Edward the 4th, and 
 thence to three pence by Queen Elizabeth. 
 
 " 3. The Trade of New England consisting cheifly in Fish, Provisions, 
 and Lumber, exported to His Ma* 3 " 5 Southern Plantations in America, and to 
 the Dominions of the King of Spain in Europe, The returns from the former 
 are made in Sugar, Tobacco, and other Commodities of the growth of those 
 Parts, w ch are again reshipped for England, and thereby Imploy a double nav- 
 igation ; but from Spain are brought pieces of Eight, which being of unequal 
 weight and value, did necessitate the then Governm* of New England (neer 
 forty yeares since,) to Erect a mint for making of Silver moneys, to be 
 currant in that Country, as the Standard and measure of Trade, all payments 
 being since made in that money, which is in fineness equal to the money of 
 England, but less in weight, the shilling being in value nine pence farthing, 
 and smaller Pieces proportionable, and frequently brought into England for 
 want of other Returnes. 
 
 "4. The Rents of Houses and Land have been paid, and all Goods bought 
 & Sold for many years in New England, by this measure, and the altering 
 of it, and bringing it to the standard of Old England, would enrich the 
 Landlord and Creditor, but it would ruyne the Tenant and Debtor, destroy 
 the Trade of that Country, and bring no advantage, but loss to the King, whose 
 Customes and Poundage Circulats in that Coyn, as well as in any other. 
 
 " 5. In case his Ma ty shall not upon these Considerations, think fit to 
 settle or Continue a Mint in New England, It will be absolutely necessary 
 and not to be avoyded without y B Ruyne of the Plantation, that Pieces of 
 Eight, which is a Forrein Coin, Bee made Currant there (as they are now 
 in all the other Plantations in America,) at. the same Rate as are now pro- 
 posed for his ma tys Coin, which leaves the same inconvenience, if any, as is 
 apprehended by the officers of the Mint, in case the mint be continued in 
 New England. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 93 
 
 " Lastly. It is not proposed that Letters Patents be granted to any one 
 for a Mint in New England, as in the case of S r Thomas Viner, but that 
 every thing be performed by his ma tys officers, and the Profit that shall arise 
 by the Coinage, applyed to his Ma 1 *" 8 use. 
 
 " Memorand 
 
 "A Copy hereof being sent to the officers of the Mint, They attended 
 their Lo ps and presented the following Answer thereunto. 
 
 "Answer to Reasons for a Mint in New England. 
 
 "1. Wee agree that money is the measure of Lands, Goods, Houses, &c. 
 and therefore do deny that Lands, Houses, and Goods (tho' never so much,) 
 can be the measure of Money, It being an absolute contradiction. As to the 
 rising and falling of money by Bills of Exchange, it depends intirely upon 
 the Plenty or Scarcity of money, and not upon the number of Houses or 
 Extent of Lands. 
 
 "2. As to the standard of the money of England in weight and value, 
 wee do own it hath been often altered, occasioned by the increase of Silver, 
 &c, But that is no reason why the Mint in one part of His Ma tys Dominions 
 should not hold equal Balance with that of the other. 
 
 " 3. What their Trade of Fish, Provisions, and Lumber, or Returnes in 
 Pieces of Eight from Spain, relates to the Erecting a Mint in New England 
 differing from the Mint here, wee do not understand. 
 
 "4. That their Rents, Houses, and Lands, and all Goods, have been 
 negotiated at 9 d for a shilling (w ch is about 25 per cent less then the money 
 of England,) and that if they should be ordered to make their Mint agree with 
 that here, it would ruyne the Tenant and Debitor, and destroy the Trade of 
 the Country, &c. To which wee Answer, that as to their future Trade, it will 
 most certainly conform it self to y e intrinsick value of the money. And as to 
 former Rents & Debts care may be taken that they may be discharged at 
 15 s per pound, w ch holds proportion with the current money of England, upon 
 which, if their new Mint be made agreeable to his ma** 8 here, in our humble 
 opinions there can ensue no -dishonnor to his ma ty nor loss to the People. 
 
 " 5. In case his ma ty shall not think fit to settle a mint in New England, 
 then to make pieces of Eight Current there, &c, To w ch wee answer that 
 pieces of 1 are but a Commodity as other merchandizes are, and they may 
 
94 THE EARLY COI3STS OF AMERICA. 
 
 be left at liberty to Barter the one against the other, as their Interest Guides 
 them. 
 
 " 6. When his ma ty thinks fit to settle a mint in New England wee shall 
 be ready humbly to offer the best Rules and Instructions wee can for its 
 Establishment. 
 
 O. Wynne, Tho, Neale, Ja. Hoare. 
 
 " Mint, 23 th October, 1686." 
 
 "At the same time was presented the two following Reports to my Lord 
 Trear from the Comm rs of the Mint, touching a Mint in New England." 
 
 Here follow the reports of January 15, 1685, and July 15, 1686, already 
 given on pages 87 to 90. 
 
 " Report of the Committee ab* a Mint in New England, &c. 
 "May it please yo 1 Ma ty 
 
 " Wee have lately had under Our Consideration a Proposall made unto us 
 for reestablishing a Mint in yo 1 ma* 5 ' 3 Territory of New England vnder the 
 Governm* of S r Edmund Andros ; And having consulted the Comm vs of yo 1 
 mat ys Mint here in England in that behalf, Wee do not find that the reestab- 
 lishing a Mint for the Coining of money in New England may be for yo 1 
 ma* 78 service there, But wee humbly offer Our opinions to yo 1 ' Ma* 5, that for 
 the benefit of the Trade and Commerce of those parts, S r Edmund Andros 
 may have power, by Proclamation, to Regulate pieces of Eight and other 
 forreign Coin Imported thither, to such current value as he shall find most 
 requisite for yo 1 ' ma tys Service and the Trade of yo r Subjects there. 
 
 " Council Chamber, 13 October, 1686." 
 
 " Order of Councill ag 8t a Mint, but y* pieces of 8 shall passe in N. England. 
 "At the Court at White hall, the 27 th of October, 1686. 
 
 "By the King's most Excellent ma 1 * & the Lords of his ma tys most 
 hono ble Privy Councill. 
 
 "Whereas the R* hono Me the Lords of the Committee for Trade and 
 Plantations, did by their Report this day read at the Board, Represent that 
 they have lately had under consideration a Proposall made unto them for 
 reestablishing a Mint in his ma* 5 ' 8 Territory of New England, under the 
 Governm* of S r Edmund Andros, And having consulted the Officers of his 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 95 
 
 ma tys Mint here, in that behalf, Their Lo* 16 do not find the same to be for his 
 ma* 518 Service, But offered it, as their opinions, that for the benefit of Trade 
 & Commerce in those Parts, S 1 ' Edmund Andros may have Power, by Procla- 
 mation, To Regulate the Pieces of 8 and other Forrein Coines Imported 
 thither, to such current value as he shall find most requisite for his ma tys 
 Service and the Trade of his subjects there, w cl1 his ma 17 taking into Consid- 
 eration, was pleased to approve of their Lo ps opinion, and accordingly did 
 order that S 1 ' Edmund Andros be, and he is hereby authorized & Impowered 
 by Proclamation to Regulate Pieces of 8 and other forrein Coine within the 
 said Territory of New England, to such current value as he shall judge most 
 requisite for his ma tys Service, and the Trade of His Subjects there. 
 
 John Nicholas." 
 
 " His Ma tys Letter for the valuation of Pieces of 8, &c, in New England. 
 
 " Trusty and welbeloved, wee greet you well. Whereas it may conduce 
 to the benefit of Trade & the Commerce of Our Subjects within our Terri- 
 tory and Dominion of New England, that the Currant value of Pieces of 
 Eight and other forreign Coyn be forthwith setled according to the usage of 
 Our other Plantations ; Our will and Pleasure there fore is, That by Procla- 
 mation under Our Seal for Our said Dominion in New England, you Regulate 
 the Price of pieces of Eight and other forrein Coyn Imported thither, in such 
 manner & to such a Currant value as you, with the advice of Our Councill, 
 shall find most requiset for our Service and the Trade of Our Subjects there. 
 
 "And for so doing this shall be yo r warrant. 
 
 " Given at Our Court at Whitehall, the 31 st day of October, 1686, in the 
 second year of Our Reign. 
 
 "By his ma* 5 ' 8 Command. Sunderland." 
 
 Chalmers says that "Andros arrived at Boston in December, 1686." 
 "In order to facilitate the colonial commerce, Andros applied for leave to 
 continue the practice, that had commenced in the year 1652, that had been 
 pursued to this time, notwithstanding the prohibitions of Charles, of coining 
 money at Boston. But the project being referred to the officers of the mint, 
 they confuted his arguments, and decided against his application. But he 
 was empowered to regulate the circulation and value of foreign coins." 1 
 
 1 Polit. Annals, p. 421. 
 
96 THE EAKLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 It would appear from the preceding documents found at the State Paper 
 Office, in London, that the plan of authorizing Andros to regulate the value 
 of foreign coin, must have originated there, and was probably consummated 
 while he was upon his passage ; but we see no reason to believe that he 
 exercised that privilege, or indeed, troubled himself in any manner as to the 
 financial affairs of the colony. 
 
 We find in the records of the Council and Court, 1 January 24th, 161$, 
 which was after the overthrow of Andros, this, among the instructions to Sir 
 Henry Ashurst, Elisha Cooke, M r Increase Mather, and D 1 ' Thomas Oakes, 
 agents, soon to depart for England, " 9 thly , You are to Solicite, That the Lib- 
 erty of Coynage may be allowed us." 
 
 What action was taken by these gentlemen toward the fulfilment of this 
 part of their duty is unknown, except so far as may be inferred from the 
 ensuing report, 2 which was evidently called forth by their petition, which we 
 have been unable to find. 
 
 " To the R* Hon ble the Lords Com rs of their Ma tles Treasury : 
 
 "May it please your Lop s , — 
 
 " In Obedience to your Lp s Reference of the 12 Jan. Instant, 
 Signified to Us by M r Secretary Guy, touching the Proposalls, and Reasons 
 offered to their Ma ties by Sr William Phipps, 3 etc., for obtening their Ma ties 
 Royall favour to be granted to the Generall Court in the Province of the 
 Massachusetts Bay in New England to Privelige them with Liberty of Coyning 
 for the Benefitt of their Ma ties Subjects in that Territory, 
 
 "Wee haue considered their Reasons, And humbly offer to your Lop s 
 our Opynions in Answer thereunto. 
 
 " As to the first, second, and third Reasons, wee Conceive it very proba- 
 ble, That most of the Monies which have been coined in New England from 
 the year 1652 (when they had the priveledge of Coyning,) may still remain 
 there. The Lightness of those Coines from Jamaica, Barbadoes, and other 
 places, in Returns of Trade, (some of which might prove Counterfeit,) soe 
 that it is scarse credible (as they suggest,) that shoppkeepers and those that 
 are buyers should labour under such difficulties for want of Small Monies for 
 
 1 Vol. vi, p. 105 ; also Archives, vol. xxxv, p. 181. 2 Treasury Papers, London. 
 3 Phipps arrived in Boston, as Governor, in May, 1692, and with him returned Dr. Increase 
 Mather. — Drakes Boston, p. 498. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 97 
 
 Change, Since the coyned monies of New England are the shilling, Sixpence, 
 three Pence, and two Pence, Besides Small Spanish coins, which are current 
 there as well as in the other English Colonies. And in Lieu of Smaller 
 Pieces (if there Ma ties shall think fitt,) They may be Supplyed with Pence, 
 Halfe Pence, and farthings of Tinn, from England, to their Ma ties Advantage. 
 
 "As to the Priviledges of Coynage which (they say,) has been granted 
 to some other English Plantations, To the East India Company, &c, Wee 
 answer The Priveleges of Coynage has not been granted to any of the 
 English Plantations, (as is represented,) But on the contrary The Create and 
 Repeated Applications which were made to their late Ma Hes by the Respective 
 Governors of Jamaica and New England, for obteining of such a Privelege, 
 were ineffectuall. 
 
 And the Instance of the East Indian Company is very different from 
 the present case. Their Privelege of Coynage being restrained and limitted 
 to their Forts in India, And to the Coines of Monies Current in the Domin- 
 ions and Territories of those Indian Princes onely. 
 
 " But if their Ma ties shall be graciously pleased to grant the Priveledge 
 of Coyning Monies to the Generall Court in the said Province of the Mas- 
 sachusetts Bay in New England, 
 
 " Wee humbly Propose to your Lordshippes that it may be directed and 
 appointed, That the Monies to be made and Coined there may be in weight 
 and fineness according to the standard of their Ma ties Mint in England. 
 
 " Since the Preservening of one Certain Standard in weight and ffineness 
 of there Ma ties Silver Coines, in all their Kingdomes and Dominions is very 
 much for the Security and Advantage of theire Ma^ 3 and their Subjects, 
 (Being the Common Measure given by their Ma ties to their People,) The 
 Altering whereof in any one of their Dominions can not but occasion Eminent 
 Prejudice to the Eest. Ben Ouerton, 
 
 Tho Neale, 
 
 "Mint, Jan. 19, 1691. Ja Hoar." 
 
 John Hull was not living at the time of the final action of the officers 
 of the crown, upon the restoration of the mint, he having died October 1st, 
 
 1683. 
 
 His residence was in what was at that time the south part of the town, 
 but is now north of the centre of the city, — its site being on Pemberton 
 HihVa- little southerly of the entrance to Pemberton Square. 
 
98 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 Rev. John Cotton, of Boston, says in his will, proved January 27th, 
 1652-3, " and because the south part of my house, which Sir Henry Vane built 
 while he sojourned with me, he by a deed gave it at his departure to my 
 son Seaborne, I doe yrefore leave it unto him as his by right," &c. Rev. 
 John Cotton, of Plymouth, (son of the above-named,) in 1664 confirmed this 
 devise to Seaborne, and he sells this part to John Hull. In 1677 Nicholas 
 Paige bought the residue of the estate ; and in 1682 this also was bought 
 by Mr. Hull. It was afterwards occupied by Hull's son-in-law, Judge Samuel 
 Sewall, who is said to have received with the daughter of the mint master 
 her weight in the coinage of his mint. Part of this estate was subsequently 
 owned by Gardiner Greene. 1 
 
 Without a wish to detract in the least from the well-earned laurels of 
 John Hull, we cannot but think that injustice has been done to the memory 
 of Robert Saunderson, by all who have attempted a history of this mint. He 
 was appointed, as Hull states, at his especial request, as his equal in office, 
 (the records frequently mentioning the " mint masters.") In the agreement of 
 June 3d, 1675, he is first named, and his signature precedes that of Hull ; 
 and why all the honors of the office should, in later years, have been accorded 
 to Hull, we are unable to imagine. 
 
 Robert Saunderson and Lydia, his wife, were among the earliest settlers 
 in Hampton, in 1638. He soon removed to Watertown, and, about the year 
 1612, married Mary, widow of John Cross. Here he remained until about 
 1653, when he moved to Boston, where he filled the office of deacon in one 
 of the churches, and, Savage says, " was partner in gainful business with 
 John Hull, the mint master." His death occurred October 7th, 1693. 
 
 In 1696 another effort was made to prevent the exportation of money, 
 and the following order was passed : 2 
 
 " By the Hon We the Lieu* Gov r and Council. 
 " Ordered, 
 
 That Sam! Sewall, John Foster, and Bliakim Hutchinson, Esq 1 ?, 
 
 be a Comittee of this Board to confer with a Comittee to be appointed by 
 the Assembly, upon some Proposals offered as an Expedient to prevent the 
 Exportation of the money currant of this Province out of the same : And to 
 prepare and bring in a Bill for that purpose, If they thinke it advisable. 
 "May 30 th , 1696. "John Addington, Secry." 
 
 ■Drake's Old Landmarks. s Archives, vol. ci, p. 55. 
 
PRACTICAL TREATISE 
 
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 and resolntton."— Report of Committee of Che House of Lords, ISIS- 
 
 FOUETH AMERICAN EDITION, 
 
 WITH AN 
 
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 Published Quarterly. Terms, $2.00 a year, in advance. 
 Address JEREMIAH CO LB URN, 18 SOMERSET STREET) BOSTON, MASS. 
 
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 Buys and Sells all kinds of American and Foreign Coins and Medals 
 
 AT THE — 
 
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Part 4. 
 
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 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPRISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OP 
 
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 AND THE 
 
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 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
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 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
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NEW CO INS OF THE WORLD. 
 
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 Richly Illustrated with Sixty Engravings, 
 
 300 Pages, Price Three Dollars, 
 
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 A list of all the National and State banks in operation to date, 2,500 in number ; the lo- 
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 vate Bankers in the United States, 2,100 in number ; with population of each place. A list 
 of chartered Savings banks in New England, New York, Maryland, New Jersey, California, 
 and Pennsylvania, 500 in number. An alphabetical list of 2,500 Cashiers and of assistant 
 Cashiers in the United States. List of Stock Brokers in New York, Philadelphia, Boston 
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 Stocks and Bonds ; of Cotton, Sugar, Corn, etc. The daily premium on -Gold for a series of 
 years. The production of Gold and Silver throughout the world, in the last twenty years. 
 Annual Report on the Condition of the National banks for eight years, 1863-1872. The 
 Censug of the United States, 1860 and 1870, compared. Population of all the prominent 
 cities and towns in the United States; Postal Rates, 1872 ; with numerous other subjects 
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 Also, engravings of new coins of England, France, Germany, Russia, Swe- 
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 •WITH .A. DBSCBIPTION OIF BA.CH1 COIN 
 
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 Address the Bankers' Magazine Office 251 Broadway, 
 
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MASSACHUSETTS. 99 
 
 " Capt. Nathan 1 Bjfield, M 1 Nehemiah Jewet, M' Nathan 1 Oliver, and M' 
 John Eyre, are appointed by this House to joyne wifh the Gent 1 " abovenamed. 
 "May 30 th , 1696. Penn Townsend, Speaker." 
 
 Upon the baek of the paper containing' the last order, is this proposition 
 of the committee : 
 
 "In addition to the Act against Counterfeiting, Clipping, Rounding. 
 Filing, or impairing of Coyne, Tis humbly proposed, That the Covne of the 
 late Massachusetts Colony, and Mexico, Sevil, & Pillar pieces of Ki/dit, & half 
 pieces, be made to pass currant at Seven shillings p ounce, Troy weight. 
 
 "And that a Suitable Clause be drawn up, to prevent the Importation of 
 Mone y- Sam 1 Sewall, in the 
 
 "June 2", 1696. name A: behalf of y Comittce." 
 
 Failing in all attempts to secure a coinage of their own, the Assembly, 
 in 1692, passed an act entitled "An Act against the Counterfeiting, Clipping, 
 Rounding, Filing, or Impairing of Coynes," 1 which, beside providing a penalty 
 for counterfeiting, also regulated the value of coins. This was the act referred 
 to by the committee last appointed : 
 
 ' Whereas divers false and evil disposed persons have attempted and 
 practised, for wicked lucre and gain's sake, to diminish, impair, and falsi lie 
 the money and eoynes currant within this province, by counterfeiting or 
 clipping, rounding or filing thereof, not only to the great discredit of the 
 province and the government thereof, but also to the great loss ami damage 
 of their majesties 1 subjects ; and more is like to be if the same be not 
 speedily met withal and prevented ; for remedy whereof, — 
 
 " Be it enacted, and declared and established by the Governour, Council, 
 and Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the 
 
 same, 
 
 " TSect. l.l That the coyn of the late Massachusetts Colony shall pass 
 currant at the rate it was stampt for. And pieces of eight, sevil, pillar, and 
 Mexico of full seventeen penny-weight, shall pass currant at six shillings per 
 niece and half pieces of due weight, pro rata, and quarter pieces of the same 
 coin at sixteen pence per piece, and realls of the same coin at eightpence 
 per piece. 
 
 i Province Laws, vol. i, p. 70. 
 
100 THE EARLY COIN'S OF AMERICA. 
 
 " [Sect. 2. ] And whosoever, from and after the publication of this act, 
 shall attempt and practice the counterfeiting, or clipping, rounding, filing, or 
 otherwise diminishing or debasing any of the monies and coins currant within 
 this province, being thereof lawfully convicted before the justices of assize, 
 shall forfeit double the value, of the money so counterfeited, clipped, rounded, 
 or filed, one half to their majesties towards the support of the government, 
 and the other half to the informer ; and shall also stand in the pillory, in 
 some open place in the shire town of that county where the offence is com- 
 mitted, and there have one of his ears cut off. [Passed November 24." 
 
 A note following the act says, " c The Act, &c, is also repealed, [August 
 22, 1695,] the punishment thereby inflicted being only forfeiture of double the 
 value of y e Coin impaired, & standing in y e Pillory and loosing an ear, it 
 being thought fit that these Crimes ought to be punisht as in England.' " 
 
 An act was passed, October 19, 1697, reviving Section 1 of the act of 
 1692, but omitting the objectionable features which caused the repeal of that 
 act. It was in these words : ] 
 "An Act For ascertaining the value of Coynes Currant within this Province. 
 
 "Whereas for many yeares past the money coyned in the late Massa- 
 chusetts Colony hath passed currant at the rate or value it was stampt for, 
 and good Sevil, pillar, or mexico pieces of Eight of full Seventeen penny 
 weight, have also passed Currant at Six Shillings p piece, and halfe pieces 
 of proportionable weight pro-rato, quarter pieces of the same Coin at sixteen 
 pence p piece, and Reals of the same Coin at eightpence p piece, 
 
 "Be it therefore Enacted and Declared by the Lieutenant Grovernour, 
 Council, & Representatives convened in General Assembly, And by the 
 authority of the Same, That all & every the Coynes before mentioned shall 
 stil be and continue currant money within this Province, and shall be accepted, 
 taken, and received at the respective values afores' 1 , according as' hath here- 
 tofore been accustomed. 
 
 " Provided, alwayes, That such of the s d Coynes as pass by tale, be not 
 diminished by washing, clipping, rounding, fileing, or scaling. 
 
 Read in Council, Vot d , and sent down to 
 
 "Octob 1 ' 19 th , 1697. the Representatives for Concurrance. 
 
 Is a Addington, Secry. 2 
 
 1 Archives, vol. ci, p. 93, and Province Laws, vol. i, p. '296. s An error on page 98 makes 
 this name "John Addinsftoii." 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 101 
 
 " Octob^ ig. 1697. Bead in the House of Kepresentatives 
 
 a first and Second time and debated. 
 "Read Read a third time. 
 
 18 th octo. Voted A Concurrence. 
 
 19 
 
 tii 
 
 Penn Townsend, Speaker." 
 
 One other act was passed this year, 1 possibly in accordance with the 
 proposition contained in the committee's report of Jime 2d, 1696. This is 
 the last act we find passed, during the seventeenth century, having reference 
 to the monetary affairs of the colony : 
 
 " Province of the Massachusetts Bay, ss. 
 
 "An Act prohibiting the Exportation of money and Bullion, 
 
 " Upon Consideration of the scarcity of money within this Province, and 
 the maney difficultys ariseing thereby, not onely w th respect to Trade and 
 commerce, But also for carrying on the publick Affajres of the Governm* 
 necessary for his Ma tys Service, more especially during the Rebellion & 
 troubles with the Indians, 
 
 " Be it Enacted by the L'* Gov 1 , Council, and Representatives in General 
 Court assembled and by the Authority of the same, That no person or 
 persons whatsoever shall or may export, Lade,, or put on board any Ship or 
 other Vessel], in order to export out of this Province any Coyne or Silver 
 moneys currant within the same, or Bullion over and above the Sum of Five 
 pounds for such person's necessary Expences, on Pain that all such money 
 or Bullion Ship't or put on board any Ship or other Vessell, for exportation 
 contrary to the true intent and meaning of this Act, shallbe liable to Seizure 
 and become Forfeit, and the Shipper to Forfeit the like Sum or value over 
 and above. 
 
 "And if it happen any money as afores cl , "or Bullion, (except to the value 
 aboves d , for any particular person's own Expence,) to be exported out of this 
 Province before Seizure thereof be made, or carried into any of the neigh- 
 bouring Governm ts & exported from thence, the person or persons that Ship't 
 or caused such money or Bullion to be carryed out of the province, laden, 
 or put on board any Ship or other Vessell, or the person or persons that 
 knowingly carried out or exported the same, being thereof convicted shall 
 
 1 Archives, vol. ci, p. 106, and Province Laws, vol. i, p. 306. 
 
102 THE EAKLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 incur the penalty and Forfeiture of double the Sum or value of the money 
 or Bullion so exported, Provided that Information, Suit, or prosecution for 
 the same be had and made within the space of 18 months next after the 
 offence comitted, and not afterward. 
 
 " The aforementioned several Forfeitures to be recovered by action, Bill, 
 Plaint, or Information in any of his Maj tys Courts of Record within this 
 Province, and to be imployed and disposed of two-thirds thereof for and 
 towards the Support of his Ma' 9 Governm* within the same, and the other 
 third to him or them that shall Informe & Sue for the same. 
 
 "And it shall and may be lawful to and for every Justice of the Peace, 
 upon Information given of any money or Bullion put on board any Ship or 
 other Vessell, for exportation or carrying out of y e Province to be export ! 
 by warrant under his hand & Seal, to cause the same to be Seized and 
 secured, in order to Tryal. And all officers imployed and about the customs 
 or Imposts, are hereby Impowred and required, ex officio, to cause Seizure 
 to be made as afores' 1 . 
 
 "And be it further Enacted by the Authority afores'! That every Master 
 of any Ship or other Vessel], before such Ship or Yessell be cleered at the 
 Impost office, shall make Oath to the following, That is to say, 
 
 "I, A. B., do Swear, That neither my selfe, nor any of the Company 
 belonging unto the Ship or Yessell whereof I am now master, nor passengers 
 goeing upon the same, have or shall by my knowledge, privity, or consent, 
 take on board or export in the s' 1 Ship or Yessell, any Bullion, Coyne, or 
 Silver money currant within the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, over 
 and above y e sum or value of Five pounds for my own or any of my marri- 
 ners or Passengers particular expences. So help me God. 
 
 " Which Oath the Cohiission 1 for Impost or Receiver are hereby respect- 
 ively Authorized and Impowred to Administer. 
 
 "Provided this Act shall remain in force until the end of the Session of 
 the General Assembly to be held upon y e last Wednesday in May, which 
 will be in the Year of our Lord 1700, and not afterwards. 
 
 " Decemb 1 21 st , 1697. Read in the House of Representatives. 
 
 " Read a Second time ; Read a Third time. 
 " Yoted, And sent up for Concurrance. 
 "21° Dec 1 ', 1697. p enn Townsend, Speaker. 
 
 "Read in Council and vot' 1 a concurrance 
 
 to be Engros't. I s * Addington, Secry." 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 103 
 
 The preceding papers comprise all known to us, which formed a part of 
 the laws authorizing' or regulating the silver coinage of New England. 
 Those which follow are all, not already printed, that we find preserved in the 
 Archives, relating to the same subject, and serve to show the different plans 
 submitted, at various times, some of which, though not adopted at the time 
 of their first proposal, were, at a later period, while all attempts to render 
 the coinage free, failed entirely. 
 
 The first of these papers, the petition of John Mansfeilld and his wife, 
 though of slight importance in its relation to the history of the mint, we 
 present as a quaint specimen of one among many petitions requiring the 
 attention of the Court at that period, this being, however, the only one having 
 any reference to the mint. This is endorsed " Jn° Mansfield, 1654. perused." 1 
 
 " To the Right Worshippfull gouernour, Depputie gouernour, with the 
 rest of the Maiestrats & depputies, 
 
 "May it please your worshipps to take into considderation the poore 
 Estate of John Mansfeilld, of charlstoune, that whereas your wprshipps was 
 pleassed by an order, one gennerall Court, to turne us ouer for reliefe of 
 this towne, myselfe, wife, & children, & wee can not haue it when wee do 
 need it unlesse wee part with our Children, contrary to that order, the which 
 Children, being young, will pine away, to the greate hassordinge of there 
 Hues, if wee should give them away ; besides, they are the greatest comfortt 
 in this world, and doe learne there bookes & thriue better with us, & are soe 
 loueing to us, & wee to them, that wee can not till how to part One from 
 other. And I, for my part, do verryly beleeife my wife would runne quite 
 Madd if anny of them should be taken from hir. 
 
 "And therfore your poore humblle petitionour do desire your Worshipps 
 would now be pleassed to lett your poore petitionours know what wee may 
 demaund on y 4 orde 1 weekly of our Gen" tonnes men ; while our Children 
 are ablle to goe to seruice, and haue had there learninge soe that wee there 
 parents might be better that keeps them. And alsoe your poore humble 
 petitioner morst humbly desires your worshipps would be pleassed to graunt 
 me to be the Country searuantt for helping to quine & melt & fine siluer 
 with m r Hull & good man Saunders, in the country howse withe them, for I 
 serued 11 yeares & \ prentiz to the same arte, & am a free man of London, 
 and am also sworne to be trew to the Country, as I hoope I shall, which, if 
 
 1 Archives, vol. cv, p. 4. 
 
104 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 soe greate a fauor be now graunted me, your poore Supplicants, my selfe, my 
 wife, & Children, shall haue Cause Euer after to pray for your Worshipps' 
 health, peace, & prosperitie heare in this life & euerlast reward with God 
 aboue. 
 
 " our howse do take fire manny times because it wants mendings, is like 
 to fall uppon our headds before we be awarr, & wee are not able to mend 
 it ; but is in great want of foode & other nessessaries both for ourselves & 
 Children, my selfe broaken bellied, my Wife much troubled in hir Mind 
 because of som Wrongs & to see how hard it is with us and how wee run 
 our selues in debt & all for the belly, and No worke stirring ; nor are wee 
 respected heare because we are soe poore & can not haue imployment in our 
 callings ; & we haue both ben Wronged both in our Bstats & good Name, 
 & noe healpe as yet, but patiently abide the Lord's pleassure. 
 
 "Your poore petitioners, 
 
 "John Mansfeilld, 
 
 & Mary Mansfeilld his 
 
 wife." 
 
 The first attempt to prohibit the exportation of coin met with defeat, 
 as, after being passed by the Magistrates, it was negatived by the Deputies. 
 The acts of August 22d, 1654, May 19th, 1669, and December 21st, 1697, 
 prove that this project met with more favor at a later date than when first 
 proposed. This proposition was made in 1654 : l 
 
 " Whereas, the end of Coyning mony w'hin this Comonwealth is for the 
 more easy managing the traficque thereof w'hin itself, & not Intended to 
 make Returnes to other Countrjes, which cannot Advance any proflitt to 
 such as send it, but Rather a fowe r th part Losse Ynlesse such persons doe 
 oppresse & extort in the sale of theire goods to make vp the sajd losse, 
 which practice occasioned heereby (through some men's preferring theire oune 
 gaine before the publick good,) doth bring an vndervalue vppon all Comod- 
 itjes Raised among ou r selves, and vtterly frustrate the end & vse of mony 
 amongst vs. This Court doth therefore order & enact that whatever person 
 or persons, be they stranngers or Inhabitants, that shall directly or Indirectly 
 export out of this Jurisdiccon any of the Cojne of this Countrje, after the 
 publication heereof, shall forfeite his or theire whole estate, one halfe to the 
 Countrje & the other halfe to such pson or psons as shall sue for the same, 
 
 1 Archives, vol. c, p. 46. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 105 
 
 & to the end that the breakers of this Lawe may be discouered, Itt is 
 Ordered that the County Court shall choose & Appointe in euery Port 
 Tonne w'hin theire seuerall Countjes a water Bayly or Searcher, that is 
 heereby Impowered to search any suspitious persons or Vessels, chests, 
 truncks, or any other thing or place, & vppon discouery of any somes of 
 money about to be transported, shall cease the same, and p r esent the Case to 
 the next County Court, who shall determine whither the said mony was 
 Intended, or about to be transported ; and if they so finde it, then to forfeite 
 the same, on halfe to the officer and the rest to the Countrje ; & if any shall 
 travill by land & be suspected to Cary mony, any pson, w th a Constable, 
 may search for the same ; if it be discouered it shall be forfeited, one halfe 
 to the Constable & the other pt to be oequally to be divided betweene the 
 pson & Constable y* doe search for it. The majists haue past this w th 
 Reference to the Consent of theire bretheren the depu ts heereto. 
 
 Edward Rawson, Secrety. 
 "Boston 12-- may, 1654. 
 
 " The deputyes Cannot Consent hereto. 
 
 William Torrey, Cleric." 
 
 There seems to be a clerical error here, in regard to the division of the 
 forfeited money, as it gives three quarters to the constable. It probably was 
 intended to be, one half to the country, but the manuscript reads, " one halfe 
 to the Constable," etc. 
 
 In June, 1669, Ave find a proposition for the trial and stamping of the 
 foreign coin yet in circulation. 1 This measure was passed by the Deputies, 
 but failed in the House of Magistrates." 
 
 " This Court being sensible of the great necessitie of money for the 
 more easie & Equall Carying on of Commerce amongst vs, & finding that 
 Coyninge hath not fully answered the Court's expectations, but there still 
 remaynes great want for a further supply, It is there fore ordered by this 
 Court & Authority thereof, & be It hereby enacted, that peeces of eyght 
 that are full weight, & of the finest of Sterlinge money, shall passe in all 
 payments of money of new england, at the price of 6 s , & halfe peeces, quarter 
 peeces, and halfe quarter peeces in like pportion. & for the better p r vention 
 of deceite herein, that Counterfeit & light peeces may not be be brought, to 
 
 •Arc'iives, vol. o, p. 136. 
 
106 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 the deceiuinge of the people, This Court doth further order that some meete 
 
 person shalbe appoynted to try & waygh all peices as affores tl , & all such as 
 
 he finds full weight, & to be of the finest of Sterling money, he shall put a 
 
 Stamp or marke vpon It, & receiue 4 d for the Stamping of each peece of 
 
 eyght, & in proportion for lesser peeces, which shall be for the vse & benefitt 
 
 of the Country; & without the marke or stamp aboues d no man shall be 
 
 Injoyned to receiue Spanish coyne as lawfull payment in this Jurisdiction. 
 
 & It is further ordered, that the person appoynted to try and marke Spanish 
 
 Coyne shall keepe a Just account of the Number he markes, & for whom, 
 
 & giue an account to the Treasurer of the Country every quarter of a yeare 
 
 . or oftener if required ; & the money he receiues for the marking, only 
 
 deducting what shalbe due vnto him, according to what shall be agreed from 
 
 time to time. The deputyes haue past this w th refferenee to the Consent of 
 
 o 1 " hon rd magists hereto. 
 
 William Torrey, Cleric. 
 « 2 of June, 1669. 
 
 " The magists Consent not heereto. Edw. Rawson, secrety." 
 
 Next in order comes a paper without date, but placed by Mr. Felt in 1671. 
 It is endorsed 
 
 " Mr. Wharton's paper about raising of money." x 
 !t That all former Accompts, debts, and transactions be Satisfyed, paid, and 
 discharged in specie, according to obligation, Agreement, or former Customes 
 saving in want thereof in pieces of eight, exept peru, at 6 s 8' 1 per ounce. 
 
 " That from and after 
 the money formerly Coyned in New England shall on all future contracts, 
 dealings, Transactions, and paym ts , pass Curr' at the ualew hereafter ascer- 
 tained, Viz : 
 
 euery New Engld shilling at 14 (1 
 
 euery: New Engld Six pence at 7' 1 
 
 euery: three pence at 4' 1 
 
 euery: two pence at 3 d 
 
 "Prouided noe pson be compelled in any one payment to accept more 
 
 then in Such : 4'! : and : 3": 
 
 " That all mexico, Pillar, Skull, and other pees of I Bulloine or Plate, or 
 
 1 Archives, vol. c, p. 162. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 107 
 
 any maimer of Broken Siluer, or other money or Plate being of the fineness 
 of Sterling" money or better, shall pass Curr* : in all payments at Seuen shill 
 Six pence p oz : But noe Plate, Bulloine, or unknowne Coyne to be imposed 
 in payment under 
 
 " That Spanish Pisstolls of Gold : q* : 4 d G : gr : shall pass at : 24 s p peec ; 
 Double ones, the ffrench Lewis, and other Gold greater or Less of the Same 
 fineness, shall be ualewd and pass Curr* Pro rato. 
 
 " That all whole Rialls of plate shall be Curr* at nine pence, double 
 Rialls at : 18 d : half pies : | : at : 3 s : Prouided none shall be compelled to 
 receiue in any one paym* : aboue : 10 s : in Rialls and double Rialls, nor aboue 
 : 20! in halfe pies : f : exccept by Weight at the Rate aboue said. 
 
 " That for Auoiding frauds & contrauercesyes in great payment there 
 be in Boston and Salem, &c, Sworne officers to touch, try, or essay, and to 
 weigh all Gold and Siluer that shall bee brought in to them for that end, who 
 shall haue allowed y m for Weighing for touching 
 
 for Essaying 
 
 " That if any pson shall counterfeet, corrupt, clip, Wash, or any Way 
 Lessen or debase Coyned money, or Knowingly bring into his Majestyes 
 Dominion, or pass away or offer in paym*, Barter, or exchange, any Counter- 
 feet Gold or Siluer, Coyned or uncoyned, shall forfeit the same or the ualew 
 thereof, one halfe to his Ma* 5 " 5 : for Subport of his Gouerment heer, and the other 
 halfe to him or them that shall sue for the same, &c, or be sett in the 
 Pillory or otherwise punised according to the Circumstances of his offence, 
 Prouided neuertheless that any psons may bring in any Course, base, or 
 mixed mettles to haue the same refined, or may expose the Same to Sale to 
 any Gold smith or to any psons, the Sworne officers for trying and Essaying 
 being p r sent and priuy to such sale, or the seller making first Knowne to the 
 buyer the Baseness or mixture of Such Gold or Siluer." 
 
 The following minutes, in another hand, are found on a slip of paper 
 following the last : 
 
 "All former Accompts & Debts be pay d according to Contract & former 
 Custom, saving in want thereof in peices of |, except Peru at 6 s 8 d . 
 
 "All whole peices of jj, Except peru, weighing 15 rl weight and upwards, 
 shall pass Currant at six shilling. 
 
 "all other Bullion & plate of sterling alloy shall pass Currant at six 
 shillings eight pence per ounce. 
 
 "All Peru peices at 15 d at 6 s ." 
 
108 THE EARLY COIXS OF AMERICA. 
 
 At about this period, 1677 to 1680, there were several propositions for 
 making the mint free. The first of these 1 seems to have originated in a 
 committee of both houses, but we find no record of any action thereupon. 
 
 " In pursuance of an order to obtain the Coynage of Bullion, & stoppage 
 of Transportation of Money, we have descoursed Cupt Hull & others, & find 
 no other expedients but the raysing of the vallue of our Coyn, or Making 
 our Money for future lighter by 9 or 12 graynes, or Making the Mint free, 
 for the first, if it be done three half pence in the shilling, & the law for expor- 
 tation of Money duly attended, we hope it may obtain what is desired ; the 
 Paying Coynage out of the Treasury, we find the Charge uncertain but great, 
 & both expedients attended with Difficulty, & therefore Judge them worthy 
 of further Consideration. In the Mean time, we Judge it meet to Double 
 the Custom of all wines, brandy, & rhum Imported, which being drawn into 
 the treasury, part of it May pay the Charge of a free Mint, if the Court 
 
 afterwards see meet so to Improve the same. 
 
 Joseph Dudley, 
 
 " June 2, 1677. Eichard Waldron, 
 
 Daniel ffisher." 
 
 Another proposition regarding the valuation of coin comes from the 
 Deputies, 2 but is defeated by the Magistrates : 
 
 " For the encouragem* of the importation of bullion & encrease of money 
 in these pts, M 
 
 "This Court doth Order & Enact, & it is hereby Enacted, That hence- 
 forth All peeces of eight, of good Silver, & of the Coine of Mexico or Sevill, 
 & pillar peeces, shall passe currant att Six shillings p peece. And halfe 
 peeces of Same Sorts att three shillings, and all Smaller peeces of Said Sorts 
 after five shillings p peece of Eight. 
 
 " The Deputyes haue passed this w th reference to the Consent of our 
 honoured Magistrates. William Torrey, Cleric. 
 
 "Octo 31, 1679. 
 
 "not Consented to by y e magis ts . Edw d Rawson, Secrety." 
 
 The second plan for a free mint 3 contains the earliest application we 
 have found, of the name Pine, to the money of New England. It is without 
 
 'Archives, vol. c, p. 222 ; a ibid, vol. c, p. 241 ; 3 ibid, vol. o, p. 243. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 109 
 
 signature, but in the handwriting of Isaac Addington, the secretary of the 
 General Court : 
 
 " To the Honoured Generall Court sitting in Boston, 19 : May. A?- 1680. 
 
 " The decay of Trade and decrease of money in the Land, (being a 
 generall complaint throughout the Country,) craves some Speedy and effectuall 
 Remedy : And the most probable expedient that offers is to make the mint 
 free; which, it's hoped, wilbee manifest from these Considerations following. 
 
 « jst jij[ th e money that now passeth the mint (besides the waste there,) 
 returns to the Owner at least Six and a quarter in the hundred lighter then 
 it entred, And the impress adds nothing to the intrinsick value, a Spanish 
 Cross in all other places being as well esteem d as a New England pine. 
 
 " 2 d The least Loss being Six and a quarter p Cent, and comonly more, 
 is so considerable for the meere stamp, that nothing but necessity makes it 
 tolerable: Those who are able chooseing rather to lay up, or send their plate, 
 Bulloin, or peeces of I abroad, and others to sell to those that export the 
 same, having something more then the mint will yeild ; By which discour- 
 agement little of late yeares (compared to what is laid up and carried away,) 
 hath been coyned ; and of that little, much dispersed into other Colony's, 
 and thence consequently groweth the great difficulty & decay of trade. 
 
 "3 d A free mint will soone open all the Coffers in the Country, Secur- 
 ity from loss and charge will effectually perswade to convert dead treasures 
 into currant coyn, and those that have no Bancks through whose hands Ma- 
 terials to make money often pass, will finde the Mint their surest and highest 
 market ; Besides, Strangers from forrreign parts, and our own Plantations, 
 being thus secured from loss in the mint, will, to purchase ffish, provisions, 
 and what else they want, rather choose to send peices of |, plate, or Bulloin, 
 then run the hazard of an uncertain market for those goods which they may 
 with less loss send to other parts. , 
 
 " The benefit of a free mint, both to the publique and every perticular 
 person, will far Surmount the charge. It being very observable that in all 
 Country's where money abounds, the price of all Comodhy's and provieions 
 of their place advances, and the goods imported abate proportionably, And 
 less trouble, time, and discharge, dispatches all matters of trade, then where 
 it depends upon truck, barter, &c. And as wisdom, so is money as defence 
 against the designes and power of fforreign or Intestine Enemies. So also it 
 will prevent many Suits, controversy's, and inconveniencies amongst neigh- 
 bours and ffreinds. 
 
110 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 "And upon approbacon of the meanes it's hoped the charge will not dis- 
 courage, which may either bee levyed by some easy rate, or by Excise upon 
 some of those unprofitable comodities which are consumed to nourish lust and 
 vice." 
 
 The following is in the same handwriting with the last, and appears to 
 be a form of order submitted to the Court by its author. It is without date, 
 but is presumed properly to follow the foregoing statement, and was so placed 
 by Mr. Felt, who arranged these volumes of papers. 
 
 "ffor incouragement of the importation of plate, Bulloin, and Spanish 
 coyne into this Colony ; And of all persons who have, or may have, any such 
 in their hands to minte the same, whereby there may bee greater plenty of 
 money in the Country, and Trade and comerce thereby revived and facilitated. 
 " It is Ordered by this Court and the Authority thereof, that henceforth 
 our Mint bee made free, and that the Master of the s d mint do from time to 
 time receive all such plate, bullion, or ftbrreign Coyne as shalbee brought to him 
 to bee coyned, by any person or persons whatsoever, as well strangers as our 
 own Inhabitants, who shall forthwith refine and mint the same, bringing it to 
 the due Alloy prescribed in the Law title Money, and shall deliver again to 
 the s d person or persons the just weight thereof so refined, in currant money of 
 this Colony, deer of all costs and charges: The s d Mint Master to bee allowed 
 and paid yearely by the Country Treasuro r , the usuall rate for coynage as 
 the former Law provided to bee paid by perticular persons." 
 
 Another draught of an order, of much the same tenor as the last, is 
 found 2 in the handwriting of John Saffin, afterwards a member of the House 
 of Deputies, and, in 1686, Speaker of that House : 
 
 " Whereas, upon mature Consideration & by Dayly Experience, it doth 
 Evidently Appeare unto this Court That the Money of our Coyne is much 
 diminished & become very scarce throughout the Country, whereby Tradeing 
 is groune very Difficult, Delatory, & much Decayed, so that Persons Gener- 
 ally (haveing otherwise competent Estates,) are by Reason there of, in the 
 carrieing on and management of their Respective Aflayres, greatly straight- 
 ened and Disappoynted, suites of law increased, for Reparration where of it 
 is Thought meete & most Expedient for the facillitateing of Commerce and 
 Quickening of Trade amongst us, both in Towne & Countrey, To take Order 
 that our Mint be made ffree, so as all persons, strangers as well as our Owne 
 
 Archives, vol. c, p. 244 ; 2 ibid, p. 260. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. Ill 
 
 Inhabitants, may be Encouraged to bring in Either Plate, Bullion, or fforraigne 
 Coyne, to be minted into New England, for their owne Advantage and the 
 good of the Publick. 
 
 "It is Therfore Ordered by this Court, and by the Authority there of 
 Ordained, that a Mint-Master be hence forth Appoynted and Duely Sworn, 
 who shall from time to time Eeceive, Eefine, & mint into New England money 
 of good Alloy, (According to the Order & Prescript in that case provided,) 
 all such Plate, Bullion, or fforraigne Coyne, as any person or persons shall 
 Deliuer to the said Mint master to be coyned as aforesaid, who shall, with 
 all Convenient speed, Eefine the same & bring it into true Alloy, and shall 
 deliuer the Just waight thereof so Eefined, &c, in New England Money, 
 cleare of all Costs & Charges, the said Mint-master to be Allowed, and payed 
 yearely by the Country Treasurer, according to the Usuall Eate of Coynage 
 formerly payed by perticular persons. And this order to be and Eemaine in 
 force the terme of Three years Next Ensueing the date of this sessions." 
 
 The next plan for the advancement of the New England coins comes 
 from the mint master himself, though wanting his signature. 1 
 " Boston, June 6, 1680. 
 
 "If forreigne Coyne be Advanced without great regard both to weight 
 & fineness, and also without there be a great quantity of it in the Coiuitrey 
 before it be advanced, It will be much loss to the Countrey that so Advances 
 it. And the gaine is onely to strangers y* bring it in. 
 
 " If o r owne Coyne be Caried out of the Countrey it is a signe it is not 
 soe light as it may be, & that it would be for Publique advantage to make 
 it lighter, unless wee had some Publique income by wines, as y B Spanyard 
 hath. 
 
 " If every shilling be made 12 graines lighter, then all those that have good 
 Peices of eight, i. e. both of Good Silver & full weight, will advance about 7 d 
 or 7 d I more then now they doe. 
 
 "Every 12 d then to be 2 peny weight and halfe. 
 6 a one peny weight 6 graines. 
 3 d 15 graines. 
 2 d 10 gr. 
 
 " The same fyneness to be kept, & Put a new date. 
 
 "Let the Coynage & wast be as by the last settlem 4 . 
 
 1 Archives, vol. o, p. 245. 
 
112 THE EARLY COIN'S OF AMERICA. 
 
 "obj. 1. from the difficulty of making Paym ts . 
 
 "Ans. 1. Let all money debts above six monthes old be Paid one halfe 
 in new money & the other halfe in old money at its Present & former value, 
 or the debtor & Creditor equally bear the loss between them. 
 
 "2. All debts not six monthes old be Paid in new money, or the old 
 as advanced, unless any Perticuler Contract Positively Express otherwise. 
 
 "If all the Bullion of the Countrey be Coyned at the Publique charge, 
 it will reduce it to a Certain fineness, & being weight for weight the merc ht 
 may as well transport the Coyned money as the bulion, and then you may 
 have noe money left in the Countrey." 
 
 A writ of Quo Warranto was issued, June 27th, 1683, 1 against the Gov- 
 ernor and Company of Massachusetts. This was followed, June 2d, 1684, by 
 Scire Facias, which " setts forth * * * The s d GovT & Company in their 
 Genall Court held at N. E. vizt. at Westm r in Middx, Haue made & published 
 certaine Laws," and gives the substance of the laws relating to the mint; and 
 another paper, headed " Briefe of the Lawes vpon which the Second Breach 
 is Assigned," does the same. These it will be useless for us to repeat, as 
 those laws have already been given in full. We will, however, copy a note 
 relating to the list of grievances enumerated in the Scire Facias: 
 
 " It is doubted the Breaches assigned ag* the def ts are true in fact. 
 
 "But it is as true That, 
 
 "(1). Noe money has been Raysed but by Generall Consent of the 
 Company. 
 
 " (2) . They were long vnder the Burthen of an Indian warr without 
 any Assistance from abroad, which put them at the End thereof into a debt 
 of 100,000 u , which is not yet cleared. 
 
 " (3) . There is none of the Company, none that bore any of the Taxes 
 Complained of that are agreiued ; they Saw the necessity of the Charge and 
 bore it cheerefully, and now find the effect of the lasting Peace procured by 
 it. 
 
 "As to the Mint. 
 
 "That was set vp in 1652, a time of Licence, and Is a Conveniency to 
 all without detrim* to any, and if the erecting of it be a fault, 2 It is presumed 
 
 1 Drake states, (Hist. Boston, p. 449,) " The judgment was rendered at Trinity-term [June 
 18th,] 1684, but an official copy of it was not received in Boston till July 2d, 1685." 
 
 2 Chalmers says, (Annals, p. 182, 1780,) "At a subsequent period the general-court gravely 
 justified this irregularity by reversing the maxim : that ignorance of law shall not excuse." 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 113 
 
 to be noe more then a Bare Trespass, and not to be offered to avoyd the 
 Charter. 
 
 "As to the Imposeing of Oathes. 
 
 " It is hoped any Legall Society may Secure their mutuall quiett by agree- 
 ing on an Oath to be taken by their members. 
 
 "And where It is imposed on Strangers they may avoyd it by giueing 
 Security for their good abearance to the Governm*. 
 
 " Soe Pray vpon the whole matter what is fitt to plead to the Severall 
 Breaches assigned [by the Scire] fa<? ag* : the Def ts of their Charter." 
 
 In a tract written in 1688, entitled " JSTew England Vindicated," 1 we find 
 this defence of the colonists : 
 
 "As to what is objected about Coyning, many Goldsmiths in London can 
 testifie that the Money Coyned in New England is as good as that of Eng- 
 land, and not of a baser Alloy, (as is suggested.) 
 
 "It was formerly customary for private Persons in England to Coyn 
 Farthings for their own Use, and the Coyning in Massachusetts Colony was 
 little more than that, and with Design to prevent the great Injuries Merchants 
 and others sustained by base Spanish Money. And the Mint was set up in 
 1652, when there was no King in England, but the Government out of Course; 
 and when the ancient Government of England was resettled, and the King's 
 mind to the contrary signified to them, they resolved to comply therewith, 
 though manywayes disadvantageous to themselves. "Was not the Value of 
 Coyn altered in Pensilvania? Did not the Lord Baltimore in Maryland Coyn 
 Money with his own Image on one side, and his Coat of Arms on the other? 
 Did not the East India Company? But when they understood their Error 
 they petitioned the King for liberty of Coyn age, and pardon of what was past, 
 and it was granted them. Why, then, should JSTew England be esteemed more 
 criminal than other Plantations?" 
 
 With one other quotation we will conclude our history of the Massachu- 
 setts coinage. This interesting' account of the system of trade in the early 
 days, is found in Lambert's Colony of New Haven : 
 
 "On account of a deficiency of money, wages and taxes were paid in 
 produce or country payment, and nearly all the merchandise of the colony 
 was transacted by the same medium. A correct idea of that method of trade 
 in old times, may be gathered from the following extract from the travels of 
 
 1 Andros's Tracts, vol. ii, p. 115. 
 
114 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Madam Knight, a lady of rank, of such remarkable courage as to make the 
 tour from Boston to New York, about 1695. 
 
 "'They give the title of merchant to every trader who rate their goods 
 according to the time and specie they pay in, viz., pay, money, pay as money, 
 and trusting. Pay is grain, pork, and beef, &c, at the prices set by the 
 general court that year; money is pieces of 8, ryals, or Boston or Bay Shil- 
 lings, (as they call them,) or good hard money, as sometimes silver coin is 
 called by them; also wampum, viz., Indian beads wch. serves for change. Pay 
 as money is provisions as aforesaid, one third cheaper than as the Assembly 
 or generall court sets it, and trust as they and the merchant agree for time. 
 Now when the buyer comes to ask for a commodity, sometimes before the 
 merchant answers that he has it, he sais, is your pay ready? Perhaps the 
 chap replies, yes. What do you pay in? sais the merchant. The buyer having 
 answered, then the price is set; as suppose he wants a 6 d knife, in pay it is 
 12 d , in pay as money 8 d , and hard money, its own value, 6 d . It seems a very 
 intricate way of trade, and what ( Lex Mercatoria ' had not thought of." 
 
 Having given the records referring particularly to the moneys current 
 in Massachusetts in the seventeenth century, we will, in order to complete 
 the action of the State upon the subject, next place the few papers having 
 reference to the coin circulating in or proposed for this State, early in the 
 eighteenth century. 
 
 The first of these acts may have been issued partly on account of those 
 pieces now known as the " New Yorke Token," which is found in brass and 
 tin, and the "New England Stiver," in copper. This prohibition, if it did 
 apply to the tokens just named, would, if issued soon after their appearance, 
 account for the extreme rarity of specimens of these issues, — but a single one 
 being known of the " Stiver," and four, two in each metal, of the " New Yorke 
 Token." 
 
 We know of no other pieces likely to have been struck about this period 
 for circulation in America, or of any more likely than these to be among those 
 here interdicted. Sufficient unauthorized coin was evidently in circulation to 
 cause some difficulties in trade and call forth the following act : 
 " Province of the Massachusetts Bay. 
 
 "An Act against the makeing or passing of base or Counterfeit money. 
 c Whereas some persons, for private gain, have of late presumed to Stamp 
 and Emit peices of brass and Tin at the rate of a penny each, not regarding 
 what loss they thereby bring on others, which, if not timely remedyed, may 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 115 
 
 prove greatly detrimental to his Ma tys Subjects, and embolden others to be so 
 hardy as to attempt the doing of the like, 
 
 "For Prevention whereof, 
 
 "Be it Declared and Enacted by the Lieu* Governor, Council, and Repre- 
 sentatives in General Court Assembled, and by the Authority of the same, 
 That any person or persons who after the publication of this Act shall presume 
 to make or Stamp any such peices as afores cl , or others of like or different 
 mettal, matter, or forme, and to Emit, utter, or put off the same for pence, or 
 at a greater or lesser value, and be thereof convicted, Every person so Offend- 
 ing shall be punished by Fine and Imprisonment, at the discretion of the 
 Court where the prosecution shall be, not exceeding the Sum of Fifty pounds 
 Fine, nor Six months Imprisonment for one offence. And shall further Forfeit 
 and pay in currant lawful money of this Province Treble the value of all 
 such peices as he shall have Emitted or uttered after the highest rate they 
 have passed at; One halfe of said Fine and Forfeiture to be unto his Majesty 
 for & towards the Support of the Government within this Province, and the 
 other halfe to him or them that shall Informe and Sue for the same in any 
 of his Maj^ Courts within the Province. 
 
 "And be it further Enacted by the Authority afores d That every person 
 or persons that have or shall Offend as aforesaid, shall Exchange and pay in 
 currant lawful money of this Province the full value of all such peices 
 haveing his Stamp or marke thereon, unto any person or persons that shall 
 bring the same to him, according to the rate they have passed at. 
 
 " So as such peices be brought and offered to him to be exchanged at 
 any time or times within the space of three months next after the publication 
 of this Act, And in case of refusal so to do, he shall be compelled thereto 
 by Order of the General Sessions of the Peace within the same County, or 
 of one Justice of the Peace, where the value exceeds not Forty Shillings. 
 
 "And no person or persons whatsoever shall hereafter offer to put off, 
 utter, or take any such base or Counterfeit money. 
 
 "In Council. Febf 21 st , 1700-1. Read a 1 st and 2°^ time and Voted 
 
 to be Engrossed, and sent down for Concurrance. 
 
 Is a Addington, Secry. 
 
 "In the House of Representatives. Feb r . y 21, 1700. Read a first time. 
 28 tt , Read a 2 d time, march 12: 3 rd time, and Resolved a Concurrence. 
 
 John Leverett, Speaker." 
 
116 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 We next find a report of a committee advising the regulation of the 
 value of coins of gold and silver, and the coinage of "Provinc penc,' of 
 copper. 
 
 "March 3, 170? : 
 
 " The Comitte appoynted by this Present Gen rl Court to consider of the 
 proposals about putiug a Vallue upon Gold, And to make other proposals for 
 Supplying the Scarcity of Mony, as they shall see cause, and make Report 
 to this Court, 
 
 "Report as followeth, 
 
 "1) That Pistoles of fouer peny waight Eaight grains do pass Curant 
 in all payments for twenty fouer Shilings, And that small pieces of fforaigne 
 Gold waying two peny waight Six grains, & not Inferior in goodnes to pistoles, 
 do pass at twelve Shilings a p s . 2 
 
 " 2) That p cs of | that are either more or less then seventene peny wait 
 do pass at seaven Shilings p ounce Troy waight, in all payments of ten pounds 
 & upward. 
 
 " 3) That Provinc penc be made of Copper & pass Curant for change 
 of Mony. 
 
 " 4) That a Sutable Number of Meet persons, with their Associates, their 
 Heirs, &c, for the Space of years, be allowed, appoynted, & Im- 
 
 powred, To Erect & Set up a Bank of Credit & to make & Emit Bills of 
 Credit, at their owne proper cost & charge, from two Shiling Bills to three 
 pound Bills, in such proportion as they see meet, to any Vallue, and not to 
 take more then Three p Ct p Ann for Interest. 
 
 "That all other persons be Inhibeted making any of the Like Bills of 
 Credit, or Seting up Such Bank dureing s a Terme. 
 
 " That no Person shal or may buie any of s d Bills under the Value therein 
 Exsprest, on penalty of forfiting the Vallue of the same, so Exsprest in s d 
 Bill or Bills. Elisha Hutchinson, p 
 
 ord r of y" Comitte. 
 
 " Read In Council, March 6 th , 1700, and sent clown. 
 
 "In the House of Representatives, Mar: 8 th : 1700. 
 
 "Read, 1 st time; 12 th : 2 d time, & a 3 rd . Ordered, That a Bill be drawn 
 
 Archives, vol. ci, p. 184. 2 The words in italics, in sect. 1, were amended by side notes to 
 six, four, and thirteen. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 117 
 
 pursuant to the first and 3 d Paragraphs of the above Report: (P. 1 Paragraphs 
 
 being accepted, the Pest Rejected.) Sent up for Concurrence. 
 
 John Leverett, Speaker. 
 " March 13th, 1700. In Council. 
 
 " Read, and the Question being put for a Concurrance, it was carryed in 
 
 y e Negative. I. Addington, Secry." 
 
 On the eighteenth of June, 1704, a proclamation was issued by Queen 
 Anne, for reducing to one uniform rate the coins circulating in different parts of 
 America. We find a copy of this proclamation in the "American Journal of 
 Numismatics," 2 which we here insert. 
 
 "1ARJIS OF GREAT BRITAIN : MOTTO, SEMPER EADEM.] 
 
 By the Queen. 
 
 A PROCLAMATION 
 
 For settling and ascertaining the current rates of Foreign coins in her Majesties 
 
 colonies and plantations in America. 
 
 ANNE, R. 
 
 having had under our consideration the different rates at which 
 the same species of foreign coins, do pass in our several colo- 
 nies and plantations in America, and the inconveniences thereof, 
 
 ,gJjC: by the indirect practice of drawing the money — from one plan- 
 um 3t§ tation to another, to the great prejudice of the trade of our 
 subjects; And being sensible that the same cannot be otherwise remedied, 
 than by reducing of all foreign coins to the same current rate, within all our 
 dominions in America; and the principal officers of our mint, having laid 
 before us, a table of the value of the several foreign coins, which usually pass 
 in payments in our said plantations, according to their weight, and the assays 
 made of them in our mint, thereby shewing the just proportion which each 
 coin ought to have to the other, which is as followeth, Sevill pieces of eight, 
 Old plate, seventeen-peny-weight, twelve grains, four shillings and sixpence; 
 Sevill pieces of eight, new plate, fourteen peny-weight, three shillings seven 
 pence one farthing; Mexico pieces of eight seventeen peny-weight twelve 
 grains, four shillings and sixpence. Pillar pieces of eight, seventeen peny- 
 
 ] The first and third paragraphs are marked "Passed," the others, "Rejected." 2 Vol. vii, p. 94. 
 
118 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 weight — twelve grains, four shillings and sixpence three farthings. Peru 
 pieces of eight, Old plate, seventeen peny-weight, twelve grains, four shillings 
 and five pence or thereabouts ; Cross dollars, eighteen peny-weight, four shil- 
 lings and four pence, three farthings; Duccatoons of Flanders twenty peny- 
 weight and twenty one grains, five shillings and sixpence ; Ecu's of France or 
 silver Lewis, seventeen peny-weight twelve grains, four shillings and sixpence: 
 Crusadoes of Portugal, eleven peny-weight four grains, two shillings and ten 
 pence, one farthing; Three gilder pieces of Holland twenty peny-weight and 
 seven grains five shillings and two pence one farthing; Old Rix dollars of 
 the empire, eighteen peny-weight and ten grains, four shillings and sixpence; 
 The half, quarters and other parts, in proportion to their denominations, and 
 light pieces in proportion to their weight. 
 
 "We have therefore thought fit for remedying the said inconveniences, 
 by the advice of our Council, to publish and declare, that from and after the 
 first day of January next ensuing the date hereof, no Sevill, Pillar, or Mexico 
 pieces of eight, though of the full weight of seventeen penyweight and an half, 
 shall be accounted, received, taken, or paid, within any of our said colonies 
 or plantations, as well those under proprietors and charters, as under our 
 immediate commission and government, at above the rate of six shillings per 
 piece current money, for the discharge of any contracts or bargains, to be 
 made after the said first day of January next, the halfs quarters and other 
 lesser pieces of the same coins to be accounted, received taken, or paid in the 
 same proportion: And the currency of all pieces of eight of Peru, dollars, 
 and other foreign species of silver coins, whether of the same or baser alloy, 
 .shall, after the said first day of January next, stand regulated, according to 
 their weight and fineness, according and in proportion to the rate before 
 limited and set for the pieces of eight of Sevill, Pillar, and Mexico; so that 
 no foreign silver coin of any sort be permitted to exceed the same proportion 
 upon any account whatsoever. 
 
 "And we do hereby require and command all our Governours, Lieutenant 
 Governours, Magistrates officers and all other our good subjects, within our 
 said colonies and plantations, to observe and obey our directions herein as 
 they tender our displeasure. 
 
 "Given at our Castle at "Windsor, the eighteenth of June 1704. In the third 
 year of our reign. 
 
 GOD SAVE THE QUEEN." 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 119 
 
 The Queen's proclamation was communicated to the Council on the 28th 
 of November, 1704, as we find this entry upon the Council Eecords of that 
 date: "His ExcelF communicated to the Council a Letter from the E* Hon Me 
 the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, accompanying Her Maj tys 
 Royal Proclamation of the 18 th of June past, for setling and ascertaining the 
 curr* Rates of Foreign Coynes in Her Maj^ 8 Colonys and Plantations in 
 America, and ordered the s d Proclamation to be printed & published in solemn 
 manner.'' 
 
 This proclamation called forth the ensuing action by the authorities here, 
 on the third of March, 170J. 1 
 " Ordered, 
 
 " That there be forthwith a proclamation Issued, 
 
 "That no Money -shall pass by Tale but what is of due weight according 
 to her Majestyes proclamation and the laws of the province. 
 
 " & That all other light Money & plate of sterling alloy shall pass & be 
 good in payments at seven shillings by the ounce Troy pro rato, & no More 
 untill* further provision be made by the assembly at their next session. 
 "March 3 d , 1704. In Council. 
 
 Read and pass' d . Is a Addington, Secry. 
 
 " Sent down for concurrance. 
 ■"In the House of Representatives. 
 "Die pdict. Read, 
 
 And Pass'd a JS"on-Concurrence. Ja s Converse, Speaker. 
 
 rt In Council, march 3 d . Passd w a the amendment. 
 
 " Sent down 2 concurrance. Is a Addington, Secry. 
 
 "In the House of Representatives. 
 
 "Die pdict. Read & Pass'd w th y B amend mt annex'd. 
 
 Jam s Converse, Speaker." 
 * " untill the end of the session of this Court in may next, when further 
 consideration shall be had thereof. 
 
 "march 3 d . Agreed to In Council." 
 
 The amendment mentioned above is upon a slip of paper sealed upon the 
 sheet, and is intended to take the place of the line in italics ; whether the 
 other italicised words were intended to be omitted, is uncertain. 
 
 In accordance with the last order the ensuing proclamation was issued : 
 
 1 Archives, vol. ci, p. 286. 2 Sic. 
 
120 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 "By his Excellency Joseph Dudley, Esq r , Captain General 
 and Governour in Chief in and over Her Majesties Province 
 of the Massachusetts Bay in New Engl 1 . 
 
 A PROCLAMATION. 
 
 "Whereas Her Majesty, by Her Royal Proclamation For Settling and 
 ascertaining the current rates of Foreign Coins in Her Ma tys Colonies and 
 Plantations in America, Given at Her Ma tys Castle at 'Windsor, the Eighteenth 
 day of June, In the Third year of Her Reign, hath Published Her Royal 
 Pleasure, That all foreign Coins be reduced to the same current rates within 
 all Her Dominions in America, according to their weight and Value and just 
 proportion which Each Coin ought to have to the other, as in the s d Procla- 
 mation is particularly set forth and express'd. But forasmuch as, by the 
 corrupt, wicked practices of some ill men, the running coins within this Prov- 
 ince are so debased and Impaired by rounding and clipping, (Notwithstaing 
 the good and wholesome Laws made against the same,) To the rendring of 
 Her Maj^ Royal Intention impracticable. And will be of pernicious and fatal 
 Consequence to Her Ma tys good Subjects, unless it be speedily prevented. 
 
 "For Remedy whereof, 
 
 " I do, by and with the Advice and Consent of Her Maj tys Council and 
 of the Representatives in General Court assembled, Declare and Order, That 
 from and after the Publication hereof, no money shall pass by Tale but what 
 is of one weight, according to Her Ma tys Proclamation and the Laws of this 
 Province; That all other light money and Plate of Sterling Alloy shall pass 
 and be good in payments by the ounce Troy pro rato, until the End of the 
 Session of this Court in May next, when further Consideration shall be had 
 thereof. 
 
 "And the Sheriffes of the several County's are hereby Commanded to 
 Publish this Proclamation within the same. 
 
 " Given at the Council Chamber in Boston, the Third day of March, 1704, In 
 the Third year of the Reign of our Soveraign Lady Anne, by the Grace 
 of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Queen, Defender of 
 the Faith, &c. J. Dudley. 
 
 " By Order of the Govern 1 ", Council, and Assembly. 
 
 Is a Addington, Secry. 
 
 GOD SAVE THE QUEEN." 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 121 
 
 Thus affairs remained until June 1st, 1605, when this order 1 was passed: 
 " 1st June, 1705. In Council. 
 
 "Ordered, That Elisha Hutchinson, W™ Browne, Sam 1 Sewall, Eliakim 
 Hutchinson, Samuell Legg, Esq?, with the Secretary, be a Committee of the 
 Board to joyne with such as shall be named by the Representatives, to con- 
 sider and Report what they shall thinke proper to be done by this Court for 
 the annexing of Penaltys on such as shall offer money by tale, under Due 
 weight, and further for the reforming of the money. 
 
 " Sent down for concurrence. Is a Addington, Secry. 
 
 " In the House of Representatives, 
 
 June V? 1705, Read. 5: Read. 
 
 " 7*f Pass'd a Concurrence with the amendm* annex'd, & That Capt Sam'. 1 
 Checkley, Capt. Stephen French, Maj r Sam 1 . 1 Brown, Mr ]S"ath u Ivnolton, Maj r 
 Jam: Converse, Cap 4 Tho* Oliver, Mr" Sam 11 Clapp, Mr Ephr? Pierce, Mr Sam 1 . 1 
 Knowles, & Cap* Preserved Clapp, be a Comittee to Joine with the Comittee . 
 of the Board in the affair above mentioned. 
 
 Thomas Oakes, Speaker. 
 
 "Agreed — In Council. Is a Addington, Secry." 
 
 The amendment is " for the reforming of the money & rendring the law 
 effectuall to Prevent the Debasing thereof." The italics denote the words 
 erased for the substitution of the amendment. 
 
 The committee appointed by the last order report, June 8, 1705, and the 
 action relating to their recommendation is recorded with their report. 2 
 
 (Attached to the ensuing report is a copy of the preceding proclamation, 
 printed in Old English type, and headed by the British coat-of-arms.) 
 
 "June 8 th 1705. 
 
 "That this Proclamation be revived and continued without Limitation. 
 
 " That the Treasurer and Receiver General of the Province, The Treas- 
 urers of the several Countys, Towns, and all Constables, Collectors, and Sub- 
 ordinate Receivers under either of them. 
 
 "All Judges, Jurors, and Publick Officers whatsoever be Commanded 
 Strictly to Conform themselves accordingly. Saving all pas't particular 
 Contracts. 
 
 " That some skilful persons be appointed to calculate a Table of the due 
 
 1 Archives, vol. oi, p. 292; 2 ibid, p. 291. 
 
122 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 proportion of Coines and Silver of Sterling alloy by the Ounce Troy to the 
 weight of a peny, and that Copy's thereof be printed. 
 
 "That some other skilful person be appointed to make weights of brass, 
 of the Ounce Troy to the least denomination with such Stamps thereon as 
 the GovernoT and Council shall direct. 
 
 "All which is humbly Submitted by Elisha Hutchinson, by order 
 "June 9 th 1705. of the Committee. 
 
 "Read in Council. 
 "June IP. 11 1705. Head and Pass'd an acceptance w th this Addition, Viz* 
 
 "Provided, That for all pas't bargains and Debts except by Special Con- 
 tract, If the Debtor shall tender Satisfaction to his Creditor in y e bills of 
 Publick Credit on this Province, all process in the Law shall be stayed against 
 every such Debtor by the space of twelve months next comeing and then 
 proceed. Sent down for concnrrance." 
 
 No further action appears to have been taken upon this report. 
 
 "We have discovered nothing further in relation to coin or coinage until 
 the issue of silver and copper was proposed in 1786. In the interim attention 
 was directed to the project of issxiing "Bills of Credit," as paper money was 
 then called. "With one order relating to these, not having met with it in print, 
 we will finish this department of our subject: 
 "Xovf 26 th 1706. In Council. 
 
 "Ordered, That a Plate be forthwith provided, and the Eight several 
 Stamps or blazons affix'd to the Bills of Publick Credit on this Province 
 respectively, be Engraven thereupon; And That the Committee for Imprinting 
 of the Bills, do forthwith Imprint one [Three] Thousand or more [proportion- 
 ably to the sum they pay in the publick Tax,] of them, to be dispersed and 
 Transmitted to the several Towns within the Province, for the better Infor- 
 mation of Her Ma 4 * 8 good Subjects of the different form's of the said Stamps,, 
 and to which of the Bills respectively they belong ; The figure of the Sum 
 of the Bill to be placed in the middle of the Stamp ; for discourageing and 
 preventing the Designs and Endeavours of ill men to alter and increase the 
 Sum of the Bills. Is a Addington, Secry." 
 
 "Sent down for Concnrrance. 
 
 " In the House of Representatives. Nov? 26, 1706. Read and concurr'd,, 
 with y B amendments annex'd. Thomas Oakes, Spe 1 . 
 
 "In Council, Agreed." 
 
MARYLAND. 
 
 The charter of Maryland, which had been prepared for George, the first 
 Lord Baltimore, not having been perfected, owing to some delays in the 
 completion of the necessary formalities before his death, which occurred April 
 13th, 1632, it was, according to Ogilby, passed in favor of his son Cecil, the 
 second Lord Baltimore, " under the Great Seal of England, bearing Date June 
 20, 1632. in the eighth Year of His said Majesties Reign, with all Royal 
 Jurisdictions and Prerogatives, both Military and Civil in the said Province, 
 'as Power to Enact Laws, Power of pardoning all manner of Offences, Power 
 to confer Honors, &c." It is probable that, although the power of coining 
 money was not specified, Cecil considered the powers therein conveyed as 
 ample to justify him in such a proceeding, especially as that power had been 
 granted to Virginia in the terms of her patent of April 10th, 1606. 
 
 In relation to the coinage of Lord Baltimore, for Maryland, little is known 
 in addition to the information furnished by S. F. Streeter, in his "Sketch" 
 before referred to. We shall, therefore, upon the subject of this coinage, 
 quote largely from that paper : 
 
 " The principal production of Maryland, as well as of Virginia, for a long 
 period after their first settlement, was tobacco; and this also formed their 
 principal article of currency. While settlers and servants were few in number, 
 and the price of the article was high, there was but little difficulty; but as 
 the population, and consequently the production, increased, and the value of 
 
124 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 tobacco suffered a marked diminution, the resources and comforts of the col- 
 onists were seriously abridged, and their progress impeded. * 
 
 " Maryland, from the first period of her settlement, suffered similar diffi- 
 culties, in reference to a circulating medium, to those experienced in Virginia. 
 Indeed, the establishment of a new settlement engendered an additional com- 
 petition, which tended to depress the value of tobacco, and thus made it less 
 available than before as an article of currency. The amount of money, there- 
 fore, which found its way into the colony, or which remained there, was but 
 small; the rents of land being payable in tobacco at a fixed value, and traffic 
 for goods being carried on in the same article, or with such furs as were 
 obtained by traders licensed to deal with the Indians. 
 
 " During one period of great distress and civil difficulty, his lordship's 
 cattle were made to fulfil the office from which one of our terms indicating 
 money is derived, and discharged a pecuniary obligation due to certain soldiers, 
 who were somewhat mutinous on account of not receiving their pay; and in 
 1650, instead of a money tax, a levy of half a bushel of corn per poll was 
 made upon the inhabitants of Ann Arundel, St. Mary's, and Kent counties, 
 for the support of Governor William Stone. Powder and shot were also 
 common articles of currency, and formed, as in Virginia, almost the only 
 medium in which ship duties were paid; when, at the suggestion of some of 
 the leading colonists, his lordship began to entertain the idea of providing a 
 currency for his colony, which would greatly diminish the obstacles then 
 existing in the way of trade, and, it was hoped, prove profitable to him, as 
 well as advantageous to the colony. 
 
 " He accordingly had the dies prepared in London, and specimens of the 
 coins which he proposed to put in circulation struck off, which, with letters 
 to the governor and council, and to his. brother, Philip Calvert, he despatched 
 on the 12th of October, 1659. The nature of the communications will appear 
 from the following extracts from the original records of the council: — 
 
 " 'At a Councell held at Bushwood, Mr. Slyes howse, in St. Mary's County, 
 on Saturday, the 3 a of March, 1659-60. 
 
 "< Present, — The Gov. Josias Fendall, Esq.; Philip Calvert, Esq., Secre- 
 tary; Thomas Gerrard, Esquier, Coll. John Price, Robert Clarke, Esqr., Col. 
 Nathaniell Utye, Baker Brooke, Esqr., Doctor Luke Barber. 
 
 : ? Then was read his L'd'ps Letter, directed to his Lieutenant and Coun- 
 cell, dated 12th of October, and directed to the Secretary, touching the Mint, 
 as followeth, viz : — 
 
MARYLAND. 125 
 
 "'After my hearty commendations, &c. Having with great paines and 
 charge, procured Necessaries for a particular coyne to be currant in Maryland, 
 a sample whereof, in a peece of a shilling, a sixpence, and a groate, I herewith 
 send you, I recommend it to you to promote, all you can, the dispersing it, 
 and by Proclamation to make currant within Maryland, for all payments upon 
 contracts or causes happening or arising after a day to be by you limited in 
 the said Proclamation : And to procure an act of Assembly for the punishing 
 of such as shall counterfeit the said Coyne, or otherwise offend in that 
 behalfe, according to the form of an act recommended by me last year to my 
 Governonr and Secretary; or as neere it as you can procure from the Assem- 
 bly, and to give me your advice next year touching what you think best to 
 be further done in that matter touching coyne ; for, if encouradgemnt be given 
 by the good success of it this yeare, there wilbe abundance of adventurers 
 in it the next yeare.' 
 
 " With this communication was also forwarded the following letter to his 
 brother Philip, then Secretary of State: 
 
 " ' To my most affectionat loving brother, Philip Calvert, Esqr., at St. 
 Mary's, in Maryland. 
 
 "'I sent a sample of the Maryland money, with directions for the pro- 
 curing it to pass, because I understood by letters this yeare from the Governor 
 and you and others that there was no doubt but the people there would 
 accept of it, which if we find they do, there wilbe meanes found to supply you 
 all there with money enough; but though it would be a very great advantage 
 to the Colony that it should pass current there, and an utter discouradgment 
 for the future supply of any more, if there be not a certain establishment 
 this yeare, and assurance of its being vented arid currant there, yet it must 
 not be imposed upon the people but by a Lawe there made by their consents 
 in a Generall Assembly, which I pray faile not to signify to the Governor and 
 Councell there together from me, by showing them this Letter from 
 
 Your most affectionat Brother C. Baltemore. 
 
 w < London, 12 October, 1659.' 
 
 " Ten days after the reception of his lordship's letters, and the discussion 
 in council of the question of the best mode of introducing his new coinage 
 among the people, Governor Fendall, with a part of the council, attempted to 
 revolutionize the province, and, throwing off all dependence upon Lord Balti- 
 more, to concentrate all power in themselves. They were probably incited to 
 
126 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 this by the unsettled state of affairs in England; but they soon found there 
 was no hope of success, and were glad to give in their submission to the 
 newly-restored king, and to Lord Baltimore as the lawful proprietary of the 
 province. 
 
 " The confusion that followed this wild attempt of Fendall and his party, 
 of course, rendered it impossible to carry out the proposed plan in reference 
 to a specie currency. According to his Lordship's prudent and just instruc- 
 tions, the coins were not to be forced upon the people; on the contrary, he 
 would not consent to their introduction, until the people, by their representa- 
 tives, had not only expressed their assent, but had even invited their emission. 
 
 "Philip Calvert received his commission to act as governor, in Novem- 
 ber, 1660, and complied as promptly as possible with the wishes and instruc- 
 tions of his brother. In April following, an assembly was held in St. John's, 
 and, at his instance, an act was drawn up and passed, ' for setting up a mint 
 within the Province of Maryland.' " 
 
 There are preserved among the papers at Annapolis, Md., three draughts 
 of the act referred to above, of which the two following are from certified 
 copies; the other, being a repetition of the second of these, we omit. 
 
 " An Act concerning the setting up of a mint. 
 
 " Forasmuch as money being the rule & measure of y e value of Comod- 
 ities, no trade or commerce can be well managed w th out it. & the want of it 
 in this Province is a main hinderance to y B advancement of this Colony in 
 trades, Manufactures, Towns, & all other things w ch conduce to y e flourishing 
 & happy Estate thereof, "Wee the ffreemen of this Province Assembled in 
 this present gen a11 Assembly doe humbly pray y e L d Prop r of this Province to 
 take order for y b setting up of a mint for coyning of money w th in this Province 
 & consent that it may be enacted. And 
 
 "Be it enacted by y e L a Prop ry w th y e consent of the upper and Lower 
 houses of this present gen aI1 Assembly that y e money so coyned or w ch shall 
 be coyned in the said mint shall be as good silver as the currant coyn of 
 English sterling money. And that y e weight of every shilling so coyned as 
 afores d shall weigh above nine pence in such silver as afores d , & soe propor- 
 tionably for other peeces of money coyned in said mint. And 
 
 " Be it further enacted that every offence of Clipping, scaling, Counter- 
 feiting, washing or any way diminishing any Coyne soe to be made within 
 this Province shall suffer pain of death, & forfeit his or her Lands, goods & 
 
MARYLAND. 127 
 
 Chatties w th in this Province, to the Lord Prop* of this Province, & his heirs 
 Lords & Prop rs of the same. And 
 
 " It is further enacted by y c autho. afores d that y e L' 1 Prop 1 & his heires 
 Lords & prop 1 ' 8 of this Province shall take & accept y e s d coyne in payment 
 for his Pent, Arreares of rent, & all other engagem ts due unto him y e s d Lord 
 Prop 1 " & his heires Lords & Prop 1 ' 8 of this Province, according to this Act." 
 
 •" An Act concerning the setting up of a mint within the Province of Maryland. 
 
 "Forasmuch as money being the Rule and measure of the value of 
 Comodities, noe trade or Comerce can be well managed without it, And the 
 want of it in this Province is a main hinderance to the advancement of this 
 Collony in trades, Manufactures, Townes, and all other things which Conduce 
 to the flourishing and happy Estate thereof, Wee, the freemen of this 
 Province Assembled in this present Generall Assembly doe humbly pray the 
 Lord Proprietary of this Province to take order for the setting up of a mint 
 for the Coyning of money within this Province, And Consent that it may be 
 Enacted, And Be it Enacted by the Lord Proprietary, with the Consent of 
 the upper and lower house of this present Generall Assembly, that the money 
 soe Coyned, or which shall be coyned in the said mint, shall be as good silver 
 as the Currant Coyne of English sterling money, And that the weight of 
 every shilling soe coyned as aforesaid, shall weigh above nyne pence in such 
 silver as aforesaid, and soe proportionably for other peeces of money Coyned 
 in the said mint. And bee it further Enacted that every offence of Clipping, 
 Counterfeiting, scaling, washing, or any way diminishing any Coyne soe to bee 
 made within this Province, or of wittingly importing into this Province any 
 Coyne Counterfeiting any sort of Coyne which shall be made in the said 
 mint, or that shall be by the Lord Proprietaryes Authority and the Authority 
 of this present Assembly made Currant, shall be deemed and adjudged Fellony, 
 And every offender thereof convicted according to the Law of this Province, 
 shall suffer payne of death and forfeite his or her lands, goods and chatties 
 within this Province, to the Lord Proprietary and his heires, Lords and Pro- 
 prietaryes of this Province. And itt is further Enacted by the Authority 
 aforesaid that the Lord Proprietary and his heires, Lords and Proprietaryes 
 of this Province, shall take and accept the said Coyne in payment for his 
 rent, Arrears of Rent, and all other Engagements due unto him the said Lord 
 Proprietary and his heires, Lords and Proprietaryes of this Province, accord- 
 ing to this Act." The foregoing act was passed May 1st, 1661. 
 
128 THE EARLY COESTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 "These proceedings were transmitted to the proprietary in England; upon 
 the receipt of which he prepared to send to the colony a sufficient quantity 
 of coin to supply its wants. The main object was now to throw a consid- 
 erable amount at once into circulation; and to this end the aid of the Assembly 
 was again invoked." 
 
 Bacon, in the Laws of Maryland, says, referring to an act passed April 
 12th, 1662, "This Act was to put the Coin (struck under the Act of 1661, 
 ch. 4,) in Circulation; and enacted that every Householder and Freeman in 
 the Province, should take up Ten Shillings per Poll of the said Money, for 
 every Taxable under their Charge and Custody, and Pay for the same in 
 good Casked Tobacco, at 2d. per Pound, to be paid upon Tender of the said 
 Sums of Money, proportionably for every such respective Family, &c. For 3 
 Years, &c." 
 
 Of the last mentioned act no copy can now be found in the Archives at 
 Annapolis. 
 
 "The effect of this measure was to cause a forced exchange of sixty 
 pounds of tobacco by every tithable for ten shillings of the new coinage; 
 and, as there were at least five thousand tithables then in the province, this 
 act alone, if it were carried fully into effect, must have thrown into circulation 
 coin to the amount of twenty-five hundred pounds sterling. It is probable 
 that the new emission proved acceptable to the people, as it must have greatly 
 facilitated exchanges; yet it by no means superseded tobacco as an article of 
 currency. That still continued largely in use, especially in important trans- 
 actions; and many of the public dues were still collected in tobacco, and not 
 in coin. What was the amount of this new currency in circulation at any time 
 after, we have no means of ascertaining, neither do we know when it began 
 to be disused." 
 
 Ogilby states in his work 1 published in London, in 1671, speaking of 
 Maryland, that " The general way of Traffick and Commerce there is chiefly 
 by Barter, or Exchange of one Commodity for another; yet there wants 
 not, besides English and other foraign Coyns, some of his Lordships own 
 Coyn, as Groats, Sixpences, and Shillings, which his Lordship at his own 
 Charge caus'd to be Coyn'd and dispers'd throughout that Province; 'tis 
 equal in fineness of Silver to English Sterling, being of the same Standard, 
 but of somewhat less weight, and hath on the one side his Lordships Coat of 
 
 1 " Description of the New World," p. 188. 
 
MARYLAND. 129 
 
 Arms stamp'd, with this Motto circumscrib'd, Crescite & Multiplicamini, and 
 on the other side his Lordships Effigies, circumscrib'd thus, Ccecilius Dominus 
 Terrce-Marice, &c? 
 
 Oldmixon, whose work was published in 1708, 1 says, " The Lord Proprie- 
 tary had a Mint here, to coin Money, but it never was much made use of." 
 * * * 2 "Tobacco is their Meat, Drink, Cloathing, and Money: Not but that 
 they have both Spanish and English Money pretty plenty, which serves only 
 for Pocket-Expences, and not for Trade, Tobacco being the Standard of that, 
 as well with the Planters and others, as with the Merchants." 
 
 " From the title of the act of assembly of 1661, in Bacon's Laws of Mary- 
 land, some have inferred that a mint was established, and that the coinage 
 was actually done in Maryland; but it appears more probable that the coins 
 were struck in England, under the supervision of the lord proprietary, and 
 transmitted to the governor, as circumstances made it necessary or convenient. 
 The operation was a profitable one, inasmuch as the shilling contained but 
 about seventy-five per cent, of its nominal value in silver, and was exchanged, 
 in the first instance, for tobacco at the ordinary price. 
 
 " Specimens of this coinage, so interesting in the commercial and pecuniary 
 history of Maryland, have been placed in the cabinet of the Maryland Histor- 
 ical Society, through the liberality of George Peabody, Esq., of London, one 
 of its honorary members." 
 
 The fact of this coinage having been done in England is satisfactorily 
 established by the action of the authorities, as recorded in the orders of the 
 Council of State 3 in England. 
 
 " Tuesday, 4 Octob r , 1659. 
 
 LC Ld Baltimore Upon Information given by Richard Pight, Clerke of the 
 to be apprehended. Irons in the Mint, that Cicill Lord Baltamore and diverse 
 others with him, and for him, have made and transported great Sums of mony 
 and doe still goe on to make more, 
 
 " Ordered, That a warrant be issued forth to the said Richard Pight for 
 the apprehending of the Lord Baltamore and such others as are suspected to 
 be ingaged w th him in the said offence, and for the seizeing of all such moneys, 
 stamps, tooles, & Instrum ts for Coyning the same as can be met w th , and to 
 bring them in safe Custody to the Counsell." 
 
 1 Vol. i, p. 204. 2 Ibid, p. 206. 3 State Papers, London, vol. evii, p. 646. 
 
130 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 " Wednesday, 5 Octob r , 1659. 1 
 
 "Ld Baltimore The Councell being Informed that a great quantity of 
 
 to attend. Silver is coyned into peeces of diverse rates & values, 
 
 and sent into Maryland by the Lo. Baltamore or his Order, 
 
 " Ordered, that the said Lo. Baltamore be Sumoned to attend the Comittee 
 of the Councell for Plantacons, who are to inquire into the whole business 
 and to report the State thereof to the Councell." 
 
 We have been unable to ascertain what action, if any, was taken upon 
 these orders. 
 
 The Maryland Shilling has upon the 
 
 OBVERSE, 
 
 Device _ ^ bust of Lord Baltimore, to left, slightly draped. 
 Legend — c^cilivs : Dii-. terras-marls: : &ct. -> 
 Mint Mark — A cross patee or formee, — * 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device — A lozenged shield, surmounted by a crown, and dividing the 
 numerals x n 
 
 Legend — crescite : et : mvltiplicamini • 
 
 Plate III, No. 1, and Fig. 25. 
 
 The Sixpence and Groat do not differ from the Shilling in any important 
 particulars, the most noticeable variation being in the legends, — those upon 
 the Sixpence being cecilivs : dns : terras-marias : &c. * and crescite : et = 
 mvltiplicamini 
 
 [Plate III, No. 2, and Fig. 26.] 
 Of the Groat we find two varieties. That most frequently met with has 
 
 1 State Papers, London, vol. evii, p. 653. 
 
PRACTICAL TREATISE 
 
 OK 
 
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 Buys and Sells all kinds of American and Foreign Coins and Medals 
 
 AT THE 
 
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Part 5. 
 
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 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPRISING ALSO DESCBIFTIONS OP 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
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 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE 
 
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 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
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MARYLAITO. 131 
 
 the head and shield larger than the other ; its legends are o^oilivs : dns: 
 terr^-mari^se. &c * and oresoite : et : mvltiplicamesti - The other variety- 
 is extremely rare; its legends are o^eoilivs : dns: terr^] marine . &c * and 
 
 ORESOITE • ET • MVLTIPLICAMINT • 
 
 [Plate III, Nos. 3 and 4.J 
 
 The numerals upon the Sixpence are vi, and on the Groat, rv. The 
 punctuation marks upon the reverses of both the Sixpence and Groats are so 
 light as to be almost imperceptible upon the plate. 
 
 The device upon the reverses of the silver coins of this series is the 
 family coat-of-arms of Lord Baltimore. 
 
 The shield may properly be described as, Paly of six sable and argent, 
 a bend counterchanged. 
 
 In the collection of Dr. Clay, of Manchester, England, was an impression 
 in copper, from Shilling dies, which differed slightly from any we have seen 
 in silver, the colon after mari^ being omitted. There are also in the British 
 Museum impressions in copper both from Shilling and Sixpenny dies, but we 
 have no knowledge as to their varieties. 
 
 A coinage of copper seems also to have been intended by Lord Balti- 
 more, although we find no record referring to an issue of copper coin; but, 
 if we may judge from the fact that but a single specimen is known of his 
 coin in that metal, no large amount of it could have been put in circulation. 
 
 The obverse of the Penny is of the same design, and very similar to that 
 of the Sixpence; the reverse bears, as a device, a ducal coronet, from which 
 fly two pennants; its legend is denarivm : terr^-mari^: * [Pig- 27.] 
 
 Bev. Henry Christmas, of London, says of this piece, " The Maryland 
 Penny was successively in the collections of Mr. Hodsol and of Mr. Martin; 
 it is now no longer in this country, having been purchased at the sale of the 
 last-named collection for the large sum of £75, and sent to America." It was 
 in the celebrated collection of J. J. Mickley, Esq., of Philadelphia, and at the 
 sale of that collection was purchased at $370 for an unknown buyer. 
 
132 THE EARLY COESTS OP AMERICA. 
 
 It may be seen that in the copy, [Plate III, ISTos. 19 and 20,] striking errors 
 appear in the legend, which there is c.ecilivs : dns : terr^e marine : &ct * 
 
 The borders of all these coins are milled, and their edges plain; the size 
 of the Shilling is 17; the Sixpence, 13 J; the Groat, 11, and the Penny, 13. 
 
 The weight of those in silver is respectively, 66, 34, and 25 grains. One 
 specimen, however, of the Groat, in the collection of the writer, is upon a very 
 thick plahchet, and, although pierced and much defaced, bearing evidence of 
 having been worn as an amulet, weighs 40 grains; this piece, we conclude, 
 must have been struck as a trial piece in testing the dies. 
 
 Various acts for regulating the coin current in Maryland were passed 
 and repealed between 1662 and 1694. The only one the terms of which are 
 given by Bacon, is that here following, which was passed November 19th, 
 1686, and entitled "An Act for the Advancement of Coins." 
 
 " This Act sets forth in the Preamble, the great Want of ready Money, 
 whereby the Trade of the Province, and Settlement of Handicrafts and Trades- 
 men therein was much impeded, and enacts: 
 
 " (1.) That New England Shillings and Sixpences shall pass as Sterling, 
 (viz. at the Advance of 3 cl in each Shilling,) French Crowns, Pieces of Eight, 
 and Rix Dollars, to pass at 6 s . Ducatoons at 7 s 6 d , and all other Coins of Silver 
 or Gold, foreign or not foreign, (except base Coin,) to be taken and received 
 with the Advance of 3 d . Sterling, in the Value of 12 a . Sterling. 
 
 " (2.) All such Coins so advanced, to be received in all Payments con- 
 tracted for in ready Money, or the Persons refusing so to accept thereof, to 
 lose such Debt, never to be recovered in any Court, &c. 
 
 " (3.) Persons exporting such Coins so advanced, to forfeit the same, 
 Half to his Lordship, and Half to the Informer. 
 
 " (4.) This Act not to affect his Lordship's Eents, &c, nor extend to 
 protested Bills of Exchange. 
 
 " (5.) Officers Fees, and Ordinary Keepers Accommodations, to be pay- 
 able in such Coin so advanced, at the rate of 6s. for every 100 lb. Tobacco, 
 if tendered in ready Money : otherwise to be paid in Tobacco, as usual before 
 this Act, &c." 
 
 The last act was " To endure 3 Years, or to the End of the next General 
 Assembly," and another, with the same limitations, which settled the rates in 
 the same manner as that, was passed June 9th, 1692, but repealed October 
 18th, 1694. 
 
CANADA 
 
 Another series of coins struck for use in America, although not strictly 
 included in our original plan,, seems next to require notice. 
 
 These were coins of silver and copper, issued by Louis XIV- of France, 
 in 1670, for circulation in Canada. 
 
 We are more fortunate in the existence of an authentic record of the 
 authority by which these coins were issued, than in the preservation of the 
 coins themselves, as we have met with but one denomination of the silver 
 pieces, that of five sous, of which we have seen only two specimens, and these 
 from dies very slightly differing. For the opportunity to illustrate it we are 
 indebted to the kindness of Mr. William S. Appleton. 
 
 obverse. 
 
 Legend, — lvd • xmi ■ d • a © er • et • nav • rex 
 
 Device, — Bxist of the king, to right, laureated. Above the head, a small 
 
 figure of the sun. 
 
 reverse. 
 
 Legend, — gloriam • regni • v . tvi • dicent • 1670 h 
 Following the date is an unknown character, resembling that given above. 
 Device, — The French coat-of-arms, crowned. Beneath the shield the 
 Paris mint mark, A shown in the line of the legend, inverted. 
 
 Borders, milled; edge, plain; size, 13; weight, 35 grains. 
 
 [Plate III, No. 5.] 
 
134 THE EARLY COESTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 Although we find no genuine specimen of the copper coin of this series, 
 we have been favored by M. Jules Marcou, of Cambridge, with a copy of 
 one, which is represented on Plate III, No. 6. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A large EomanL, dividing the date, 16 70 Above is a crown, 
 
 and beneath, the Paris mint mark, A 
 
 Legend, — LVDOvicvs • xini • d • gr • eran • et • nav • rex 
 
 EEVEESE. 
 
 Inscription, in four lines, — dovble de • la meriqve ■ erakcoise 
 Under the legend is the mint mark, A with a fleur de lis at each side 
 and one beneath it. 
 
 Borders milled; size, 14 J. 
 
 "We quote from The American Journal of Numismatics 1 an extract relating 
 to these coins: 
 
 " ' Colonial Corns of Copper. — America. — Canada. — In Le Blanc's 
 Historic Treatise on the Coins of France it is mentioned, on p. 304, that 
 under Louis XIY.'s government were struck for Canada — which is well 
 known to have once belonged to France, and not to have been ceded to 
 England till 1763, — special coins, namely : in silver, fifteen-sous and five-sous 
 pieces, recognizable by the inscription, gloriam regni tui dicent; and, of 
 pure copper, Doubles, or pieces of Two Deniers, which bear the inscription 
 doubles de l'amerique erancoise. The silver pieces are of the year 1670, 
 and familiar. Unknown, on the contrary, are the Doubles, and a more exact 
 description of them would be highly interesting'. 
 
 " On page 388 of our edition of Le Blanc's ? Traite Historique des Mon- 
 noyes de France,' Paris, 1703, we read, ? In order to facilitate commerce in 
 Canada, the king caused to be struck a hundred thousand livres' worth of 
 Louis of 15 sous, and 5 sous, and Doubles of pure copper. These coins were 
 of the same value, weight and fineness with those of France. On the silver 
 Louis of 15 sous and 5 sous, in place of Sit nomen Domini benedictum, there 
 was Gloriam regni tui dicent; and, on the Doubles, Doubles de I'Amerique 
 Francoise'" 
 
 1 Vol. iv. p. 65. 
 
TEE "ST. PATRICK" OR "MARK NE¥BY" HALFPENCE. 
 
 Upon the 19th of November, 1681, there arrived in New Jersey a party 
 of emigrants from Dublin, Ireland, Mark Newby 1 and his family being among 
 them. He brought with him a quantity of the pieces known as St. Patrick's 
 half-pence, which, owing to the scarcity of small money there, were, in the 
 ensuing May, made current in that State under certain conditions expressed 
 in the act by which they were authorized. This act is found in the " Grants, 
 Concessions and Original Constitutions of the Province of New- Jersey," 2 under 
 date of May 8th, 1682, and is as follows: 
 
 "Section YI. 
 
 "And for the more convenient Payment of small Sums, 
 "Be it Enacted by Authority aforesaid: 
 
 "That Mark Newbie's half-pence, called Patricks half-pence, shall, from 
 and after the said Eighteenth Instant, pass for half-pence Current pay of this 
 Province, provided he, the said Mark, give sufficient Security to the Speaker 
 of this House, for the use of the General Assembly from Time to Time being, 
 that he the said Mark, his Executors and Administrators, shall and will change 
 the said half-pence for pay Equivalent, upon demand : and provided also, that 
 no Person or Persons be hereby obliged to take more than five Shillings in 
 one Payment." 
 
 The date and origin of these pieces are enveloped in mystery, and various 
 
 '•"ISTewby lived on the farm in Newton since owned by Jos. B. Cooper, Esq., where many 
 of the Patrick half-pence have been ploughed up." — Mickle's New Gloucester. 2 Vol. iii, p. 445. 
 
136 THE EAKLY COINS OF AMEKICA. 
 
 opinions have been expressed upon these points, which we will briefly mention, 
 substantially as recorded by Dr. Aquilla Smith. 1 
 
 Evelyn gave the first published account of them in 1697, thinking them 
 Irish coins, referring probably to those struck in silver, as he described them 
 among the silver medals of Charles II. 
 
 Thoresby next describes them, in 1715, placing them among the coins of 
 Charles II. , and he presumes that those in copper were originally current for 
 half-pence and farthings. 
 
 Bishop Nicholson, in 1724, placed them among the coins of Charles I., 
 stating that they " 5 are still common in Copper and Brass,' and < are current 
 for half-pence and farthings.' " 
 
 Leake makes mention of them, in 1726, with the opinion that they were 
 struck in the time of Charles I., " ' by the Papists, when they rebelled in 
 Ireland, and massacred the Protestants' ". 
 
 In Harris's edition of Sir James Ware's works, 1745, they are noticed as 
 bearing the arms of the city of Dublin, and are assigned to the time of Charles 
 II. It is also said here, " c John Putland, Esq., has among his curious Collec- 
 tions the two before-mentioned Pieces struck in Silver, no way differing but 
 in the Metal, and that they are milled, which Copper Money never is;, and 
 this proves that they were struck in Silver for Medals, as Mr. Evelin thinks, 
 and not as Proof Pieces.'" 
 
 Simon, 1749, considered them as coins of the rebels, struck about the year 
 1642, during the reign of Charles I., and says of the silver pieces, " c it is 
 thought that they were struck as medals, but for my part I think they were 
 struck upon the same occasion, and intended by the Kilkenny . assembly to 
 pass for shillings.' " 
 
 It is noticeable that Simon refers to but one size in silver, while Smith 
 had both in that metal, and a proof in lead of the smaller size. One of the 
 smaller pieces, somewhat worn, weighed 108 grains, and the larger, which was 
 in the same condition, weighed 176£ grains. From these relative weights it 
 is difficult to decide upon their intended value, if designed for coins. 
 
 Dr. Eobert Cane concludes " < That it was minted upon the Continent for 
 the use of the Confederate Assembly,' and f was transmitted to Kilkenny to 
 be there distributed.'" He proposed to call it the "'Rinunccini Confederate 
 money,' " as it " ( is in some parts of its design exceedingly in keeping with 
 
 iProc. Kilkenny & S. E . Area. Soa, 1854. See Am. Numis. Journal, vol. vii, pp. 9 and 25. 
 
" ST. PATRICK " OR " MARK NEWBY " HALFPENCE. 137 
 
 the opinions and sentiments of the Nuncio, Rinunccini.' " Dr. Cane states it as 
 decidedly his opinion " ! that they are foreign coins, and not coined in these 
 kingdoms, but brought over by Rinunccini, for the use of the Confederate 
 army.' " 
 
 Dr. Smith, after summing up the evidence of all the preceding, concludes 
 that these pieces were private tokens, and "issued in Dublin at some time 
 between the Restoration (1660) and the year 1680, when regal copper half- 
 pence were coined for Ireland." 
 
 Not presuming to " decide where doctors disagree," we can only add, that, 
 judging from the fact that Mark Newby brought with him, in 1681, a quantity 
 of these tokens sufficient to call for an act to legalize their currency, it would 
 appear that they must have been at that time of a comparatively recent 
 issue. 
 
 The great number of varieties existing of these pieces, indicates that 
 they must have been issued in considerable quantities. Of the large pieces 
 in copper we find four obverse and six reverse dies. 
 
 This size we have never seen in silver. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A crowned king, kneeling, facing left, and playing the harp. 
 Above the harp is a crown in brass. 
 Legends, variously punctuated, — 
 
 • • ■ FLORE AT REX • •• FLOREAT ' • * • ■ REX - 
 
 - ELOREAT • ■ ■ # • • REX - • ■ FLOREAT • # • : REX • 
 
 The letters of the third obverse legend, --floreat- •*• -rex- are 
 much smaller than any of the others. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — St. Patrick, with a trefoil in his right hand and a crozier in his 
 left, surrounded by a crowd of people. At his left is a shield charged with 
 three castles, on some resembling six flaming altars. 
 
 Legends, — 
 
 - ECCE GREX 2 ECCE : GREX 1 
 
 • ECCE • GREX 2 : ECCE • GREX 1 
 
 [Plate III, Nos. 7 and 8.] 
 
 The figures following the legends indicate the number of dies of each 
 variety. 
 
138 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Upon the smaller size we find twenty-two dies of the obverse, and twenty- 
 three of the reverse, in copper, and two of each in silver. 
 
 The obverse of this piece is of a design similar to that of the larger, 
 with legends, — 
 
 ELOREAT : REX 1 ELOREAT ' : REX : 1 
 
 ELOREAT REX : 3 ELOREAT : REX : • 3 
 
 ELOREAT : REX : 13 ELOREAT * REX * * * * 1 
 
 Upon some specimens a bird, sometimes accompanied by three small 
 circles, is found beneath the figure of the king. 
 
 The first example we have noticed only in silver, and the fifth in both 
 silver and copper; all the others in copper only. 
 
 Upon the reverse is St. Patrick, with his right hand outstretched, as if 
 driving away the serpents and reptiles represented beneath it, probably alluding 
 to the belief, as expressed in an old Irish song, that 
 
 "He gave the snakes and toads a twist, 
 And banished all the varmint." 
 
 In his left hand he carries a double or metropolitan cross, and at the extreme 
 right is a church. 
 
 The legends of the reverse vary thus, — 
 
 QVIESCAT PLEBS 9 QV1ESCAT PLEBS : 3 
 
 QVEESCAT PLEBS • 2 QVIESCAT : PLEBS : 1 
 
 QVIESCAT * PLEBS . 1 QVIESCAT PLEBS : ■ 2 
 
 QVIESCAT - PLEBS • 1 QVIESCAT : PLEBS : - 1 
 
 QVIESCAT : PLEBS 2 QVIESCAT* PLEBS * 1 
 
 Of the reverses we have found the first in silver and copper, the third 
 in silver only, and all others in copper only. 
 
 [Plate III, No. 9.] 
 
 Although it is said by Sir James "Ware that the silver pieces differ from 
 the copper, in being " milled, which Copper Money never is," it is necessary 
 for us to state that we have seen none in either metal without milled edges. 
 
 In size the large pieces vary from 17 to 20, and the small are about 16. 
 
 The heaviest specimens we have weighed of the large, in copper, contain 
 141 grains ; the small copper, 98 grains, and the small silver, from 98 to 114 
 grains. 
 
PROPOSALS FOR COINAGE. 
 
 The scarcity of small coin in America at the end of the seventeenth and 
 beginning of the eighteenth centuries, induced several schemes, ostensibly for 
 the good of the colonies, but actually for the profit of the projectors. Of the 
 first of these we know nothing beyond what we are told by Ruding, 1 which 
 is this : 
 
 " 1700. On the 5th of July, in this year, the Board of Trade took into 
 consideration the state of the coin in the plantations. A memorial by Mr. 
 John Fysack was then read, proposing the erection of a mint in some of the 
 plantations on the continent of America, as a means to remedy many incon- 
 veniences in the trade of those parts. And he being further heard in what 
 he had to offer, their lordships, after full consideration of the matter, did not 
 think fit that any mint should be erected there. But esteeming it generally 
 convenient that all coins current in the plantations should pass in all places 
 at one and the same rate, they resolved, in the first convenient opportunity, 
 to consider the difficulties that occur therein, and in what manner it may be 
 best effected ; but I do not find that they proceeded any further." 
 
 Another plan was soon devised for supplying the want of small change, 
 as shown by the two papers which follow. These were found by a search 
 among the unarranged papers in one of the State Paper Offices in London, 
 and include all known to us in relation to this project, which probably resulted 
 
 1 Aimalti of the Coinage of Great Britain, vol. ii, p. 59. 
 
140 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 in nothing at that time, although some of its features seem to have been 
 adopted in Wood's patent, a few years later. 
 
 The first of these papers is endorsed, 
 "Proposalls to the Lords of the Treasury, relating to the Coining of small 
 
 money in America. 
 "Cock Pit, Treasury Chambers, 21 May, 1701. 
 " from Samuel Davis to officers of ye Mint." 
 
 " To the Right Hon ble the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury. 
 
 "The humble proposall of Samuel Davis. 
 " The least piece of Money Comonly Current in the Islands and Colonys upon 
 the Continent of America is Seven pense halfe penny, being an 8* part of a 
 piece of Eight, which puts ye Inhabitants to ye necessity of Carrying Sugar 
 and Tobacco upon their Backs to barter for little Conion JSTecessarys. 
 
 " This Inconveniency cannot be remedyed by Sending such farthings and 
 half pence as are used in England, because they will be picked up and sent 
 back for Returns, Especially from the Continent, where Returns of goods often 
 fall Short, and 30 p Cent will be got by sending back such farthings and 
 half pence, the value of English money being so much more than the value 
 of American Money upon the Continent. 
 
 "The proper remedy is to Coin halfe pence and pence of Copper or a 
 Mixed Metall, and of halfe ye value the English Small Money is made, with 
 severall Mottoes or Devices for ye Severall Colonys, and to Order them to 
 pass only in the respective Colonys for which they shall be Appointed, 
 viz. one Sort for all the Colonys upon the Continent, another sort for the 
 Island of Barbadoes, a 3 d sort for Jamaica, and a 4 th Sort for all the Leeward 
 Islands. 
 
 " This Method will keep this Money within the respective Colonys, and 
 otherwise they will be sent from the Continent to ye Islands, and hinder the 
 Exportation of the Naturall product of the Continent to the Islands. 
 
 "If his Majesty will please to order the Coining such halfpence and pence, 
 and to enforce the passing of them by a proclamation, It will be a great 
 accommodation to all the plantations, and be a grievance to no body. The 
 Proposer is ready to shew how the King may vent them presently to a profit 
 that shall more then double the value of ye Charge, and humbly prays a 
 Third part of the profit for his discovery. 
 
 "All which is most humbly submited to yo r Lord ps ." 
 
PROPOSALS FOR COINAGE. 141 
 
 "To the Rt Honorable the Lords Commissioners of His Majesties Treasury. 
 "May it Please your Lordships 
 
 "In Obedience to your Lordships order of Reference Signified to us by 
 Mr Lowndes, 21 st May Last, upon the Proposall of Mr Samuel Davis for 
 coining Small Money in the Plantations, Wee are humbly of Opinion that 
 the Plantations in America are in great Want of Small Money, but that the 
 coynage of it Should be made, as near as may be, to the intrinsick value 
 which the Metall bears in the Severall Plantations, including the charge of 
 Coynage; and that such Small Money be made of Coarse Copper, Such as 
 the halfpence are coyned of here, that there may be less temptation to coun- 
 terfeit it, And that the quantity necessary to be coyned be settled. As also 
 that the pieces have different markes upon them to prevent their coming back 
 into England as is mentioned In the said Proposall. 
 
 "All which is humbly Submitted to your Lordships great Wisdom by 
 
 J Stanley 
 Is . Newton 
 "Mint Office the 9 th July 1701." Jn Ellis. 
 
 A reference to another scheme of this kind is found in a letter to the 
 General Court, from Jeremiah Dummer, who writes thus from Whitehall, April 
 5th, 1715: 
 
 " ST My last to you for the General Court was by the Solebay Man-of- 
 war, which I hope you have long before this time. In the mean while I 
 have receiv'd the three instructions agreed on the last October Session, which 
 I shall carefully observe. Onely that, which commands me to oppose any 
 attempts that may be made here to incorporate a private Bank in New 
 England, is what there will probably be no occasion to make use of. For 
 the Gentlemen who have bin desir'd from Boston to Sollicit this buisness, 
 have not yet mov'd in it, & I'm inform'd by one of 'em, that they don't 
 design to Stirr in it at all. Some other people having heard of it, & of the 
 Exigency which the Countrey was reduc't to for want of money, or some 
 other medium of trade, have started a project for the coining base money 
 here, (that is to Say, one third copper, and the rest silver) to pass in New 
 England, which they pretend will answer all the necessities of trade, tho' in 
 truth it will answer nothing but their own private gain, which they propose 
 
 Archives, vol. li, pp. 273-4. 
 
142 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 by it. Upon the first notice I had of this project, I waited on Several of the 
 Ministry in order to speak to 'em of the destructive consequences of it, if it 
 Should take Effect, but their Lord pps would not hear me upon it; for they were 
 so clear in it, that they assur'd me at once that no such thing should be 
 
 done. 
 
 ******* Your most Obed* ser* 
 
 Mr Secretary Addington. Jer: Dummer." 
 
 The scheme here alluded to must have met with the fate of its prede- 
 cessor, as we find no reference to it elsewhere. 
 
 We find in Lyson's Environs of London this notice of Sir Alexander 
 Cuming, who conceived a project for supplying coin for New England and 
 Carolina, from England: 
 
 " S r Alexander Comyns, Bar*, pensioner in the Charter-house, buried Aug. 
 28, 1775. He was son of Alexander Cuming, of Coulter, created a baronet 
 in 1695. * * * In 1729 he was induced by a dream of Lady Cuming's 
 to undertake a voyage to America, for the purpose of visiting the Cherokee 
 nations. He left England on the 13 th of September, and arrived at Charles- 
 Town on the 5th of December. * * * Sir Alexander says, in his journal, 
 that whilst he was in America in 1729 he found such injudicious notions of 
 liberty prevail, as were inconsistant with any kind of government, particularly 
 with their dependence on the British nation. This suggested to him the idea 
 of establishing banks in each of the provinces dependent on the British 
 exchequer, and accountable to the British parliament, as the only means of 
 securing the dependency of the colonies. But it was not till 1748 (as it 
 appears) that he laid his plans before the minister, who treated him as a 
 visionary enthusiast, which his journal, indeed most clearly indicates him to 
 have been." 
 
 We have obtained from the State Paper Office, at London, a copy of his 
 proposal, which here follows: 
 
 " To the Eight Hon. Henry Pelham, Esq. etc. The humble Memorial of Sir 
 Alexander Cuming, Bart. July 14, 1748, sheweth 
 
 " That in order to preserve the dependency of the British Plantations on 
 great Britain their Mother Country, as being their natural and true interest, 
 and as being the surest means to secure their rational liberties and properties 
 against all invaders whatsoever, it is humbly proposed, that the current specie 
 of great Britain may be made the current lawful money of the said Planta- 
 
PROPOSALS FOR COIXAGE. 143 
 
 tions, as the proper Measure of property in all countries depending on the 
 British crown and nation. 
 
 " It is also humbly proposed, that 200,0001. sterling may be coined at the 
 Tower of London for that purpose, to be lent upon good and sufficient secur- 
 ities in the said provinces, at the present legal interest there. 
 
 " It is also humbly proposed, that the said sum should be made the foun- 
 dation of a provincial bank for all the British Plantations in America; that 
 the said bank should issue out bank notes to the value of the said sum, and 
 that the planters should be obliged to pay their quit-rents in such bank notes 
 as are authorized by the British Exchequer for the said purpose; which notes, 
 being payable by the said provincial bank in gold and silver specie on demand, 
 cannot fall under any discount so long as the managers act agreeably to then- 
 several trusts. 
 
 "It is humbly conceived, that this regulation is requisite to abolish the 
 paper money in New England and Carolina, and for setting aside the currency 
 of the dipt Spanish money in Jamaica or elsewhere. And as altering or 
 debasing the lawful money of this kingdom is truly high treason, and as the 
 paper money of the above-mentioned provinces does really alter the value of 
 what ought to be the current lawful money of these countries as subjects to 
 the Crown of great Britain, so these regulations Avould remove many tempta- 
 tions they are now under to commit high treason." 
 
 The next proposal for a coinage for this country was for Carolina, and 
 regarding this proposition all we can learn is the information given by Snel- 
 ling, which we next quote: 
 
 "In 1754 a proposal was sent over here for approbation, from Arthur 
 Dobbs, Esq., Governor of North Carolina, for to coin copper money for that 
 colony, to consist of pieces of the value of two-pence, one penny, and an half 
 penny of their currency, which was in proportion to that of England as four 
 to three; the quantity proposed to be coined to be such as the Governor and 
 Council of Carolina should think proper, but not to exceed 50 tons, they 
 delivering the copper into the mint, paying all expenses and fees attending 
 the coinage, and to have such a device on them as should be thought proper. 
 His letter with the proposals were sent down from the Treasury, June 24, to 
 the officers of the mint to consider of them, and give their opinion on the 
 most proper method to put them in execution; in answer to which it was 
 proposed, that one half of what should be coined should be in halfpence of 
 such a size, that 61 pieces was to make 1 lb weight avoir, one fourth should 
 
144 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 consist of two penny pieces, and the other fourth of penny pieces, of a pro- 
 portional weight to the halfpence, the remedy to be ^ part of a lb. wt. avoir- 
 dupoize, and this not by design, but accident; to perform them at the same 
 price as those for Ireland, five-pence per lb. wt. for the master, and 20s. per 
 hund. to the deputy comptroller; the proportion as to the number of each 
 sort to be kept, as an increase in the number of halfpence, would increase 
 the expence, one side to have the king's effigies with georgius ii. rex. on 
 the reverse the arms of North Carolina, inscribed, sept . Carolina, and under 
 it the date of the year; we apprehend it rested here, and was never pat in 
 execution." 
 
 We find no reference to a coinage for Carolina in any of the records, 
 but another plan seems to have been devised for a supply of coin for that 
 State, if a paragraph in the Massachusetts Centinel, of October 18, 1786, may 
 be taken as evidence: 
 
 " Charleston, S. C, Sept. 29. 
 
 " Government has received information that Mr. Borel has compleated his 
 contract of coinage for this State, in Switzerland, and may be soon expected 
 here by the way of London. The stipulation was for 30,0001. in silver and 
 copper, to be exchanged for the paper medium." 
 
 If this contract was carried into effect the results thereof have entirely 
 disappeared, as no specimen traceable to that source is to be found in any of 
 our cabinets. 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SEEIES 
 
 The various plans for furnishing a small coinage for America appear to 
 have culminated in the project of William "Wood, who obtained patents, very 
 similar in their terms, for coining "tokens" for America and Ireland, both 
 patents bearing the same date, July 12, 1722. That for America appears to 
 have taken precedence, as it is the one first recorded upon the Patent Rolls, 
 it being "Pat. 8, Geo. I. part 4, No. 1;" that for Ireland, "Part 5, No. 5." 
 
 It is said that George I. was, upon his journey from Hamburg to Eng- 
 land, previous to his coronation, accompanied by a German baroness, a frail 
 beauty, who, having captivated that monarch, was raised to the peerage and 
 favored with several titles, among which that of the " Duchess of Kendal " 
 is the one best known to us. She possessed unbounded influence over the 
 king, and as her favor was esteemed a sure means of gaining his, she was 
 induced to espouse the cause of Wood in his application for the grant of his 
 patents. 
 
 Coxe states that " the emoluments arising from the disposal of the patent 
 for supplying Ireland with copper coin, were given by Sunderland to the 
 duchess of Kendal, who sold it to Wood." We have no information as to 
 whether the same disposition was made of the profits of the patent for Amer- 
 ica, but presume both to have been procured under similar circumstances. 
 
 Four pattern pieces of much interest, in our estimation, have recently for 
 the first time been brought into notice in this country, which were, in all 
 probability, made by William Wood, in or about the year 1717, with the de- 
 
146 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 sign of their adoption in his American coinage. These are in a mixed metal, 
 resembling Wood's metal, having a head of George I., with legend as upon 
 the Rosa Americanas, — the letters d. g. omitted from the smaller or half- 
 penny size. 
 
 It seems not unreasonable to believe that Wood must have been engaged 
 in experiments in coining as early as 1717, the date of the twopenny piece, 
 as his preparations must have been well forwarded at the time his patents 
 were granted, or he would hardly have been able to strike so great a quantity 
 of his coin in the first year of their existence, the year of their date being 
 already half expired at the time of their issue. 
 
 It appears certain that these were patterns for his coinage for America, 
 as they bear striking points of agreement with the design ordered by the 
 patent for that coinage, although, as will be seen, this order was not final, 
 but was followed by provisions by which it might be changed or a different 
 design adopted; while they bear no resemblance either in weight, composition, 
 or valuation, to any known coin of England or her dependencies, but agree 
 in their valuation with the coins proposed for America, being evidently de- 
 signed for twopenny, penny, and halfpenny pieces. 
 
 Snelling, in his "Miscellaneous Views," &c, in his remarks upon Wood's 
 coinage, says, "We have a piece much like the penny in size, struck in the 
 same metal, the head also nearly the same, inscribed, georgius d. g. [m: bri:] 
 era. et hib. rex. and on the reverse the figure I crowned between two laurel 
 branches, inscribed, brun et lun dux sa rom mi arc the et pr. elec." He 
 expresses no opinion regarding it, but evidently considered it a piece belong- 
 ing to America, and the production of William Wood. The letters in brackets 
 and the punctuation marks were omitted by Snelling. 
 
 In the style of their workmanship and in their composition these patterns 
 strongly resemble the Eosa Americana series. 
 
 The head of the king, as well as the legend upon the obverses of the 
 larger pieces, is nearly the same with that upon the corresponding Rosas, and 
 the effigies bear so strong a resemblance to those of that series as to leave 
 no room for doubt that they were the work of the same artists. 
 
 In the metal of which they are composed may also be noticed a great 
 similarity, — three of these being of the brassy composition frequently found 
 in those; the other, mostly resembling copper, but with flecks of brass scat- 
 tered through it, — a peculiarity met with, so far as our observation extends, 
 only in coins of the Rosa Americana series. 
 
PLATE III. 
 
 
 
 1 f. 
 
 5 * 
 
 
 - - - . t 2 i(°y- r; \1 li ^•': 
 
 w%/ 
 
 -vU 
 
 .-*-"- 
 
 ^;---% 48^^ 
 
 
 
 ^^■V- v lit, ' 
 
 .^^v 
 
 8 
 
 1 - - < f >>jj>-' * 
 
 
 . ~ - \ • — 
 
 THfSi: BELOW ARE OOPJU0L 
 
 
 ^■:v-R> wivfe^ V^~;sy ~S^ 
 
 s -.; 
 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES. 147 
 
 Mr. Bushnell wrote of the largest of these pieces, (the others being then 
 unknown in this country,) "This pattern is undoubtedly one of Wood's, and 
 from its striking similarity to the Rosa Americana pieces, there is every reason 
 to suppose it to be a rejected pattern for an American coinage. Besides this, 
 there is no English coin to which it bears the least resemblance. 
 
 " The Halfpenny was the highest denomination of the copper coinage 
 issued at that period for England; but as Twopences were coined for America, 
 in brass, and as the pattern in question is of the same metal and workman- 
 ship, and having II to denote its value, I cannot imagine it to have been any 
 thing else than a pattern for an American coin." 
 
 The largest has for its obverse a well-executed laureated head of George 
 I., facing right, with the legend, georgivs • d : a m : b : er : et ■ h : rex . 
 Reverse, the Roman numerals II surmounted by a crown, above which, in the 
 circle of the legend, is the date, 1717 • Legend, mag • brit • fra ■ et • i-iiber.- 
 rex : ■ The legend is between two plain circles ; the borders are milled, as are 
 all the others. Edge plain; size, 17 J; weight, 107 grains. Plate III, No. 10. 
 
 Two of the smaller size, 16J, bear obverses alike, having a head of the 
 king, as in the preceding, but rather larger, and the legend, georgivs d: g: 
 m : bri : era : et ■ hib : rex 
 
 Reverse No. 1. The Roman numeral I surmounted by a crown, and 
 encircled by the legend, dat • pacem • et • nouas • prebet • et • auget • 
 opes • Edge plain ; size, 16£ ; weight, 96 grains. Plate III, No. 11. 
 
 Reverse No. 2. Numeral, crowned as in the last, but having at each side 
 a branch, the stems of which cross below. Legend, bevn : et • lvn : dvx • 
 SA : rom : mi : arc=the : et • PR : elec • Edge, plain; weight, 109 grains. 
 
 The last is that described by Snelling. It is singular that this piece 
 should weigh more than the larger one of double its value, but such is the 
 case. Plate III, No. 12. 
 
 The obverse of the smallest, size 13J, has the head of the king to right, 
 with the legend, georgivs • rex • 
 
 Reverse, £ under a crown. Legend, ■ j>at ■ pacem • et ■ auget • opes • 
 Edge, plain ; size, 13 \ ; weight, 72 grains. Plate III, No- 13. 
 
 These pieces are all of the highest degree of rarity, no duplicate being 
 known of either. One other impression is known from the dies of that having 
 branches upon the reverse, but it is in the composition resembling brass. 
 
 This set, with the exception of the piece in brass, last mentioned, is in 
 the collection of the writer. No other impression is known in any metal. 
 
148 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 A slight digression from the subject of this chapter is necessary here, 
 to introduce an issue of parchment money for small change, which, although 
 not a coinage, approached as nearly to one as could well be devised in that 
 material, and shows the conditions of trade, in Massachusetts at least, to have 
 been such as would favor the introduction of coin of the denominations pro- 
 posed by Wood. 
 
 We will present copies of the records 1 to relate the history of this 
 
 parchment money: 
 
 June 15th, 1722. " In Council the Board, taking into Consideration the 
 Great Inconvenience arising to the affairs, & Trade of the Province, for Want 
 of Small Money for Change (the Copper half pence being Sent out of the 
 Province) & thereupon, 111 Minded people have presumed to Splitt or tare, 
 the JSTew Small Bills of Credit of the Province, not withstanding the Procla- 
 mation to the Contrary, to the Great dishonour of the Government, & preju- 
 dice of the Province: Voted, that Penn Townsend, Thomas Hutchinson & 
 Jonathan Belcher Esq 1 , with Such as the Honb 1 ? House of Representatives 
 shall Appoint, be a Committee, to think of & report to this Court what may 
 be proper to be done in that affair; In the House of Representatives; Eead 
 & Concurred, & Voted that M- Clarke, M.\ Tay MS Chambers & M^ Reming- 
 ton, be added to the Committee." 
 
 " Committees Report for makg. Small Bills." 2 
 " In Obedience to the Order on the other Side, the Committee propose, 
 that there be printed, in Parchment, to the Value of Five hundred pounds, of 
 the Following Denomination Vizt. 
 
 40—001 Penny Bills £ 166 : 13 : 5 
 
 20-000 Two penny Bills 166 : 13 : 4 
 
 13_333 Three penny Bills 166 : 13 : 3 
 
 £ 500 : — : — 
 
 * r And that the Said Bills be delivered to the Treasurer of the Province, 
 by him to be Exchanged for other Bills of this Province, to Such persons 
 as Come for the Same, but not less at One Time than Twenty Shillings, and 
 that there be an Act pass,d for their Being Accepted by the Treasurer and 
 Receivers Subordinate to him, in all publick payments, as other the Bills of 
 
 i Court Records, vol. xi, p. 327 ; 2 Ibid, vol. xi, p. 343. 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES. 
 
 149 
 
 this Province are, and that the Five hundred pounds Exchanged for those 
 Bills be burnt. 
 
 "All which is humbly Submitted. 
 "June 26 th 1722. By Order of the committee. 
 
 Penn Townsend. 
 
 " In Council, Read & Accepted, & Ordered that the Committee appointed 
 to Consider of a Remedy for the want of Small Money for Change be desired 
 to take Care of the Making & Imprinting the Small Bills, agreeable to their 
 Report, and that they prepare the draught of a Bill accordingly. In the 
 House of Representatives Read and Concurred. 
 
 Consented to, Sam' 1 Shute." 
 
 The following act was accordingly passed at the session of May, 1722 : 
 
 "Chap. Y. 
 "An Act for Emitting Five Hundred Pounds in Small Bills of several De- 
 nominations, to be Exchanged for larger Bills by the Province Treasurer. 
 
 " Whereas great Inconveniences and Difficulties have arisen to the Affairs 
 and Trade of this Province, for want of small Money for change : 
 
 For Remedy whereof : 
 
 "Be it Enacted by His Excellency the Governour, Council and Repre- 
 sentatives in General Court Assembled, and by the Authority of the same, 
 That there be forthwith Imprinted on Parchment, the sum of Five Hundred 
 Pounds in Pennies, Two Pences and Three Pences of the following Figures 
 and Inscriptions : viz. Forty Thousand and One Pennies, to be Round, Twenty 
 Thousand Two Pences, Four Square, Thirteen Thousand Three Hundred and 
 Thirty-three [Three] Pences, Sex-angular. 
 
 *j ]£ E_ k* 
 
 ^l$)aflacf)ui'ett 8.1ft* 
 
 W* 
 
 Or) T"^* 1 d 
 
 %Wl<D Pence. 
 
 Ptofotnee of 
 
 fettg. June 1722 
 
 /§J_p€M€e 
 
 
 n.d 
 
 % 
 
 "And that the Committee already appointed by this Court for that pur- 
 
150 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 pose, are hereby Directed and Impowred to take Effectual Care for the 
 Making and Imprinting the said Bills; and that the said Bills be delivered 
 to the Treasurer of the Province, by him to be Exchanged for other Bills 
 of this Province, to such persons as come for the same; but not less than 
 Twenty Shillings at any one time; and that the said Bills be Accepted by 
 the Treasurer and Eeceivers subordinate to him in all Public Payments, as 
 other the Bills of this Province are, and that Five Hundred Pounds in Bills 
 Exchanged by the Treasurer for these Bills, shall be burnt to Ashes by a 
 Committee to be appointed for that purpose. 
 
 "And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That whosoever 
 shall presume to Forge, Counterfeit or Utter any Bill or Bills (knowing the 
 same to be False and Counterfeit) of the Figures or Inscriptions of those 
 mentioned in this Act, or any ways in Imitation thereof ; or that shall Counsel, 
 Advise, Procure or any ways Assist, in Forging, Counterfeiting, Imprinting 
 or Stamping of any such false Bills : Every person and persons so offending 
 being thereof Convicted, shall be Punished for the first Offence as in Case of 
 Forgery, and for the second Offence as those that Counterfeit the other Bills 
 of this Province." 1 
 
 Illustrations of the intended bills were inserted in the act, in place of 
 which we have given representations, copied from the bills actually issued. 
 The cuts there given closely resemble these, with the exception of the orna- 
 mental borders, which are there omitted. We have supplied the word "Three", 
 in brackets, it being evidently an omission in the original. 
 
 In returning to our subject, that which first claims our attention is the 
 patent granted to "William "Wood, Esq., for coining " Tokens * * * to go 
 for half pence pence and Two pences," of such an alloy "that a mass or 
 peice of fine metal made of such mixture or Composicon and weighing Twenty 
 ounces Averdupoiz doth contain one penny weight Troy of fine virgin Silver 
 fifteen Ounces Averdupoiz of fine Brass, and the Remainder of the said peice 
 of Twenty ounces Averdupoiz is made of the said double refined linck, other- 
 wise called Tutanaigne or Spelter". 
 
 We have obtained copies of both of the Patents granted to Wood, which 
 are still preserved in the State Paper Office, in London : that referring to 
 America being the only one of interest in this connection, we next present 
 to our readers. 
 
 x Laws of Massachusetts, vol. i, p. 299. 
 
THE EOSA AMERICANA SERIES. 151 
 
 Wm Wood ) This Indenture made the day of 
 
 Ar' / in the year of the Reign of our Sovereign 
 
 Grant ) Lord George by the Grace of God of Great Britain ffrance and 
 Ireland king Defender of the ffaith &c Annoq Dili one thousand seven hun- 
 dred twenty two Between our said Sovereign Lord the king of the one part 
 and William Wood of Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford Esquire of 
 the other part Whereas our said Sovereigne lord hath received Information 
 that Within his Majesties Islands Dominions and Territories in America there 
 is a great Want of small money for making small payments to such as would 
 voluntarily accept the same and that Retailers and others do suffer by reason 
 of such Want and Whereas the said William Wood hath humbly represented 
 to his Majestie that he the said William Wood hath Invented a certain Com- 
 position or mixture consisting partly of fine virgin Silver partly of superfine 
 Brass made of pure Copper and partly of double refined linck otherwise 
 called Tutanaigne or Spelter so that a mass or peice of fine metal made of 
 such mixture or Composition and weighing Twenty ounces Averdupoiz doth 
 contain one penny weight Troy of fine virgin Silver fifteen Ounces Aver- 
 dupoiz of fine Brass and the Remainder of the said peice of Twenty ounces 
 Averdupoiz is made of the said double refined linck otherwise called Tuta- 
 naigne or Spelter A Standard peice whereof weighing Twenty Ounces Aver- 
 dupoiz hath been humbly presented to his Majesty by the said William Wood 
 in Order to be delivered to the Comptroller or king's clerk to be appointed 
 as hereinafter menconed for trying the fine metal to be made for coynage of 
 such moneys hereinafter prescribed and the small moneys to be made with 
 the same metal And the said William Wood hath humbly proposed to his 
 Majestie vpon the Terms and Condicons herein after expressed to make small 
 moneys of such Composicon or Mixture as aforesaid for the Service of his 
 Majesties Subjects in America who will voluntarily accept the same as afore- 
 said Now this Indenture Witnesseth That our said Sovereign Lord by virtue 
 of his Prerogative Royal and of his Speciall Grace certain knowledge and 
 meer mocon and in Consideracon of the Rents Covenants and agreements here- 
 inafter contained and expressed on the part and behalfe of the said William 
 Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes to be paid done observed 
 and performed hath given and Granted and by these presents for himselfe 
 his heirs and Successors Doth Give and Grant unto the said William Wood 
 his Executors Administrators and Assignes full free sole and absolute power 
 Priviledge lycence and Authority That he the said William Wood his Exec- 
 
152 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 utors Administrators and Assignee by himselfe or themselves or by his or 
 their Servants Workmen and Assignes (and no other Person or Persons what- 
 soever) shall and may from time to time during the Term of ffourteen yeares 
 to be reckoned and accounted from the ffeast of the Annunciacon of the 
 Blessed Virgin Mary one thousand seven hundred and twenty-two Coyne or 
 make and cause to be Coyned or made at his and their own proper Costs and 
 Charges at some publick and convenient Office Within his Majesties City of 
 London or the Suburbs of the same or such other place as shall be approved 
 by the Cohiissioners of his Majesties Treasury or high Treasurer for the time 
 being to be Provided from time to time by him the same William Wood his 
 Executors Administrators or Assignes any dumber or Quantity of Tokens or 
 peices of such mixt metal or Composicon as is before described to go for half 
 pence pence and Two pences and to be from time to time after the coyning 
 thereof transported or carried into his Majesties Islands Dominions and Ter- 
 ritories in America or some of them and may be uttered or dispersed there 
 and not elsewhere Provided allways that every such Office for Coyning such 
 halfpence pence and Two pences (before any such coyning therein) shall be 
 Notified by the said William Wood his Executors Administrators or Assigns 
 in the London Gazette and by a Writing to be openly affixed vpon the Royal 
 Exchange in London Provided also that the Whole 1ST umber or Quantity to be 
 Coyned by virtue of such his Majesties letters Patent do not exceed in the said 
 Whole Term the Quantity to be made of Three hundred Tunns of such mixt 
 metal or Composicon as before described Provided likewise that the Number 
 or Quantity (part of the said whole Quantity) do not exceed in the first four 
 years of the said Term the Quantity to be made of Two hundred Tunns of 
 such mixt Metal or Composicon as aforesaid and do not exceed for any one 
 year for the last Ten years of the said Term the Quantity to b*e made of Ten 
 Tons of the said mixt Metal or Composicon And so as all the mixt Metal or 
 Composicon of Which the said half pence pence and two pences shall be made 
 do consist of such Ingredients and in such Proportions as are above described 
 and so as all the said halfpence and two pences be of such size and bigness 
 That Twenty ounces Averdupoiz Weight of such mixt Metal Or Composicon 
 shall not be converted into more half pence pence or two pences than shall 
 make sixty pence by tale and so as all the said half pence Pence and Two 
 pences be made of equal Weight in themselves or as near thereunto as may be 
 being allowed a Remedy not exceeding one penny over or under in each Weight 
 of them holding Twenty Ounces Averdupoiz And so as the said Metal or 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES. 153 
 
 Composieon for making the said half pence pence and .Two pences be from 
 time to time before the making thereof assayed and so as the half pence 
 pence and Two pences be made therewith from time to time before the uttering 
 the Coyned half pence pence and Two pences from such Office be assayed 
 and tryed for their Weight and fineness and an Account be taken of the 
 Tale in the manner hereinafter prescribed And that he the said William 
 Wood his Executors Administrators and Assigns shall and may at his and 
 their own Wills and pleasures from time to time during the said Term after 
 the said half pence pence and two pences shall have been so assayed and 
 tryed for their Weight and fineness and an Account taken of their Tale as 
 aforesaid Transport and Convey or cause the same to be transported and 
 Conveyed unto the said Islands Dominions or Territories belonging or to 
 belong to his Majestie his heirs or successors in America or any of them 
 and shall and may utter and disperse them to his and their best advantage 
 and profit to pass and be received as Current money by such as shall be 
 Willing to receive the same Within the said Islands Dominions and Territo- 
 ries or any of them and not elsewhere And the said William Wood for 
 himselfe his Executors Administrators and Assignes doth Covenant promise 
 and Grant to and with our said Sovereign lord his heires and Successors 
 by these presents ThaPhe the said William Wood his Executors Adminis- 
 trators and Assignes shall and will make the said half pence pence and 
 Two pences of such fine Metal or Composieon as aforesaid When the same 
 shall be cast into Barrs or fillets and which when heated red hot will spread 
 thin under the hammer without Cracking and shall and will out of the same 
 Coyn the said Two pences pence and half pence of such a bigness that 
 thirty Two pences sixty pence and one hundred and twenty half pence may 
 weigh sixteen ounces Averdupoiz being allowed a Remedy as aforesaid and 
 shall and will when any Quantity of such money shall be Coyned permit and 
 suffer such person or persons as the Commissioners of the Treasury of his 
 Maisty his heires and Successors for the time being shall in Writing under 
 their or his hands or hand from time to time or at any time or times Con- 
 stitute and appoint to mix the same in an heap and to assay the same by 
 Counting out Thirty Two pences Sixty pence or One hundred and Twenty 
 half pence and there by to Estimate the value of the whole heap and of 
 every part thereof according to its Weight and shall and will permit and 
 suffer such person or persons to be appointed to assay such half pence and 
 Two pences in fineness by taking some peices of the money heating them 
 
154 THE BAKLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 red hot and battering them to see if they will spread thin under the hammer 
 and shall and will permit and suffer such Person or Persons as the said 
 Commissioners of the Treasury or the high Treasurer for the time being 
 shall by any Warrant or Warrants from time to time constitute and appoint 
 to see the said mixed Metal or Composicon in Barrs or ffillets for making 
 the said money from time to time and to keep an Account of the severall 
 Parcels thereof and shall and will permit and suffer such Person or Persons 
 to see the Assays performed and the money Weighed and to take one or 
 more peices out of every parcell of money assayed to be kept in a Box 
 under his or their key and a key of the said William Wood his Executors 
 Administrators and Assignes to be tryed annually in Weight and fineness 
 before whom the said Commissioners of the Treasury or the high Treasurer 
 for the time being shall appoint And it is hereby declared and agreed that 
 the Person or Persons to be appointed as afforesaid for assaying or trying 
 the said mixt metal or Composicon and the small moneys to be made thereof 
 and taking the Tale of such monies shall be and be called the king's Clerk 
 and Comptroller of the Coynage of the halfe pence pence and two pences 
 to be Coyned for the Service of the Islands Dominions and Territories be- 
 longing or to belong to his Majestie his heirs or Successors in America and 
 may be impowered to Execute such Trust by himself or themselves his or 
 their sufficient Deputy or Deputies from time to time And the said William 
 Wood for himselfe his Executors Administrators and Assignes Doth hereby 
 Covenant and agree at his and their own proper Costs and Charges to allow 
 and pay to such Comptroller for the time being a Salary after the rate of 
 Two hundred pounds per Annum to be paid Quarterly at the four usual 
 ffeasts in the year by equal porcons daring his continuance in the said Trust 
 and to be Computed and paid by the day for any broken part of a Quarter 
 in Which such Deputy or Deputies shall execute the same Trust Provided 
 nevertheless That in Case the said Commissioners of the Treasury or the 
 high Treasurer for the time being shall not constitute and appoint a Person 
 or Persons to Assay and take Account of the said mixt Metal or Composicon 
 or of the small monies to be made therewith as aforesaid or in case of the 
 Death of such Person or Persons that shall be appointed The said William 
 Wood his Executors Administrators or Assignes shall not be molested hin- 
 dered or deprived of the benefit of making and coyning the said half pence 
 and Two pences but shall and may proceed therein in manner aforemenconed 
 So as the said William Wood his Executors Administrators or Assignes or 
 
THE' EOSA AMERICANA SERIES. 155 
 
 his or their Agent or Agents make Oath if required of the Quantity and 
 Goodness of the said halfe pence pence and Two pences and of the Metal 
 or Composicon whereof the same shall have been made And it is his Majes- 
 ties will and pleasure And he doth by these presents for himselfe his heires 
 and Successors Grant and Authorize and appoint That the said halfe pence 
 pence and Two pences of such mixt metal or Composicon as aforesaid shall 
 and may be made and Coyned with Engines or Instruments having on the 
 one side the Effigies or Portraiture With the name or Title of his Majestie 
 his heires or Successors and on the other side the figure of a Crown With 
 the "Word America and the year of our lord and any other marks or Addi- 
 cons as may be proper or the said Engines or Instruments for Coyning the 
 said half pence pence and Two pences may have any other Inscripcons as 
 by any Warrant or Warrants to be obtained under the Eoyal Sign Manual 
 of his Majestie his heirs or Successors shall be allowed and approved And 
 that the said half pence and Two pences being made and coyned as afore- 
 said shall pass and be Generally vsed between Man and Man or between any 
 persons that shall and will voluntarily and willingly and not otherwise pay 
 and receive the same as Tokens or peices of and for the respective values 
 of half pence pence and Two pences of money of Great Britain With the 
 customary allowance for Exchange within the said Islands Dominions and 
 Territories belonging or to belong to his Majestie his heires or Successors 
 in America or any of them and not elsewhere And to the intent the said 
 William Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes may have and 
 obtain the full benefit and profit intended vnto him and them by this present 
 Grant his Majestie doth by these presents for himselfe his heires and Suc- 
 cessors strictly prohibit and forbid all and every person and persons What- 
 soever (other than the said William Wood his Executors Administrators and 
 Assignes and his and their Servants Workmen and Assignes before menconed) 
 to make Coyne or Counterfeit such half pence Pence or Two pences of such 
 mixt Metal or Composicon as aforesaid or of any other Metal or Composicon 
 Whatsoever or to make or vse any Engines or Instruments for the making 
 of any Two pences Pence or halfe pence to pass or go within his Majesties 
 said Islands Dominions and Territories or any of them or to Import or bring 
 into the said Islands Dominions or Territories or any of them from any his 
 Majesties Dominions or from any fforeign parts to be vttered vended or dis- 
 persed in the said Island Dominions and Territories or any of them any Two 
 pences Pence or half pence or any Engines or Instruments for making of 
 
-[56 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 the same at any time or times during the said Term of fourteen yeares vnder 
 pain of incurring his Majesties Displeasure and such Corporal Pecuniary or 
 other Punishments as by law may be inflicted upon any such Person or 
 Persons in such Case or Cases Offending And his Majestie doth by these 
 presents for himselfe his heires and Successors Give and Grant unto the said 
 William "Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes full power and 
 Authority so far as his Majestie can lawfully Grant That the said William 
 Wood his Executors Administrators or Assignes by himselfe or themselves 
 or by his or their Deputy or Deputies for Whom he or they will be Answer- 
 able from time to time and at all times during the said Term Granted (taking 
 a Constable or other Officer to his or their Assistance) and in the Day time 
 shall or may enter into any Ship vessell house or other place Within the said 
 Islands Dominions and Territories belonging or to belong to his Majestie his 
 heires or Successors in America Where he or they may reasonably suspect 
 that any Counterfeit half pence pence or Two pences are or shall be made 
 or are or shall be brought or imported from any other of his Majesties Do- 
 minions or from any fforeign parts and by all lawfull Ways and means to 
 search for the same and vpon finding of any such Counterfeit half pence pence 
 or Two pences or any Tools or Instruments for making thereof to Arrest seize 
 carry away detain and keep such Counterfeit half pence Pence and Two pences 
 Instruments and Tools to the proper vse and behoofe of him the said William 
 Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes Without any Account to 
 be therefore rendered to his Majestie his heires or Successors for the same 
 To have hold Exercise and Enjoy all and Singular the aforesaid Powers lib- 
 erties priviledges lycences Grants Authorities and other the premisses vnto the 
 said William Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes from the ffeast 
 of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary one thousand seven hundred 
 Twenty two unto the full end and Term of fourteen yeares from thence next 
 Ensueing and fully to be compleat and ended yeilding and paying therefore 
 And the said William Wood for himself his Executors Administrators and 
 Assignes doth hereby Covenant promise and Grant to and with his Majestie 
 his heires and Successors at the Eeceipt of the Exchequer of his Majestie his 
 heires and Successors the yearly Rent or Sunie of one hundred pounds (over 
 and above the Comptrollers Salary before menconed) at two of the most usual 
 ffeasts or days of payment in the year that is to say at the ffeast of St. Michael 
 the Archangel and the Annunciacon of the Blessed Virgin Mary by even and 
 equal Porcons The first payment thereof to begin and be made at the ffeast 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES. 157 
 
 of Saint Michael the Archangel next ensueing the date hereof Provided always 
 and these presents are and shall be vpon this express Condicon That if it 
 shall happen that the said yearly Rent or Sume of one hundred pounds to be 
 behind and vnpaid in part or in the Whole by the space of Thirty days after 
 any of the said ffeasts or Days of payment on which the same ought to be 
 paid as aforesaid That then and from thenceforth it shall and may be lawfull 
 to and for his Majestie his heires and Successors by any Instrument vnder 
 his or their Koyall Signe Manual to revoke determine and make void these 
 presents and all and every the Powers benefits and Advantages thereby Granted 
 to the said William Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes any 
 thing therein contained to the contrary notwithstanding And further his 
 Majestie for the Consideracons aforesaid hath Given and Granted And by 
 these presents for himself his heires and Successors of his more Special Grace 
 certain knowledge and meer mocon Doth Give and Grant vnto the said William 
 Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes all such Profit Gains benefit 
 Benefits Emoluments and Advantages as shall from time to time be made 
 gotten obtained or raised by the making Issuing uttering or vending of the 
 said half pence Pence and Two pences which during the said Term of four- 
 teen years are hereby authorized to be made transported vttered vended and 
 dispersed as aforesaid The same to be had taken and received by him the 
 said William Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes to his and 
 their only vse and behoof Without any account or other matter or thing (other 
 than the said yearly Sume of one hundred pounds to be therefore rendered 
 to his Majesty his heires or Successors and other than the said Salary to be 
 paid to the said Comptroller as aforesaid) And the said William Wood for 
 himself his Executors Administrators and Assignes doth Covenant promise 
 and Grant to and with his Majestie his heires and Successors by these presents 
 That he the said William Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes 
 shall and will at his and their own proper Costs and Charges from time to 
 time during the said Term in pursuance of the Powers Granted to him and 
 them as aforesaid make and Coyn or Cause to be made and Coyned and Trans- 
 ported into the said Islands Dominions and Territories belonging or to belong 
 to his Majestie his heires or Successors in America or some of them and to 
 be vttered and vended there as aforesaid at or under the respective values as 
 aforesaid such and so many Two pences pence and half pence of such mixt 
 metal or Composicon as aforesaid of the goodness and bigness and of the form 
 before menconed as shall be sufficient for the use and accomodacon of the 
 
158 THE EARLY COISTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Subiects of his Majestie his heires and Successors in those parts in and for 
 the Change of their small moneys and in relacon as their retailing Trade and 
 other Comerce and business in Which the Subiects of the Crown of Great 
 Britain there shall or may have occasion to vse them But not to exceed in 
 any one year the Quantities before menconed And further That the said 
 William Wood his Executors Administrators and Assignes shall and will from 
 time to time in the making the making the said Two pences Pence and half 
 pence in England and in Transporting the same from time to time to the said 
 Islands Dominions or Territories in America or any of them and in vttering 
 vending disposeing or dispersing the same there and in all his and their Doings 
 Accounts concerning the same submit himselfe and themselves to the Inspection 
 Examinacon Order and Comptroll of his Majestie his heires and Successors 
 and of his and their Comissioners of the Treasury and high Treasurer for the 
 time being and of such Person or Persons as shall be appointed as afore said 
 And our said Sovereign lord for himselfe his heires and Successors doth 
 hereby Covenant promise and Grant to and with the said William Wood his 
 Executors Administrators and Assignes That he the said William Wood his 
 Executors Administrators and Assignes paying the Rent and performing the 
 Covenants herein reserved and contained on his and their part and behalf to 
 be paid done and performed shall and may peaceably and quietly have hold 
 and enioy all the Powers Authorities Priviledges lycences Profits and Advan- 
 tages and all other matters and things hereby Granted and every part thereof 
 for and during the said term of fourteen years Without any let Suit Trouble 
 Molestacon or Denyal of his Majesty his heires or Successors or of or by 
 any of his Majesties or their Officers or Ministers or any Person or Persons 
 Claiming or to Claim any lawful Power or Eight by from or under his Ma- 
 jesty his heires or Successors Provided always that if the said William Wood 
 within six Months after the making hereof Doth not give good and sufficient 
 Security to his Majestie his heires or Successors for the payment of the said 
 yearly Rent hereby reserved and for the performance of all the Covenants 
 Clauses and Agreements herein contained on his and their parts and behoof 
 to be done and performed (Which Security is to be such as the Comissioners 
 of the Treasury or any three or more of them or the high Treasurer for the 
 time being of his Majestie his heires or Successors shall approve Then all 
 and every the Grants hereby made to the said William Wood his Executors 
 Administrators and Assigns shall cease determine and be vtterly void any 
 thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding And his Maiestie doth 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES. 159 
 
 hereby for himselfe his heires and Successors "Will Kequire and Covenant All 
 
 and every the Governours Deputy Governours and all the Persons "Who are 
 
 or shall be entrusted With the Care or Administracon of the Government in 
 
 all and every or any of the said Islands Dominions or Territories belonging 
 
 or to belong to his Maiesties his heires or Successors in America and all 
 
 Judges Justices and other Officers and Ministers Whatsoever of his Maiestie 
 
 his heires or Successors in Great Britain or in the said Islands Dominions 
 
 or Territories in America or elsewhere to be aiding and assisting to the said 
 
 William Wood his Executors and Assignes in the Execucon of all or any of 
 
 the Powers Authorities Direccons matters and things to be executed by him 
 
 or them or for his or their benefit and Advantage by virtue or in Pursuance 
 
 of these presents in all things as becometh In Witness &c whereof our selfe 
 
 at Westminster the Twelth day of July. 
 
 By Writt of Privy Seal ". 
 
 In addition to the patent we find a paper entitled 
 
 "M r Wood Lycence. 
 
 "A Lycence unto William Wood of Wolverhampton in the county of 
 Stafford Esq re his Ext ors Adm vs and Assigns to Coyn or make at his and their 
 own propper Costs and charges at Some Publick Office within the City of 
 London or Suberbs thereof or such other place as shall be approved by his 
 Maj ties Comissioners of the Treasury or High Trearer for the time being 
 to be provided from time to time by the Said William Wood his Ext rs Adm ls 
 or Assigns any Number or Quantity of Tokens or Pieces of a certain Mixt 
 Metall or Composition as in the Bill Described to go for halfe-pence, Pence, 
 and Two pences to be from time to time after the Coyning thereof Trans- 
 ported or Carryed into His Maj ties Islands Dominions and Territories in Ameri- 
 ca or Some of them, and to be uttered and Dispersed there, and not else where 
 during the Terme of Fourteen years to Commence from Lady Day 1722 
 Under the Yearly Kent of £100 and paying a Yearly Sallary of £200 to His 
 Maj ties Comptroller during the Said Term Provided that every Such Office for 
 Coyning Such halfe-pence Pence and Twopences (before any Such Coyning) 
 be Notified by the Said William Wood his Ext orB Adm 1 ' 8 or Assigns in the 
 London Gazette and by a Writing to be openly affixed upon the Eoyal Ex- 
 change in London. And also that the whole Number or Quantity to be Coyned 
 by Virtue of this His Maj ties Lycence do not exceed in the said whole Term 
 the Quantity to be made of 300 Tons of the said mixt metal or composition 
 and such other Provisoes et in Oibus ut ante." 
 
162 
 
 THE EAKLT COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 HALFPENNY. 
 
 Same devices and legends with the Penny, but with some variations which 
 will be noted. Size, 13 to 14 ; weight, 75 grains. 
 
 [Plate IV, Nos. 6, 7, and 8.] 
 
 Of the Twopence with rose uncrowned we find four varieties, two of which 
 are without date. The legends upon these dateless varieties are georgivs • 
 d : G : mag : bei : era : et • hib : rex Reverse : • rosa • Americana ■ • utile • 
 dulci • and georgivs • d : g : mag : bri : era : et ■ hib : rex • Reverse : 
 
 • rosa • Americana • utile • dulci These pieces are respectively, size 
 14, weighing 270 grains, and size 20, weighing 244 grains. 
 
 [Plate III, Nos. 14 and 15.J 
 
 The first of these is the unique specimen known as the " Iron Rosa Amer- 
 icana." Why it is called " iron " we cannot divine, as it is clear copper. The 
 most striking feature of this piece, aside from its size and the rudeness of its 
 impression, (it apparently having been struck as a trial piece,) is that the motto, 
 
 • utile ■ dulci • is upon the field, and not upon a label, as is usual. 
 
 We find, also, two varieties of the Twopence of 1722, with legends, — 
 GEORGIUS • D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET • hib : rex and GEORGIUS ■ D : g : MAG : 
 bri : fra : et • hib : rex ; The reverses of these are from different dies, both 
 punctuated as already specified. 
 
 Of the Penny there are many dies, differing so slightly as to be difficult 
 to describe. The principal varieties may be recognized by their legends and 
 punctuations. The most marked variety is georgivs • dei • gratia • rex • 
 Reverse: rosa • Americana * vtile • dvlci • 1722 * This reverse has 
 also the obverse georgius • dei • gratia • rex upon two dies, in one of 
 which the letter g is under the lower lock of hair ; in the other, the letter E 
 occupies that position. Other less marked varieties are, 
 
 1 — GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX • 
 
 Reverse : rosa • Americana 
 
 DEI • GRATIA • REX - 
 
 Reverse : rosa • Americana 
 
 DEI • GRATIA • REX 
 
 Reverse : rosa 
 
 DEI • GRATIA 
 
 Reverse : 
 
 I — GEORGIUS 
 
 3 — GEORGIUS 
 
 4 — GEORGIUS 
 
 UTILE • DULCI • 1722' 
 
 UTILE • DULCI ■ 1722 * 
 
 AMERICANA 
 
 REX 
 ROSA • AMERICANA * UTILE 
 
 UTILE • DULCI • 1722 * 
 
 DULCI • 1722 
 
PLATE TV. 
 
 
 /',>' O/', fry- <r~. s-3 ■»% 
 
 l * nxj* r '/\ :£ / ,^r Jm '</', * ' (>$&gjfr "A 
 
 UJ&&A ##-3 /^iS^ 
 
 
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 § /SO 2 
 
 
 
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 ""'jfla'v--. 
 
 
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 COPY. 
 
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 ^ --> f ' : -;A> ' / \'i-^^!/'j-^. r' ^-,--'"i- irr>-. 
 
 
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 [IELIOTYPE PATENT, 
 
 
 ^iSfeT 
 
 
 ■■-* ■ A". ■:•)%//. /-^: 
 
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 
 
 -AND- 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, #2.00 a year, in advance. 
 Address JEREMIAH CO LB URN, 18 SOMERSET STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 Subscription, $1.5.0 Canadian Currency, per annum, in advance. 
 Payable to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86^, Montreal. 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, 
 
 AND CONFEDERATE PAPER MONEY AND BOOKS RELATING TO THE SAME. 
 
 Book or. Continental and Colonial Paper Money, post free, . .... #1.60 
 
 Field Medal, Bronze, • • • 1.25 
 
 512 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 EDWARD COGAN, 
 
 Dealer in Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins 'and Medals, 
 
 No. 408- STATE STREET, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
 
 HENRY AHLBORN, 
 
 Buys and Sells all kinds of American and Foreign Coins and Medals, 
 
 AT THE 
 
 "Old Toll House," Foot of Cambridge Street, 
 
 BOSTON. 
 
Part 6. 
 
 Price $1. 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 ' LAtVS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPBISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OP 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OP UNKNOWN ORIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE -"tr 
 
 FIRST PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
 BOSTON, MASS.: 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCD2TY. 
 
 1873. 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES. 163 
 
 Of these we find but one pair of dies each of ISTos. 1 and 3, specimens 
 from which are very rarely met with. Of Kos. 2 and 4 we find impressions 
 from about a dozen pairs of dies of each, and they are of nearly equal rarity. 
 
 The varieties of the Halfpenny are, 
 
 1 — GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX - 
 
 Reverse ; rosa • ameri : vtile • dvlci • 1722 • 
 
 2 — GEORGIUS D : G : REX • 
 
 Reverse : rosa • ameri : utile • dulci • 1722 • 
 
 3 — GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX -- 
 
 Reverse : rosa ■ Americana • utile • dulci • 1722 * 
 
 Of Nos. 1 and 2 we find one pair of dies of each, both rare, — No. 1 
 especially so, — and of No. 3 six pairs. 
 
 ROSA AMERICANA TWOPENCE OF 1723. 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Head of George I. to right, laureated. 
 
 Legend, — georgius • d : g : mag : bri : era : et • hib : rex • 
 
 Size, 19 to 21; weight, 220 grains. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A full double rose with barbs, surmounted by a crown. 
 Legend, — rosa • Americana • 1723- in the superior half of the field; 
 and upon a label beneath the rose, utile ■ dulci 
 
 [Plate IV, Nos. 9 and 10.] 
 
 PENNY. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Head of George I. to right, laureated. 
 Legend, — georgius- dei • gratia • rex - 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A full double rose with barbs, surmounted by a crown. 
 Legend, — rosa • Americana • 1723 and upon a label beneath the rose, 
 utile • dulci This legend nearly encircles the device. 
 Size, 16 to 18; weight, 148 grains. 
 
 [Plate IV, Nos. 11 and 12.] 
 
 "We have one specimen, probably a trial piece, measuring 20£, and weigh- 
 ing 185 grains. 
 
 + 
 
164 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 HALFPENNY. 
 
 This is usually found with the same devices and legends with the Penny, 
 and in four slightly differing pairs of dies, all quite scarce. Size, 14 ; weight, 
 
 64 grains. 
 
 & [Plate IV, No. 14.] 
 
 An extremely rare variety of the Halfpenny is that of 1723 with rose 
 uncrowned, as on those of 1722. Of this we find one obverse and two reverse 
 dies. Its legends are georgius • dei • gratia • rex- Reverse: rosa • Ameri- 
 cana * utile • dulci ■ 1723 * Size, 14 ; weight, 51 grains. 
 
 [Plate IV, No. 13.] 
 
 It should be stated that the words utile dulci are never found upon a 
 label on the uncrowned Pennies or Halfpennies. 
 
 The varieties in the legends of the Twopence of 1723 are, 
 
 1 — GEORGIUS • D : G : MAG : BRI : ERA : ET ' HUB : REX 
 
 Eeverse : rosa • Americana • 1723 utile • dulci 
 
 2 — GEORGIUS • D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET • HIB : REX 
 
 Reverse : rosa • Americana • 1723 • utile • dulci 
 
 3 — GEORGIUS ■ D : G : MAG : BRI : ERA : ET • HIB : REX - 
 
 Reverse: rosa- Americana- 1723 utile- dulci 
 
 Of Eos. 1 and 2 we find one pair of dies each, ISTo. 2 being very rare. 
 Of jSTo. 3, eight pairs. 
 
 "We have noticed no difference in the punctuation of the dies of the Penny, 
 of which we find impressions from twenty pairs, or in that of the Halfpenny. 
 The difference in the positions of the points we have not considered sufficient 
 to specify as denoting varieties. 
 
 The Penny is found, but very rarely, with the date of 1724, it being sim- 
 ilar in design to that of 1723. Two varieties of it are known, which are, 
 
 1 — GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX 
 
 Reverse : rosa : ame ricana • 1724 utile • dulci 
 
 2 — GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX • 
 
 Reverse : rosa : ame ricana • 1724 utile • dulci 
 
 The cross upon the crown divides the legend between E and R, as indi- 
 cated. One owned by Mr. Bushnell is of copper. Size, 18; weight, 125 grains. 
 
 [Plate IV, No. 15.] 
 The weights here given are from the heaviest specimens we have found. 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES. 165 
 
 The figure 1 upon all the preceding issues resembles the letter J. The 
 borders of all are beaded, and their edges plain. 
 
 Wood's coinage for America seems to have received his earliest attention, 
 as coins of that series, with the date of 1722, are very much more common 
 than are those dated 1723 ; while the rarity of the dates of the Irish pieces 
 is the reverse of this, these coins with the former date being extremely scarce, 
 while those of 1723 are quite common. 
 
 Dr. Clay writes of the pieces without date, "I feel convinced that this 
 dateless type preceded the dated types ; if so, the Rosa Americanas will have 
 to be considered as preceding the 'Wood' money, both in design as well as 
 issue in the American States. This appears the more evident from the fact 
 that the second type of Rosa Americanas bears a date quite as early as the 
 earliest ' Wood ' money. Ruding makes a great mistake on this subject by 
 asserting that the dates of the Rosa Americanas are 1720 and 1722, whereas 
 the real elates are 1722, 1723, and 1733, unless he means to prove that there 
 was a mintage of these coins in 1720, but which does not satisfactorily appear 
 unless we suppose (and it is not improbable,) that the pieces bearing no date 
 at all might have been minted in 1720 ; if so, the priority of the Rosa Amer- 
 icanas over those called ? Wood ' money would be fairly established." 
 
 Swift says in his third Drapier's Letter, " He (Wood) hath already tryed 
 his Faculty in JSTew England, and I hope he will meet at least with an Equal 
 Reception here ; what That was I leave to publick Intelligence." 
 
 The author of a pamphlet entitled "A defence of the conduct of the peo- 
 ple of Ireland in their unanimous refusal of Mr Wood's Copper Money," says, 
 "Mr Wood obtained a Patent for Coining small Money for the English Plan- 
 tations, in pursuance of which, he had the Conscience to make Thirteen Shil- 
 lings out of a Pound of Brass. This Money they rejected in a Manner not 
 so decent as that of Ireland. But he has never called it Popular Fury, and 
 we hear Nothing of the Patent it self. Our Traders suffered prodigiously, 
 and for a long Time by our former Coinage of Copper. For it is not here 
 as in England where if they be overstocked with Halfpence, it is only sending 
 them to the English Plantations, where they pass for Pence. Halfpence there 
 are a good Commodity. We had this Trade once, which freed us from the 
 Load of Copper Money which we laboured under. But that Trade is now 
 over, for our Halfpence will not pass above their Intrinsick Value in the Plan- 
 tations." 
 
 We learn no particulars in confirmation of the above statement regarding 
 
166 THE EARLY COIN'S OF AMERICA. 
 
 the reception of Wood's coinage in America, although we have no reason to 
 suppose it a success as a speculation. 
 
 Although Wood surrendered his right to coin tokens for Ireland, it does 
 not appear that he at once discontinued his efforts to introduce them here, as 
 we find in the Massachusetts Archives, [Vol. 52, p. 305,] the following letter 
 from the Duke of Newcastle : 
 
 "Sir "Whitehall 29 1 ? 1 Oct? 1725. 
 
 His Majesty having been pleased to grant to My William Wood his 
 Letters Patents for the Coyning of Halfpence, pence and Two Fences of the 
 Yalue of Money of Great Britain for the Use of His Maj tys Dominions in 
 America, which said Coyn is to receive such additional Yalue as shall be rea- 
 sonable and agreeable to the customary allowance of Exchange in the several 
 parts of those His Maj ty ' s Dominions, as you will see more at large by a Copy 
 of the Patent, which will be laid before you by the person, that delivers this 
 Letter to you ; I am to signify to you His Maj' 5 '' 3 pleasure, that, in pursuance 
 of a Clause in the said Patent by which all His Maj' y ' s Officers are to be aiding 
 & assisting to M r Wood in the due Execution of what is therein directed and 
 in the legal Exercise of the several Powers and Enjoyment of the Privileges 
 and Advantages thereby granted to him, you give him all due Encouragement 
 and assistance, and that you and all such other of His Maj ty ' s Officers there, 
 whom it may concern, do readily perform all legal Acts, that may be requisite 
 for that purpose ; This I am particularly to recommend to your Care ; and 
 to desire your Protection to M*. Wood and to those he shall employ to trans- 
 act this affair in the Provinces under your Government. I am 
 
 Sir 
 
 Your most humble Servant 
 
 Holies Newcastle. 
 " Gov r of the Massachusets Bay 
 and New Hampshire." 
 
 The only early reference we find to the Twopence of 1733, is that of 
 Snelling, who says, " We never heard of any proposals made about the year 
 1733, for an American Coinage; however, No. 28 has the appearance of a 
 pattern piece for some such scheme; it has the king's head laureat, inscribed, 
 georgius ii . d . g . rex . and on the reverse a leafed rose crowned, inscribed, 
 rosa Americana 1733 — utile dulci. The only piece we know of, is in 
 the collection of Thomas Hollis, Esq; we have also seen a proof of the head 
 
THE ROSA AMERICANA SERIES. 167 
 
 in steel, said to be struck on that metal to shew how malleable they could 
 make it by smelting it with pit coal, by a scheme then on foot." 
 
 It seems unnecessary to seek far for the origin of this piece, as it is 
 reasonable to suppose that Wood, the term of whose patent was unexpired, 
 still entertained hopes of reaping some advantage from it, and intended to 
 throw another issue into circulation; but, judging from its extreme rarity, 
 only a very small quantity could have been struck, probably no more than a 
 few patterns. 
 
 THE TWOPENCE OF 1733. 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Head of George II. to left, laureated. 
 Legend, — georgivs • 11 r> • a • rex • 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A rose branch, bearing at its top a full-blown rose, a stem at 
 the left bearing four leaves, another at the right three leaves and a bud. 
 
 Legend, — rosa • amer icana • 1733 • The motto, utile dulct • is upon 
 a scroll-like label, beneath the rose. The crown divides the word Americana, 
 as indicated. Size, 21; Weight, 266 grains. 
 
 [Plate IV, No. 16.] 
 
 The only specimen we have seen is in the collection of the writer; an- 
 other, as well as an obverse in steel, is said to be in the British Museum. 
 Two other impressions of the obverse,, in steel, are known. 
 
 THE ROSA : SINE : SPINA. 
 
 We insert this piece, not because we consider it as strictly belonging to 
 this series, but because it has been confounded with the Twopence of 1733, 
 to the reverse of which it bears some resemblance. 
 
 A piece is engraved x>n the second additional plate to Simon, [No. 28,] 
 the obverse of which is nearly identical with this, its reverse having for de- 
 vice, a sceptre and trident crossed, interlaced with a three-looped cord, with 
 tassels pendant; legend, regit • vxvs • vtroqve • 1724 • also one of half 
 the size and of the same description. These are there called " a sort of jet- 
 tons ". But a single specimen of one of these pieces has come to our knowl- 
 edge; this is one of the larger size, in the collection of William S. Appleton. 
 Its size is 17 J; weight, 127 grains. 
 
168 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 A medal is represented on plate IX of " Thirty Three plates of English 
 Medals By the late Mr. Thomas Snelling", the reverse of which has the 
 same device and legend with that last described : its date is 1628. Another 
 reverse much resembling it is given upon the same plate. 
 
 The Kosa Sine Spina doubtless belongs to the same class of pieces 
 with those described by Simon, and both designs may have been intended as 
 patterns, but of this there is no evidence. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Head of George I. to right, laureated. 
 Legend, — georgius • dei • gratia • rex • 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A rose bush springing from the ground, bearing at its top a 
 full-blown rose, below which are two stems, each bearing a closed bud, and a 
 bud half opened. 
 
 Legend, — rosa : sine : spina • 
 
 Size, 16J ; Weight, 120 grains. 
 
 "We have been favored by Matthew A. Stickney, Esq., of Salem, with the 
 use of the specimen in his cabinet, for illustration. 
 
 [Plate III, No. 16.] 
 
 This piece is eagerly sought by collectors of American coins, but is met 
 with in very few cabinets. Of the only specimens we have seen beside the one 
 mentioned above, one is in the collection of Chas. I. Bushnell, Esq., and the 
 ownership of the other is unknown to us. - 
 
PENNSYLVANIA 
 
 Pennsylvania passed, no act authorizing a coinage, but as some early- 
 action occurs regulating the circulation of copper coin in this State, as well 
 as a petition to the State authorities for the privilege of coining, we next 
 give it a place. 
 
 "We find in Watson's Annals of Philadelphia, the following paragraph: 
 "18 June 1741. — C. Hasel, Mayor. The Board having taken into Consider- 
 ation the Currency of the English Half pence and the Disquiet that is among 
 the Inhabitants, occasioned by some persons refusing to take them, thought 
 proper that a Declaration should be made publick by the Board, that the 
 sd halfpence shd be taken at fifteen to the shilling, which is adjudged to 
 be nearest to such value, as might discourage too great a quantity being Im- 
 ported, and at the same time prevent their being carried away, and a Proc- 
 lamation for that purpose was ordered to be drawn, and that the same should 
 be published in the City by the Beadle." 
 
 "We are indebted to Dr. Edward Maris, of Philadelphia, for our copy of the 
 action here referred to, as well as for the order prohibiting halfpence of 
 base metal, soon to be given. 
 
 From the Pennsylvania Gazette, June 18, 1741. " Printed by B. Franklin, 
 Postmaster, at the New Printing Office near the Market." 
 
 " By the Mayor and Commonalty of the City of Philadelphia. 
 
 " WHereas the Currency of English Half-pence in this Province, has long 
 been found convenient for the Use of the Inhabitants, for small Change; 
 
170 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 but the Yalue or Eate at which they should pass not having been settled by 
 any Authority, they have been often received at too high a Value, by Reason 
 whereof great Quantities of Half-pence were imported from the Neighboring 
 Colonies, and exchanged for our Gold and Silver. 
 
 " And whereas at a late General Meeting of the Merchants and others, it 
 was agreed that the said Half-pence should be received at Fifteen for One 
 Shilling, current Money of this Province, which was judged to be the nearest 
 to such a Yalue as might discourage too great a Quantity being imported, 
 and at the same Time prevent their being carried away. 
 
 " And Whereas some uneasy and ill-disposed Persons, without any 
 Authority or Consent of the trading Part of the Province, are now endeav- 
 ouring to lessen the Yalue or Kate at which the said Half-pence were lately 
 agreed to pass ; which tends very much to interrupt the Trade of the 
 Province, and to breed Disquiet among the Inhabitants: And the Mayor and 
 Commonalty having taken the same into their Consideration, and being will- 
 ing, as far as they may, to prevent the Inconveniencies that may happen by 
 Reason of such a Proceeding; Do declare, That until the Yalue or Rate at 
 which English Half-pence were lately agreed to pass, be alter'd by some 
 lawful Authority, or general Agreement among the trading Persons and In- 
 habitants of the Province, any Person or Persons who shall refuse to receive 
 English Half-pence in small Payments, at the Rate of Fifteen English Half- 
 pence for One Shilling, ought to be deemed a Disturber of the Publick Peace 
 of the Province. 
 
 "Philadelphia, June 18, 1741." 
 
 The next action of this State appertaining to our subject was an act 
 against counterfeiting, passed on the 21st of February, 1767, and found in 
 the book of laws, at date. 
 
 " And be it further enacted, That if any person or persons within this 
 province, after the publication of this act, shall falsly forge and counterfeit 
 any coin of gold or silver, which now is or shall be passing, or in circulation, 
 in this province, every such person or persons so offending, and being 
 thereof lawfully convicted, shall suffer death, without the benefit of clergy; 
 and every person or persons, who shall pay, or tender in payment, any such 
 forged and counterfeited coin of gold or silver, knowing the same to be so 
 forged and counterfeited, and being thereof legally convicted in any court 
 of record in this province, such person or persons shall be. sentenced to the 
 
PENNSYLVANIA. 
 
 171 
 
 pillory 1 for the space of one hour, and to have both his or her ears cut off, 
 and nailed to the pillory, and be publickly whipped, on his or her bare back, 
 with twenty-one lashes, well laid on; and, moreover, every such offender shall 
 forfeit the sum of one hundred pounds, lawful money of this province, one 
 half to the use of the Governor, and the other half to the discoverer, with 
 costs and charges of prosecution." 
 
 We have found nothing more of interest in the records of Pennsylvania, 
 until 1781, when an order was passed for the purpose of suppressing the 
 quantity of base halfpence with which the State was flooded, as indicated by 
 the following Order of Council. 
 
 1 It is not our intention to give all acts relating to counterfeiting, but 
 we have inserted this as an example of the severity with which such offences, 
 and indeed many of much less enormity, were punished in olden times. An 
 instance of the use of the pillory in 1679, is thus recorded in Drake's 
 History of Boston, p. 437. 
 
 "Peter Lorphelin, a Frenchman, was accused of uttering 'rash and 
 insulting speeches in the time of the late conflagration, thereby rendering 
 himself justly suspicious of having a hand therein, was seized and commit- 
 _~ ted to the Goale in Boston ;' his chest and writings were examined. In his 
 g chest were found two or three ' crusables, a melting pan, a strong pair of 
 shears to clip money, and seuerall clippings of the Massachusets money, 
 B and some other instruments.' He denied having ever made use of these 
 things, but said they were given him by a privateer. But, on being re- 
 manded to jail, he made up another story, by which he hoped to clear 
 All, however, to no purpose. He was ' sentenced to stand 
 
 PILLORY. 
 
 himself. 
 
 two hours in the "Pillory, have both ears cut off, give bond of £500 
 (with two sureties), pay charges of prosecution, fees of Court, and 
 to stand committed till the sentence be performed.' The annexed 
 engraving represents an ordinary constructed Pillory of the time." 
 
 An item of interest relating to the Stocks, another instrument 
 of punishment used in olden times, is thus related by Drake: "Ed- 
 ward Palmer had been employed to erect Stocks in which to pun- 
 ish offenders. Having brought in his bill for the woodwork, 
 amounting to £1, 13s. & 7d, the Court decided that it was exorbitant ; and, instead of draw- 
 ing an order on the Treasurer for its payment, they ordered him to be set in said Stocks for 
 an hour and to pay a fine of £5. It is difficult at this day to understand on what ground 
 Edward Palmer was subjected to an ignominious punishment. He probably found the mate- 
 rials for the Stocks, and not less than two days must have been taken up in making them." 
 
 We are indebted to the kindness of Samuel G. Drake, A. M., for the use of the engravings 
 upon this page. 
 
 STOCKS. 
 
172 THE EARLT COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 ORDER OF COUNCIL. 
 
 Philadelphia, Saturday July 14th 1781 
 The following proclamation being read and Considered, the same was 
 agreed to and ordered to be published, vizt: By his Excellency JOSEPH 
 REED, Esquire, President, and the Supreme Executive Council of the Com- 
 monwealth of Pennsylvania: 
 
 A PROCLAMATION. 
 
 "Whekeas, Divers ill-disposed persons have manufactured or imported 
 into this State quantities of base metal, in the similitude of British half-pence, 
 but much inferior in value and weight to genuine British half-pence, to the 
 great depreciation of that coin, the injury of the community in general, and 
 the poor in particular, such practices having a natural tendency to raise the 
 necessarys of life and introduce new confusion in the currency of the Coun- 
 try: We have, therefore thought proper to prohibit, and do hereby strictly 
 enjoin all officers employed in the receipt of taxes or other publick dues, 
 not to receive such base coin in any payments whatsoever; and do earnestly 
 recommend to all the faithfull inhabitants of this State to refuse it in pay- 
 ment, and by all other lawful ways and means discourage the currency 
 thereof; and we do in a special manner direct and enjoin all Magistrates, 
 Sheriffs, Constables and other civil officers within this State, to make due 
 inquiry after offenders in the premises, that they may be brought to speedy 
 and condign punishment. 
 
 Given by order of the Council, under the hand of his Excellency 
 JOSEPH REED, Esquire, President, and the less seal of the State, 
 at Philadelphia, this fourteenth day of July, in the year of our Lord 
 one thousand seven hundred and eighty one. 
 
 JOSEPH REED, President. 
 
 These base halfpence were, in the opinion of Dr. Maris, and we think 
 all will agree with him, those bearing various legends, many of which appear 
 intended to be taken for Georgius II. or III. Rex. and Britannia or Hiber- 
 nia, while others merely imitate the general design of the English or Irish 
 halfpence, without any evident attempt to mislead by the legends. 
 
PENNSYLVANIA. 173 
 
 Among the legends are found, cornwallis ind. Rev. — delectan dos 
 
 1000 ; GEORGE RULES — BRITAINS ISLES • 1730 ; GLORIOVS IER • VIS. — BRITAN 
 RULE 1771 ; BRUTUS SEXTUS — BRITANNIA • 1771 ; GREGORY - III ■ PON. — BEL * ONA 
 1771 ; GLORIVS. PIT • SEX. — BONNY GIRL . 1779 
 
 On most of these the head resembles one of the Georges, and the re- 
 verses have a figure of Britannia; similar pieces are found of the farthing size. 
 The four following have similar heads, but a harp upon the reverse: 
 
 GEORGE RULED. — BRITATNS ISLES. 1756; GRUM'rUIS • ITI NEX — HIRARMIA • 1776; 
 CORNWALLIS IND — HIBERIA 1776; GREGORIVS • 111= PON. — HEBRIDES 1781 
 
 The above will serve as examples of this class of pieces, of which many 
 others are found. The light pieces of brassy composition, with devices similar 
 to English and Irish coins, but without legends, sometimes called " Carolina " 
 or " Georgia " cents, we should class among these ; and also the pieces with 
 
 r Device, — A female, seated, facing left, with a harp at the right. 
 obverse. < Legend, — north American token 
 ( In exergue, — 1781 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A ship, sailing to the left. 
 Legend, — commerce 
 
 The trouble from base halfpence seems to have continued up to the 
 time of the mint, as we find in the American State Papers, Vol. 7, p. 101, 
 this notice regarding them: 
 
 " The coinage of copper is a subject that claims our immediate attention. 
 From the small value of the several pieces of copper coin, this medium of 
 exchange has been too much neglected. The more valuable metals are daily 
 giving place to base British half-pence, and no means are used to prevent the 
 fraud. This disease, which is neglected in the beginning, because it appears 
 trifling, may finally prove very destructive to commerce. It is admitted that 
 copper may, at this instant, be purchased in America at one-eighth of a 
 dollar the pound. 
 
 "British half-pence, made at the Tower, are forty-eight to the pound. 
 Those manufactured at Birmingham, and shipped in thousands for our use, 
 are much lighter, and they are of base metal. It can hardly be said that 
 seventy-two of them are worth a pound of copper; hence it will follow, that 
 we give for British half-pence about six times their value. There are no 
 materials from which we can estimate the weight of half-pence, that have 
 
174 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 been imported from Britain since the late war, but we have heard of sundry 
 shipments being ordered, to the nominal amount of one thousand guineas; 
 and we are told that no packet arrives from England without some hundred 
 weio-ht of base half-pence. It is a very moderate computation which states 
 our loss, on the last twelve months, at 30,000 dollars, by the commerce of 
 vile coin." 
 
 The following petition for the privilege of coining was presented to the 
 Assembly of Pennsylvania; and we are indebted to Chas. I. Bushnell, Esq., 
 for a certified copy. The original is on the files of the House of Represen- 
 tatives at Harrisburg, Pa. 
 
 " Petition of Tho s Smyth, Jr. and Thomas Harwood. Eead 1 st time Apl 5, 1786. 
 " To the Hon'ble, the General Assembly of Pennsylvania. 
 
 "The Petition of Tho? Smyth Jr. and Tho s Harwood 3 d both Citizens 
 of the State of Maryland — 
 
 "Humbly Sheweth, That your Petitioners are possessed of Mines which 
 will produce large quantities of Silver and Copper, and that as there is 
 throughout the United States a distressing scarcity of Specie, They Humbly 
 Conceive that those Mines may be made use of much to the advantage of 
 the Public, by a part of their produce being Coined. For which purpose 
 they are induced to Solicit your Hon'ble body for a law giving them an 
 exclusive right of Coinage either to a certain amount or length of time, as 
 your honors may deem most expedient. 
 
 "Your Petitioners will be ready to give you Satisfactory Security for 
 Coining one fourth as much Silver as Copper, equal in purity and weight to 
 any of the like Kind now circulating in America, and the Copper equal, if 
 not Superior, to those made at Tower Hill, London, as well as the performance 
 of every other Obligation, it may be necessary for them to enter into. 
 
 " Your Petitioners flatter themselves, that Your Honors will readily per- 
 cieve the benefits, the State must derive from an acceptance of their propo- 
 sition, and that their Application will meet with the Approbation of Your 
 Honorable Body, And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, 
 &c &c Tho s Smyth Jr. Tho s Harwood 3 d ." 
 
 It does not appear that this petition received any other attention than a 
 single reading, as we discover no reference to any further action thereupon; 
 neither do we learn of any subsequent attempt to establish a coinage in this 
 State. 
 
NEW HAMPSHIRE. 
 
 ]S"ew Hampshire was the first of the States which, subsequent to the 
 declaration of independence, considered the subject of a coinage of copper. 
 
 Soon after that event, she authorized such a coinage, and designated the 
 devices and legend to be placed upon it; it is supposed, however, that 
 although patterns were prepared, little, if any, of the proposed coin was put 
 into circulation. We are indebted to the Hon. Charles H. Bell, of Exeter, 
 N. H, for our copy of the original record of this act, as well as for draughts 
 of the designs sketched upon it, from which our engravings have been made. 
 The design for the reverse is found upon the back of the original, and not 
 on the face as we have placed it. 
 
 " in the House of Representatives Mar : 13 4 . 11 1776. 
 
 "Voted that a Committee be chose to Joyn a Committee from the 
 Hon We Board, to confer upon the expediency of making Copper Coin & 
 make a report to this House. 
 
 Voted, that Cap? Pierce Long Jonathan Lovell Esq* & Deacon Nahum Balden 
 be the Committee for the above mentioned 
 'j^ purpose. Sent up for concurrence. 
 
 P White Speaker. 
 In Council JEodem Die Eead & MT? Clagett 
 & Giles added on the part of the Board. 
 
 E. Thompson, Secy. 
 
 " The Committee humbly report that they find it expedient to make Cop- 
 per Coin, for the Benefit of small Change, and as the Continental and other 
 Bills are so large that William Moulton be impowered to make so many as 
 may amount to 100" 5 w* subject when made to the Inspection and Direction of 
 the General Assembly, before Circulation. Also we recommend that 108 of said 
 Coppers be equal to one Spanish milld Dollar: That the said Coin be of pure 
 Copper and equal in W to English halfpence, and bear such Device thereon 
 as the Gen 1 Assembly may approve. Wyseman Claggett, Chairman." 
 
176 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 A copper piece has recently been discovered in Portsmouth, N. H. (it 
 having been there exhumed by a laborer in removing a bank of earth, the 
 accumulation of many years,) which, from the initials upon its reverse, it 
 would appear probable was either a card or a pattern issued by the William 
 Moulton mentioned in the report of the committee. It is still in the posses- 
 sion of the finder, who refuses to part with it except at a price so excessive 
 that no purchaser has yet been found. This piece is much corroded and 
 defaced, but is well represented by the wood cut, Fig. 28— A. 
 
 In Force's "American Archives" we find that in the New Hampshire 
 House of Representatives, it was, on the 28th of June, 1776, " Yoted, That 
 the Treasurer of this Colony receive into the Treasury, in exchange for the 
 Paper Bills of this Colony, any quantity of Copper Coin, made in this 
 Colony, of the weight of five pennyweight and ten grains each, to the 
 amount of any sum not exceeding £1,000 lawful money; three of which 
 Coppers shall be received and paid for two pence, lawful money, in all pay- 
 ments; which Coppers shall have the following device, viz: A Pine tree, 
 with the word American liberty on one side, and a harp and the figures 
 1776 on the other side." 
 
 A copper coin in the collection . of Matthew A. Stickney, Esq., corres- 
 ponds with the description given in this vote, but exceeds the weight there 
 specified, as this, though much worn, weighs 155 grains. It is represented 
 as clearly as its condition will admit, on Plate VI., JSTo. 3. We have seen 
 one specimen similar to the last in its design, but with the date 1776, "barely 
 legible, not struck in dies, but engraved, probably as a pattern of the time; 
 this is owned by Charles M. Hodge, of Newburyport. It is shown in Fig. 
 28— B, and its obverse on Plate VI., No. 4. Size 18J, weight 127 grains. 
 
 Belknap states, [Hist. 1ST. H., 1791,J that "the names of streets which 
 had been called after a King or Queen, were altered; and the half-pence, 
 which bore the name of George III., were either refused in payment or de- 
 graded to farthings. These last have not yet recovered their value." 
 
VERMONT. 
 
 The first State that can be said to have issued a coinage of copper, 
 was Vermont, — not one of the original thirteen States, neither was she 
 then considered one of the "United States of America," not being admitted 
 to the Union until 1791. 
 
 A petition was presented by Reuben Harmon, Jr., probably June 10th, 
 1785, as we find recorded in the Journal of the House, — 
 
 "Friday June 10, 1785 Two o'clock P. M. 
 
 "A petition signed Reuben Harmon Jun, praying for leave to coin a 
 quantity of copper, &c. being read, was referred to a Committee of three, to 
 join a Committee from the Council, to take the same under consideration, 
 state facts, & make report of their opinion to this House. 
 
 "The members chosen, Mr. Tichenor, Mr. Strong, and Mr. "Williams." 
 Mr. Ira Allen was added to this committee from the Council. 
 
 A Bill was brought in June 15th, " and sent to the Governor and 
 Council for perusal & proposals of amendment." 
 
 The Bill was as follows: 
 
 "An act Granting to Reuben Harmon Jun? Esq? a right of coming Copper, 
 and regulating the same. 
 
 "Whereas Reuben Harmon Junior Esq? of Reuport, in the County of 
 Benington, by his Petition has represented that he has purchased a quantity 
 of Copper, suitable for coining, and praying this Legislature to grant him a 
 right to coin Copper, under such regulations as this assembly shall think 
 meet; and this assembly being willing to encourage an undertaking that 
 promises so much public utility, therefore 
 
yjQ THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 "Be it enacted and it is hereby enacted by the Representatives of the 
 Freemen of the State of Vermont in General assembly met and by the au- 
 thority of the same, that there be and hereby is granted to the said Reuben 
 Harmon Junior Esq, the exclusive right of coining Copper within this State 
 for the term of two years from the first day of July, in the present year of 
 our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty five: and all Coppers by 
 him coined, shall be in pieces of one third of an ounce, Troy weight each, 
 with such Devices and Mottos as shall be agreed upon by the Committee 
 appointed for that purpose by this assembly. 
 
 "And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that the said 
 Reuben Harmon before he enter on the business of coining, or take any 
 benefit of this act, shall enter into, a bond of five thousand pounds, to the 
 Treasurer of this State, with two or more good and sufficient sureties, 
 Freeholders of this State, conditioned that all the Copper by him coined as 
 aforesaid, shall be of full weight as specified in this act, and that the same 
 shall be made of good and genuine Metal." 
 
 This record of the passage of this bill occurs upon the same day: — "A 
 bill entitled An act granting to Reuben Harmon Jun. EsqT: a right of 
 coining copper and regulating the same, being concurred by Council, was 
 read, and passed into a law of the State." 
 
 In accordance with the clause in the bill requiring bonds from Harmon 
 before the commencement of coining, this Bond was given : — 
 
 "Know all men by these Presents that we Reuben Harmon Junf Esq 1 : & 
 David Sheldon of Rupert, Abraham Underhill & Benjamin Baldwin of Dor- 
 set all in the Coimty of Bennington & State of Vermont are Held & firmly 
 Bound in the Penal sum of Five Thousand Pounds L. M.y, to Ira Allen 
 EsqT Treasurer of the State of Vermont & his successor in said office the 
 sd. Harmon as Principle & the sd Sheldon, Underhill & Baldwin as sureties 
 to which Payment well & Truly to be done we Bind ourselves our Heires 
 Executors & Administrators firm by these Presents. 
 
 "In Testimony whereof we have hereunto set our Hands & Seals this 
 16- day of June 1785 in Presents of 
 
 "The Condition of this Bond is such that the above Bound Reuben 
 Harmon as Principle & the sd Sheldon Underhill & Baldwin as Sureties Be 
 
VERMONT. 179 
 
 Eesponcible to sd Treasurer that scl Harmon will agreeable to an act Intitled 
 ! an Act Granting to Eeuben Harmon Jn? EsqT a Eight of Coining Copper 
 & Eegulating the same ' that all the Coppers by sd. Harmon Coined shall be 
 in Pieces of one third of an ounce troy wait each & that the same shall be 
 made of good & genuine metal — 
 
 " Provided sd Harmon should at any time Coine Coppers of Wait Mettle 
 or Motto's Contarary to said Act then this Bond is forfit — 
 
 " In witness whereof we have hereunto set our Eespective Hands & Seals 
 in Presents of — 
 
 / Eeuben Harmon, Jun? [l.s.] 
 
 N". Chipman \ David Sheldon [l.s.] 
 
 John Strong 1 Abraham Underbill [l.s.] 
 
 V Benj : Baldwin [l.s.J " 
 
 Finding that their coins were required to contain more copper than those 
 current in the " United States of America," an act was soon passed reducing 
 the weight, to bring them more nearly to the standard there adopted : 
 
 " An Act in Addition to and Alteration of an Act entitled c an Act grant- 
 ing to Eeuben Harmon Jim? Esq"' a right of Coining Copper and regulating 
 the same.' 
 
 " Whereas, an Act was passed by this Assembly at their session in June 
 last granting to Eeuben Harmon Esq'' Jun- of Euport in the County of Ben- 
 nington the privilege of coining Copper for the time therein Specified in 
 pieces of one third of an ounce each, which is found to exceed in weight the 
 Copper Coins used in the United States of America, Therefore 
 
 " Be it enacted and it is hereby enacted by the Eepresentatives of the 
 freemen of the State of Vermont in General Assembly met, and by the au- 
 thority of the same ; that all Coppers coined by the said Eeuben Hermon Esq. 
 shall be of genuine Copper in pieces weighing not less than four penny- 
 weight fifteen grains each and so much of the aforesaid act as regulates the 
 weight of said Coins, is hereby repealed — And the Treasurer is directed to 
 deliver up the bond entered into by said Hermon in pursuance of said Act on 
 his the said Harmon entering into another Bond with Sureties, in the same 
 sum conditioned for making said Coin agreeable to the regulations in this Act." 
 
 This Act was passed on the 27th of October, 1785. We find no proof 
 that the bond was changed in accordance with its terms. 
 
180 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 The coins issued by Harmon under this act were of the following descrip- 
 tions, and constitute the first type of the Vermont coins: 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 j) ev i cej — The sun rising from behind a range of wooded mountains, a 
 plough in the field beneath. 
 
 Legend, — vermonts . res . publica ■ 1785 • 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eye within a small circle, from which issue twenty-six rays, 
 thirteen long, their points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars, and thirteen 
 short, between the stars and the centre. 
 
 Legend, — stella . quart a . decima • 
 
 Borders beaded or milled, edge plain ; size, 17 ; weight, 111 grains. 
 
 [Plate IV, No. 18, and Fig. 29.] 
 
 Of this there are two pairs of dies : on one, one ray of the sun points 
 at the period after res; in the other, a rarer variety, it points to the right of 
 the period. On the last die a short dash or break usually follows the figure 
 5, as shown in the cut. A slight break follows decima, on its reverse. 
 
 The reverses may be distinguished by the ray nearest the letter Q, which 
 in the first variety points at Q, and on the second, more towards the u. 
 
 The next variety has the legend, vermontis . res . publica • 1785 • 
 It has no marked peculiarity beyond the legend, itself. One ray upon the 
 reverse points at the left part of the Q. 
 
 Size, 17 ; weight, 117 grains. 
 
 [Plate IV, No. 19, and Fig. 30.] 
 
VERMONT. 
 
 181 
 
 Bach of the pieces just described has eight trees on the obverse, and 
 the rays upon the reverses are all cuneiform, or wedge-shaped. 
 
 From another pair of dies we have seen but one impression, which is' 
 owned by J. Carson Brevoort, of Brooklyn. It is too much worn to represent 
 satisfactorily. The legend on the obverse encircles the device and date ; the 
 hills appear to be thickly wooded, the sun rises at the left — on all others it 
 is at the right — and a line separates the date from the device. Instead of 
 an eye in the centre of the reverse, this has the face of a sun : the rays are 
 single pointed, and composed of fine lines of unequal length. Legends., — 
 
 VERMONTIS RES PUBLIOA and STELLA QUARTA DEOIMA. 
 
 "We have seen two specimens, apparently counterfeits of that last described, 
 but cast, and of very rude workmanship. 
 
 1786. 
 
 The third variety of this type has the legend, vermosttensium • res • 
 PUBLIOA • 1786 • and that of the reverse, stella • quarta . deoima • 
 Size, 17 ; weight, 123 grains. 
 
 [Plate IV, No. 20, and Fig. 31.J 
 
 This variety is found with three obverse dies, and two of the reverse. 
 Of these, one has seven trees, and the u of publica double-cut below ; 
 another, nine trees, the u double-cut at the left, and the date close under the 
 ploughshare ; the third has nine trees, and the figure 1 of date double-cut at 
 the right, but much to left of ploughshare. The reverses both have thirteen 
 rays of many fine lines ; one ray of that found with the first obverse, pointing 
 just right of q, on the other, found with the two other obverses, it points full 
 to left of that letter, and the legend reads, — quarta ■• decima • stella • 
 
 Before the expiration of the right first granted him, Harmon sent in a 
 petition for an extension of his privilege, which we next present: 
 
182 THE EARLY COESTS OP AMERICA. 
 
 " To the Honorable General Assembly of the State of Vermont now setting 
 
 at Rutland — 
 
 " The Petition of Reuben Harmon J 1 ', of Rupert in the county of Ben- 
 nington humbly sheweth — that the legislature of this State did at their Session 
 held at Norwich in June 1785 grant him the sole right of coining Copper 
 within this State for the term of two years — that he your Petitioner has 
 been at a very great expence in erecting works and procuring a quantity of 
 genuine copper for that Purpose — that said Term is nearly expired — and that 
 your Petitioner, by reason of the shortness of said Term, will be unable to 
 indemnify himself for said expences — farther your Petitioner conceives that 
 in the present scarcity of a circulating medium the coining of coppers within 
 this State maybe very advantageous to the Public — Your Petitioner there- 
 fore prays this Honorable assembly to grant him the priviledge of coining 
 copper for a farther term of ten years or such other Term and under such 
 regulations and restrictions as to your Honours in your wisdom shall seem 
 meet — And as in Duty bound shall ever pray 
 
 "Rutland, Oct 1 '. 23, 1786. Reuben Harmon, Junf " 
 
 "In General Assembly, Oct. 23 d , 1786 
 "The above petition was read and refered to a Committee of three to 
 join a Committee from the Council to take the same under consideration 
 state facts and make report — The members chosen, Mr. Chipman, Mr. 
 Bridgman & Mr. Goodrich" 
 
 Mr. Walbridge was joined to this Committee by the Council. 
 
 The report of the Committee last appointed was as follows : 
 "Rutland, Oct 1 '. 24, 1786 — 
 
 "To the General Assembly now sitting — 
 
 "Your committee to whom was referred the consideration of the within 
 Petition beg leave to report as their opinion that the sole priviledge of coining 
 copper be granted to the said Reuben Harmon Jr. for the Term of eight years 
 
 from the experation of the former grant under the following regulations viz 
 
 that he procure bond to the Treasurer as is provided in the former grant 
 
 that the first three years the said Ruben shall enjoy the said priviledge free 
 that for the remaining five years he shall pay two & one half pr. cent to the 
 State on all the coppers he shall coin and give security for the payment — 
 that the device be in future a head on one side with the motto Aaictoritate 
 
VERMONT. 183 
 
 Vermontensium' abridged — on the reverse a woman representing the Genius 
 of America with the Letters estde-et . lib. for Independance and Liberty — 
 All which is Humbly submitted by 
 
 Eben? "Walbridge for Committee " 
 
 " In General Assembly, Oct. 24 th , 1786 The above report was read and 
 accepted and leave given to the petitioner to bring in a bill accordingly — 
 
 attest Eos. Hopkins, Clerk." 
 
 The following bill was then presented, and passed the same day : 
 " An Act granting to Eeuben Harmon Jun? Esq? the right of coining copper 
 within this State, for a farther term of eight years. 
 
 " "Whereas, the Legislature of this State did, at their sessions at Norwich, 
 in June 1785, grant to Eeuben Harmon Jun? Esq? of Euport, in the County 
 of Bennington, the exclusive right of coining copper within this State, for the 
 term of two years from the first day of July in the aforesaid year of our 
 Lord 1785 : And whereas, the said Eeuben has, by his Petition represented 
 to this assembly that he has been at great expence in erecting works and 
 procuring a quantity of Copper for the purpose of carrying on said business 
 of coining, and that, by reason of the shortness of said term, he will be un- 
 able to idemnify himself for his said Expence ; and praying this Assembly 
 to grant him said privilidge of coining Copper for a longer term ; and this 
 Assembly willing to encourage an undertaking that promises a considerable 
 public utility, Therefore 
 
 " Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Vermont that 
 there be and hereby is granted and confirmed to the said Eeuben Harmon 
 Jun? Esq? the exclusive right of coining copper within this State, for a far- 
 ther term of eight years from the first day of July in the year of our Lord 
 1787 ; and that all copper by him coined, shall be in pieces weighing not 
 less than four penny weight, fifteen grains each ; and the device for all cop- 
 pers by him hereafter coined shall be, on the one side, a head with the motto 
 auctoritate Vermontensium, abridged — on the reverse, a woman, with the let- 
 ters, inde : et : eib : — for Independence and Liberty. 
 
 "And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid ; that the said 
 Eeuben shall have and enjoy the aforesaid priviledge of coining coppers within 
 this State free from any duty to this state, as a compensation therefor, for the 
 full term of three years from the first day of July, in the year of our Lord 
 
184 THE EARLY COESTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 1787 • and that from and after the expiration of the said three years, he the said 
 Reuben shall pay for the use of this State, two and one half per cent, of all 
 the copper he shall coin for and during the remainder of- the aforesaid term 
 of eight years : and the said Reuben, before he take any benefit of this act, 
 shall enter into a bond of five — thousand pounds, to the Treasurer of this 
 State, with two or more good and sufficient sureties, Freeholders of this State, 
 conditioned that all the copper by him coined as aforesaid, shall be of full 
 weight, as specified in this act, and of genuine metal, and that from and after 
 the expiration of the aforesaid three years, he will well and truly render an 
 account of the sums by him coined by virtue of this grant, and pay over all 
 such sums as shall, on account of said coinage, become due to this State, at 
 such times and in such manner, as this or a future assembly shall direct." 
 
 In accordance with the last act, this Bond was given : 
 " Know all Men by these Presents that we Reuben Harmon of Rupert in the 
 County of Bennington & State of Vermont as Principle & Nathaniel Chip- 
 man of Tinmouth and Lemuel Chipman of Pawlet both of the County of Rut- 
 land and State aforesaid Esquires as sureties Are held and firmly bound unto 
 Samuel Mattox Esquire Treasurer of said State of Vermont & his successors 
 in said office in the full sum of Five Thousand pounds Lawful Money to be 
 paid to the said Samuel or his successors in said office of Treasurer. 
 
 "For the True payment whereof we Bind ourselves Heirs & Assigns 
 Firmly by these Presents In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands 
 and seals 23 d Day of Feb r , A. D. 1787 — 
 
 " The Conditions of the above Obligation is such that whereas the above 
 Bounden Reuben Did on the 24 th of Oct?: 1786 obtain Licence from the Gen- 
 eral Assembly of the State of Vermont, to Coin Copper under Certain Reg- 
 ulations & Restrictions which are Particularly set forth in a Certain Act 
 Granting Licence to the said Reuben as aforesaid on the above 24 th of Oc- 
 tober now if the said Reuben shall strictly and Punctually attend to all the 
 Rules Regulations Direction & Restrictions or Limitations which are set forth 
 or Injoined in said Act then this obligation to be Void otherwis to remain 
 in full force & Virtue. 
 
 " Signed, Sealed & Delivered in presence of 
 
 John A. Graham ( Reuben Harmon [ L .s.] 
 
 David Russell Nath - Chipman [l.s.] 
 
 ' Lem. Chipman [l.s.] n 
 
VERMONT. 
 
 185 
 
 The Legislature having by the terms of the last grant designated new 
 devices and legends to be placed upon the coins, those next issued constitute 
 another type, of which also there are several varieties. 
 
 TYPE No. 2. OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head, on some facing to the right, on others to the left. 
 Legend, — vermon auctori or auctori vermon 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty, seated, facing left, with olive branch and 
 
 staff. 
 
 Legend, — inde et lib 
 
 In exergue,— The date,— 1786 1787 or 1788 
 
 Borders serrated, edges plain. 
 
 TABLES OF VARIETIES OF VERMONT COINS. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 1786. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 No. 
 
 Facing. 
 
 Legends and Punctuation. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 No. of 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Eev. 
 
 No. 
 
 Legends and Punctuation. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 No. of 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Obv. 
 
 1 
 
 Right. 
 
 AUCTORI : VERMON : 
 
 R 3 
 
 1 
 
 C 
 
 A 
 
 INDE ■•• ETLIB 
 
 R 4 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 Left. 
 
 VERMON : AUCTORI : 
 
 R ( 
 
 1 
 
 •A 
 
 B 
 
 INDE : :•: ETLIB : 
 
 R e 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 3 
 
 do. 
 
 VERMON : • AUCTORI 
 
 R 6 
 
 1 " 
 
 B 
 
 C 
 
 INDE • :•: ET : LIB : 
 
 R 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 
 
 ni 
 
 7. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Facing. 
 
 Legends and Punctuation. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 No. of 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Rev. 
 
 No. 
 
 Legends and Punctuation. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 No. of 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Obv. 
 
 1 
 
 Right. 
 
 VERMON AUCTOEI 
 
 c 
 
 2 
 
 A, C 
 
 A 
 
 INDE ET LIB 
 
 c 
 
 1 
 
 1. 2 
 
 2 
 
 do. 
 
 VERMON- AUCTORI- 
 
 c 
 
 1 
 
 A 
 
 B 
 
 INDE : :•: ET LIB : 
 
 R 6 
 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 o 
 
 Left. 
 
 VERMON:- AUCTORI 
 
 i R"' 
 
 1 
 
 B 
 
 c 
 
 BRIT AN NIA- 
 
 C 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 i-OvVvo — 
 
 
 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 
 
 1788. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Facing. 
 
 Legends and Punctuation. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 No. of 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Rev. 
 
 No. 
 
 Legends and Punctuation. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 No. of 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Obv. 
 
 1 
 
 Right. 
 
 VERMON 
 
 AUCTORI 
 
 R 2 
 
 3 
 
 A, D 
 
 A 
 
 INDE ET LIB 
 
 C 
 
 5 
 
 1, 2, S 1 
 
 2 
 
 do. 
 
 VERMON- 
 
 AUCTORI- 
 
 C 
 
 2 
 
 A 
 
 B 
 
 INDE x ET ■ LIBx 
 
 R 3 
 
 1 
 
 3,5,6 
 
 3 
 
 do. 
 
 VERMONx 
 
 AUCTORI x 
 
 R 3 
 
 1 . 
 
 A, B 
 
 C 
 
 INDE + ET LIB* 
 
 R 2 
 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 4 
 
 do. 
 
 VERMON . 
 
 AUCTORI* 
 
 R 2 
 
 1 
 
 C 
 
 D 
 
 * ET LIB * * INDE 
 
 R 6 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 do. 
 
 VERMON * 
 
 * AUCTORI 
 
 R° 
 
 1 
 
 B 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 do. 
 
 * VERMON* 
 
 * AUCTORI * 
 
 R 1 
 
 1 
 
 B 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 OU 
 
 VEKMnM 
 
 AUpT0R> 
 
 ^ 
 
 -\ 
 
 i- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
186 
 
 THE EARLY COUNTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 In size these coins range from 16 to 17, the heavier specimens varying in 
 weight from 120, to 141 grains, and by far the larger portion of them, when 
 but little worn, exceeding the stipulated weight of 111 grains. 
 
 [Plate V, Xos. 1, 2, 3 and 4, and Figs. 32, 33, 34, and 35. J 
 
 No. 1, of 1786, is known as the " baby head." See Fig. 32. Nos. 2 and 
 3 have heads much like the common varieties of the Connecticut cents. For 
 No. 2 see Plate V, No. 1. Fig. 33 represents its obverse only. 
 
 There is little peculiarity to be noted in the coins of 1787, except in No. 
 3, the obverse of which is from the same die with No. 3 of 1786. Its reverse 
 has a break nearly obliterating the date. For No. 2 see Plate V, No. 2, and 
 Fig. 31. 
 
 The coins of 1788 are also much alike, with the exception of those punc- 
 tuated with stars, most of which are quite rare. For No. 2 see Fig. 35. 
 
 We have seen one specimen of No. 4 in brass. Plate V, No. 3. 
 
 Reverse B, of 1788, is found with one of the Connecticut obverses of 
 1787. See Plate V, Nos. 4 and 24. 
 
 A very rare piece, the origin of which is unknown to us, has for its 
 obverse a die similar to the more common dies of this mint, but with reverse, 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty, seated, facing right, with scales of justice 
 extended in her left hand ; the staff, with liberty cap and flag, in her right. 
 
 Legend, — immune Columbia • 
 
 In exergue, — 1785 . 
 
 This piece may have been produced by muling a discarded die of the 
 Yermont mint, with the Immune Columbia. It is accurately represented above. 
 
PLATE V. 
 
 HBLIOTTPE PATEXT. 
 
VERMONT. 187 
 
 The coins of this mint, and, in fact, those of most, if not all, of the other 
 State mints, are frequently found struck upon other coins, — most commonly 
 British halfpence, though frequently Nova Constellatios, or coins of some other 
 State, producing curious combinations of letters without adding value to the 
 specimens. Upon some of these, the legends and dates of both dies appear. 
 
 They are also occasionally found incused, as if one coin being retained in 
 the die after striking, was, by the next motion of the screw, forced into the plan- 
 chet placed for striking another. 
 
 Another feature, rarely seen, is, that some pieces are found bearing upon 
 both sides of a solid planchet, impressions from the same die : this is probably 
 caused by the coin last struck becoming by some means turned over upon the 
 planchet next to be struck; thus the planchet would protect it from one die, 
 becoming itself incused, while the other die would impress the other side of the 
 planchet upon which it had before acted. 
 
 A piece in the cabinet of the writer, has upon each side an impression 
 of the " Vermontis " obverse, one side having in addition an incused impression 
 from the reverse of one of the same coins. 
 
 Double impressions from the same dies will sometimes extend or contract a 
 letter or a word, thus changing a v to a w, causing an e to resemble a k, or 
 creating a " Deima," a " Coonnec," etc. : no observing collector will readily be 
 deceived by these. 
 
 We have been favored by Chas. I. Bushnell, Esq., of New York, with 
 extracts from his correspondence upon the Vermont coinage, which we next 
 present : 
 
 Extract from a letter from B. H. Hall, of Troy, to Charles I. Bushnell of New York City, 
 
 dated March 3d, 1855. 
 
 "Eeuben Harmon, Jr., came from Suffield, Conn., in company with his 
 father, Beuben Harmon, Senr., about the year 1768, and settled in the North 
 East part of Expert, Yt. He was a man of some note and influence while 
 there. At a meeting of the inhabitants of the N. H. Grants, held at Dor- 
 set, Sept. 25, 1776, initiatory to their Declaration of Independence, Mr. 
 Eeuben Harmon, (probably Jr.,) was one of the representatives from Eupert. 
 He was representative in the Vermont Legislature from Eupert in 1780, was 
 justice of the peace from 1780-90, and held several minor offices. In the 
 year 1790 or thereabouts, he left Eupert, for that part of the State of Ohio 
 called New Connecticut, and there died long since. 
 
188 THE EARLY COOTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 " His Mint House was located near the north-east corner of Rupert, a little 
 east of the main road leading from Dorset to Pawlet, on a small stream of 
 water called Millbrook, which empties into Pawlet Eiver. It was a small 
 building, about 16 by 18 feet, made of rough materials, sided with unplaned 
 and unpainted boards. It is still standing, but its location and uses are 
 entirely different from what they were originally. Its situation at present is 
 on the border of the adjoining town of Pawlet whither it was long since 
 removed, and what was once a coin house is now a corn house. 
 
 " Colonel William Cooley, who had worked at the goldsmith's trade in the 
 city of New York, and who afterwards removed to Rupert, made the dies 
 and assisted in striking the coin." 
 
 From B. H. Hall to Charles I. Bushnell, dated July 18th, 1855. [The information contained 
 in this extract was obtained by him from Abel Buel Moore, a grandson of Abel Buel.] 
 
 " The Sun dial, or ' Mind your business ' copper coin, common in New 
 England at the close of the last and at the commencement of the present 
 century was first manufactured by Abel Buel at New Haven, Conn., the 
 original dies having been designed and cut by himself. Not long after this, 
 his son William Buel, removed the manufactory to the town of Rupert, 
 Bennington Co., Yt., and in connection with a Mr. Harmon established the 
 mint-house on what is known as Mill Brook. William had taken with him 
 the original dies used by his father at New Haven, and continued at Rupert 
 the coinage of the coppers above referred to, until the coin had depreciated 
 so much in value as to be worthless or nearly so, for circulation. The 
 remains of the dam which rendered the waters of Mill Brook eligible, are 
 still to be seen, and pieces of copper and specimens of the old coin are still 
 occasionally picked up on the site of the old mill and in the brook below. 1 
 
 " William Buel fled from New Haven and went to Yermont under the 
 
 1 The statement concerning the " Sun dial " coins, contained in the above letter, has been 
 doubted, as the law under authority of which Harmon acted, strictly prohibited him, under 
 severe penalties, from striking any coin, other than that authorized and described therein, or 
 that designated by " the Committee appointed for that purpose." Still it may be that his 
 allowing Buel to strike coins authorized by the United States, was not considered an infraction 
 of the law, causing the forfeiture of his bond. If it be true that many of these coins have 
 been found in that locality, it appears strongly to favor the opinion that some part of this coinage 
 was performed at this mint, though it is unlikely that any large proportion of it emanated 
 from this source. 
 
VERMONT. 189 
 
 following circumstances. Having occasion to use Aquafortis, he had procured 
 a quantity in a jug from a druggist and was returning to his residence, 
 when he was accosted by some Indians who insisted upon drinking from 
 the jug what they assumed to be rum. He told them that he had no rum, 
 but that his jug contained Aquafortis, and that it would poison them. The 
 Indians supposing this a mere pretence, took the jug from him, and one 
 of them having swallowed a portion of its contents, died soon after from the 
 effects. Buel was then accused of killing the Indian who had fallen by his 
 own rashness, and in accordance with their notions of justice his savage 
 companions claimed that the life of the jug-owner was forfeit and sought 
 every opportunity to take it. To escape their animosity Buel sought 
 refuge, privately, in the then newly settled, and unacknowledged State of 
 Vermont. Enveloped with this, you will find a letter from Julian Harmon, 
 grandson of Reuben Harmon, Jr. * * * * Some of the statements which 
 it contains are mixed, yet I think, with the knowledge you already are in 
 possession of, on the subject, you will understand them. I have heard 
 many stories about Abel Buel, think I have seen them in print. You are 
 probably aware of his genius as a mechanic, of his skill in invention, of his 
 pecuniary troubles, and of his successful imitation of the Continental Bills 
 which little freak was not the pleasantest in which he was engaged." 
 
 Copy of Julian Harmon's letter, above referred to: — 
 
 " Warren, O., June 14, 1855. 
 "Sir, 
 
 "Your letter of April 27th was duly received, and an answer was 
 designed at once, but has thus far been neglected. I write you on behalf 
 of my father to whom your letter was addressed. He gives me answers 
 to your questions as follows. 'Does not know what year precisely, but 
 thinks about 1760, his father came to Vt., in company with his father, from 
 Sandisfield, Mass. He was justice of the peace several years and a member 
 of the Assembly. ~So likeness extant to his knowledge. Has no copy of 
 the act referred to. Has none of the coins or dies. Thinks Wm. Buel of 
 ]ST. Haven, cut the dies. The Mint House stood on Pillet River, three rods 
 from his father's house — story & a half house, not painted — a furnace in 
 one end for melting copper & rolling the bars, &c.; in the other (west) end, 
 machinery for stamping, — in the centre that for cutting &c. The stamping 
 
igO THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 was done by means of an iron screw attached to heavy timbers above, & 
 moved by hand through the aid of ropes. 60 per minute could be stamped, 
 although 30 per minute was the usual number. ¥m. Buel assisted in 
 striking the coins. 3 persons were required for the purpose, one to place 
 the copper, and 2 to swing the stamp. At first, the coins passed 2 for a 
 penny, then 4 — then 8, when it ceased to pay expenses. The British imported 
 so many of the ' Bung Town Coppers,' which were of a much lighter color.' 
 My father, Dr. John B. Harmon, also thinks there was a plough upon one 
 side of the coins of his father, who removed to Ohio in 1800, & engaged 
 in making salt, at the 'Salt Spring Tract,' in Weathersfield Township, Trum- 
 bull Co., which he continued to his death, Oct. 29*. 1 ?, 1806, in his 56 th year. 
 Excuse my delay in this reply. I regret not being able to give fuller 
 answers to your enquiries. I add that Reuben Harmon, Jr., kept a store also, 
 in connection with his other business in Yt. Yours Truly, 
 
 "Julian Harmon." 
 
 B. H. Hall to Charles I. Bnshnell, dated June 4th, 1856. 
 
 " On the north side of Mill Brook the ' old Copper House ' was first 
 erected. * * * * From this location, in the town of Rupert, the 'Mint 
 House ' was afterwards removed to and placed on the eastern bank of Pawlet 
 River, in the same town. Here also it was used for minting purposes. When 
 the manufacture of coins was abolished, it was allowed to remain on Pawlet 
 River for several years, but we could not learn to what uses it was put. 
 Its third removal was to a spot north of the house of John Harwood, Esq., 
 in the town of Rupert, on the east side of the main road. While here it 
 was occupied as a residence by a family named Ooff. It was again removed 
 from its third location to a site nearly opposite, where it remained until its 
 final journey which took place many years ago. This placed it on the 
 farm of William Phelps about a mile north of John Harwood's residence 
 in 'the edge' of the town of Pawlet. Here it stood until last winter, when 
 it was blown down." 
 
 In 1787, a manufactory of "hardware," known as Machin's Mills, was 
 established at JSTew Orange, Ulster County, now JSTewburgh, 1ST. Y., the 
 principal purpose of which is supposed to have been the coinage of copper. 
 
 This mint had no legal connection with that of Yermont, but its 
 managers had business relations with the persons conducting the coinage of 
 that State, and the little known of its history is so interwoven with that of 
 
VEKMONT. 191 
 
 the comers of the Vermont money, that we know of no place more appro- 
 priate than this to introduce the papers relating to it. 
 
 Eager writes, (History of Orange County,) "Orange Lake * * * * was 
 also called Machen's Pond. Captain Machen first opened the outlet of the 
 pond, and erected a manufactory to make coppers for change and circulation. 
 The outlet composes a large part of Chamber's Creek, which supplies the ISTew 
 Mills and other manufacturing establishments with water. This outlet was 
 originally the place where the waters of the pond ran off at high water. The 
 natural one is further west at a place called Pine Point, and the stream from 
 the pond crosses the turnpike just east of Mr. ISTathaniel Brewster, between 
 five and six miles from Newburgh. 
 
 " Capt. Machen, we believe, was an Englishman, and came out before the 
 Revolution as an officer in the British service. During the war he entered 
 the American army as an engineer, and was employed by Congress in 1777, 
 in erecting fortifications in the Highlands, and in stretching the chain across 
 the river at West Point. After the war he came and located at the pond. 
 His operations there, as they were conducted in secret, were looked upon at 
 that time with suspicion, as illegal and wrong." 
 
 Mr. Bushnell supplies some interesting information relative to this coining 
 establishment which we here introduce : — 
 
 " The Mint House at !N~ewburgli, Ulster County, IsT. Y., was situated on 
 the east side of Machin's Lake or Pond, about one eighth of a mile distant 
 from the pond. The building was erected in 1784, by Thomas Machin, and 
 was still standing in 1792, at which time the rollers, press and cutting machine 
 were taken out. The coins were struck by means of a large bar loaded at 
 each end with a 500 pound ball, with ropes attached. Two men were required 
 on each side, making four in all, to strike the pieces, besides a man to set 
 the planchets. The metal of which the coins were struck, was composed of 
 old brass cannon and mortars, the zinc from the copper being extracted by 
 smelting in a furnace. About sixty of the coins were struck a minute. The 
 sloop ' Newburgh,' (Capt. Isaac Belknap,) carried for a number of years the 
 coining press, as part ballast. The coins were made by James F. Atlee. 
 Many of them bore the obverse < geokgius hi.' and rev. 'usde et lib.' 
 Others bore the figure of a plough on one side. The mint ceased operations 
 in the year 1791." 
 
 It is supposed that the coins here mentioned as bearing the figure of a 
 plough, were some of the Yermont coins with that device, and there is strong 
 
-.go THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 reason to believe that Atlee, who is said to have made the dies of all the 
 coins struck at Newburgh, made dies for others of the Vermont corns. 
 
 The pieces with the obverse georgivs hi. are of two varieties: the head 
 upon the first of these closely resembles that upon the more common varieties 
 of the Vermont coins; its legend is, georgivs • m • rex- 
 
 The reverse is from the die represented on plate V, No. 4. This die is 
 found upon coins attributed both to Vermont and Connecticut. 
 
 The other, a more common variety of this piece, has a smaller head, and 
 
 the legend geoegivs hi. rex. 
 
 The reverse of this is identical with that found upon two pieces classed 
 as Connecticut coins. The legend is ixde * et * lb * 
 
 We have found this reverse die' in its perfect condition, used with the 
 obverse just described: it next appears, with cracks across i and b, with an 
 *auctori. co*wec* face to right, until this obverse die became useless by 
 reason of a break; it is again found, and in a still more defective condition, 
 now having breaks in e of et, at the foot of the goddess, and a slight crack 
 at her chin, used with the georgivs hi. rex., and lastly, as proved by the 
 extension of the breaks already noted, particularly that at the foot of the 
 goddess, it is found with obverse • auctori.* * connec. * face to left. Here 
 its endurance seems to have been exhausted, as the break last mentioned is 
 so extended as to render it probable that it could have been of little further 
 
 service. 
 
 It is probable, judging from the facts just noted, that many pieces now 
 classed as Connecticut coins, are counterfeits from this mint; and it is not 
 unlikely that the vermost auctort with reverse Britannia • as well as many 
 of the counterfeit halfpence of George EI., formed part of the "hardware" 
 manufactured here. 
 
 The articles of agreement between the proprietors of Machin's Mills, and 
 those between them and the coiners at Kupert, Vt., copies of which have been 
 furnished us by Mr. Bushnell, are contained in the documents next ensuing. 
 
 These copies are exact, even to their orthographical errors. 
 
 This Indenture of six parts made the eighteenth day of April one thousand 
 seven hundred and eighty-seven: Between Samuel Atlee of the City of New 
 York of the first part: James F. Atley of the same place of the second part: 
 David Brooks of the same place of the third part: James Crier of the same 
 
VEBMONT. 193 
 
 place of the fourth part: James Giles of the same place of the fifth part: and 
 Thomas Machin of the County of Ulster of the sixth part: Witnesseth, that 
 the said parties for the affiance, trust and confidence which each of them hath, 
 and doth repose in the other, have concluded and agreed to become copartners 
 and joint traders together in such trades, and merchandizing as well within 
 this State of New York, as elsewhere where the said parties shall think to 
 trade and merchandize for their most benefit, advantage, and profit, and that 
 for, and during the space of seven years, to be computed from the day of the 
 date hereof, from thence next ensuing and fully to be complete, and ended, 
 there shall be such joint trade. And to that end and purpose the parties 
 shall add and put together on or before the first day of June next, a joint 
 stock, to be employed in, and about the said joint trade; that is to say the 
 sum of three hundred pounds of current money of ISTew York; to wit the 
 said Samuel Atlee for his part fifty pounds; the said James F. Atlee for his 
 part fifty pounds; the said David Brooks for his part fifty pounds; the said 
 James Grier for his part, fifty pounds; the said James Giles for his part fifty 
 pounds ; and the said Thomas Machin fifty pounds more : being the remainder 
 of the three hundred pounds. Which said stock shall be occupied and 
 employed together upon an account of sixths both in profit and loss, the 
 whole in six equal parts to be divided; whereof the said Samuel Atlee his 
 executors and administrators is, and are to have and bear for his and their 
 parts one sixth part thereof both in profit and loss; the said James F. Atlee 
 his executors, and administrators one sixth part thereof, for his and their part 
 both in profit and loss; the said David Brooks his executors and administrators, 
 one sixth part thereof for his and their part both in pofit and loss; the said 
 James Grier, his executors and administrators, one sixth part thereof, for his, 
 and their part both in profit and loss, and the said James Giles, his executors 
 and administrators another part thereof both in profit and loss; and the said 
 Thomas Machin his executors and administrators the other sixth part thereof 
 both in pofit and loss, for his and their parts, according to the true intent 
 and meaning thereof. And the said Samuel Atlee, and James F. Atlee being 
 possessed of certain implements for carrying on said trade, do agree to lend 
 them to the parties to these presents for and during the continuance of their 
 copartnership without any fee or reward for the same. And the said Thomas 
 Machin being possessed of certain mills, doth hereby agree to let the parties 
 to these presents have the free use of them for and during the continuance 
 of their copartnership (for the purpose of carrying on their joint trade) 
 
194 THE EARLY CODSTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 without any fee or reward for the same. And the said David Brooks, James 
 Grier and James Giles, do agree to advance the further sum of ten pounds 
 each towards finishing and completing the works for carrying on said trade 
 And it is further agreed between the parties to these presents that the said 
 James Giles have the sole receiving, keeping and charge of all the cash and 
 money during the said copartnership; and also of the charge of the writing, 
 true keeping and custody of the Books to be kept for the said copartnership. 
 And that the said James F. Atlee and Thomas Machin shall equally manage, 
 act and perform that part of the trade which concerns the manufactory of 
 hard-ware; and the other joint business, is to be equally acted and performed 
 by the said Samuel Atlee, David Brooks and James Grier. And it is further 
 agreed by and between the parties to these presents, that they shall once 
 every four months during the said copartnership ; to wit, on the first day of 
 February, on the first day of June, and on the first day of October in every 
 year, come to a plain, fair and perfect account and reckoning with each other 
 of, for and concerning all matters relating to the said copartnership ; to the 
 intent it may appear how, and in what state and condition they then stand 
 in referrence to their said copartnership and joint stock. And it is > agreed 
 that after the said account is made up, each of the said parties shall, and 
 may deduct, and take out of the profits neat produce, and increase of the 
 said trade, to and for his own particular use, such sum and sums of money 
 as shall be mutually agreed upon by and between the parties to these presents. 
 And it is hereby further agreed that no advantage of survivorship shall be 
 taken by the said parties; but on the death of either of them the executor 
 or executors or administrator of the party so dying, giving security to the 
 survivors to indemnify them, shall and may receive the share or interest in 
 the said joint stock of the party so dying. And it is mutually agreed by 
 and between the said parties that in case either of them shall at any time 
 during the said term of seven years, be minded to break off and dissolve the 
 said copartnership, they shall either of them be at liberty so to do, on giving 
 six months notice to the others of them in writing of such his intention to 
 dissolve the same; and the party giving such notice paying the others of 
 them, one hundred pounds out of his sixth part of the said joint stock and 
 produce thereof, as the same shall be appraised; but the same copartnership 
 to exist as to the other parties who continue notwithstanding. And further 
 that it shall and may be lawful to and for the parties to these presents or 
 any of them, at his or their will, and pleasure, to have liberty, ingress, egress 
 
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, $2.00 a year, in advance. , 
 
 Address JEREMIAH COLBURN, 18 SOMERSET STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 Subscription, gi.50 Canadian Currency, per annum, in advance. 
 Payable to TL. ~W. McLAOHLAN, Box 86X, Montreal. 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, 
 
 AND CONFEDERATE PAPER MONEY AND BOOKS RELATING TO THE SAME. 
 
 Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, post free, . . . . . #1.60 
 
 Field Medal, Bronze, ..... ..:... 1.25 
 
 1343 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 EDWARD COGAN, 
 
 Dealer in Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals, 
 
 No. 408 STATE STREET, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
 
 HENRY AHLBORN, 
 
 Buys and Sells all kinds of American and Foreign Coins and Medals 
 
 AT THE 
 
 "Old Toll House," Foot of Cambridge Street, 
 
 , BOSTON. 
 
Part 7 . 
 
 Price $1. 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 ) 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPRISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OF 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OF UNKNOWN OEIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 FIKST PATTEENS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLYESTEE S. CEOSBY 
 
 BOSTON, MASS.: 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 1873. 
 
VERMONT. 195 
 
 and regress into, out of, and from the compting house, store house or room 
 where the same Thomas Machin and James F. Atlee may be employed in 
 the manufactory aforesaid; also into, out of, or from the dwelling house of 
 the said James Giles for the time being, and shall and may freely as occasion 
 may require as well view the works where the said Thomas Machin and 
 James F Atlee may be employed; as also view and peruse the said Books 
 of account, as also all wares, goods, and merchandizes, and other things 
 whatsoever, relating to the said joint trade, in the hands, custody or posession 
 of the said Thomas Machin and James F. Atlee, and James Giles. And it 
 is further agreed between the parties to these presents that if any doubt, 
 question, controversy, or difference shall happen or arise, between the said 
 parties concerning their said copartnership the same shall be determined by 
 a majority of the copartners. And it is further agreed by and between the 
 said parties to these presents, that neither of the said parties shall make any 
 charge for his or their labour in carrying on the designs, or transacting, 
 doing or acting any particular branch of the copartnership; but that all such 
 costs and charges and expenses as may be disbursed by any of the parties 
 hereto, in carrying into execution the intent of this copartnership, other than 
 such as have been already mentioned, shall be equally borne by the parties 
 to these presents. And it is further agreed by and between the parties to 
 these presents that if either or any of them during the continuance of their 
 copartnership, should get or procure in his or their name, or names, any 
 grant for coinage of money from the United States of America in Congress 
 assembled or from the Legislature of any of the United States, or shall enter 
 into a contract or contracts with such other persons who may have the 
 privilege of coinage from the Congress aforesaid, or any of the Legislatures 
 aforesaid, That then, and in such case, the profits and losses of such grant of 
 coinage or contract aforesaid shall be had, and borne and shared between the 
 parties to these presents share and share alike. And further it is concluded 
 and agreed by and between the said parties to these presents and their true 
 intent and meaning is, that none of the said parties, nor the executors or 
 administrators of any of them shall at any time or times, be charged, or 
 chargeable,- by virtue of these presents, further than for his own poper 
 offence or breach of covenant, and not for the offence or breach of covenant 
 of any other of the said parties, his executors, or administrators, anything 
 before mentioned notwithstanding. And lastly it is agreed That none of the 
 said parties, shall or will, at any time or times hereafter make, do, commit or 
 
196 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 omit to do any act, deed or device whatsoever, with an intent to defet or 
 make void in part, or hi all the true intent, and meaning of these presents; 
 and for the true and punctual performance hereof, the parties to these presents 
 bind themselves, their heirs, executors and administrators each unto the other, 
 their executors and administrators, severally and not jointly in the penal sum 
 of Five hundred pounds. 
 
 "In "Witness whereof, the parties to these presents have hereunto inter- 
 changeably set their hands and seals, the day and year first above written 
 
 " Sealed and delivered 
 In the presence of 
 
 I 
 
 Sam 1 Atlee 
 
 |"l.s.1 
 
 James F. Atlee 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
 D. Brooks 
 
 TL.S.] 
 
 James drier 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
 James Giles 
 
 [~l.s.~| 
 
 Thomas Machin 
 
 [~L.S.] 
 
 "[The words 'The Parties' between the 10, & 11, 
 line of the first page, 'and' between the 21, & 22, 
 line of the same page, 'doing or acting' between 
 the 28 and 29, lines of the Second page, first inter- 
 lined before the executors hereof] 
 
 A. Blacklye 
 "Jos. Mcllvaine 
 
 The second agreement is a formidable legal document, evidently intended 
 to cover an extensive business: the expectations of the parties thereto were 
 probably greatly disappointed in the extent of the business transacted under 
 it, which there is reason to believe was of no great amount. 
 
 " This Indenture of ten parts made the seventh day of June in the year 
 of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred and eighty seven Between 
 Reuben Harmon of the County of Bennington in the State of Vermont Esq' 
 of the first part William Coley of the same place of the second part, Blias 
 Jackson of Litchfield County in the State of Connecticut of the third part, 
 Daniel Yan Yoorhis of the City of New York, Goldsmith, of the fourth 
 part, Samuel Atlee of the same place, Porter Brewer, of the fifth part, James 
 F. Atlee of the same place of the sixth, David Brooks of the same place of 
 the seventh part, James Grier of the same place of the eighth part, James 
 Giles of the same place, Atty at Law, of the ninth part, and Thomas Machin 
 of the County of Ulster, in the State of New York, of the tenth part: 
 Wheras the said Eeuben Harmon by virtue of an act of the Legislature of 
 the State of Yermont is entitled to the Privilege of the Coinage of Copper 
 Coin for the use of the said State, and wheras the said Reuben Harmon 
 subsequent to the Passing of the said act, hath admitted the said William 
 
VERMONT. 197 
 
 Coley, Elias Jackson and Daniel Tan Voorhis into a full participation with 
 him in the Privileges of the Coinage of Copper for the Purpose aforesaid, 
 upon full and equal shares, share and share alike. And whereas the said 
 Samuel Atlee, James F. Atlee, David Brooks, James Grier, James Giles and 
 Thomas Machin by their Articles of Copartnership, bearing date the eighteenth 
 day of April One Thousand seven hundred and eighty seven have become 
 Copartners & Joint Traders together in such Trades and Merchandize, and 
 in the coinage of Coppers, as shall be for their most Benefit and Advantage 
 and Whereas the said Reuben Harmon, William Coley, Elias Jackson, & 
 Daniel Van Voorhis, have agreed to admit the said Samuel Atlee, James F. 
 Atlee, David Brooks, James Grier, James Giles & Thomas Machin into a full 
 Participation of all benefits, Privileges & advantages arising from the Coinage 
 of Copper for the State of Vermont upon such Conditions & in such manner, 
 as shall be hereinafter expressed. ]S"ow This Indenture Witnesseth, that the 
 said parties to these Presents for the affiance, trust & confidence which each 
 of them hath and doth repose in the other, have concluded & agreed to become 
 Copartners & Joint traders together, in such trades & Merchandizing and 
 in the Coinage of Copper for the State of Vermont aforesaid as well within 
 the States of Vermont, Connecticut & !N~. York as elsewhere, where the said 
 Parties shall think fit to Trade & Merchandize for their most benefit advantage 
 & profit, and that for & during the term of eight years to be Computed from 
 the first Day of July next being the term allowed by the Legislature of 
 Vermont to coin as aforesaid, and to that end and purpose the said Samuel 
 Atlee, James F. Atlee, David Brooks, James Grier, James Giles & Thomas 
 Machin shall add and put together, on or before the said first Day of July, 
 a Joint Stock to be employed in and about the said trade That is to say, 
 the sum of three hundred pounds Current mone of ]S"ew York, & also 
 that they the said Sam 1 Atlee, James F. Altee, David Brooks, James Grier, 
 James Giles, and Thomas Machin, shall add & put together on or before the 
 first Day of November next the further sum of Two hundred pounds like 
 money as part & share of the said Reuben Harmon, William Coley, Elias 
 Jackson, and Daniel Van Voorhis to compleet the sum of Five hundred 
 pounds which is intended to be the Joint stock in trade of the Parties to 
 these presents, which said stock shall be employed & occupied together upon 
 an account of Tenths, the Whole in ten equal parts to be Divided, Whereof 
 the said Eeuben Harmon his Executors & Administrators is & are to have 
 and bear for his and their parts on tenth part thereof both in profit & Loss. 
 
ing THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 The said William Coley his Executors & Administrators, one tenth part 
 thereof both in Profit & Loss. The said Elias Jackson his Executors & 
 Administrators One tenth part thereof both in Profit & Loss the said Daniel 
 Van Voorhis, his Executors & Administrators, one tenth part thereof both 
 in Profit & Loss. The said Samuel Atlee, his Executors & Administrators 
 one tenth part thereof both in profit & Loss, the said James F. Atlee his 
 Executors & Administrators one tenth part both In Profit & Loss, the said 
 James Grier his Executors & administrators one tenth part thereof for his 
 and their part both In profit and Loss. The said David Brooks his Executors 
 & administrators one tenth part thereof for his & their part both In Profit 
 and Loss. The said James Giles his Executors & administrat 8 one tenth part 
 thereof, for his & their part both In Profit & Loss, and the said Thomas 
 Mac-hin his Executors & Administrators the other tenth part thereof, for his 
 & their part both In Profit and Loss, According to the True Intent & meaning 
 thereof, & the said Samuel Atlee, James F. Atlee David Brooks, James Grier, 
 James Giles & Thomas Machin having by their several Obligations bearing 
 even date with these Presents bound themselves for the payment of four 
 hundred pounds in the whole ISTew York Currency to the said Reuben Harmon, 
 William Coley, Elias Jackson & Daniel Van Voorhis, payable in two years 
 from the elate hereof which said sum of Four hundred pounds Together with 
 the said sum of two hundred Pounds to be put into the stock aforesaid by 
 the said James Atlee, James F. Atlee, David Brooks, James Grier, James 
 Giles and Thomas Machin as the Part & Share of the said Reuben Harmon 
 William Coley, Elias Jackson & Daniel Van Voorhis to be Employed in the 
 stock as abovesaid, making in the whole six hundred pounds, Which said sum 
 of six hundred pounds is Considered by the said Reuben Harmon, William 
 Coley, Elias Jackson & Daniel Van Voorhis as a full and ample Compensation 
 to them for admitting the said Samuel Atlee, James F. Atlee, David Brooks, 
 James Grier James Giles & Thomas Machin into a full and equal share 
 agreeably to the Proportions before mentioned, that is to say each of the 
 Parties to these Presents, one tenth part, share and share alike of all the 
 Privileges, Profits & Advantages arising from the Coinage of Copper for the 
 State of Vermont, persuent to the Act aforesaid, during the Continuence of 
 the Term aforesaid, and it is further agreed by the parties of these Presents 
 that the said Samuel Atlee, James F. Atlee, David Brooks, James Grier, 
 James Giles & Thomas Machin, shall on or before the said First day of 
 July next Compleat at their own Proper Cost & Charges the Works now 
 
VERMONT. 199 
 
 Errecting at the Mills of the said Thomas Machin near the Great Pond in 
 the County of Ulster aforesaid, so as to Enable the parties to these presents 
 to Carry on their Joint Trade, & also that the said Reuben Harmon, "William 
 Coley, Elias Jackson & Daniel Van Voorhis shall on or before the said 
 first day of July next at their own proper Cost & Charges, Compleat the 
 Works they are now Errecting at Rupert in the County of Bennington afore- 
 said for the purpose of Coining aforesaid, so as to enable the parties to these 
 presents to Gary on their Joint Trade, and that when the "Works errecting 
 at the said Thomas Machin's Mills & those at Rupert aforesaid shall be 
 Compleated for the purpose aforesaid that then & from thence forward 
 during the Continuance of the Copartnership all Repairs or Alterations which 
 shall be deemed necessary to the said Works shall be made & born by the 
 parties to these presents, share & share alike. And it is further agreed 
 between the parties to these presents that the said James Giles shall have 
 Charge of the Writing True Keeping & Custody of the Books to be Kept 
 for the said Copartnership & that the said Reuben Harmon & William Coley 
 shall equally manage act & perform that part of the trade which Concerns 
 the Coinage of Money at Rupert aforesaid, & that the said Thomas Machin 
 and James F. Atlee shall equally manage & perform that part of the Trade 
 which Concern the Coinage of Money & Manufacturing Hard Ware at the 
 Mills of the said Thomas Machin in the County of Ulster aforesaid and that 
 the said James Grier shall be the Cashier of the Money Coined at Rupert 
 aforesaid & the said Daniel Van Voorhis Cashier of the Money Coined at 
 the Mills of the said Thomas Machin & that the said James Grier & Elias 
 Jackson shall have the General management of the Expenditures of the 
 Money Coined at either places last Mentioned in the Purchase of such Articles 
 as shall be for the most Benefit and advantage of the Copartnership, and 
 that the other Joint Business shall be equally acted and performed by the 
 said David Brooks & Samuel Atlee, and also it is agreed that a Certain 
 Book shall be Kept by the said James Giles, which shall be called & Known 
 by the name of the Book of Resolutions in which Book such Resolutions 
 shall be made and Entered as the Majority of the Copartners shall determine 
 for the better Regulating the Concerns of this Copartnership Provided such 
 Resolutions are not Contrary to the' True Intent & meaning of this Copart- 
 nership and it is further agreed by & between the parties to these Presents 
 that they shall once every four Months during the said Copartnership to wit, 
 on the first Day of Feb y on the first Day of June and on the first day of 
 
200 
 
 THE EARL'S COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 October in every year, Come to a plain fair and perfect account & Reckoning 
 with each other of for and Concerning all Matters Relating to the Copart- 
 nership, to the Intent it may appear how, & in what State & Condition 
 they then stand in Refference to their said Copartnership & Joint Stock, 
 & it is agreed that after the said Account is made up, each of the said 
 parties shall & may deduct & take out of the profits Nett Produce & Increase 
 of the said trade to & for his own Particular use such sum & sums of money 
 as shall be Mutually agreed upon by & between the Parties of these Presents* 
 & that the place of Meeting for the purpose of settling the said account shall 
 be at Rynbeck in the State of New York, unless otherwise Determined by 
 a Majority of the Copartners to be expressed in their Resolution Book, And 
 "Whereas it may be Inconvenient for all the parties' to these presents to Meet 
 at the time above mentioned, it is therefore hereby agreed that such of the 
 parties who cannot attend that then & in such case he or they may authorize 
 and appoint either of the others of the said Parties to transact, doo, & 
 perform in his or their name or names, the necessary Business of such Meeting 
 & the dooing or acting of such Person so appointed shall be binding on the 
 person or persons so appointing him and which authority for so acting shall 
 
 be in the words following, to wit, I do hereby authorize and appoint 
 
 j 0VL for me & in my name to negotiate & settle on my account all 
 
 matters Relating to the Copartnership in which we are connected for the 
 Coinage of Copper &? for the State of Vermont &?, and if case should 
 require to sign my name to any Resolution that may be made for the Gov- 
 ernment of the Copartnership and for which this shall be your warrant dated 
 
 this day of IT — which authority or Letter of Attorney shall be 
 
 equally binding on the party giving it as tho' he had given a Regular Letter 
 of Atty, Perscribed by the forms of Law, And it is hereby further agreed 
 that no advantage of Survivorship shall be taken by the said parties but that 
 on the Death of either of them the Executors or Administrators of the Party 
 so dying giving security to the Survivors to Indemnify them shall and may 
 Receive the share or Interest in the said Joint stock of the Party so Dying* 
 and it is Mutually agreed by and between the said parties that in Case either 
 of them shall at any time during the said term of eight years be minded to 
 break off & quit the said Copartnership they shall either of them be at 
 Liberty so to do on giving six months notice to the others of them in Writing 
 of such his Intention to quit the same, but the same Copartnership to Exist 
 as to the other Parties who remain Notwithstanding. And further that it 
 
VERMONT. 203 
 
 shall and may be lawful to & for the Parties to these Presents or any of 
 them at his & their will & Pleasure to have Liberty, ingress, egress and 
 regress into, out of and from the Compting house, store House & Room where 
 either of the Parties to these presents may be employed, in the Coinage & 
 Manufactory aforesaid, & shall & may freely as occation may require as well 
 Yiew the Works as also view & peruse the said Book of Accounts as also 
 all Wares, Goods & Merchandise & other things whatsoever relating to the 
 said Joint Trade in the hands Custody or Possession of either of the Parties 
 to these Presents; And it is further agreed between the Parties to these 
 Presents that if any Doubt Question, Controversy or difference shall happen 
 or arise between the said Parties Concerning their said Copartnership the 
 same shall be Determined by a Majority of the Copartners or by a Referrence 
 of Indifferent Persons if either of the Parties shall think fit which reference 
 shall not consist of more than three Persons, and those Refferees to be chosen 
 in the Usual maner in which Referrees are chosen that is, one on either side, 
 & the third by the two Chosen if an Umpire should be necessary. And further 
 it is Concluded and agreed by and between the said parties to these presents 
 and then true Intent and meaning is that none of the said Parties, nor the 
 Executors or Administrators of any of them shall at any time or times, be 
 Charged or Chargable by Virtue of these presents further than for his own 
 proper offence or Breach of Covenant, & not for the Offence or breach of 
 Covenant of any of the other of the said parties his Executors or Admin- 
 istrators, anything before or hereinafter to be mentioned notwithstanding; 
 and it is further agreed by and between the said Parties to these presents 
 that neither of the said parties shall make any Charge for his or their 
 Labour in carrying on the design or transacting doing or acting any particular 
 branch of the Copartnership except all such costs and charges & expenses as 
 may be Disbursed by any of the parties hereto when abroad from their 
 Habitations in transacting the Business of the Copartnership or unless by a 
 Resolution of the Majority of the Copartners to be expressed in their Reso- 
 lution Book, which shall be Equally born by the parties to these presents and 
 it is further agreed by & between the parties to these presents that if either 
 or any of them during the Continuance of their Copartnership shall get or 
 Procure in his or their name or names any Grant for Coinage of Money from 
 the United States of America in Congress Assembled or from the Legislature 
 of any of the United States or shall enter into a Contract or Contracts with 
 such other persons who may have the Privilidge of Coining from the Congress 
 
202 THE EAKLY COINS OP AMEKICA. 
 
 as aforesaid or any of the Legislatures aforesaid that then & in such Case the 
 
 Profit & Losses of such Grant of Coinage or Contract aforesaid shall be 
 
 had and born & shared between the parties to these presents share and share 
 
 alike, and lastly it is agreed that none of them the said parties shall and 
 
 will at any time or times hereafter do Commit or Omit to do any act, Deed 
 
 or Device whatsoever with an Intent to defeat or make Void in part or in 
 
 all the true Intent or meaning of these presents, and for the true and punctual 
 
 Performance hereof of the parties to these Presents Bind themselves, their 
 
 Heirs, Executors and Administrators, each unto the other, their Executors & 
 
 administrators, Severally & not Jointly in the pennal Sum of One thousand 
 
 pounds. In Witness Whereof the Parties to these presents have hereunto 
 
 Interchangeably set their Hands and Seals the Day and year first above 
 
 written. 
 
 " Sealed & Delivered ) 
 in the Presence of ) 
 
 [Here is inserted a long list of additions, erasures, 
 etc., as in the previous agreement. These it will not be 
 necessary to print, as they probably have all been incor- 
 porated into the body of the paper; and had they not, 
 the lines in print not corresponding with those of the 
 original, it would be impossible correctly to place the 
 alterations.] 
 
 Amasa Sprague 
 " Henery Evens 
 
 Simms, in the History of Scoharie County, gives some account of this 
 copartnership, concluding with these remarks : " Whether the long firm of 
 money makers ever coined coppers enough to fill the pockets of all the Green 
 Mountain boys; or whether they found the business profitable, is uncertain; 
 but from Mr. Machin's papers, I am led to conclude they never effected much.. 
 At his mills perhaps a thousand pounds of copper was manufactured, as 
 appears by the papers, in the year 1789; previous to which little seems to 
 have been done. < What is everybody's business is nobody's;' and the saying 
 seems to have been verified in the doings of this copper firm: for in a letter 
 from J. F. Atlee to Mr. Machin, dated Vergennes, October 14, 1790, he 
 expresses a wish that the concern might arrive at a settlement on equitable 
 terms, and compromise their matters without a tedious and expensive law 
 suit." 
 
 Reuben Harmon 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
 William Coley 
 Elias Jackson 
 
 [l.s.] 
 [l.s.] 
 
 Dan 1 Tan Yoorhis 
 Sam 1 Atlee 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
 pL.S.l 
 
 James F. Atlee 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
 D. Brooks 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
 James Grier 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
 James Giles 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
 Tho? Machin 
 
 [l.s.] 
 
CONNECTICUT. 
 
 The attention of Connecticut was, at an early period, called to the regu- 
 lation of a coinage now unknown to us, or, if known, not recognized under 
 the name by which it is here introduced, as we learn from the records, that 
 as early as May 25th, 1721, this vote was passed by the Upper House, in 
 that Colony : — " An act sent from the Lower House that the coin called 
 black doggs pass at 2 d p ce was dissented to at this board." 
 
 We can gam no clue as to what coins were here referred to under the 
 name of "black doggs," but conclude, from the value placed upon them, that 
 they must have been composed of copper, or some alloy of that metal. 
 
 At this time Connecticut had, in common with other colonies, adopted 
 the practice of issuing paper money. Considerable sums of this money 
 were emitted between 1709, when the first was authorized, and 1780, which 
 was the date of the last. A remedy for the evils produced by these rapidly 
 depreciating bills was soon proposed. 
 
 In 1739, a petition was presented by John Read, of Boston, to the 
 General Court of Connecticut, praying their aid in obtaining a Patent from 
 the Crown, for the coinage of copper money from the metal produced from 
 the native ores of that State. The profits of this coinage were to be secured 
 to him, he defraying all expenses incident to the attempt, whether successful 
 or otherwise. 
 
 This petition, and a letter from Eead referring thereto, are preserved by 
 the Connecticut Historical Society, at Hartford, Conn. We here acknowledge 
 our indebtedness to the Hon. Charles J. Hoadly, of that city, for copies of 
 these two papers, which are next presented. 
 
204 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 The first of these is the petition of John Eead, and is endorsed: — 
 
 " Mr. John Eeeds of y e 15 Oct 1 ' 1739 come to not untill No r 21* 1739." 
 
 "To the Honble the Gov 1 Council & representatives in Gen 1 Court 
 assembled at New-haven 10 Octf 1739. 
 
 " The Memorial & Petition of John Read of Boston Gent. 
 
 "May it please your hon 1 ' & this honble Court 
 
 " The Province of the Massachusets Bay are sending home Mr. Christo- 
 pher Kilby lately chosen by the house of Representatives their Agent at the 
 British Court to allow them to make Province bills as in times past as the 
 only & necessaiy means of carrying on their trade as well as defending their 
 frontiers: while the Governour loudly tells them their attempt will be utterly 
 fruitless. 
 
 " The Colony of Rhode-Island are from time to time multiplying their 
 bills after the old manner, & we take them & are glad of them, tho' they are 
 still declining in value, & now one ounce of Silver is 28? of them or any others 
 of New England old tenor bills & will doubtless grow worse & worse. 
 
 " The King & Council at home are concerned at our pitiful moans & 
 are privately inquiring what bills are out in New England & what hath been 
 out & called in, & consulting the merch*? that trade hither to find out some 
 means to establish the value of our money or bills, & give no farther relief 
 than shall be found necessary. 
 
 " Hearing & perceiving these things without inquiring, & whether I 
 will or not, I have considered & apprehend the present & best expedient will 
 be the Coining of English half pence & farthings out of the Copper pro- 
 duced in Connecticut of Sterling value, make that the Standard of all your 
 money, call in all y e old bills & emit so many new only as at y e different 
 value shall equal those called in, make a bank of the new bills & Copper 
 money payable on demand one half in bills now to be renewed & redeemable 
 at y e periods you have already set (which then shall be redeemed with copper 
 money) & the other half in Copper money, which in a short compass of time 
 may be effected & will establish & for ever preserve the value of your bills 
 against all factors Stock-jobbers & chances whatsoever. This will immediately 
 supply a lasting money of Intrinsick value & effectually supply us with small 
 change, & bring in Silver also. For mens pockets are locked up now that 
 have any silver, because men cannot trade in it for want of knowing y e value 
 tis now of & the value twill be of to morrow in comparison with our bills, 
 and so are afraid to part with it for fear of losing, but if they can once find 
 
CONNECTICUT. 205 
 
 the paper established & y'by y e silver men will as soon part with that as 
 with copper or paper. 
 
 " Now there are no people can expect to be favoured with a Patent from y e 
 Crown to Coin Copper in New-England upon so good grounds as Connecticut 
 & I doubt not but you might obtain it, for 
 
 " Connecticut hath been the most innocent in the point of paper money of 
 any part of New-England, your stock being reduced very low before the New 
 London Society's presumption obliged yon for y B sake of saving innocents 
 imposed upon by their bills to make a quantity for y e calling in of theirs & to 
 be paid for by them. And this is a great point at y e British Court. 
 
 " Connecticut is the Native Soil that produceth this Copper & furnisheth 
 a strong argument for you at Court therefore to gain this patent that you 
 may improve your own natural production & manufacture. 
 
 " Connecticut will be the first that finds an expedient to rectify y e value of 
 our money & establish the value of it which will be a strong inducement to the 
 Courts favour. 
 
 " And this is the luckiest juncture you can possibly appear in it as appears 
 by the premisses laid down & publickly known; I have heretofore for two 
 years past had this very thought in my mind for substance. I have several 
 times occasionally moved discourse upon it, and at last seem to be pretty much 
 alone in my sentiments : but this juncture has made me the more Confident of 
 the success if y b matter be prudently managed. 
 
 " Now therefore if it will be deemed a real publick benefit to have money 
 produced & multiplied among us of a certain value & steady continuance, I 
 offer this honble Court to take upon me the management of this affair, to 
 procure a pattent from y e Crown to this Government to Coin Copper money. I 
 will only desire their orders to their agent to petition & use all his diligence 
 to obtain it, and particularly under my directions, also an authentick account 
 under the Province Seal of the sums & time of Emitting & calling in your 
 bills, a ballance drawn shewing how much was outstanding at the time of your 
 last Emission for y B New London Society & y e occasion of that Emission, & the 
 account continued down to this time to show what is now out, & I will give all 
 necessary directions to your Agent touching it, at y e same time I will furnish 
 your Agent with all the Sterling Cash to pay him for all his trouble attendance 
 & disbursements, and the condition is that if I do not procure any pattent nor 
 fruit of my labour & expense in y e attempt I will stand to & bear the loss all 
 myself & such as I shall join with me if any body do join with me, & on y B 
 
206 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 other hand if I do procure such a patent or such like fruit of my attempt as the 
 publick will reap y e benefit of a good supply I shall have all the benefit that may 
 lawfully arise from it to the undertakers. And this I desire may be insured to 
 me by y e Government as my Incouragem' to pursue it at this time which I look 
 upon to be the happiest that can well be. 
 
 " This proposal of mine requireth secresy & dispatch, that no man but 
 whom I trust may know it, till it rest in your agents hands at home in England. 
 And if you send any agents from hence (as I suppose you are about no such 
 thing) they may know JSTothing of it. 
 
 " I am may it please y 1 honour & this honble Court 
 
 Y or most humble Serv* 
 " Boston 15 Oct 1739. Jn° Read." 
 
 Mr. Eead, having written twice, (his second letter we have been unable 
 to trace,) but failing to elicit a reply, writes a third time to this effect : — 
 
 "12 lSov r 1739. 
 "S- I have writ two letters to you at ISTew-haven that I judged it of 
 great importance to Connecticut to procure the King's patent to coin the 
 copper of your own production: That I had desired Mr. Woodbridge of 
 Simsbury to intimate this to you: That the mine adventurers Mr. Cradock & 
 others communed with me about procuring it: That we had done, & if the 
 Colony would give me their name to their Agent, I would procure one at 
 my own expense but to my own profit. I wrote the first Monday after 
 October Gen 1 Court met & the next Monday after, both by the post, but 
 never received one word of answer, therefore only desire to know if you had 
 them, proposed them &c. or not, for I never had any answer touching the 
 premises. 
 
 "My service to all friends. 
 
 "I am y 1 honours 
 
 " Most humble serv* 
 
 Jn° Eead." 
 "To the honble Joseph Talcott Esq 1 : 
 
 From the coincidence of dates, it appears probable that Higley, who 
 was coining coppers upon his own account in 1737—1739, was connected with 
 Eead in this attempt to secure the right of coinage, particularly as his own 
 proceedings in that business were without the sanction of law: he probably 
 
CONNECTICUT. 207 
 
 was one of those referred to by Read as, " such as I shall join with me." 
 Deferring the subject of Higley's coinage, as unauthorized, and on that 
 account not properly belonging in this chapter, we proceed to the copper 
 coinage of this State, as introduced by the petition of Samuel Bishop, James 
 Hillhouse, John Goodrich, and Joseph Hopkins, dated at New Haven, Octo- 
 ber 18th, 1785. 
 
 " To the Honorable General Assembly of the State of Connecticutt now 
 sitting at New Haven in said State 
 
 "The Petition of Samuel Bishop James Hillhouse & John Goodrich all 
 of New Haven in New Haven County and Joseph Hopkins of Waterbury 
 in said County humbly sheweth That there is a great & very prevalent 
 scarcity of small Coin in this State, in consequence whereof great incon- 
 veniences are severely felt by all orders of men in the Article of making 
 Change, especially by the laborious Class, who are indeed the Stay & Staff 
 of every Community that our late Enemies conscious of this, & unrestrained 
 by any Law, are countirfeiting in vast abundance, that others even of our 
 Countrymen, &, your Memorialists are sorry to say some, even of their fellow 
 Citizens have attempted the same nefarious Business, and are now Coining & 
 stamping a Copper Coin much under standard weight and Endevouring to 
 Impose the same upon the Inhabitants of this State manifestly to the injury 
 of the Credit of our Copper Currency and to the great Damage, in point of 
 fraud and imposition, of the honest & unsuspicious Citizens of this State — 
 
 "Your Memorialists conceive that the Right of Coining Copper is in 
 this Honorable Legislature, that it is of high importance that it be not 
 tolerated but by their permission, & under their superintendency, & that the 
 State ought to derive some pecuniary advantage from such a toleration — 
 
 " It must be very needless to suggest arguments to the Wisdom of your 
 Honors in support of this proposition the Justice thereof being obvious to 
 every one who hears it made — Impressed with these ideas your Memorialists 
 beg leave to address your Honors on this subject, and to propose to your 
 Honor's Consideration the Expediency of granting to them for the term of 
 ten years from the rising of the Assembly, the Right & power of establishing 
 a Mint in this State to be under the inspection of such Committee consisting 
 of three persons to be appointed by your Honors from time to time as there 
 shall be occasion, for the purpose of Coining Coppers of good metal of the 
 standard & weight of British half pence commonly called coppers, five per 
 
2Qg THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Cent, however of all the Coppers thus coined to be paid by them half yearly 
 to the Treasurer of this State to and for the use of this State & that no 
 other persons, but by permission of this Honorable Assembly, to have right 
 to Coin within this State any Copper Coin under the Penalties by Law to 
 by inflicted on persons who counterfeit any of the Gold or Silver Coin current 
 
 in this State — 
 
 "On these terms or such as may suggest themselves to the Wisdom of 
 your Honors, your Memorialists are wiling and desirous of establishing a 
 Mint for coining Coppers and to be under Oath to account with. the Treasurer 
 of this State for one twentieth part of all Coppers by them Coined, and that 
 a Committee appointed by your Honors from time to time shall at the Expence 
 of your Memorialists inspect the quality & weight of all Coppers coined by 
 them previous to their being put off for Circulation and on the Principles 
 suggested in this Memorial they Humbly pray your Honors that they may be 
 permitted to establish a Mint for the purpose of coming Coppers and they as 
 in duty bound will ever pray New Haven October 18 th 1785 — 
 
 Sam 1 Bishop 
 James Hillhouse 
 Joseph Hopkins 
 John Goodrich " 
 
 " In the Lower House (Oct 19*? 1 ) The Prayer of this Memorial is Granted 
 & Liberty for a Bill in Form &c Test J Strong Clerke" 
 
 "In the upper House 
 
 " The further Consideration of this Memorial is referred to the Gen 1 As- 
 sembly of this State to be holden at Hartford on the 2 d Thursday of May 
 next Test George "Wyllys Secrety" 
 
 On the back of the above document is the following : — 
 
 " In the Lower House 
 
 " Col Wadsworth & Mr Ingersol are appointed a Comm e . e to confer with 
 such Gentlemen as the hon 1 upper House shall appoint on the different Votes 
 of the Houses on this Memorial Test James Davenport Clerke " 
 
 " In the upper House Joseph Piatt Cook Esq 1 is appointed to confer with 
 the Com tee of the lower House on the differing Votes of the Houses on this 
 Memorial Test George "Wyllys Secrety" 
 
CONNECTICUT. 209 
 
 " In the Upper House 
 
 On Report of the Committee and Reconsideration granted on this Me- 
 morial that the Memorialist have Liberty to establish a Mint for coming 
 Coppers as prayed for to an Amount not exceeding ten Thousand Pounds — 
 and that a Bill &c Teste George Wyllys Secrety " 
 
 " In the Lower House on Reconsideration Concurred 
 
 Test Jedediah Strong Clerke" 
 
 The bill first drawn up having undei^gone some slight changes by amend- 
 ment in the Assembly, was again presented, in the form which follows : 
 
 "Oct. 1785. 
 
 "Upon the Memorial of Samuel Bishop, Joseph Hopkins James Hill- 
 house and John Goodrich praying for Liberty to Establish a mint for coining 
 Copper in this State under the Direction and Superintendance of the General 
 Assembly they paying one Twentieth part of all Copper by them Coined into 
 the Treasury of this State to and for the Use of this State as p- memorial 
 on File &c — 
 
 " Resolved by this Assembly that said Samuel Bishop, Joseph Hopkins, 
 James Hillhouse & John Goodrich have Liberty, and Liberty and Authority 
 is hereby Granted to them to Establish a Mint for Coining and manufac- 
 turing Coppers, not to exceed the amount of Ten Thousand Pounds lawful 
 money in Value of the Standard of Brittish half pence, to weigh Six penny 
 weight, and to bear the following Impression or Stamp (Viz) a mans head 
 on the one side with a Circumscription in the Words or Letters following 
 (Viz) avctori : connec :* and on the other side the Emblem of Liberty with 
 an olive branch in her hand with a circumscription in the Words-and Figures 
 following (Viz) estde : et . lib : 1785 : — Which Grant is to continue during 
 the pleasure of the General Assembly, the Mem 1 ?! paying into the Treasury 
 of this State, at the end of every six Months, one twentieth part of all 
 Coppers by them Coined or manufactured at said Mint — The mem*" are not 
 however to put off or into Circulation any Coppers by them Coined untill 
 the same shall have been Inspected and Approved by the Hon 1 !'? Roger 
 Sherman and James Wadsworth Esq?! David Austin Esq? and Mess 1 :? Eben- 
 ezer Chittenden & Isaac Beers or the major part of them who are hereby 
 appointed a Committee -for that purpose, or such other Committee as the 
 General Assembly shall from time to time appoint such Inspection to be 
 made at the Expence of the Mem?* — 
 
210 THE EAKLY COESTS OP AMERICA. 
 
 "Provided nothing in this Act shall be construed to make such Coppers 
 a legal Tender in payment of Any Debt, except for the purpose of making 
 even Change, for any sum not exceeding three Shillings 
 
 "Pass d in the upper House 
 
 Teste George Wyllys Secrety " 
 
 "In the Lower House 
 
 "Concurred with the following alterations & exclusions Viz. with the 
 Addition of the Words not exceeding five years next after the Word Assembly 
 in the 22 n . d Line of the Bill — and exclusive of what follows the word Debt 
 in the last Line save two of the Bill. 
 
 Test Jedediah Strong Clerke " 
 
 " Concurr? in the upper House 
 
 Teste George Wyllys Secrety " 
 
 The final passage of the bill is thus recorded: — 
 
 "Thursday Afternoon 20 Oct 1 : 1785 — 
 
 "Passed a Bill in Form on Memorial of Samuel Bishop &c granting 
 Liberty to coin Coppers under the Inspection of the Hon. R Sherman & 
 Ja s Wadsworth Esq? David Austin Esq^ & Messrs Eben 1 : Chittenden & 
 Isaac Beers " 
 
 We are permitted to give the following extract from Mr. Bushnell's 
 Numismatic Notes in manuscript, in relation to this coinage: 
 
 " Hon. Henry Meigs, late of this city, (New York,) deceased, informed 
 me in Sept. 1854, that Connecticut coins were made in a building situated 
 under the Southern Bluff, near the centre of the north shore of the hai'bor 
 in New Haven, west of the Broome and Piatt houses. Mr. Meigs lived at 
 the time, between the latter residences, at a short distance from the mint 
 house. He visited it frequently, and saw the press in operation. The build- 
 ing was a small frame house, and he thinks was painted red. Messrs. Broome 
 and Piatt, who had formerly been merchants in the city of New York, and 
 were men of fortune, he thinks must have had a sub-contract for the manu- 
 facture of the State coinage, as Mr. Broome superintended the mint, and gave 
 orders to the men, not more than three of whom were seen at work at 
 one time. Both members of the firm would sometimes distribute some of 
 the coins among the boys, among whom was my informant. Mr. |Meigs said 
 he saw the mint in operation in 1788, and it had been in operation some 
 
CONNECTICUT. 211 
 
 considerable time before that. The coins were struck by means of a powerful 
 iron screw. Mr. F. Kingsbury thinks that the house described by Mr. Meigs 
 was probably at a place at Morris Cove, now so called, which is on the 
 right hand side of the harbor going up, and about two miles above the light 
 house. The firm of Broome and Piatt was composed of Samuel Broome and 
 Jeremiah Piatt. 
 
 "I have understood from another source that a building at Westville, at 
 the foot of West Rock, about two miles inland of New Haven, was likewise 
 used for the coinage of Connecticut coppers. At the time the old building 
 was last seen, it contained an old coining press, and the remnants of copper 
 castings. 
 
 " The dies for the Connecticut coins were made by Abel Buel, of New 
 Haven." 
 
 The coins struck in accordance with the foregoing acts consist of but 
 a single type, comprising a great number of varieties which we have en- 
 deavored to tabulate in a condensed, and yet in an intelligible manner. The 
 tables may be found on the two following pages. 
 
 A single description will suffice for the coins of the four years, 1785 to 
 1788 inclusive. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head, laureated, on some facing left, on others, right. 
 Legend, — auctori connec 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty, seated, facing left, an olive branch ex- 
 tended in her right hand, the liberty staff supported by her left. 
 Legend, — estde et lib 
 
 In exergue,— The date, — 1785, 1786, 1787, or 1788 
 Borders, — on some serrated, on others milled. 
 Edges, — plain; size, 17 to 18. For weights see notes following the tables. 
 
 Our tables of varieties are not so satisfactory as we could wish, since in 
 tables based upon the differences of punctuation, it is impossible to describe 
 the peculiarities of each die. This might be accomplished by a system of 
 classification, but as such tables would be too extended to come within the 
 limits of this work, we are compelled to accept the more simple though less 
 scientific method. 
 
212 
 
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214 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 NOTES ON THE TABLES OF CONNECTICUT COINS. 
 
 The Connecticut coins of 1785 all have mailed busts, most of them facing 
 the right. We have found but two dies facing the left, both extremely rare. 
 
 No. 1 is quite rare ; the fillet ends are long, ending between the bust 
 and the legend. It has a wreath of seven leaves and three berries. 
 
 The heads upon most of Nos. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, are much alike ; in No. 
 2, the fillet ends point at A. One die of No. 4c, is the " African head " — a 
 large head with wreath of six leaves [Plate V. No. 5] ; another has a wreath 
 of seven leaves, much like heads of wheat. 
 
 In two dies of No. 6, the fillet ends point at A ; in the other, they are 
 long, as in No. 1. [Plate V. No. 6.] 
 
 Nos. 2 to 6, inclusive, are punctuated alike ; but we have, for greater 
 convenience, separated them according to the position of the first colon. 
 
 Of Nos. 7 and 8, which face to left, we know of but one specimen each; 
 these much resemble the more common heads of 1786. 
 
 The weights of the coins of 1785 show a greater degree of regularity 
 than do those of any other year ; the extremes we have noticed in well pre- 
 served specimens, being that of a No. 3 weighing 132 grains, and specimens 
 of Nos. 1 and 6, 153 grains each. 
 
 Judging from the number of specimens we have seen of each variety, 
 we should rate the rarity of coins of 1785 as given below : — r 6 , indicating 
 that we know but one specimen from the dies; r b , two or three; r 4 , about 
 six; r 3 , ten; r 2 , fifteen; r 1 , twenty; R, thirty, and c, a greater number. 
 
 No. 1, e 4 : 2, r 3 : 3-B, r 2 : 4-F, r 3 : 5-H, r 4 : 6-G, r 4 : 7 and 8, r 6 . All the 
 
 others are more common. 
 
 1786. 
 
 No. 1 is a rudely cut die, with small head, heavy features and double 
 chin. The wreath has seven leaves. 
 
 No. 2, also a small head, but much better work ; eight leaves in wreath. 
 
 Nos. 1 and 2 are small, light pieces, both having the same reverse die, 
 with legend, etlib dstde "We much suspect the genuineness of these two 
 varieties, partly on account of the great difference in their execution from 
 that of other Connecticut coins, and partly on account of their light weight, 
 specimens which are but little worn, weighing respectively, 84, and 102 
 grains. 
 
 No. 3, the largest head of this year; wreath of seven leaves. [Plate Y. 
 
 No. 7.] 
 
CONNECTICUT. 215 
 
 No. 4, head to left, without punctuation ; wreath of four pairs of slender 
 leaves. 
 
 Nine of the dies of No. 5 present few points by which to be distinguished 
 from each other, except in the relative positions of the parts, and the size of 
 the colons. Wreaths of eight serrated leaves. [Plate V. No. 8.] 
 
 The tenth die of No. 5, is the " Hercules " — a deeply cut head, with a 
 scowling face ; the same die is found in 1787. Wreath of seven leaves. 
 [Plate Y- No. 9.J 
 
 The busts of all the preceding are mailed ; those which follow are draped. 
 
 Of No. 6, we have seen no impression sufficiently sharp to show the 
 wreath ; it has a large button at the throat, and the fillet ends very near the 
 letter C. 
 
 No. 7. Head resembles No. 6, but has no button, and the fillet ends 
 are near the colon ; the wreath has seven laurel leaves, and three large 
 berries. [Plate Y- No. 10.] 
 
 The weights of this year's coinage, (disregarding Nos. 1 and 2, before 
 noted,) vary much, some fine specimens weighing but 116 grains, others, 173 
 grains ; few are found, however, which do not reach the legal weight of 144 
 grains. No. 3 is the heaviest variety, and a No. 5, the lightest. 
 
 No. 1, r 5 : 2, e 4 : 3, e 4 : 4, e 3 : 5-F and 5-E, e 5 : 6 and 7, e 5 . All the 
 others more common. 
 
 1787. MAILED BUSTS. 
 
 The three dies of No. 1 of this year, include the largest and the smallest 
 of the heads found upon coins of this State, if, indeed, both really belong to 
 this State, as we suspect that with the small head to be a counterfeit ; it is 
 of light weight, 104 grains only, and in execution is more like coins of 
 other States, than those of Connecticut. The legend upon the reverse is 
 etlib inde [Plate Y. No. 11. J 
 
 The largest head is known as the "mutton head." It has a wreath of 
 eleven medium leaves, and is very seldom found in fine condition. The other 
 die of this variety has a medium sized head with wreath of seven broad 
 leaves. We have seen only one specimen of it, which is owned by E. Maris, 
 M. D., of Philadelphia. 
 
 No. 2 is the only head to left without punctuation. Twelve leaves, in 
 triplets. 
 
 No. 3, a smaller head, and very rare ; nine leaves and four berries. 
 [Plate Y. No. 12.] 
 
216 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 No. 4 is usually found with a break from the bust, whence it is called 
 the " horned bust." Wreath of ten leaves and two berries. Its reverse is- 
 from the same die with that of the rarest variety of No. 1. 
 
 No. 5. The head resembles that of No. 2 ; twelve leaves, in triplets. 
 This die is of the greatest rarity ; the only specimen we know, is owned by 
 Dr. Maris. 
 
 No. 6. The more common of these dies is known as the "laughing 
 head ; " it is a small head with nine broad leaves, very sharply outlined. 
 The head upon the other die has a very simple expression. The first of 
 these is not very rare, but of the last we have seen but two impressions. 
 
 No. 7. The " Hercules " head ; the same die with No. 5 of 1786. 
 [Plate Y. No. 13.J 
 
 No. 8 is curiously punctuated. It has six leaves and three large berries. 
 
 No. 9 has a peculiar wreath of twelve leaves, in triplets, with knots, and 
 five small berries. It is punctuated with crosslets (*), the last one being 
 very near the C. 
 
 No. 10, also with crosslets. Wreath of twelve, in triplets, but no berries. 
 
 No. 11. Head much like 10. Stars of five points (•). [Plate V. No. 14.] 
 
 No. 12. Wreath of twelve, in triplets. Same die with No. 8 of 1788. 
 
 No. 13. A childish face. Nine leaves and four berries ; stars of six(*.). 
 
 No. 14. Head much like 11. Upon the reverse of some specimens a small 
 pheon, or heraldic spear-head (*), appears after et. The date has a pheon 
 at each side; this character is found in no other die. [Plate V. No. 15.] 
 
 No. 15. The Connect. Head similar to that of No. 11, but with six 
 berries in the wreath. It is found with three reverses, that usually found 
 having eight cinquefoils(»). [Plate V. No. 20.] We have seen but one speci- 
 men each with the other reverses, one of these being an lnd et lib with 
 eight crosslets ; the other, an estdl et lib with probably eight cinquefoils,. 
 one of which was destroyed by a break in the die ; but five appear in the 
 table, as one is in doubt, and two are with the date — one at each side. 
 Instead of the branch .or sprig usually held by the goddess, on these she 
 appears to hold a bouquet. [Plate VI. Nos. 1 and 2.] 
 
 No. 1-A, r 3 : 1-0, R 4 : 1-L, r 6 : 2, r 4 : 3, r b : 4, r 2 : 5, r 6 : 6, r 3 , and r 5 : 
 7, r 4 : 8-N and 8-0, r 5 : 9-D and 9-E, r 4 : 9-JR, r 5 : 10, r 4 : 11-E and 11-K, r 3 : 
 12, r 6 : 13, r 4 : 14, r 3 : 15-F* r 4 : 15-B and 15-S, R 6 . 
 
 The italics denote mis-spelt legends, and the asterisks, reverse dies used 
 with both mailed and draped obverses. 
 
CONNECTICUT. 217 
 
 1787. DRAPED BUSTS. 
 
 These, though much more common than are the mailed busts, furnish 
 several specimens of extreme rarity. It will not be necessary to note every 
 variety of them, but only some of those which are not often seen, or which 
 present marked peculiarities. 
 
 No. 16. This variety is not common, and from one die we have seen 
 but one impression. 
 
 No. 18 is illustrated on Plate V. No. 16. 
 
 JSTo. 20 has peculiar punctuation and large letters ; it is seldom found. 
 
 No. 25 is very curiously punctuated, and quite rare. [Plate Y. No. 17.] 
 
 No. 32. Most dies of this are common, but from one, we have seen but 
 one impression ; its letters are large, and the die shows many cracks. Its 
 reverse is from the die most frequently found with the connect. 
 
 No. 33 is the most common variety, and it is found with so many dies, 
 and in so many combinations, that at least seventy-nine pieces are required to 
 represent all which have been discovered. Of these, seventy-one are in the 
 •collection of Mr. J. Carson Brevoort, of Brooklyn, N. Y. [Plate Y- No. 19.J 
 
 No. 34 is the only die upon which we have found large neurons («■). 
 
 Nos. 35, 36 and 37, have small neurons (*) , and are not difficult to obtain. 
 
 No. 38. The Attcioei. It is found with two reverses. [Plate Y. No. 21.] 
 
 No. 39. The Auctobi. It is found in three dies, with three reverse 
 dies, two of which have the legend inde et lie. [Plate Y- No. 22.] 
 
 Nos. 40, 41 and 42. All Auctopi. The reverses of these are from three 
 different dies, all having the legend inde et iib. [Plate Y. No. 23.] 
 
 No. 43. Auctoei CoNNFC. The punctuation of its reverse is peculiar. 
 [Plate Y. No. 18.] 
 
 No. 16-L and 16-M, e 2 : 16-N, e 6 : 17, e 3 : 18, e 3 : 19, e 3 : 20, e 4 : 21, e 4 : 
 22, e 4 : 23, e 4 : 24-F and 24-G, e 3 : 25, e 5 : 26-D and 26-B e 4 : 26- JT, e 5 : 
 27, e 4 : 28-M and 28-N, e 4 : 29-N, e 6 : 29-P, e 4 : 30-X, e: 30,-i7, e 1 : 31- G, e 1 : 
 32-F* e 6 : 33-L, e 5 : 33-Q, e 3 : 33-T, e 5 : 33-J5, e 3 : 34, e 4 : 35, e 3 : 36-K and 
 36-L, e 2 : 37, c: 38-Gr and 38-L, e 4 : 39, e 5 : 40, e 4 : 41, e 4 : 42, e 4 : 43, e 4 . 
 
 The coins of 1787, omitting No. 1, previously noted, vary in weight, from 
 117 grains, — a No. 4, to 184 grains, — a No. 9. Most of the mailed busts 
 exceed the legal weight, though some fall much below it; the draped busts 
 show less variation, few of them much exceeding that required, and many of 
 them, when slightly worn, falling a little short of it. 
 
218 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 1788. MAILED BUSTS. 
 
 No. 1 of 1788, is identical with No. 1 of 1787, and in its reverse- with b 
 of the Vermont coins. [Plate V. No. 24.] This also is a light piece, unique, 
 so far as we know, weighing but 89 grains. Its lettering agrees closely with 
 that of some of the Vermont coins, many of the New Jersey, the first of the 
 georgivs • in • rex (page 192,) and with others, which will be noted later. 
 
 No. 2 is punctuated with mullets (*) ; wreath of seven leaves and three 
 berries. Its reverse is from the same die with that of the second variety of 
 
 the GEORGIVS III. REX. 
 
 No. 3. A very rare variety, with small head, five leaves and two berries. 
 
 No. 4. Another rare variety; wreath of seven leaves. [Plate V. No. 25.] 
 
 No. 5. The head much like that of No. 4; wreath of seven leaves. 
 
 No. 6. Head larger ; seven leaves and three berries ; extremely rare. 
 
 No. 7. Head to left; twelve leaves in triplets. 
 
 No. 8. The same die with No. 12 of 1787. 
 
 No. 9. "Wreath of seven leaves and three berries. 
 
 No. 10. Twelve leaves, in triplets. An extremely rare variety. 
 
 No. 11. Twelve leaves, in triplets, and six berries. 
 
 No. 12. Twelve leaves, in triplets; one die with three berries, the other 
 has none. [Plate V. No. 26.] 
 
 No. 13. Auctori connlc; leaves and berries in triplets. 
 
 No. 1, r 6 ; 2, r 3 : 3, r 6 : 4-B and 4 K, r 5 : 5,r g : 6, r 6 : 7, r 3 : 8, r 5 : 9, r 4 : 
 10, r 6 : 11, r 3 : 12, r 3 : 13, r 4 . 
 
 1788. DRAPED BUSTS. 
 
 No. 14. In one die the letters are closely, in the other widely spaced. 
 
 No. 15. In one, the last cinquefoil is below the shoulder, in the other,, 
 it is above it. 
 
 No. 16. Four of these dies are much alike. The other has both letters 
 and characters larger, and the reverse is indl et lib. [Plate Y. No. 27.] 
 
 No. 14, r 4 : 15, r 4 : 16-D*, r 3 : 16-H* r 2 : 16-N, r b . 
 
 The coins of 1788 average of lighter weight than those of any other 
 year, few of them being up to the standard. The extremes, (omitting No. 1,) 
 are 108, and 168 grains, both specimens of No. 12. 
 
 We have not fixed the rarity of all combinations of any year, but have 
 intended to give that of at least one of each variety, those not given being 
 more common. Numbers 31, 32, 33, and 37, are the most common varieties. 
 
CONNECTICUT. 219 
 
 It is very difficult correctly to estimate the rarity of the different varieties, 
 as it sometimes happens that one which is very rare in one section of the 
 country, is not so in another. Possibly the entire coinage of some dies may 
 have been sent to distant parts, and there remained until thrown out of 
 circulation: thus many specimens from these dies might be found in those 
 localities, though almost if not quite unknown elsewhere. These remarks will 
 equally apply to the coins of all the States. 
 
 In Dickeson's tables of these coins, we find recorded nine "types" of 
 1785. Thirteen varieties of these are said to face left, twelve of which are 
 rated as of only the first and second degrees of rarity. We have been 
 unable to find dies corresponding with more than four of these "types," and 
 of those facing left, we have found but two specimens, these being of the 
 two rarest varieties. 
 
 Of the coins of 1786, he records eleven "types": — we find but seven. 
 
 Of 1787, he gives ninety-three, we find but forty-three; and of 1788, 
 thirty-five, while we find but sixteen. 
 
 The discrepancy in these numbers is so great as to require some notice. 
 
 Probably Dr. Dickeson, (the second edition of whose work, — from which 
 these numbers are taken, — was published in I860,) had unequalled facilities 
 for obtaining varieties, there being then quantities of colonial coins sent to 
 the mint at Philadelphia, where he resided, and he, we have been informed, 
 had every opportunity to examine and to select such as he desired ; few other 
 collectors were then interested in procuring varieties, and he probably obtained 
 some not now to be found. Yet the fact that nine of those upon his table 
 for 1787 are duplicated, justifies us in the opinion that errors were also made 
 in the examination of specimens, and that the numbers upon his tables were 
 thereby much increased. 
 
 The numbers duplicated are, No. 2, by KTos. 75 and 76: 27, by 32: 28, 
 by 79: 29, by 80: 49, by 85: 51, by 52 and 87: and 89, by 90. 
 
 But to return to the record: — 
 
 The next step was the passage of a bill for preventing the coining of 
 copper by any person, other than those authorized. 
 
 "October 1785. 
 
 "An Act to prohibit the Coining of Copper without permission first had 
 and obtained of the General Assembly — 
 
 " Be it enacted by the Governor Council and Kepresentatives in General 
 
220 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Court Assembled and by the authority of the same that no person whatever 
 shall Coin or Manufacture any Copper Coin of any description or size with- 
 out permission first had and obtained from the General Assembly on pain of 
 forfeiting for each offence the sum of one hundred pounds lawful Money 
 which forfeiture shall be if sued for by a private person one Moiety thereof 
 to the use of the person prosecuting to Effect and the other Moiety thereof 
 to the Treasurer of this State to and for the use of this State and shall be 
 recoverable by Action of Debt or Information before any Court proper to 
 try the same — 
 
 "Passed in the Lower House 
 
 " Test Jedidiah Strong Clerke " 
 
 " Concurred in the Upper House 
 
 " (Oct 1785) Test George Wyllys Secret'y " 
 
 The record of the passage of the above is : — • 
 
 "Monday Afternoon 24£ Oct 1 : 1785 
 "Passed a Bill to prevent Coining Coppers without Licence from the 
 General Assembly." 
 
 An act was soon proposed, for the remedy of the evils produced by 
 counterfeit coin; this was passed in the Lower House, but defeated in the 
 Upper. « (May 1786) 
 
 "Whereas great Quantities of base and Counterfeit Copper Coin are 
 already imported & circulating in this State and there is great Danger of 
 further Importations thereof, to the great Loss & Injury of the Citizens of this 
 State — Which Mischief to prevent — Be it enacted by the Governor, Council 
 and Representatives, in General Court Assembled & by the Authority of the 
 same — that whatever Person shall import into this State any Copper Coin 
 of any Description or Size, to a greater number than fifty, except such as 
 shall be coined & put forth by the Authority of Congress or some one of 
 the united States and of equal Value with the Copper coined in this State 
 by lawful Authority — shall on Conviction thereof before any one Assistant 
 or Justice of the Peace, pay a fine of Ten Pounds lawful Money for each 
 Offence Provided always, that Liberty of an Appeal to the next County 
 Court shall be allowed, from the Determination of such Assistant or Justice 
 of the Peace on the Party so appealing becoming bound with sufficient 
 Surety to prosecute such appeal to effect & answer all Damages in Case he 
 make not his Plea good — 
 
CONNECTICUT. 221 
 
 "And be it further enacted by the Authority aforesaid, that all such 
 Copper Coin so imported into this State, shall be treated & disposed of in 
 the same manner as counterfeited Coin — 
 
 "Passed in the Lower House 
 
 "Test Jedidiah Strong Gierke." 
 
 "Dissented to in the upper House 
 
 "Teste George Wyllys Secret'y " 
 
 In accordance with the acts already printed, the coinage of copper was 
 commenced in 1785, and continued, if we may rely upon the records as 
 evidence, until 1789, although we find no coins bearing date later than 1788. 
 But in January, 1789, a committee was appointed to inquire into the pro- 
 ceedings in this business. It was then : — 
 
 " Resolved by this Assembly, that Daniel Holbrook & James Wadsworth 
 Esquires be & they are hereby appointed to enquire into the conduct of those 
 Persons who were by Resolve of Assembly in October A D 1785 authorized 
 to coin & manufacture Coppers & report to the next General Assembly 
 whether said Resolve of Assembly has been complied with, by coining the 
 Coppers equal in value to British Half pence & by paying into the Treasury 
 of this State one Twentieth part of all Coppers by them Coined and they 
 are directed to give such further information to s? Assembly respecting the 
 transactions of those persons who have been concerned in the Manufacture 
 of Coppers by virtue of said Resolve of Assembly as they may Judge proper. 
 
 "Passed in the Lower House 
 
 " (Jan. 1789) 
 
 " Concurr d in the upper House 
 
 " Test James Davenport Clerk " 
 
 " Test George Wyllys Secret'y " 
 
 This committee met on the 7th of April, 1789, and thus reported to the 
 Assembly at their session in the following May. 
 
 " To the Honourable General Assembly of the State of Connecticut to 
 be Holden at Hartford on the Second thursday of May next — 
 
 " We, your Honours Committee appointed at your Sessions in January 
 Last to enquire into the Conduct of those Persons Who Were by a Resolve 
 of Assembly in Octofr 1785 authorized to Coin and manufacture Coppers 
 take Leave to Report — that haveing notefyed the Parties to Meet at the 
 Dweling House of John Smith Inholder in New Haven on the 7?? Day of 
 
222 THE EARLY (JOIN'S OP AMERICA. 
 
 April 1789 Samuel Bishop James Hilhouse and Mark Leavenworth Esq rs 
 and John Goodrich attended, and haveing examined touching the Premises 
 We find that on the 12^ Day of 'Novb r - 1785 Samuel Bishop James Hil- 
 house John Goodrich & Joseph Hopkins the Origonal Grantees named in s d 
 Resolve of Assembly entered into Articles of Agreement "With Pierpoint 
 Edwards & Jonathan Ingersol Esq- and Abel Bewil and Elias Shipman and 
 formed a Company by the name of the Company for Coining Coppers and 
 thereby became Joint Owners of the Right of Coining Coppers and equal 
 Sharers of the Profit ... or Loss arising therefrom and under equal Obligations 
 to Conform to the Regulations of s d Resolve that they Jointly pursued s d 
 Business untill Feb 1 - 1786 when s d Ingersol Sold 1/16 Part of s- 1 Company's 
 Right to s d Goodrich, in March 1786 s d Hopkins Sold 1/16 Part of s d Com- 
 pany's Right to s d Goodrich — in April 1786 s d Edwards & Shipman, sold 2/8 
 Parts and s rt Ingersol 1/16 Part of s d Company's Right to James Jarvis Who 
 Still Continued s d Business until Some Time in the Summer following When 
 want of Stock Obliged them to Desist — that on the 10*. h of Sep 1 ? 1786 The 
 Company leased s d grant & Apparatus for Coining Coppers to Mark Leaven- 
 worth Esq*' Isaac Baldwin & William Leavenworth for Six Weeks or So many 
 days Over as the Works Should be Useless by Reason of the Failure of Any 
 of the Implements takeing their Bond to Conform to s d Resolve of Assembly 
 under Which lease they improved the Apparatus about eight weeks — 
 
 " That on the first of Nov 1 ' 1786 the Company Agreed by A Certain 
 Writing under their hands for the greater Advantage of Carrying on s d 
 Coinage to improve s d Apparatus Seperately by Certain Periods of time 
 Agreed upon— that on the 17"? of Nov b . r 1786 s d Goodrich Sold to s d Mark 
 Leavenworth Isaac Baldwin and William Leavenworth 1/8 part of s d Com- 
 pany's Right — that in Jan? 1787 s d Hopkins sold to s d Goodrich 1/16 Part 
 of s d Comp 5 :? right — that about the 1?* of June 1787 s d Bishop & s d Good- 
 rich Sold to s d Jarvis 2/8 Parts of s d Comp^ Right. 
 
 " That the Presint Owners are James Jarvis 4/8 & 1/16 Parts 
 " James Hilhouse Esq- 1/8 Part 
 
 "Mark Leavenworth EsqV 1/8 Part 
 
 " Abel Buel 1/8 Part 
 
 "& John Goodrich 1/16 Part 
 
 Who carryed on the Coinage of Coppers until About the 1?* day of June 
 1787 Since which Time they have ceased to Carry on s d Business — and on 
 Examination s d Bishop Hilhouse Leavenworth and Goodrich Declared that 
 
CONNECTICUT. 223 
 
 they had not put of or into Circulation any of s* Coppers Except they had 
 been Inspected — 
 
 " We further find by A Certificate from three of the Inspectors that 
 there had been Inspected by the Com tee of Inspection twenty eight Thousand 
 nine Hundred and forty four Pounds Weight of Coined Coppers — that the 
 One Twentieth Part thereof is 1447?" 3 0z Which being estimated at 18 
 Coppers for One Shilling amounts to One Hundred Ninety two Pounds 
 nineteen Shilling & 2? — That it appears from the Treasurers Eeceipts that 
 he had rec? One Thousand three Hundred & Eighty Six Pound & one 
 oz — of Coined Coppers Delivered into the Treasury at Various times which 
 being Estimated at Eighteen Coppers for One Shilling Amounts to One 
 Hundred Eighty four Pounds Sixteen Shillings & /2? which leaves a Ballance 
 Due the State of Sixty one Pound & two oz? of Coined Coppers Which 
 at the rate Above s a amounts to Eight Pound three Shillings — We do not 
 find that s* Comp? have permited any Person to coin Coppers in the Works 
 belonging to s? Company exept those Coppers herein before Mentioned — 
 We further find from the Information of Maj' Eli Leavenworth that he has 
 Made blank Coppers the Last fall had them Stamped in New york With 
 Various Impressions — Some few of them With an Impression Simular to the 
 Impresion of the Coppers Coined by the Aforementioned Comp? — We 
 further find that Abel Bewel has Gone to Europe that previous to his 
 Departure he gave his Son Benjamin Bewel Liberty to coin Coppers Which 
 Bussiness he is now pursuing and has Just began to Stamp them All 
 which is humbly submitted by your Honors most obedient humble Servants 
 
 " James Wadsworth 
 
 "New Haven April ) "Daniel Holbrook — " 
 
 9* 1789 5 
 
 "In the House of Representatives 
 
 "The foregoing Report having been read is accepted & approved 
 
 " Test James Davenport Clerk " 
 "In the Uper House 
 
 "Concured in Accepting this Report With addition that it be trans- 
 mitted to the Treasurer's Office — 
 
 " Teste George Wyllys Secret'y " 
 
 "In the House of Representatives 
 
 " On reconsideration Concurred 
 
 " Test James Davenport Clerk " 
 
224 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 In consequence of the report of the Committee of investigation, the 
 Assembly passed this resolve, suspending the coinage from the 20th of June, 
 to the end of the next session : — 
 
 "Whereas this Assembly did at their Sessions holden at New Haven in 
 Oct 1 ; 1785 granted Liberty and Licence to Samuel Bishop Esq 1 ; and others 
 to Manufacture or Coin Copper under the Authority of this State during the 
 pleasure of this Assembly not exceeding five years — 
 
 "Resolved by this Assembly that all further proceedings by Virtue of 
 or Under said Grant be and the same are hereby suspended from and after 
 the 20 th day of June 1789 untill the rising of the General Assembly to be 
 holden at New Haven on the 2? Thursday of Oct 1 ; next and that the Pro- 
 prietors to and all Persons Interested under said Grant be notified to appear 
 before said General Assembly and shew Reason if any they have why said 
 Grant should not case — And the publication of this Resolve in one of the 
 News Papers in the City of New Haven on or before the 15*? day of June 
 1789 shall be sufficient Notice to such Proprietors — 
 
 " Pass cl in the upper House 
 
 « (May 1789) Test George Wyllys Secret'y 
 
 " Concurred in the House of Representatives 
 
 " Test James Davenport Clerk " 
 
 This was in effect the conclusion of the business of this mint. 
 
 The preceding documents are copied from the originals preserved in the 
 State Library at Hartford, — " Miscellaneous," Vol. III. pp. 243 to 251. 
 
 The latest records we find having reference to this subject relate to the 
 disposal of the coin belonging to the State, as its share in the coinage of 
 this mint. The first of these is dated December, 1790. " Resolved by this 
 Assembly that the Treasurer be and he is hereby authorized and directed to 
 sell and dispose of the Copper Coin in the Treasury of this State for the 
 Liquidated notes or Securities of this State provided he can obtain two 
 shillings in said Notes or Securities pr pound weight for said Coppers." 
 
 The other is dated, " May Session 1791," and is as follows : — 
 
 "Resolved by this Assembly that the Treasurer be and he is hereby 
 authorized and directed to dispose of the Coppers now in the Treasury 
 and the property of this State to" the best advantage and Report make of 
 his proceedings in said Business." 
 
MASSACHUSETTS 
 
 COPPER CURRENCY 
 
 As Massachusetts was the only colony that established a mint for the 
 coinage of silver, so also was she the only one known to have considered a 
 proposal for the importation of a supply of copper coin for small change ; 
 in fact, her attention seems to have been almost unremittedly directed toward 
 some project for furnishing a supply of money, either of metal or paper. 
 
 Of the proposition of William Chalkhill, we have no knowledge other 
 than that supplied by the ensuing records. 1 
 
 March 17th, 1702-3, "A Memorial of William Chalkhill, One of the 
 Monyers of Her Majesties Mint in the Tower of London now resident in 
 Boston Proposing That if the Government think fitt, He would undertake 
 to bring over hither Ten Thousand Pounds in Copper Money, at Such Prices 
 and Values as shall be Agreed upon, Was Sent up from the House of 
 Representatives, and read" 
 
 March 19th. "Proposals Offered by William Chalkhill, One of the 
 Moneyers of Her Maj ties Mint in the Tower of London to furnish the 
 Province from England with Small Money of Copper to the Value of Ten 
 Thousand pounds Sent up from the Representatives, were read And 
 
 " Resolved 
 
 "That John Walley, Penn Townsend, and Andrew Belcher Esq' s be a 
 Committee of the Board to joine with Such as shall be Named by the 
 House of Representatives to Consider of the said Proposals, And to make 
 their report thereupon — Which Resolve being Sent to that House for their 
 
 i Court Records, Vol. vii., pp. 370, 373, 378, and 381. 
 
226 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 Concurrance, Was returned Agreed to, And W Nehemiah Jewett, Capt 
 Samuel ChecMey, and Capt Samuel Phips Named to be of the Committee 
 
 for that Affair " 
 
 March 26th, 1703. " The Report of the Committee upon the Proposals 
 Offered by M^ William Chalkhill, was brought in by John Walley Esq 1 : Chair- 
 man and read, and laid upon the Table. The said report being in favour 
 of an Agreement for £5000 only and y* in Pence." 
 
 March 27th, 1703. " The Report of the Committee upon the Proposals 
 offered by W William Chalkhill for Furnishing of the Province with small 
 Money of Copper was sent down to the Representatives at their Desire, & 
 retnrn'd again from that House with their Resolve thereupon ; Viz. 
 
 "That the Report of the Committee be Accepted, And John Walley 
 Andrew Belcher & Samuel Legg Esq rs & Cpt. Samuel Checkley be appointed 
 & Impowered a Committee forthwith to draw Articles of Agreement with 
 the said M r Chalkhill accordingly, And the Covenants ... & Engagements 
 of the said Comm tee in this Affair shall be ratified and made good by this 
 
 Court; 
 
 " W ch Resolve being read at the Board, & the Question put, for Con- 
 currence It was not Consented to, But refer'd to Consideration at the next 
 Court, if then Offered." 
 
 Felt says, " This appears to have been accomplished," but as we find no 
 mention of the affair subsequently, we infer that no further action was taken 
 upon the subject. 
 
 Probably the largest importation of specie that was made during the 
 colonial pei'iod was that of the money voted by the Parliament of Great 
 Britain for the reimbursement of the expenses incurred by Massachusetts on 
 account of the expedition against Cape Breton. 
 
 The amount of the expenses of that expedition which it was estimated 
 had been defrayed by this Province was £183,649 2 1\ sterling. It was de- 
 cided by Parliament, that this amount should be repaid, and a large quantity 
 of silver and copper coin was therefore procured, and forwarded to Boston 
 for that purpose. 
 
 According to the invoice, the silver amounted to six hundred and fifty 
 thousand ounces, requiring two hundred and seventeen chests to contain it, 
 while the copper halfpence and farthings weighed ten tons, for the trans- 
 portation of which one hundred casks were purchased. 
 
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, #2.00 a year, in advance. 
 Address JEREMIAH COLBURN, 18 SOMERSET STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY , 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 Subscription, $1.50 Canadian Currency, per annum, in advance. 
 Fayable to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86^, Montreal. 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
 DEALER IN 
 
 Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, 
 and confederate paper money and books RELATING TO THE SAME. 
 
 Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, post free, . . . . . . $ 1.60 
 
 Field Medal, Bronze^ • . 1.25 
 
 1343 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 EDWARD COGAN, 
 Dealer in Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals, 
 
 No. 408 STATE STREET, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
 
 HENRY AHLBORN, 
 
 Buys and Sells all kinds of American and Foreign Coins and Medals 
 
 AT THE 
 
 "Old Toll House," Foot of Cambridge Street, 1 
 
 BOSTON. 
 
Part 8. 
 
 Price $1. 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPBI8ING A1SO DESOBIPTION'S OF 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OF UNKNOWN OEIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 FIRST PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLYESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
 BOSTON, MASS.: 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCLETY. 
 
 1873. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 227 
 
 The arrival of this remittance is thus mentioned on the Council records : — 
 
 "Monday Septf 18 th 1749." 
 
 "His Majesty's Ship the Mermaid Cap* Montague Commander 
 
 being this Day arrived in the Harbour of Boston from Great Britain with 
 the Money allowed by Parliament to this Province for defraying their Charges 
 in the late Expedition against Cape Breton : — William Bollan Esq 1 ; one of 
 the Agents for this Province for receiving the said Money being arrived 
 in the said Ship, was admitted into Council, & gave the Board a general 
 Account of his Proceedings in that & other Affairs of the Province in his 
 Management. 
 
 " Captain Montague being also admitted into Council, informed the Board 
 that he was now ready to deliver the abovesaid Money sent hither by his 
 Majesty's Ship Mermaid as soon as the Treasurer, was ready to receive it." 
 
 " Septem^ 19*? 1749 . . . The Secretary laid before the Board a publick 
 Letter subscribed by the Hon" 6 Sir Peter Warren & William Bollan EsqT 
 surviving Agents for this Province for receiving the Money allowed by Par- 
 liament for the Charges on the Expedition against Cape Breton, & informing 
 the Government of their Proceedings as to the receiving and Shipping the 
 said Money, with an Invoice thereof, & an Account Currant, containing 
 Charges in the said Affair." 
 
 The possession of so considerable an amount of money seems to have 
 been the source of much anxiety to the authorities, and they at once set 
 themselves about finding a place where it might be securely deposited; their 
 action upon this point is related in the records as follows : — 
 
 " Voted, that EzeMel Lewis & Samuel Danforth Esq? go with M^ Trea- 
 surer Foye to his House in King's Street, & see if there be any convenient 
 Place for Lodging the publick Money there, & treat with the Tenant about 
 her Removal in Order to the Treasurer & his Pamilys Removing thither. 
 
 " Mf. Lewis reported thereupon that the Committee had viewed the House 
 (which they found well accommodated for receiving the said Money) & dis- 
 coursed with the Tenant, who could by no Means be persuaded to remove 
 out of it. 
 
 "Toted thereupon, That a Brick Arch be built in the Cellar of the 
 House where the Treasurer now dwells for the Reception of the Province 
 Money from on board his Majesty's Ship Mermaid as soon as may be, & that 
 Samuel Danforth & Andrew Oliver Esq r . s assist the Treasurer in the said 
 Affair." 
 
228 
 
 THE EARLY COE5TS OE AMERICA. 
 
 The following extracts are from the invoice of the agents : — 
 " Invoice of Silver and. Copper purchased by Order of the Honourable 
 the Great and General Court of His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts 
 Bay in America by the Hono b . le Sir Peter Warren, Knight of the Bath and 
 "William Bollan Esquire, shipped on board His Majesty's Ship Mermaid, 
 Captain John Montague Commander, bound to Boston for Account and on 
 the Risque of the said Province to be delivered to the Treasurer of the 
 Same for the Time being. Viz*. 
 
 'M. B 
 
 N° 1 i® 206 Chests each containing 3000 Ounces of milled 
 in Bags ...... 
 
 207 fa) 214 containing each 3000 Ounces Pillar ^ of |- 
 
 215 containing Halves D° 
 
 216 containing 1000 oz Halves D° 
 
 TJSS Of 
 
 876| mixt D° 
 4231 D° Half 
 
 2811 milled . 
 418i Do Small 
 
 " 217 containing; milled BSS of 
 
 618,000 
 
 24,000 
 3,000 
 
 3,000 
 
 2,000 
 650,000 " 
 
 "Total Six hundred and fifty thousand Ounces 
 
 " Copper coined in Halfpence & Farthings bought at His Majesty's 
 Mint. Viz.*. 
 
 Tons Cwt 
 
 7 : 18 of Halfpence fa) £10 11 4 ^ Cwt 
 2 : 2 of Farthings fa) £10 10 4 # Cwt 
 
 10 Tons cost .... 
 
 1699 
 
 10 8 
 
 441 
 
 14 
 
 2111 
 
 4 8" 
 
 8 
 
 15 
 
 
 10 
 
 5 
 
 Among the expenses are: — 
 
 "Paid for 100 Casks fa) 1/9 each ..... 
 
 Paid to Porters for loading them ..... 
 
 " Paid Fees at the Custom House, to the Searchers and for Officers ) 
 attendance at the Bank . . . . . . ) 
 
 Paid George Clark, Carrier, for Carriage of the Silver and Copper \ 
 
 from Southwark to Portsmouth, and for the Hire of Vessels to \ 157 1 
 carry it on board the Mermaid . . . . . ) 
 
 Paid the Escort of a Sergeant and twelve Men who guarded the) 
 Money to Portsmouth . . . . . . j 
 
 Paid Charges upon the Road and at unlading at Portsmouth . 3 10 10 
 
 Paid the Searchers at Portsmouth . . . . . 10 6" 
 
 Many collectors have noticed the frequent appearance of fine specimens 
 of English halfpence and farthings dated 1749; the presence of these may be 
 accounted for by this importation. 
 
 24 13 6 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 229 
 
 This specie was appropriated to the redemption of the bills of credit, or 
 paper money of the Province; and by means of it the greater part of the 
 issues then outstanding, were taken up. 
 
 The first document we find relating to the coinage of copper in Massa- 
 chusetts, is the petition presented by Seth Reed of Uxbridge, asking liberty 
 to coin copper and silver, which he represented to be the product of native 
 ores. The original petition, which we next present, with the action of the 
 two Houses as entered thereupon, is preserved in the Senate archives. 
 
 " To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives in General 
 Court assembled. March 1786 — 
 
 " The memorial of Seth Reed — 
 humbly represents that it is in his power to obtain a considerable quantity 
 of copper & silver from bodies of ore within the United States — that he has 
 in his possession and is ready to produce to the honorable Court samples of 
 the ore and of the production of the same, both of silver and copper, when 
 wrought ; which he conceives will evince the genuineness of the metal — he 
 supposes that by coining the same, the public may be greatly benefitted, 
 especially when the present scarcity of a metallic medium is considered, and 
 that an increment of the medium in this way, will much better answer the 
 wishes of the citizens in this Commonwealth at large, than an emission of 
 paper currency. — he conceives that the extracting the metal from the ore in 
 its crude state, will be attended with great expence and trouble as also the 
 coining it, yet believes it may be done without loss to the adventurer — your 
 memorialist is willing to make an attempt of this kind, if he may be so happy 
 as to meet with the approbation of this honorable Court, they granting to him 
 the exclusive right of coining for this Commonwealth during such time as 
 shall be deemed necessary, to save him harmless from the expence which he 
 must unavoidably be at to accomplish the business ; with this restriction that 
 in case he shall not coin, at any future time, (within the term, for which 
 such exclusive right shall be granted) so much, as by Government he may 
 be permitted to do, he would not wish to be Entitled to the privilege. 
 
 "Your memorialist, in this proposal, would have it understood, that he 
 wishes & expects to be under the direction of the Government, as to devices, 
 weight, size and other matters relative to coinage. 
 
 "Seth Reed." 
 
230 THE EARLY CODSTS OP AMERICA. 
 
 " In the House of Representatives March 8, 1786 Read and committed 
 to M* Ely, M 1 ; Merrick & MV Folger with such as the Honble Senate may 
 join. Sent up for concurrence « A. Ward Speaker." 
 
 "In Senate March 9? 1786 — Read & concurred, and Hugh Orr & 
 Richard Cranch Esq 8 are join'd— «g aml phmipg jun , p regid t „ 
 
 A petition was soon presented by James Swan, for the right of coining 
 copper only; this also is preserved in the Senate Archives, and is as follows: 
 
 " To the Honb le the Senate & House of Representatives of the Common- 
 wealth of Massachusetts. 
 
 " The Petition of James Swan — Humbly Shews 
 
 " That your Petitioner with the Community at large very sensibly feeling 
 the want of a Circulating Medium, which may neither depreciate, be exported, 
 or hoarded by the Rich, applies to this Honourable Court for leave, by Patent 
 to be granted for the purpose, to Coin and utter Twenty thousand Pounds 
 Value in Copper under the following restrictions, or such other as you may 
 lay him under. 
 
 "1. The Coin to be of such size and impression, as three or such other 
 number of persons to be appointed by the General Court, shall determine. 
 
 " 2. The same persons shall be judges of the quality of the metal. 
 
 "3. The Value of the Coin to be determined by the proportion it shall 
 bear in weight, to the British halfpence, or to the French sols. 
 
 "4. The petitioner shall establish the mint in this Commonwealth, at his 
 own expence & Cost. 
 
 "For which your Petitioner will engage on condition that all foreign 
 Copper Coin of whatever denomination be declared illegal — to pay into the 
 Treasury of the Commonwealth, five & one half f Cent on all that shall be 
 Coined, for the benefit of the publick, which shall be in lieu of Impost and 
 every other dutie whatever. 
 
 " The proposed Coin, will never be in danger of being exported, and 
 consequently will ever continue in circulation: — at the same time that it will 
 have that happy effect, it must be agreeable to the views of the Legislature 
 as much as in their power, to spread a medium which can without loss or 
 depreciation communicate freely amongst the poor, & which may tend to 
 retire the base coin that is so plenty amongst us. 
 
 " To urge farther reasons to actuate your Honors to grant this Patent — 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 231 
 
 must be needless; or to mention that the States of JS"ew- Jersey & Connecti- 
 cut have given similar ones — Your Petitioner rests on the reasonableness & 
 utility of the thing, and on your wish & constant exertion to promote the 
 public good. He therefore 
 
 " Prays the Honb} Court to grant him a Patent for Coining & uttering 
 Twenty thousand Pounds Value of Copper, within such space of time, & 
 under such restrictions as to Your Honors shall seem meet: and as in duty 
 bound shall ever Pray 
 
 "Boston 15 March 1786. Jam. Swan." 
 
 " In the House of Representatives March 16, 1786. 
 
 "Read & committed to the Committee of both Houses on the petition 
 of a like nature from S. Reed Esq* 
 
 " Sent up for concurrence A. "Ward Speaker " 
 
 " In Senate March 16, 1786 — Read and concurred 
 
 " Sam 1 . Phillips jutf Preside " 
 
 The statement in Swan's petition, that ISTew Jersey had granted a similar 
 right, appears premature, as no records are found indicating any action upon 
 this subject in that State, until the 23d of May following. 
 
 The following is the report on the petition of Seth Reed: no attention 
 appears to have been paid to that of James Swan. 
 
 " The Committee of both Houses to whome was committed the Petition 
 of Seth Reed Esq* have attended that Service, and beg Leave to report as 
 their Opinion, that it is expedient that a more particular Account of the 
 Oars mentioned by him in his said Petition, and larger Samples of the same, 
 should be exhibited to this Court, than those that have been already pro- 
 duced ; and also that the Petitioner bring sufficient Evidence that the same 
 Oars are the Produce of Mines that are situated within the Limits of this 
 State. 
 
 "And the Committee further report as their Opinion, that the said Peti- 
 tion be referred over to the next General Court, to give the Petitioner an 
 Opertunity of producing the Samples and Evidence aforementioned. 
 
 "In Senate March 24** 1786— Read & accepted — 
 
 " sent down for concurrence Sanr! Phillips jun r Preside " 
 
 "In the House of Representatives March 24, 1786 
 
 "Read & concurred A. Ward. Speaker." 
 
232 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 Ob the day preceding that of the action last noted, another plan was 
 introduced in the House of Eepresentatives : the papers relating thereto will 
 next be given. 
 
 March 23d, 1786. "Ordered that Mr. Hitchbourn, Mr. Grout & Mr. 
 "Williams of Salem be a Committee to Consider of the expediency and prac- 
 ticability of coining a quantity of copper or Silver money & report." 
 
 The committee reported this resolve, which was accepted "as taken into 
 a new draft." 
 
 "Resolved that His Excellency the Governour and the Hon'ble Council 
 be & hereby are requested 
 
 "To consider the best Method to be adopted by this Commonwealth for 
 the Coining of Silver & Copper, to determine the Value of the several Sorts 
 of Coin, togather with the Quantity that it will be expedient to issue, with 
 proper Devices therefor, and what Advantages may accrue to the Common- 
 wealth thereby, and to make Report to the General Court at their next 
 Session." 
 
 The following is a copy of the paper referred to as a " new draft " : — 
 
 " Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
 
 "In the House of Representatives March 21* 1786 
 
 " Whereas application hath been made to this Court by divers Persons 
 praying for a Right of coining Copper in this Commonwealth 
 
 " Resolved that his Excellency the Governour and the Honble the Coun- 
 cil be & they are hereby requested to consider of the Expediency of coining 
 silver and Copper in this Commonwealth, and if in their Opinion it is expe- 
 dient that either be coined, that they consider what Quantity it will be 
 convenient to coin, in what Mode the Business should be conducted, the 
 proper Devices to be used, and the Advantage that may accrue from such 
 coining to this Commonwealth, and to make such Communications on this 
 Subject to the General Court at the next Session as they may think condu- 
 cive to the Interest of the State — " 
 
 This resolve was then brought before the Council, as entered on their 
 records, Saturday March 25th, 1786. 
 
 "His Excellency was pleased to communicate to Council a Resolve re- 
 questing the Governor with advice of the Council to consider the best 
 method to be adopted for the coining of Silver & copper of the several sorts 
 of Coin, passed the twenty fourth instant & asked the Advice of Council 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 233 
 
 thereon what steps were expedient to be taken — Advised that the said 
 Resolve be committed to His Honor the Lieut. Governor & Honble M? 
 Adams to confer with the persons who have applied for a right of coining 
 coppers in this Commonwealth, & to consider what mode is necessary to be 
 adopted respecting the subject of said Resolve & Report — " 
 June 7th, 1786, the committee reported as follows : — 
 "The Committee appointed by the Governor & Council to consider the 
 expediency of coining silver & copper, & if expedient, what quantity it will 
 be convenient to coin, in what way the business should be conducted, the 
 proper devices to be used, & what advantage will accrue to the Common- 
 wealth, have attended the service & take leave to report, That your Com- 
 mittee did not enter particularly into the consideration of the Coinage of 
 Silver, as they apprehended it would be most convenient if the Alloy & 
 value of Silver Coins of the several denominations "were the same throughout 
 the United States which cannot be effectually accomplished unless Congress 
 previously consider & determine upon the subject. With respect to the 
 coinage of coppers, your Committee have received proposals from James 
 Swan Esq^ who has offered to pay into the Treasury of this State for the 
 benefit of the publick the sum of Eleven hundred Pounds lawful money 
 or in case the sheeting of Copper is practicable in this State, twenty two 
 hundred pounds, in consideration of this Government's granting him a 
 patent for the exclusive right of coining & uttering twenty thousand pounds 
 lawful money value in copper, under certain restrictions, or he will lend the 
 Government fifty thousand pounds for a term of years for the benefit of the 
 Privilege aforesaid — Mf. Swan's several proposals & estimate accompany this 
 report. — Your Committee have entered into a further investigation of the 
 charges that must accrue in conducting this business of coining — Provided 
 Government should establish a mint for coining & manufacturing of coppers 
 at their own expence, & under their own immediate direction & upon the 
 best estimate they can form, they find the costs of the copper, necessary for 
 coining Twenty thousand pounds lawful money value in coppers 
 
 " Will amount to ...... £8,250 
 
 " And that work houses, furnace, Presses Plating Mill, & other j 
 
 apparatus, together with the fuel & wages of the Workmen V 1,950 
 
 & others imployed in the business will cost . . ■ ' 
 
 10,200 
 
 consequently that the profits arising to Government by this ) g gQQ 
 
 business will amount to at least the sum of . . ' 20,000 
 
234 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 as appears by the estimates herewith exhibited — Your Committee further re- 
 port, that in the prosecution of this business, Government will not be obliged 
 to advance a great sum to set it a going, as the publick have a large quantity 
 of copper oar suitable for the business by them, if they choose to imploy it 
 that way, but if they should not incline to do that, they may purchase old 
 copper enough at two or three months credit, to be paid for in coppers as 
 soon as it is coined — Your Committee further report, that in case the Gov- 
 ernment should establish a mint at their own expence, it would be most con- 
 venient for the Commonwealth to have copper coined of the several following 
 denominations viz' . . . Of the value of one penny, one half penny, & one 
 farthing lawful money & in such proportions of each as shall be thought 
 most beneficial. That the coining of copper to the amount of Twenty thou- 
 sand Pounds lawful money would be suflicient for the present year — That 
 the business should be conducted by an honest skilful man, well acquainted 
 with the art, he to be under the controul & direction of a Committee con- 
 sisting of three, who should superintend the business, keep the keys of the 
 coining apparatus & stamps &c & see that no more copper was coined & 
 emitted than ordered by the Court. 
 
 The Devices to be on one side .... 
 on the other ....... 
 
 " As the Governor & Council may think proper. The value of the coin 
 to be determined by the proportion it shall bear in weight to the British 
 halfpence — 
 
 " The Committee after having stated these facts are of opinion that it 
 will not be for the interest of the Public to grant a Patent to any particular 
 person to Com & utter a certain sum of money in coppers but that a mint 
 should be established for the purpose at the cost & expence of the Com- 
 monwealth — 
 
 "All which is submitted 
 
 Thomas Cushing f order" 
 
 "In Council Read & accepted — 
 
 "Estimate of the expence of coining Twenty thousand pounds of Cop- 
 pers each 2/8 to weigh one pound — 
 
 "It will take at least 165,000"> of Copper to make £20,000 lawful) 
 
 money in Coppers ' J ^ ZM 
 
 Work house, furnace & other apparatus will cost . . . 250 
 
 4 Presses at £60 will amount to . . . . . . 240 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 235 
 
 '• 1 Plating Mill, apparatus &o will cost 
 Fuel for melting copper &c will, cost 
 8 hands one year their Wages £60 °§ Ann 
 
 " other incidental unforseen charges .... 
 "The undertaker or Superintendant's Salary °§ Ann 
 Government's Committee to inspect to consist of three Persons at 
 £100 f Ann ...... 
 
 
 160 
 
 
 250 
 
 
 480 
 
 
 9,630 
 
 
 20 
 
 
 250 
 
 ms at ) 
 
 300 
 
 
 £10,200 
 
 "S. Holten 
 
 "Edward Cutts " 
 
 The original draft of this report of the Committee shows these erasures 
 and alterations. After the words, "take leave to report", are erased the 
 words, " That as to the coinage of silver, the profits attending of it will be 
 so small as not to be worthy the attention of the public." The phrase "most 
 convenient for the Commonwealth," referring to the denominations to be 
 coined, originally stood, " most for the interest of the Commonwealth ", and 
 the opinion of the Committee was first set down as, " The Committee after 
 having stated these facts, leave it with the Governour and Council to con- 
 sider and determine whether it will be most for the interest of the public to 
 grant a Patent to any particular person for such valuable consideration as 
 they shall think proper, to coin and utter a certain sum lawful money value 
 in Copper, or to establish a mint for this purpose at their own cost and 
 expence." 
 
 Mr. Swan's papers next follow : — 
 
 " Calculation by James Swan 
 " One pound weight of sheet Copper thinned to the size or thickness of Coppers \ £ money 
 f Certificate of M* Innian or MH Brimmer — 1/4? Sterling . . or . S -,.1 9^ 
 
 "Note. If that price should be higher than it can now be purchased at — 
 there is to balance it the loss or Waste in the clippings or Corner pieces formed 
 in stricking off every Copper and which are not so valuable as in Sheets by one 
 half ; on the Waste on new melting those clippings & running them again out 
 in to sheets — and on exporting, sheeting & importing them again (for it can't 
 be done in America) : on the outlay for several years of the sum to be advanced 
 Government ; and on the risque by the Coppers not being made a tender, of a 
 great loss on forcing them into circulation — all of which will fully make -l'. 11 or 
 20 f <* 
 
 "Commissions 5 f) ct on the purchase, & other charges in Europe till on) ^_ 6 
 
 board 1 38 ct is 6 > x2 
 
236 THE EARLY COESTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 " Insurance to Ameriqa — 3 fJ ct . . ■ ■ • • • 0-^- 
 
 "Freight to America, Trucking charges, Storage &« a . . . . - - 1 
 
 " Interest of money, allowing to be but 1 year in replacing advances — ) 1J5 _ 
 
 6 f c* ' 
 
 " Loss on difference of exch? in replacing money in Europe 7| f ? . . - - 1-^ 
 
 "State dutie 5^ f ct . • • • • ■ • • ^ 
 
 " Expences in building the mint, Support of Committee on Coining the Cop- ) ^ 3 _ 
 
 ,-.„,. ™ n 1-;,m At. Tciifnriiio' rlvps fr, c 10 ^9 C. . . . . ' 
 
 per making & renewing dyes <fc? — 10 ^ C* 
 : For advancing money, my own trouble & c . 12 f! Cent . . . 3 
 
 12 
 
 £- 2 101 
 
 'The Value of ll b Coined Copper, agreeable to the Standard oi\ _ 2 8 
 British halfpence — is . . . . • • •) 
 
 'Excess to be charged to the purchase of Copper . . . . £ - - 2\ 
 
 3 
 
 " 2 d Proposal. 
 
 " To the Honb! Committee, to whom is referred the consideration of the 
 subject of Coining Copper. 
 
 "Finding it the belief of many, that they can Sheet Copper and still preserve 
 its mallabilitie, altho' I never could get any to demonstrate it to me, I make an 
 additional offer, upon the sheeting of Copper being practicable here, of five and 
 one half f Cent more, to Government on all that they shall think proper to allow 
 me to Coin, the same to be paid into the Treasury in Gold or Silver at the end of 
 the first Session of the General Court, next after the mint shall have began to 
 opperate : the first five & half to be paid on granting the Patent. — 
 
 "Boston 29 May 1786. Jam. Swan" 
 
 " 3 d Proposals 
 " To the Honbl? Committee to whom is referr'd the Consideration of the 
 Subject of Coining Copper. — 
 
 " If neither the first or second proposal I have made, should be accepted, I 
 offer the following — 
 
 " That the General Court grant Liberty to me to Coin Fifty 
 Thousand pounds in Copper, within five years — to be of the Standard of British 
 half pence & of pure Copper. 
 
 " For which — 
 "I will lend Goverment Fifty Thousand pounds, that is to Say, Five 
 thousand pounds in Silver & Gold, to be paid £1000, at the End of the first 
 Session of the General Court, £2000, at the End of the Second & £2000, at the 
 End of the third; 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 237 
 
 " Twenty thousand pounds in Copper Coin to be deliver'd half yearly in a 
 proportion of two fifths of what shall then be coined, and Twenty five thousand 
 pounds in Consolidated Securities of the Commonwealth that are now due, of 
 become due this year — The whole to be new funded by Ten Treasurers notes 
 on Interest for £5000, each, the first to be paj-able three years hence, & so 
 on untill I receive my principal in thirteen years — The principal & Interest 
 to be paid in Specie only, out of the Excise duties, which duties shall be by 
 a special resolve or Act, continued for the term of 13 years & appropriated, to 
 this purpose. I mention Excise only, as I suppose the present Impost dutie 
 will Cease, as soon as the Continental Imposts opperates. — 
 
 " Jam. Swan " 
 
 On the 12th of June, 1786, this message from the Governor was received : — 
 " Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives — 
 
 " By a Resolve of the General Court of the 24 th of March last, the Governour 
 and Council were requested to consider the expediency of coining Silver and 
 Copper in this Commonwealth, the quantity it would be convenient in that case 
 to coin; in what mode the business should be conducted; the proper devices to 
 be rrsed; and the advantage that would accrue to the Commonwealth from such 
 a coinage. 
 
 "I laid the resolve before the Council, and after a discussion of the subject, 
 a Committee was appointed to consider it more fully. The Committee have 
 reported; and their report, having been accepted by the Council, is now with the 
 papers to which it refers, laid before you for your consideration — 
 
 " Upon the subject of a coinage I have had a letter of the 18'. 11 of May from 
 one of our Delegates in Congress, the honorable Ml-' Gorham, enclosing the report 
 of the Treasury Board, relating to the establishment of a Mint: which Report it 
 was expected would in a few days be considered by Congress. 
 
 "Mf Gorham taking notice, that according to the Xews-papers, proposals had 
 been made to the Legislature of Massachusetts, relative to a Copper Coinage, 
 observes, that it is apprehended, it will be attended with great inconveniences if 
 the States should act in this matter separately; that after Congress had agreed 
 upon a plan, which they will soon do, there might be, and it would be of great 
 utility, there should be, an uniformity in the money throughout the Union; and 
 that Massachusetts and any other State, after knowing the terms, on which the 
 Board of Treasury would conduct this business, could more advantageously act 
 upon it, than before: and therefore seems to suppose, that it would be adviseable 
 
238 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 to suspend the coinage, until we are notified of the proceedings of Congress 
 
 upon that head. 
 
 " These reasons, without mentioning others that might be given, may 
 induce you, Gentlemen, to suspend this business accordingly. 
 
 " The report made to Congress 1 , relative to the establishment of a mint for 
 the United States, accompanies the Papers abovementioned — 
 
 "Council Chamber James Bowdoin" 
 
 "June 12 ffi 1786 
 
 "In Senate June 12 th 1786. Eead, & with the papers accompanying, com- 
 mitted to Richard Cranch and Oliver Phelps Esq 3 With such as the Hon We may 
 join. Sent down for concurrence. 
 
 " Sam 1 - Phillips jun r Presid* " 
 
 "In the House of Representatives June 12. 1786 
 
 " Read and concurred & M? Titcomb, Mf Cross & My Jarvis are joined 
 
 "ArtemasWard Speaker — " 
 
 July 6th, 1786, the committee reported as follows : — 
 
 " The Committee of both Houses to whom was committed the Governor's 
 Message of the- 12* of June 1786, on the Subject of a Coinage, have attended 
 that Service, and ask Leave to report as their Opinion — That it is adviseable to 
 suspend the further Consideration of that Subject untill the Proceeding of 
 Congress, relating to the Establishment of a Mint, shall be made known to the 
 several States. 
 
 "Which is humbly submitted, Richard Cranch, pr Order." 
 
 Notwithstanding the suggestion of the Governor, and the report of the 
 committee advising that this business be suspended, the Representatives soon 
 appointed another committee to forward it; and on Monday, July 3d, they 
 "Ordered that Mr. Jarvis Mr. Davis, & Mr. Sargent be a Committee to Consider 
 of the Expediency of Coining Money & report." 
 
 The committee reported the following resolve : — 
 
 "In the House of Representatives, July 7 4 . 11 1786 
 " Resolved — That his Excellency the Governour be & he is hereby requested 
 to write to the Delegates of this Commonwealth in Congress : informing them, 
 
 1 This report is not to be found, but probably was that considered by Congress, August 
 8th, 1786. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 239 
 
 that it is the earnest Wish of the Legislature of this Commonwealth that a mint 
 for coining Silver & Copper, to serve as a Currency throughout the United 
 States, be established as soon as may be — " 
 
 This report was considered by both Houses, and accepted, "as taken into 
 a new draft " — which was as follows : — 
 
 " Commonwealth of In the house of Representatives 
 
 Massachusetts. July 7*. 11 1786 
 
 "Ordered that his Excellency the Governor be, and he hereby is, requested 
 to write to the Delegates of this Commonwealth in Congress, informing them 
 that it is the earnest wish of the Legislature of this Commonwealth to obtain a 
 quantity of copper and silver Coin to be struck off, for the use of this Common- 
 wealth, and desiring them to acquaint him with the situation of the mint proposed 
 for the service of the United States — when it may probably be ready for striking 
 off Coin, and what the Expence of coining copper — or silver will be — and of 
 any other circumstance relative thereto which his Excellency may think proper." 
 
 The preceding report seems more in favor of hastening the establishment 
 of a mint for the United States, than that of a State mint; but obtaining no 
 relief from Congress, the State soon passed an act authorizing a mint of her 
 own; the consideration of the act afterward passed, immediately followed the 
 report just presented. 
 
 The paper next in order is endorsed, "Act respecting the coinage of money, 
 July 8, 1786, referred to next session." 
 
 " Commonwealth ) In the year of our LORD one thousand seven 
 
 of Massachusetts. ) hundred & eighty six. 
 
 " An Act authorizing and empowering the Governor with advice of Council 
 to coin a certain Quantity of Copper and to erect a Mint for that Purpose 
 
 " Whereas the coining of a Quantity of Copper and bringing the same into 
 Circulation may be productive of great Advantages to the Commonwealth — 
 
 "Therefore Be it enacted by the Senate & House of Representatives in 
 General Court assembled and by the Authority of the same, That the 
 Governor and Council be and they are hereby authorized and empowered to 
 erect for the Use of the Commonwealth a Mint for the Coinage of Copper 
 and therein to coin a Quantity of Copper into Pieces of different Denomina- 
 tions of the Value each and in such 
 Proportions with such Device or Devices and descriptive Marks as they shall 
 
240 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 judge proper, the whole not to exceed Twenty Thousand Pounds and the 
 Mint so erected shall be under the Management & Direction of the Governor 
 & Council untill otherwise determined by the General Court " — 
 
 The following order was passed by the Eepresentatives, July 8th, 1786 : — 
 " Ordered that Mr Breck, Mr Ward of Salem & Mr Bowdoin with such 
 as the Hon Senate may join be a Committee to devise further ways and 
 means in the recess of the General Court for discharging the interest and 
 principal of the public debt of this Commonwealth, and of its proportion of 
 the federal debt & to report at the next Session of the Legislature " 
 
 The Senate concurred, and added to the committee Messrs. Phillips and 
 Tufts. The connection of this committee with our subject is explained by 
 the ensuing records : — 
 
 "In Senate Oct. 4, 1786 Ordered that a Committee of both Houses 
 appointed the 8 th of July last to devise further ways and means for discharg- 
 ing the interest and principal of the public debt of this Commonwealth, and 
 of its proportion of the federal debt, be instructed to consider of a proper 
 mode for regulating the Current Copper Coin, and the expediency of Coining 
 gold, silver & Copper, and also to Consider a regular system for supplying 
 the Treasury with specie & report. Sent down for Concurrence Read and 
 concurred." 
 
 Wednesday, Oct. 11 th 1786,. 
 
 " The Hon. S. Baker Esq 1 ! brought down a report of the Committee 
 appointed 8^ of July last, to Consider the expediency of Coining gold &c, 
 ? That it will be highly advantageous to the Commonwealth to erect a Mint 
 as soon as may be, in the Town of Boston for the Coinage of Gold, Silver 
 & Copper, and that a bill be brought in for establishing a Mint, and for 
 empowering the Governor, with the advice of Council to appoint some suita- 
 ble person or persons to erect the same, and when completed, to inspect the 
 business of the said Mint, the Committee ask leave to sit again 
 
 " In Senate Oct. 11, 1786. Read & accepted. Sent down for Concurrence 
 Read and concurred." 
 
 Omitting the dry details of the several readings of the bill for the 
 establishment of the mint, which occupied much of the time between the 11th 
 and the 17th of October, we proceed to the bill, which was passed on the 
 day last mentioned. The following is a copy of the engrossed bill: — 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 241 
 
 " Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
 
 "In the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty six 
 
 " Asr Act for establishing a Mint for the coinage of Gold, Silver and 
 Copper — 
 
 "Whereas the United States in Congress assembled, by their Resolve 
 of the eighth day of August in the present year, have regulated the Alloy 
 and Value of Coin, and whereas the want of a sufficient circulating medium, 
 renders it expedient, that a Mint should be erected and a quantity of Coin 
 be struck. 
 
 "Therefore be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
 in General Court assembled and by the authority of the same, That there 
 shall be a Mint erected within this Commonwealth, for the coining of Gold, 
 Silver and Copper; and that all the Coin that shall be struck therein, shall 
 be of the same weight, alloy and value and each piece bear the same name, 
 as is by the said Resolve of Congress fixed & established. 
 
 "And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that there shall 
 be a quantity of Copper Coin struck, equal to the amount of seventy thousand 
 Dollars, in pieces of the two different denominations mentioned in the said 
 resolve, and in convenient proportions; one of which to have the ISanie — 
 Cent — stamped in the Center thereof, and the other — Half Cent — with such 
 inscriptions or devices as the Governor with the Advice of Council may think 
 proper; and the said Coin, when struck, shall be received in all payments in 
 this Commonwealth — 
 
 "And be it further enacted, That the Governor with the advice of 
 Council be and he is hereby authorized and empowered to appoint some 
 suitable person or persons, to procure all the necessaries requisite to the com- 
 pleating of the said Mint, fit for coining, and to take due care that the same 
 be compleated as soon as may be, and also to procure an able Assay Master, 
 Stock, Workmen and whatever may be necessary for the actual coinage of 
 Gold, silver and Copper as before directed; and the Governor with advice 
 of Council is hereby farther empowered to appoint some suitable person or 
 persons to have the oversight and inspection of the said Mint when com- 
 pleted, and to see to the coinage of the Copper aforementioned and of the 
 Gold and Silver that may be brought 1 in for Stock or brought in for coining — 
 And the Governor with the advice of Council is hereby further empowered 
 
 1 In the bill as passed to be engrossed, this word is " bought." 
 
242 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 to establish proper rules and regulations, respecting the well ordering and 
 managing the business of the said Mint, for the safe keeping the stock and 
 Coin that may be kept therein and for securing the fidelity of all employed 
 in the said Business — And the Inspector or Inspectors appointed as aforesaid, 
 shall, before he or they enter on the business of said appointment, give bonds 
 for the faithful discharge of the duties of the appointment with sureties to 
 the Treasurer of this Commonwealth in such sum or sums as the Governor 
 with advice of Council shall direct. — 
 
 " And be it further enacted, That all the Gold, silver and Copper belong- 
 ing to the Commonwealth that may from time to time be coined in the said 
 Mint, so often as the same shall amount to the value of one thousand Dollars, 
 shall be delivered by the said Inspector or Inspectors into the Treasury of 
 this Commonwealth, he or they taking duplicate receipts therefor, one of 
 which shall be lodged in the Secretary's Office — 
 
 "And be it further enacted that the charge of erecting and completing 
 the said Mint, of Stock, Workmen, Officers and all other disbursements for 
 carrying on the said business of coining, shall be defrayed out of the said 
 Coin, by warrant from the Governor with advice of Council; the Accounts 
 relating to the said Mint and the business thereof, having been first attested 
 by the Inspector or Inspectors, and laid before the Council examined & 
 approved. And if there should remain any sum or sums of money arising 
 from the said coinage, more than is necessary for the payment of the afore- 
 said expences, the same shall be appropriated to the purchase of Stock for 
 the said Mint unless the General Court shall otherwise order. 
 
 "And be it further enacted, that the Inspector or Inspectors of the said 
 Mint, shall from time to time lay before the Governor and Council an 
 account of their doings, and state of the said Mint, that the same may be 
 laid before the General Court. — 
 
 "In the House of Eepresentatives October 16? 1786. — 
 "This Bill having had three several Readings passed to be Enacted. 
 
 "Artemas Ward Speaker. — 
 
 "In Senate October 17*? 1786 — 
 
 :t This Bill having had two several readings, passed to be Enacted 
 
 "Sam? Phillips junf Presid* 
 " By the Governour 
 
 " Approved 
 
 "James Bowdoin" 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 243 
 
 The next proceedings in this business were the appropriation of money for 
 the necessary expenses, and the providing of a supply of metal for coining; the 
 papers relating to this we copy from original drafts, on file at the office of the 
 Secretary of State : — 
 
 "Commonwealth ) TT . 
 
 f tv/t 1 ■< ++ ( J- n ™e House of Representatives Oct 22. 17ob 
 
 " Resolved, 
 
 That there he paid out of the Treasury of this Commonwealth, 
 The sum of Six hundred pounds for the use of the Governour & Council to 
 Enable them to prosecute the business of Coinage agreeably to an Act passed 
 this present session, they being accountable for the same 
 " Resolved, 
 
 That the Commissary General be, and he is hereby authorized 
 and directed, to deliver to the order of the Governour & Council such quan- 
 tity of Copper as he may have on hand for the purpose of Coinage, and the 
 said Commissary General is hereby further directed, to call on All persons 
 who have Copper in their hands belonging to this Commonwealth and deliver 
 the same to the order of the Governour & Council for the purposes above 
 mentioned " 
 
 This was approved Nov. 11th, "as taken into a new draft," which follows : — 
 " Commonwealth 
 
 In the House of Representatives Octob. 22. 1786 — 
 of Massachusetts ) 
 
 "Resolved, That the Governor with Advice of Council, be and He is 
 hereby empowered to draw a Warrant on the Treasurer of this Common- 
 wealth, for the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds, to be applied to the carrying 
 into Execution, An Act, for establishing a Mint for the Coinage of Gold Silver 
 & Copper, passed the present Session. 
 
 "Resolved, That all Persons having in their Possession any Copper, 
 belonging to this Commonwealth, Be and they are hereby directed to deliver, 
 the same, to the Commissary General, who is hereby directed to deliver, to 
 the order of such Person or Persons as may be appointed by the Governor 
 with Advice of Council Inspector or Inspectors of the mint, such Copper as 
 He may receive as aforesaid, together with what He may now have on Hand, 
 and is useful for Coinage, taking duplicate Receipts therefor, one of which 
 shall be lodged with the Secretary — " 
 
 On the 23d of October, 1786, we find this entry upon the Council Records : 
 
244 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 " His Excellency laid before the Council an Act of the General Court of 
 the seventeenth instant establishing a mint for the coinage of Gold, silver & 
 copper & asked the advice of the Council thereon — Advised that the said 
 Act be committed to His Honor the Lieut. Governor, M 1 : Spooner & Austin to 
 report a system for carrying the said Act into execution — " 
 
 On the 9th of November, Hon. Nathan Dane was requested to appear 
 before the Eepresentatives, and though no record of his speech is found upon 
 the Journal of the House, the Independent Chronicle of the week following 
 gives an abstract of it, from which we quote the part relating to coinage : — 
 
 "Hon. Nathan Dane, a Delegate to Congress from Mass." appeared before 
 the State Legislature, and made a statement of the situation of public affairs. 
 Speaking of the U. S. Mint, he said f that no great pecuniary advantages could 
 be expected from it at present, but he conceived the measure of considerable 
 importance, as it tends to give us a national feature, to render our circulat- 
 ing medium more pure, and gradually to increase it ; that much skill and 
 attention is required in assaying the materials, mixing in the alloy, and in 
 providing against counterfeiting the coins of the States or Union; that it maybe 
 doubtful whether the States will have full confidence in the coins struck by each 
 other, and when they are struck at several mints in the Union, the probability 
 being, that more base money may get into circulation. For these considerations, 
 and to save expence, it is to be wished that the coinage of money, at the federal 
 mint, may be made as extensive as conveniently may be." 
 
 No progress appears to have been made during the winter, toward forward- 
 ing the business of the mint, as we find no further reference to it until the report 
 of the committee last appointed, which was not sent in before the next Spring, 
 when the following report was rendered : — 
 
 " May 2'} 1787. 
 
 " The Committee appointed to carry into effect the act passed last fall for 
 establishing a Mint for the Coinage of Gold, Silver & copper beg leave to 
 report — That they have attended the service & upon enquiring what articles it 
 would be necessary to procure for compleating said Mint, they find it was neces- 
 sary to erect a furnace, & the clay with which the bricks were to be made for 
 erecting of the same could not be procured nor the bricks made until this Spring — 
 That they have fully conversed with Capt Joshua Wetherle upon the subject of 
 establishing a mint for the coinage of copper & find he is a suitable person to 
 procure the necessaries requisite to compleat the same & to conduct the business 
 & is ready, if he should be appointed for this purpose, immediately to proceed 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 245 
 
 upon the business as soon as he shall have an order for such copper as now 
 belongs to this Commonwealth — And the Committee further report that Capt 
 Joshua Witherlee be appointed to the business accordingly & be furnished with 
 an order on the Commissary General for the copper belonging to this Common- 
 wealth he giving bond with sureties for the faithfull discharge of the duty of his 
 appointment & that the copper he may be furnished with shall be appropriated 
 to the business of coining copper — 
 
 "His Excellency was pleased to nominate Capt Joshua Wetherle as a 
 person suitable to be employed in the mint for the coinage of copper & asked 
 the advice of the Council — The Council thereupon Advised that Joshua 
 "Wetherle be appointed to conduct the said business of coinage — " 
 
 " Thursday May 3 d 1787 
 " Advised that His Excellency be requested to order the copper now in the 
 hands of the Honble Hugh Orr esq 1 ! to be delivered to the Commissary General 
 for the purpose of carrying into execution a resolution of the General Court 
 passed November ll*! 1 1786, & also to direct the Commissary General to deliver 
 the said copper to Joshua Wetherle esq'', appointed to carry on the business of 
 coinage together with what he may now have on hand & is useful for coinage 
 taking diiplicate receipts therefor one of which to be lodged with the Secretary 
 of this Commonwealth — " 
 
 Next follows a memorandum of the copper available for coining : — 
 
 "Bridgewater May 10 Ul 1787 
 
 "■ We Weighed off Thirty four hundred & thirty four pound net weight 
 of Copper, and Six hundred & fifty weight of Sprews (so Called) belonging 
 to the Common Wealth of Massachusetts, now in the possession of the Hon 1 ? 
 
 Hugh Orr Esq* at his Store in Bridgewater. 
 
 SCom* 6 . 6 
 appointed for 
 that purpose 
 
 " There is Also One Ten Inch Mortar Two Eight & half D°, four Cohorn 
 Morters unfinished, now on hand, also Two four pound Brass Cannon that are to 
 be run Over Again and a Ten Inch Mortar that failed in the Casting Supposed 
 to weigh 12 or 14 Cw* together with a Brass rack belonging to the Machine for 
 boring Cannon, the Above together with the Above mentioned, are under my 
 Care Witness my hand — Hugh Orr " 
 
 " A true Copy Rich* Devens Com y Gen." 
 
246 THE EAELY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 In the House of Eepresentatives, on Friday, June 1st, 1787, it was " Ordered 
 that M 1 - Jones of Boston, M'' Dawes & Mv Bowdoin be a Committee to examine 
 what measures have been taken respecting the coinage of copper and the assay- 
 ing of minerals, and report." . ..." A petition from James Swan praying to be 
 allowed to coin twenty thousand pounds in copper on certain conditions therein 
 mentioned. Read & ordered that the said petition lie till the committee 
 appointed to enquire what measures have been taken on the subject of coinage 
 report." On Monday, June 4th, "The House reconsidered their vote of the 
 I s * ins- on the petition 1 of James Swan and committed the same to the Com- 
 mittee appointed to consider what measures have been taken respecting the 
 coinage of copper." 
 
 June 11th, " The committee appointed to examine what measures had been 
 taken with respect to the coinage of copper reported verbally that in their 
 opinion, it would be best to continue that business in the hands of the Lieu* 
 Governour & Council and that James Swan Esq^ have leave to withdraw his 
 petition upon this subject. Report accepted & ordered accordingly." 
 
 Another committee was appointed by the Representatives, on Saturday, 
 June 23d, 1787, when it was " Ordered that W Davis, M v - Clarke, & T> r . Kilbam 
 be a Committee to consider the expediency of coining silver at the mint now 
 establishing in this Commonwealth, & report." 
 
 On Wednesday, June 27th, the Council designated the devices, &c, for the 
 copper coin, in these words : — 
 
 " Advised that the device on the copper coin to be emitted in this Common- 
 wealth be the figure of an indian with a bow & arrow & a star on one side, with 
 the word ' Commonwealth,' the reverse a spread eagle with the words — ' of Mas- 
 sachusetts A. D. 1787 ' — " 
 
 The coins show a slight variation from this order, in the legend upon the 
 reverses, only the word Massachusetts and the date being there found. 
 
 Still another committee was named by the Senate, it being on the 30th of 
 June, " Ordered that Tristam Dalton, Joseph B. Varnum and Isaac Stearns 
 be a Committee to enquire, what progress has been made in the coining of 
 Cold, Silver & Copper — " 
 
 We next find a resolve, probably reported by the committee of June 23d; 
 this was passed by the Representatives, but rejected by the Senate. 
 
 1 This petition was probably the same which had been previously presented, and has already 
 been given on p. 230. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 247 
 
 " Commonwealth of Massachusetts 
 
 " In the House of Representatives July 2' 1 1787. 
 
 " Whereas the Governour and Council have taken measures for the establish- 
 ing a Mint for the Coinage of Copper, pursuant to an Act of the General Court 
 passed the 17 day of October 1786 ; and whereas it is necessary, that provision 
 should also be made for the receiving of Silver and for coining the same, 
 therefore 
 
 "Resolved, that the G-overnour and Council be, and they are hereby 
 empowered and requested, to take such measures ^as they may judge necessary, 
 for the receiving into the said Mint all such Silver Bullion as may be brought in 
 by any person or persons for the purpose of coining ; with such Devices, of such 
 weight and under such regulations, as are established by a Resolve of the 
 United States in Congress assembled, passed the 8 th day of August 1786, and by 
 an Act of the General Court passed the 17 th day of October in the same year. 
 
 " Sent up for concurrence J Warren Spk 1 ' " 
 
 "In Senate July 5 th 1787 
 
 "Read and nonconcured S. Adams Presid*" 
 
 The coins of Massachusetts are all of one type, consisting of several 
 varieties of both cents and half cents, and may be described as follows : — 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An Indian standing, facing left, holding in his right hand a bow, 
 and in his left, an arrow ; between the top of the bow and his head, is a mullet. 
 Legend, — common wealth. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eagle, displayed, on his breast a shield argent, six pales gules, 
 a chief azure; on the chief, the word cent ; in his right talon is an olive 
 branch, and in his left a bundle of arrows. Legend, — Massachusetts. 
 In exergue,— The date— 1787 or 1788. 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge,— Plain. Size, 16i to 19. 
 
 Weight, — From 146 to 165 grains. 
 The half cents are of the same description, except that the shield bears the 
 words half cent instead of cent. The Size of these is from 15 to 15i, 
 .and the weight of those of 1787 from 75 to 83 grains ; those of 1788, usually 
 76 grains. 
 
 Tables of the varieties will be found on the two pages following. 
 
248 
 
 THE EARLY CODSTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 CENTS, 1787. OBVERSES. 
 
 Point of Arrow 
 
 Bow. 
 
 One Ray of Mullet 
 Points 
 
 End of Arrow under 
 
 3 
 
 With 
 Reverse 
 
 £ 
 
 
 Top rises to 
 
 Lower end 
 
 & 
 
 Twice the 
 length of ar- -< 
 row head. 
 
 One and one 1 
 half lengths, j 
 
 One length. \ 
 
 | height of letters, 
 i height of letters. 
 
 Same die. 
 i height of letters. 
 a height of letters. 
 
 \ height of letters. 
 
 \ height of letters. 
 | height of letters. 
 
 Left of foot. 
 Near foot. 
 Kecut, heavy 
 Near foot. 
 Left of foot. 
 
 Left(?),light. 
 
 Left,medium 
 Left, light. 
 
 At chin. 
 At collar. 
 At collar. 
 At forehead. 
 Below collar. 
 
 At chin. 
 
 Above collar. 
 At mouth. 
 
 Middle of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 Left part of E. 
 
 Left part of E. 
 
 Upright of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 
 1 
 
 2 a 
 
 2 b 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 B 
 
 F 
 
 A,C,E 
 
 G 
 
 C, D 
 
 I 
 
 G 
 H 
 
 R6 
 
 R 5 
 
 C 
 R 
 
 R3 
 R6 
 
 R* 
 
 R& 
 
 CENTS, 1788. OBVERSES. 
 
 Point of Arrow below Tunic. 
 
 Full two lengths of 
 head .... 
 
 About one and one 
 half lengths . . 
 
 One length . 
 
 Top of Bow rises to 
 
 Top of letters. 
 
 | height or letters. 
 
 Top of letters. 
 
 Top of letters. 
 
 \ height of letters. 
 
 \ height of letters. 
 
 | height of letters. 
 
 Top of letters. 
 
 ■J- height of letters. 
 
 | height of letters. 
 
 Top of letters. 
 
 A height of letters. 
 
 One Ray of 
 Mullet Points 
 
 Below collar. 
 Above collar. 
 At throat. 
 At nose. 
 Below collar. 
 At collar. 
 Above collar. 
 At mouth. 
 At forehead. 
 Above collar. 
 At throat. 
 Above collar. 
 
 End of Arrow under 
 
 Upright of E. 
 Right part of E. 
 Left part of E. 
 Right part of E. 
 Left part of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 Left part of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 Upright of E. 
 Left part of E. 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 7 
 
 8 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 
 11 
 
 12 
 
 "With Reverse. 
 
 i> 
 
 B 
 
 A, E 
 
 G 
 
 H 
 
 N 
 
 M 
 
 C 
 
 M 
 
 L 
 
 C, E, F 
 
 II, I, K, M 
 
 HALF CENTS, 1787. OBVERSES. 
 
 HALF CENTS, 1788. OBVERSE. 
 
 « 
 
 C 
 
 R3 
 
 R 
 
 R-2 
 
 Re 
 
 R 
 
 R 
 
 R3 
 
 R* 
 
 C 
 C 
 
 c 
 
 Head of Arrow 
 
 Feather End under 
 
 One Ray of Mullet 
 points 
 
 Defects. 
 
 Grass. 
 
 1 
 
 With 
 Re- 
 verse 
 
 
 Below 
 tunic 
 
 Half " 
 below <j 
 tunic. [ 
 
 Small. 
 Large. 
 Small. 
 Small. 
 Large. 
 
 Large. 
 
 Middle of W. 
 Right foot W. 
 Between W and E. 
 Left part E. 
 Right foot W. 
 
 Between W and E. 
 
 At collar. 
 At eyebrow. 
 At collar. 
 At mouth. 
 Above collar. 
 
 At throat, -j 
 
 None. 
 
 Inside right leg. 
 None. 
 
 Over right foot. 
 Inside left leg. 
 From left top ) 
 of E. \ 
 
 None. 
 
 Thin. 
 
 Thicker at right. 
 
 Very thin. 
 
 Light. 
 
 High, light. 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 D 
 A 
 A 
 
 B,C 
 A 
 
 D 
 
 R 4 
 R* 
 
 R* 
 
 C 
 
 R 2 
 
 R5 
 
 Arrow Point 
 
 Arrow Head 
 
 Feather End under 
 
 One Ray of 
 Mullet points 
 
 Grass. 
 
 
 With 
 Reverse. 
 
 I 
 
 Just below tunic 
 
 Medium, joining tunic 
 
 Left part of E. 
 
 At nose. 
 
 Very light. 
 
 1 
 
 A, B 
 
 R 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 249 
 
 
 
 CENTS, 1787. 
 
 REVERSES. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Leaves on 
 Branch. 
 
 Point of leaves turn 
 
 Arrows. 
 
 Figures and 
 Spacing. 
 
 Upper stroke of 
 Dash. 
 
 33 
 
 With 
 Ob- 
 verse. 
 
 J? 
 1 
 
 Dash 
 
 Number barbed. 
 
 Pointing 
 below 
 wing. 
 
 03 
 i — i 
 
 o 
 
 Four. | 
 Five. < 
 
 Up. 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Up. 
 
 1st 2 down, others up. 
 
 1st down, others up. 
 
 Last down, others up. 
 
 Up. 
 
 1st 2 down, others up. 
 
 Up. 
 
 10, spread. 
 
 6, medium. 
 
 7, spread. 
 9, spread. 
 6(?) spread. 
 5(?) close. 
 
 6, spread. 
 8 close. 
 7 close. 
 
 5 
 2 
 5 
 3 
 3 
 None. 
 
 2 
 5 
 
 2 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Wide. 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Medium. 
 Close. 
 Small, close. 
 
 Medium. 
 Large, wide. 
 Large, heavy. 
 
 Short, light. 
 Long, light. 
 Long, light. 
 Long,heavy. 
 Light, close. 
 Long, heavy. 
 
 A 
 B 
 C 
 D 
 E 
 F 
 
 G 
 H 
 I 
 
 2b 
 1 
 
 2M 
 4 
 2 b 
 
 2 a 
 
 3,6 
 
 7 
 5 
 
 C 
 
 R6 
 
 C 
 R 2 
 
 R6 
 R5 
 
 - 
 
 Dash single. 
 
 
 CO I 
 
 Light. 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Heavy. 
 
 R 
 R« 
 
 R6 
 
 CENTS, 1788. REVERSES. 
 
 Punctua- 
 tion. 
 
 Point 
 
 after < 
 legend 
 
 No point 
 
 Dash. 
 
 Upper 
 stroke of 
 
 dash 
 heaviest. 
 
 Lower 
 stroke of 
 
 dash 
 heaviest. 
 
 Form of S. 
 
 S narrow, 
 
 like 
 figure 8. 
 
 S wide and 
 open. 
 
 Last S from tip of 
 Wing. 
 
 Entirely below. 
 | below. 
 ^ below. 
 \ below. 
 Well above. 
 Just above. 
 Just above. 
 \ below. 
 ^ below. 
 ■J- below. 
 ^ below. 
 \ below. 
 A below. 
 
 Number of Arrows. 
 
 7, close. 
 
 8, close. 
 7, close. 
 7, close. 
 
 7, close. 
 
 8, close. 
 8, close. 
 
 10. medium. 
 
 6, medium. 
 7(?), medium. 
 8(*?), medium. 
 
 7, spread. 
 10(?), close. 
 
 Figures. 
 
 3 
 
 ! 
 
 First 8 low. 
 
 A 
 
 Spread. 
 1 high. 
 
 B 
 
 C 
 
 78 low. 
 
 D 
 
 78 low. 
 
 E 
 
 First 8 low. 
 
 F 
 
 88 wide. 
 
 G 
 
 Light. 
 
 H 
 
 88 low. 
 
 I 
 
 1 small. 
 
 K 
 
 78 wide. 
 
 L 
 
 1 low. 
 
 M 
 
 17 close. 
 
 N 
 
 With 
 Obverse 
 
 3 
 
 2 
 8,11 
 
 1 
 3, 11 
 
 11 
 
 4 
 5, 12 
 
 12 
 
 12 
 
 10 
 r, 9, 12 
 
 HALF CENTS, 1787. REVERSES. 
 
 a 
 
 R 
 
 R3 
 
 R 
 
 C 
 C 
 R 5 
 
 R2 
 
 R 
 
 R5 
 
 R 
 
 C 
 
 c 
 
 R 
 
 Dash 
 
 Outer 
 
 Leaves 
 
 turn 
 
 Barbed 
 Arrows. 
 
 Pointing 
 below 
 "Wing. 
 
 Upper Stroke of Dash. 
 
 Figures. 
 
 
 With 
 Obverse 
 
 j>> 
 
 
 Spacing. 
 
 Proportions. 
 
 
 Double . . | 
 
 Up. 
 Down. 
 
 Up. 
 
 Up. 
 
 Five(?). 
 Six. 
 
 Seven. 
 Eight(J). 
 
 Two. 
 Four. 
 
 Two. 
 Three. 
 
 Very light. 
 Light. 
 
 Wide. 
 Medium. 
 
 Close. 
 Wide. 
 
 Medium. 
 Heavy. 
 
 Heavy. 
 Light. 
 
 A 
 B 
 
 C 
 D 
 
 2,3,5 
 4 
 
 4 
 1,6 
 
 R 
 
 Rs 
 
 
 Arrows. 
 
 
 Single . . -j 
 
 Spread. 
 
 Close, irregular. 
 
 C 
 
 R2 
 
 
 HALF 
 
 CENTS. 1788. REVERSES 
 
 
 
 
 
 Dash 
 
 Outer leaves 
 
 Barbed 
 Arrows. 
 
 Point- 
 ing 
 below 
 Wing. 
 
 Dash. 
 
 Figures. 
 
 5 
 .g 
 
 A 
 B 
 
 EC 
 
 l 
 l 
 
 
 Single . . < 
 
 Nearly straight. 
 Turn up. 
 
 Four. 
 
 Five. 
 
 One. 
 One. 
 
 Tapers to ends. 
 Straight. 
 
 88 high, medium. 
 78 low, medium. 
 
 R6 
 
 R 
 
PLATE VI. 
 
 HELIOTYPE PATENT. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 251 
 
 upon the plate, where No. 12, represents 1-D : No. 9, 3-A : No. 13, 4-B : No. 
 14, 4-C : No. 10, 5- A : No. 11, 6-D, of 1787, and Nos. 16 and 15, respectively, 
 1-A and 1-B, of 1788. The last is often found broken through the last 8. 
 As the plates were printed before the tables were arranged, the numbers do 
 not stand in their proper sequence. 
 
 In the tables of reverses of the cents of 1788, F, should be enclosed by 
 the lower brace in the dash column, the lower stroke being heaviest. 
 
 The Massachusetts coins are represented by the cuts below ; the chief 
 of the shield upon all, should be like that of No. 37. 
 
 Most of the dies for this mint were made by Joseph Callender, 1 whose place 
 of business was in 1789 at " Half-square, State-street," (nearly where Brazier's 
 Building now stands,) but as appears in the report of the mint-master, the cost 
 of his dies was so great, (£1. 4s. each,) that another engraver was employed as 
 soon as one could be found, who was to receive but one per cent of the coin 
 ,struck from his dies ; this probably was Jacob Perkins of Newburyport, to 
 whom the mint accounts show that payments were made at different times. 
 
 It appears to us certain that a clue by which the dies cut by these engravers 
 can be distinguished, exists in the letter S, upon the reverse dies. In all those 
 of 1787, and in six of those of 1788, this letter is broad and open : while in seven 
 
 1 The Directory of 1789 says, " Callender, Joseph, engraver, Half-square, State-street.' 7 
 Half Square Court was, as nearly as it can now be located, about where Congress Square now 
 is. Drake records it, "'From King-st. (State st.) by the house of Isaac Addington Esq., with 
 the return into Pudding-lane,' (Devonshire st.) 1708. In 1732, 'from Maccarty's cor. turning 
 into Pudding-lane.' " 
 
252 THE EAKLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 of the cents and both of the half cents of 1788, it is narrow, and the points so 
 connected with the curves, as to resemble a figure 8. 
 
 Callender's bill specifies three dies repaired, and thirty-nine new dies ; 
 curiously enough, the dies with the open S, and the obverses found with 
 them according to the tables, number thirty-eight. 
 
 The three sums paid to Jacob Perkins amount to but £3. 18s. 10d., 
 while Callender's bill was for £48. 12s. from which it would appear that his 
 work must have much exceeded that of Perkins. 
 
 On Thursday, September 13th, 1787, the Governor submitted to the 
 Council these instructions to the Master of the Mint : — 
 
 " His Excellency laid before the Council an act for establishing a mint 
 for the coinage of gold, silver & copper passed October 17 th 1786 & submitted 
 to their consideration some proper rules & regulations respecting the well- 
 ordering & managing the business of the said Mint — The Council took the 
 subject matter of said act into consideration & thereupon Advised that M? 
 Wetherle the master workman of the mint purchase the copper suitable for 
 coinage at as reasonable a price as possible until further order — That M* 
 Wetherle procure the workmen for the mint at as cheap a rate as possible — 
 That the Master Workman of the mint be & hereby is authorized to judge 
 of the quality of copper suitable for coinage previous to the purchase — That 
 the Master workman of the mint have full power to discharge any person 
 under his care without making application to Government & shall also have 
 full power to make such regulations for the workmen from time to time as he 
 shall think it necessary for carrying on the business with despatch — That the 
 Committee appointed the twenty third of October 1786 to report a system to 
 carry the act for establishing a mint into execution be empowered to give such 
 further rules & regulations respecting the well ordering & managing the busi- 
 ness of the said Mint as they shall judge expedient 'till the next meeting of the 
 Council— * * * * * 
 
 "His Excellency suggested to the Council the expediency of appointing 
 some suitable persons to have the oversight & inspection of the Mint & to see to 
 the coinage of the copper & whether it was necessary that two inspectors of said 
 mint should be appointed passed in the negative — The opinion of the Council 
 was then asked whether from the declaration of the Master Workmen of the 
 mint this day it was necessary to come to the choice of one inspector for the 
 mint passed in the affirmative — 
 
 " The Council took under consideration the sum that was necessary to be 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 253 
 
 given to the said inspector for his services & thereupon Advised that one 
 hundred & twenty pounds be paid to the said inspector for his services yearly, 
 & that he give bonds previous to his entering on the business of his appointment 
 for the faithful discharge of his trust with sureties to the Treasurer of this Com- 
 monwealth in the sum of one thousand pounds — 
 
 " His Excellency was pleased to nominate Ebenezer Hancock esq* to be 
 inspector of the mint established for the coinage of copper which nomination the 
 Council did advise & consent — " 
 
 " Friday September 14*? 1787 
 
 "M^ Hancock inspector of the mint mentioned to the Council for their 
 consideration Benjamin Hichborne esq 1 ! & Edward Blanchard both of Boston as 
 his sureties for the faithful discharge of his trust — who were approved' of by the 
 Council — " 
 
 The Governor, in his speech of Oct. 18th, 1787, remarked upon the mint : — ■ 
 "In consequence of an act made October 1786, a mint has been erected for 
 coining cents, and a very considerable quantity of copper will soon be ready 
 for circulation. I wish your attention to the subject, and that a law may be 
 made to prevent the daily frauds and impositions arising from the circulation of 
 foreign cupper coin in this Commonwealth." 
 
 A committee was therefore appointed to consider the troubles complained of. 
 
 " Commonwealth of > _ -,„™, 
 
 tv, , , , } In Senate Oct 1 '. 22' 1 1787 — 
 
 Massachusetts 5 
 
 " Ordered that Cotton Tufts Esq 1 ; with such as the Hon!'!! House may join, 
 be a Committee to consider what is necessary to be done respecting the Copper 
 coined in the Mint, and for preventing frauds & impositions from the circulation 
 of foreign Copper Coin, and the future importation of it — 
 
 sent down for concurrence, S Adams Presid' " 
 
 " In the House of Representatives October 22? 1787 
 
 " Read and concurred and M* Bowdoin and M r . Parsons are joined 
 
 J Warren Sp'kr " 
 
 The name of Mr. Parsons was afterwards erased, and that of Mr. Lithgow 
 substituted. 
 
 The above named committee returned this report : — 
 
 " The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider what is necessary to 
 be done respecting the Mint, for preventing Frauds & Impositions arising from 
 
254 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 the Circulation of foreign Coin & the future Importation of it, ask leave to 
 report a Bill in Addition to an Act against counterfeiting or uttering counter- 
 feit Coin — and the following Kesolve — 
 
 Cotton Tufts p' ord r ." 
 
 " Commonwealth of Massachusetts — 
 
 " Eesolved, That such of the Copper coined in the Mint of this Common- 
 wealth, as shall be lodged in the Treasury (whenever the Payment of the 
 Expences provided for in the Act for establishing the said Mint shall be com- 
 pleated) Two Fifths thereof be and it is hereby appropriated to the sole Purpose 
 of paying the Members of the Gen 1 Court from Time to Time in such Proportion 
 among them as the Sum in the Treasury shall admit off, and the remaining 
 Three Fifths to the purchasing of necessary Stock for carrying on the Business 
 of the said Mint, and defraying the Charges thereof — 
 
 " And It is further Resolved That The Governor and Council be and they 
 are hereby requested to to lay before the Gen! Court at their next Sitting an 
 Account of the Cost & Charges of erecting the said Mint and the whole Amount 
 of Expenditures whether for Stock or any other Purpose — 
 
 " In Senate November 221 1787, Read and accepted and Resolved 
 accordingly — 
 
 sent down for Concurrence S Adams Presid* " 
 
 This paper is on file in the House archives endorsed : — 
 
 " Report & Resolve respecting the Mint, Nov 1 : 22, 1787 read and ordered to 
 lie." 
 
 In the House, it was on the 25th of October, 1787, "Ordered that D? 
 Taylor General Brooks M* Dawes D- Manning and M 1 : Freeman be a Commit- 
 tee to make enquiry whether silver can be obtained at such rate and in such quan- 
 tity as will be for the interest of Government to to coin the same. — and report." 
 
 " The Committee Appointed to Make enquiry whether Silver can be Obtained 
 at Such Price and in Such Quantity as it will be for the Interest of Government 
 
 to Coin the Same have attended that Service and ask leave to Report as their 
 
 Opinion that Such Quantity of Silver may be purchased and at Such price that 
 in case Government can now advance one Thousend pounds for the purchass of 
 Silver and do Appoint a proper Person to purchass and assay the Same and Order 
 it Coined as Soon as may be that there will a very Considerable Revenue arise 
 therefrom to Government ; beside the almost Infinite advantage of greatly 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 255 
 
 Increasing the Circulating medium the want of which has greatly Injured 
 
 thousends. 
 
 "if the profits arising from the abovementioned thousend pounds is Sacredly 
 
 appropriated for the Sole purpose of purchaseing Silver and So on from time to 
 
 time we hope a full medium may be Soon Obtain'd and no one Injured : but 
 
 every Individual and the publiek at large greatly Releived from there present 
 
 Embarresd Situation. 
 
 your Committee are further of Opinion that every person lodging Silver of a 
 
 good Quallity with the Assay Master Shall receive nine tenths the weight 
 
 thereof in money as Soon as Coined t i m 1 r j u 
 
 J John Taylor p l order 
 
 Thursday, November 8th, " The Commitee appointed to make enquiry 
 whether Silver can be obtained at such Price and in such Quantity as it will be 
 for the interest of the Government to coin the same made report 
 
 " Read and Recommitted and the Committee are directed to bring in a Bill 
 or resolve if they judge it necessary." 
 
 They consequently, on Nov. 14th, reported the following resolve : — 
 
 " The committe appointed to make enquiery whether silver can be obtained 
 at such price and in such Quantity as it will be for the interest of Govern- 
 ment to coin the same have attended that service and report as their 
 
 Opinion, That it will not be expedient for Government at present to under- 
 take the purchasing silver for coining : but as yoxir committe are of Opinion 
 That it will be of public utillity That provision be made for the coining of 
 silver The property of private person therefore Report the following Resolve 
 
 " Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the House of Representatives Nov,r 
 14 th 1787 
 
 " Resolved That His Exely the Governor with The advice of council be 
 & Hereby are requested as soon as may be to procure all the requisites for 
 the mint necessary for coining small silver of such Value as they shall think 
 most for the advantage of such individuals as shall bring their silver to be 
 coined — and all persons who shall chuse to have their silver coined, shall 
 receive nine Tenths of the weight of all the pure silver they shall offer to be 
 assayed for coining when The same shall be coined — 
 
 " and it is further resolved that the Governor and council in making pro- 
 vision for the coining silver agreeably to these resolves govern themselves 
 by a law of this commonwealth Made and passed on the seventeenth day of 
 October in the year of our Lord one Thousand seven Hundred & eighty six — 
 
256 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 "and it is further resolved that the tenth part of all the silver offered 
 to be assayed in order for coinage, shall when coined be applied (as far as 
 shall be found necessary) to pay for assaying : preparing the mint for coin- 
 ing of silver: and all other necessary Expence of coinage 
 
 Sent np for Concurrence 
 
 J Warren Spk r " 
 
 This resolve was not passed by the Senate, but is endorsed, "Nov 1787 
 
 Kefer'd " 
 
 The Council, finding that the mint did not furnish a supply of coin as 
 speedily as was expected, soon instituted an inquiry into the state of its 
 affairs, and ordered the mint-master to report thereupon. Their orders, and 
 the report elicited by them are next presented. 
 
 Wednesday, January 16* 1788. " Ordered that M 1 : Wetherle be directed 
 to exhibit his account to this time in order for a settlement & that the Secre- 
 tary state an Account of all the charge attending the coinage of the copper — 
 
 " Ordered that M 1 : Hutchinson, Colonel Dawes & M 1 : Sullivan be a Com- 
 mittee to direct M v . Wetherle's attendance to know of him what the situation 
 of the copper mint is at present the number of Workmen imployed in the 
 service of said Mint &c & that his attendance be directed at 12 o'clock to- 
 
 morrow noon" 
 
 January 17th, "M 1 : Wetherle attended agreeably to the direction of 
 yesterday & was admitted before the Council & after questioning him upon 
 several matters respecting the Coinage of copper he was directed to make a 
 representation of his proceedings on Monday next, & to point out particu- 
 larly the obstacles he has met with relative to said Coinage — " 
 
 In compliance with this order of the Council, Mr. Witherle submitted a 
 written report, which we copy from the Archives, Vol. 140, p. 319 : — 
 
 "May it please your Excellency, and the Hon ble Councill. — 
 
 "In May 1787, I Receivd Orders from Government to Erect necessary 
 Buildings, and prepare Machines suitable for the Purpose of Coining Copper 
 Cents &c, agreeable to an Act of this Commonwealth, which was immediately 
 begun to be put into Execution, and no Pains was spared to procure every 
 Article that might be thought necessary — The Iron Furnaces which I was 
 oblig'd to depend on for several Articles which I could not do without, were 
 so nearly out of Blast, that I could not get the Patterns made for the 
 Rollers, and sundry other Articles that were necessary, done so as to answer 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 257 
 
 the Purpose intended in the Spring, therefore was obliged to go on as well 
 as I could, and after spending some Time, and great Pains in making the 
 Pollers, which I had Cast, answer the Purpose expected, was obliged to have 
 a pair of Rollers, made of wrought Iron, which have been made Use of to 
 this Time, and are yet good. — 
 
 " The Dies, with which the Coin is struck, have been the means of great 
 Delay in the Business, as it was not in my Power to procure Steel of a 
 proper Quality to receive the proper Degree of Hardness which is so abso- 
 lutely necessary to sustain the great Force of the Machine in making the 
 Impression on the Coin. — I have now procur'd Steel of that Quality, which 
 appears to answer the Purpose very well. — In addition to this, it must be 
 supposed that some Time would be spent to Instruct Persons in a Business 
 which has not been practised in this Country. — 
 
 " The Moulds which I proposed to Cast the Copper into when melted, so 
 as to have it in a proper Situation for the Rolling Mill, without any further 
 Expence or Trouble, was a Matter of great Consequence in the Business ; 
 therefore I took the Advice of all those Persons that might be supposed to 
 have good Judgment in a Matter of this kind ; who unanimously agreed that 
 it was not only a cheap but very expeditious Way of doing the Business ; 
 therefore I pursued the Plan, as soon as the first Furnace that I could hear 
 of was in Blast, to get such a number of them as would be sufficient to 
 prove the Experiment which took some Time and Trouble to have them in 
 proper Order for the Business proposed ; when this was done, it appeared 
 that the above Plan would not be a means of saving Money and Expediting 
 Business as was Expected, but would really injure the Mettal, employ more 
 Hands, and destroy more Fuell, than Casting it in much larger Pieces, and 
 Drawing it with a Trip Hammer, which might be made, and fixed to the Mill 
 at Dedham, which is now almost ready to Opperate ; but before I began to 
 fix the above Hammers, I fully prov'd the Experiment by having about a 
 Thousand Weight drawn at Newton — 
 
 " Thus far I have given a general Account of the Matter to this Time, 
 and have Surmounted every Difficulty that commonly Occurs in any new 
 Business, more especially in one of this Nature, without any Expence to, or 
 Assistance from Government, than Thirty five Hundred Pounds of rough 
 Copper, receiv'd from Hugh Orr Esq 1 : ; and at your next Meeting shall lay 
 before you a more particular Account of the State of the Mint. — 
 
 " Boston Jan 1 ? 22? 1788.— Joshua Witherle " 
 
258 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Friday June 13th 1788, "His Excellency communicated to the Council 
 a resolution of the General Court requesting the Governor & Council to lay 
 before the two branches of the Legislature an account of the cost of erecting 
 & compleating the mint, of the expences of carrying on the business of said 
 Mint, of the quantity of coin already struck & what may be expected to be 
 struck in the course of the present year & in general the state of the said 
 Mint & asked the advice of the Council Advised that M^ Wetherle, master 
 workman of the Mint be directed to attend the Governor & Council on 
 Tuesday next & lay a true statement of the mint before them agreeably to 
 said resolution — he was directed accordingly — " 
 
 Wednesday June 18th 1788 "M 1 : Wetherle attended the Council & 
 laid before them a statement of the mint & made answer to the several 
 particulars mentioned in the resolve of thirteenth instant, but as he could not 
 accurately give the whole cost of erecting & compleating the mint for the 
 reasons mentioned by him in his statement— The Council thereupon Ordered 
 that M r - Witherle make a true statement agreeably to the said resolution of 
 the thirteenth instant & that he cause a settlement of all the accounts by 
 the first of July next & that at the end of every month after he lodge in 
 the Secretarys office a true statement of the mint — " 
 Mr. Witherle's statement was as follows : — 
 "May it Please your Exelency & the Hon 1 . 15 Council 
 " Having laid before you the accounts of expences for erecting the mint 
 &c. to the 3 rd of November. 1787 the Amount being £411 1 3L likewise 
 the state of said mint to the 22 n . d of January 1788 ; — In which statement 
 you was informed that the works at Dedham were Nearly compleated : But 
 the severity of the season being such that it was found Impracticable to pro- 
 ceed any further untill spring, by reason of the ice &c. — therefore I was 
 under the necessety of haveing the copper Drawn at Newton, or to stop the 
 works ; in which case I humbly conceive that I should not have been able to 
 had the works in so Good a situation as they are at present, nor the work- 
 men capeable of Eendering one half the service to Government as they are 
 Now. 
 
 " The Dies which was mentioned in the former Statement, which was the 
 Occaison of great Delay are now brought to that state of perfection not 
 onley as it Respects their Quality & stability, but also the Expence which I 
 esteemed to be Great at that time. Yett it was unavoidable, untill some 
 other person could be found, to cure this difficulty— therefore a person was 
 
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, $2.00 a year, in advance. 
 Address JEREMIAH COLBURN, 18 SOMERSET STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 Subscription, $1.50 Canadian Currency, per annum, in advance. 
 Payable to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86#, Montreal. 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
 DEALER IN " 
 
 Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, 
 
 AND CONFEDERATE PAPER MONEY AND BOOKS RELATING TO THE SAME. 
 
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 Field Medal, Bronze, . .... 1.25 
 
 A343I CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 EDWARD COGAN, 
 
 Dealer in Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and . Medals, 
 
 No. 408 STATE STREET, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
 
 HENRY AHLBORN, 
 
 Buys and Sells all kinds of American and Foreign Coins and Medals, 
 
 AT THE ^ 
 
 e "Old Toll H«use," Foot of Cambridge Street, 
 
 BOSTON. 
 
Part 9. 
 
 Price $1. 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPRISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OP 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OP UNKNOWN ORIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 FIKST PATTEENS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CROSBY. 
 
 m* a 
 
 BOSTON, MASS.: 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCH^IOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 
 
 1873. 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 259 
 
 sought for and is now procured to provide and supply the mint with Dies 
 for copper coin, at the reasonable rate of one p- Cent without any other 
 expence to Government ; The saveing made in this particular will fully appear 
 by M? Callenders Account laid before you Respecting this article : — 
 
 " The cost of erecting & compleating the mint, with the expences that 
 have attended the same, cannot be accurately given at this particular time as 
 there are several accounts handed in that appear to be erroneous and must 
 be corrected, and Others, which it is not in my Power to colect and adjust 
 so as to Give them in now but such account as could be collected & adjusted 
 are laid before you — 
 
 " The quantity of coin, already struck will appear by the Treasurers 
 Receipts lodged in the Secretary's Office by the Inspector : the amount being 
 2500 Dollars 
 
 " With respect to the quantity of Coin that may be expected to be struck 
 in the course of the present year (if copper coin onley is ment) will depend 
 on the Quantity of stock that Government can supply the mint with, if a 
 sufficient Quantity can be supplied about fifty dollars p'' Day may be coined, 
 with those Machines that are now compleated ; But if it is the Intention of 
 Government to have Gold & silver coin struck, — agreeable to their act for 
 that purpose, which the mint was erected & calculated for as well as for 
 copper coin, it be performed with a small addition of expence to that which 
 is necessary for coining Copper only ; as the Machines now Erected are 
 capable of executing any coin under the size of a Dollar. — 
 
 "The expence of carrying on the business of the mint as near as can be 
 calculated may amount to about £1100. — p*' Annum. Including all Charges; 
 and about "15000 Dollars may be struck in copper coin in that time provided 
 there can be about six tons of Copper supplied, which may cost about £600 — ■ 
 which it is supposed will enable the mint to go on with business and dis- 
 charge the expences that have or may occur. — the quantity of coper now 
 on hand is about 2500 pound weight — 
 
 " A General & Particular Statement of the Mint with a proper Distinction 
 between the cost of erecting & the expence of carrying on the business will be 
 laid before you as soon as all the accounts Can be collected & adjusted — 
 
 "Boston 17. June 1788 Josh* Witherle " 
 
 Thursday, June 19th, 1788. "The Secretary brought down the following- 
 Message from His Excellency the Governour viz. 
 
260 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 " Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Eepresentatives. 
 
 " Agreeably to the request of the two Houses of the 12^ h instant a par- 
 ticular inquiry has been made into the state of the mint, the result of which 
 is, that from the many unsettled accounts M v Wetherle, the Master Workman, 
 is unable to ascertain with any considerable degree of exactness the expense 
 of erecting the buildings &° The accounts which he has closed amount to 
 about six hundred pounds. That from the various delays which have attended 
 the business there has been coined the value of twenty five hundred dollars 
 only, which has been delivered to the Treasurer, but that the works are now 
 in such a state, that with a full supply of stock, which will cost about six 
 hundred pounds the business may be carried on with such dispatch as that 
 the value of fifteen thousand dollars may be struck off in one year. That 
 the expense of doing this exclusive of the copper will amount to eleven or 
 twelve hundred pounds. 
 
 " That we have on hand about twenty five hundred pound of copper after 
 the coining of which, the business must cease or be prosecuted with loss to 
 the Commonwealth unless the sum of six hundred pounds beforementioned 
 shall be advanced, for with a less stock than can be procured with that sum 
 it cannot be pursued with any advantage to the State. The master-work- 
 man is called upon to settle immediately all his accounts, and to lay them 
 before the Governour and Council on the first day of July next, with a 
 particular account of all the expenses of buildings, &°- and make a full repre- 
 sentation of the state of the mint, which will be communicated to you. 
 
 " Signed, 
 
 " Council Chamber " John Hancock 
 
 " Boston '■ 
 
 r June 19* 1788 " 
 
 Friday, July 18th, 1788, the Council " Advised that M 1 : Wetherle have a 
 further time allowed him to make a true statement of the whole cost of 
 erecting & compleating the mint, & that he cause a settlement of all the 
 accounts by the fifth of August next — that he then lodge the same in the 
 Secretary's office — " 
 
 Tuesday, August 5th, 1788. " Ordered that the attendance of W Wetherle 
 be directed this afternoon with his accounts of the expence of the Mint 
 agreeably to the order of the Governor & Council of the eighteenth of July 
 last— ***** 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 261 
 
 " MV Wetherle attended this afternoon agreeably to order & exhibited 
 sundry accounts amounting to Five hundred eighty nine pounds eighteen 
 shillings & three pence h respecting the cost of erecting & compleating the 
 mint for .coinage of copper & made answer to the several questions asked 
 him & informed the Council that he was unable to render an account of the 
 whole amount of the cost for want of two or three accounts which he would 
 lay before them as soon as he can obtain them — The Council directed 
 him to make a complete statement of the whole amount of cost & of the 
 sum coined & to render the same at the time the Secretary shall inform 
 him — " 
 
 Tuesday, September 9th, 1788. " In pursuance of the order of the Council 
 of the fifth of August last M 1 .' Wetherle Master Workman of the Massachu- 
 setts Mint exhibited the remainder of his accounts of the cost of erecting & 
 compleating the Mint, of the expences of carrying on the business of the said 
 Mint of the quantity of Coin already struck & what may be expected to be 
 struck in the course of the present year & in general the state of the said 
 Mint agreeably to the order of the two branches of the Legislature of the 
 thirteenth of June last which being laid before the Governor & Council was 
 read & committed to His Honor the Lieut. Governor & the Honble M* Phillips 
 to arrange in order to their being laid before the General Court at their 
 next Session." 
 
 On Friday, September 12th, 1788, a warrant was drawn on the Treasury 
 for " Three hundred & ninety Pounds in favor of Capt Joshua Wetherle, 
 Master Workman of the Mint to be paid in Cents — he to be accountable 
 for the same — " 
 
 A statement of the expenses of the mint was rendered !Nov. 4th, and : — 
 " The Council having taken the above statement into consideration, thereupon 
 Advised that His Excellency lay said statement before the General Court 
 with the papers supporting the same in order that they may take such 
 measures as they judge shall be expedient " 
 
 Wednesday, ^November 5th, 1788, " The Secretary brought down the fol- 
 lowing Message from His Excellency the Governour viz. 
 
 " Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives. 
 "Enquiry has been made into the State of the Mint ; from which it 
 appears that 
 
£677 
 
 11 
 
 2J 
 
 1026 
 
 15 
 
 4i 
 
 431 
 
 19 
 
 
 
 2136 
 
 5 
 
 7 
 
 939 
 
 
 
 262 THE EARLT OOESTS OP AMERICA. 
 
 "The expenses of the buildings amount to 
 Expences of conducting- the business .... 
 Amount of Stock expended ..... 
 
 " Amount of Coin struck off ..... 
 
 which leaves a balance against the Commonwealth . . . 1197 5 7 
 
 as will appear by the papers which I have directed the Secretary to lay 
 before you in order that you may take such measures as you may judge 
 
 expedient. 
 
 f f /-, -i /-(i n " (Signed) John Hancock 
 
 Council Chamber v ° J 
 
 « Nov 1 : 5. 1788 
 
 "Read again and committed to M*. Mason, M. 1 - Choate & M? Spooner, 
 with the papers accompanying " 
 
 Friday, November 21st, 1788. " The Committee on the Governour's mes- 
 sage respecting the Mint made report. Recommitted in order for a Resolve 
 to be brought in to appoint a Committee to receive proposals from indi- 
 viduals for Coining, in the recess of the General Court, & to report at their 
 next setting " 
 
 "We next present the Report mentioned above. 
 
 " The Comm ttee Appointed upon the Governors Message, upon the state 
 of the Mint, Have attend 1 ? that service & ask leave to Report as follows — viz. 
 
 "It appears by the Statements in his Excellency 15 Message that a] llq „ - „ 
 
 Ballauce is due from the Commonwealth of . . . . [ 
 
 "From wich ballance deduct the Cost for the Buildings & tools for) fi77 91 
 
 carryg on the Business amounts to . . . . . j 
 
 ::■ 
 
 £ 519 14 5| 
 
 "The above ballance of £519 14 5J appears to have been lost in carri s 
 on the business as will appear by the following statement — 
 
 "To Expence of coining ....... £1026 15 4 
 
 "To cost of stock ........ 431 19 
 
 £ 1458 14 4 
 Deduct for amount of Coin struck off . . . . 939 
 
 £ 519 14 4-i 
 
 "your comm ttee are of Opinion that if the Mint had been suppli? with a 
 sufficient stock for the carr s on the business its probable the loss woo d have 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 263 
 
 been much less and perhaps no kiss might have ensue a — and considering the 
 state of our Finances the comm ttee submit to the Hon We House wether it woo a 
 not be more for the Interests of the common wealth to contract with some 
 Person or Persons for the purpose of compleat g the sum to be coin d mention 11 
 in the s d act, than to continue it on the present establishment" 
 
 November 21st, 1788. " The Committee on the G-overnours message, 
 respecting the Mint reported a Resolve for appointing a Committee to be 
 joined by such as the Hon Senate might appoint to receive proposals for 
 coining copper, agreeably to order. Read & the blank being filled with the 
 names of Jonathan Mason and Samuel Breck Esquires the same was accepted 
 and sent up. for concurrence." 
 
 " Saturday November 22 d 1788 " 
 
 " In the House of Representatives — Whereas it is expedient, that some 
 new measure should be adopted for rendering the coinage of copper in the 
 mint more advantageous to the Commonwealth : — Resolved that Jonathan 
 Mason & Samuel Breck esq'? with such as the honorable Senate may join be 
 a Committee to receive proposals from any person or persons who may offer 
 to contract to carry on the coinage of copper within this Commonwealth, 
 and to report such propositions, with their opinion respecting the same, and 
 what may be necessary further to be done, the whole to be laid before the 
 General Court at their next sitting. — And it is further Resolved that the 
 Governor and Council be and . hereby are requested to cause all the copper 
 now on hand to be coined as soon as may be and when compleated to dis- 
 charge all the persons now employed in that business untill the further order 
 of this Court. 
 
 " In Senate read and concurred Approved by the Governor " 
 
 Witherle, having been notified of this action of the Court, writes to 
 John Avery, secretary of the Council : — 
 
 « Sir " Boston 29 th Dec* 1788 — 
 
 " Agreeable to your Request to me of the 27 tb Instant I would now 
 Inform you, that the Quantity of Copper in the mint not Coined, is about 
 900 lb — about 350 lb of which is in hand to be Coined, & will leave about 
 550 lb uncoined, which is too small a quantity to proceed any further, without an 
 addition of more Copper. As soon as the above Copper in hand to be Coind 
 is finished, shall Immediately Render in the whole accounts of the mint — 
 
 . "I am Sir yotxr Terry Hum" 1 Ser- 
 
 "John Avery Jun? Esq 1 - Joshua Witherle" 
 
264 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 To which Avery replies, 
 
 " Sir Boston Dec. 30* h 1788 
 
 " Your fav. of Yesterday respecting the Quantity of Copper uncoined 
 I have communicated to his Excellency the Governour and I have it in 
 charge from him to inform you that as soon as you have -compleated the 
 Business of coining the copper on hand that you make an immediate return 
 to h im thereof and render in the whole Accounts of the mint and that you 
 will be as speedy as possible in the completion of the Business 
 " I am Sir your hum Sev* 
 
 «W Joshua Witherle J. A" 
 
 The Committee appointed on the 22d of ISTovember report as follows : — 
 " The Committee of both Houses appointed to receive Proposals for 
 carrying on the Coinage of Copper in this Commonwealth, having attended 
 that Service and received Proposals from M r Jonathan Pierce & from Col. 
 John May are of opinion that those made by M r May are best calculated to 
 promote the Interest of the Commonwealth But the Committee being in 
 doubt respecting the Power of the General Government to contract this 
 Business submit the said Proposals to the Court for their Consideration — 
 
 "Cotton Tufts p? ord 1 " 
 
 " Mr Jon a Peirces Proposals — for Coining Coppers " 
 "Salem 18 th December 1788 
 "Proposals for Coining Copper for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts viz* 
 
 "First I will engage to give the State for the exclusive right Ten per 
 Cent — 
 
 " Secondly I will find my own Stock, on Governments taking the Coin, 
 when a certain quantity is made, which shall be agreed on, so as to enable 
 me to purchase Stock from time to time as it is expended 
 
 " Jonathan Peirce " 
 
 The following paper is unsigned, but endorsed " John May Esqr Proposals." 
 
 "Boston December 31 s * 1788 — 
 
 " To the Hono! Committee of both houses of the Commonwealth of Mas- 
 sachusetts, appointed for the purpose of Contracting with some person or 
 persons for the Coining of Copper agreeably to an act of the Legislature of 
 the Said Commonwealth — 
 
 " Proposials of John May of Boston, for takeing the Mint and works now 
 erected on the Lands of Major Joslr^ "Whetherle together with the roleing 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 26)5 
 
 mills at Dedham, and all the apparatus allreddy provided by the Commonwealth, 
 for the purpose of makeing Cents & half Cents agreeable to y? ordinance 
 of Congress, untill the Sum stipulated by government shall be Compleeted — 
 
 " The Said May will undertake this Buisness and Carry it on in the most 
 expeditious manner, he will at his Own expence furnish the Stock & pay the 
 Expences of mint? and will further pay to the order of the Commonwealth 
 for the exclucive right of Coining the sum required and the Use of all the 
 materials that are allreddy provided, Eleven Cents for every hundred Cents, 
 coined until the sum required is made to Compleet the Sum of Seventy Thou- 
 sand Dollars, deducting however the Sum allreddy made by said Wetherlee, 
 and the Said May will further agree that from and. after the Signing his Agree- 
 ment with the Hon? Committee afforesaid, he will exempt the Commonweath 
 from every charge of rents, for Said Land, Untill the expiration of said 
 Contract. — 
 
 " And it is further Understood by Said May & these proposials are made 
 on this express Condition, that the Legislature or the Hon? Committee shall 
 indemnify the S? May against any resolve of the New Federall Governmt 
 that Shall tend to deprive him of the right of Coining Cents & half Cents, 
 as the Federall Convention have Stated in the first Article 8*? Sec" of the 
 Said Constitution it being by that Article expressed that JSTo State has Eight 
 to Coin money &c, on there own Accompt. 
 
 " of these Circumstances however the Hon? Committee are the best 
 Judges — " 
 
 The following proposition has neither date or signature: we insert it as 
 one of the plans presented for consideration. 
 
 "If the legislature will pass a law to the following effect, the State may 
 form a contract, for the performance of which the most satisfactory security 
 shall be given 
 
 "The Treasurer of the State and— Mess. A. & B. to be jointly author- 
 ized to contract for the coining of £ L'f ' M'y, in copper coin to be 
 delivered into the treasury of the State within eighteen months from the 
 first day of Jan'y 1789. 
 
 " The treasurer, on the retf of said coin or any part thereof not less 
 than 10 ? Ct of the whole amount, to give engagemts to be paid in gold or 
 silver, and subject to no deduction whatever, that the same shall be paid by 
 the state to the contractor in five equal and yearly payments with 6 $ Ct 
 in 8 .* in gold or silver, untill the principal shall be discharged — 
 
266 THE EAKLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 " On the contract's being formed and good security given for the per- 
 formance the treasurer of the state shall deposit into the hands of such 
 person as shall be deemed sufficient by himself and Mess. A. & B. double 
 the am* of the copper coin, in the funded debt of the United States of 
 America, as a security for the fulfilment of the contract on the part of the 
 State, & which said am* of the deposit shall be lodged with the contractor, 
 after the coin is delivered to the treasurer to be returned by him when he 
 shall have rec' 1 payment for the coin, in gold or silver ; and in the same 
 state as to principal and interest, as when rec- 1 by him — 
 
 "The debt that the State have incurred by their coinage to be paid, & 
 the apparatus purchased at a fair appraisement, by the contractor & to be 
 paid in an additional sum in copper coin — " 
 
 The next action of the authorities was as follows : — 
 " Commonwealth of Massachusetts In Senate JanY 22? 1789 — 
 
 " Ordered that Eben 1 Bridge Esq 1 ; with such as the honorable House 
 may join be a committee to contract with John May Esq (A) for the coining 
 of Cents to the amount of Seventy thousand Dollars including what is already 
 coined, upon such terms as shall be for the interest of the Commonwealth — 
 " And that upon like terms, they contract (B) with the said May for the 
 use and improvement of the House & utensils used in such coinage, which 
 are the property of the Commonwealth — (C) 
 
 " Sent down for concurrence Sam 1 - Phillips Jun r Presd* " 
 
 "In the House of Representatives Feb 3 ' 16. 1789 
 
 "Read and concurred with amendment at A & M*' Mason of Boston & 
 M 1 ' Breck are joined 
 
 "W Heath Speaker Pro Tem 
 
 " At A insert ' or with any other person who shall offer more advanta- 
 geous terms ' " 
 
 "In Senate Feb? 17* 11 1789 — 
 
 "Read & concurred Sam 1 . Phillips j 1 ' Presid*. " 
 
 " In Senate Feb? 17* 11 1789 — Read again and reconsidered & the Senate 
 concur with the Hon 1 '. 1 * House with amendments at B & C 
 
 " Sent down for concurrence Sam 1 . Phillips j 1 : Presid* 
 
 "B dele < with the said May' C ins* and the contract, so made by the 
 said Committee shall be binding on the part of this Commonwealth " 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 267 
 
 The conclusion of this phase of the business is thus recorded in the 
 Journal of the House of Representatives : — 
 
 "Tuesday Feb 17 1789 
 
 "Amendment of the Hon Senate in the order appointing a committee to 
 contract for the coinage of copper Read & ordered that the consideration of 
 the whole subject be referred to the next session of the General Court" 
 
 As we find in the records no later reference to this project, it is pre- 
 sumed that it was abandoned on account of the article in the Constitution, 
 mentioned by May, in his petition, (see page 265,) which provides that: — 
 "The Congress shall have the power * * * To coin money, regulate the 
 value thereof, and of foreign coin; and fix the standard of weights and 
 measures: * * * ISTo state shall enter into any treaty, alliance or confedera- 
 tion; grant letters of marque and reprisal; coin money; emit bills of credit; 
 make any thing but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts; pass 
 any bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation of 
 contracts, or grant any title of nobility." 
 
 " Thursday January 22? 1789 
 
 " By a resolve of the General Court of the twenty second day of 
 November last, The Governor & Council were requested to cause all the 
 copper on hand to be coined as soon as possible & when compleated to dis- 
 charge all the persons employed in the Mint until the further order of the 
 General Court — By the accounts this day exhibited it appears that the ex- 
 pences of the Mint since the thirty first of October last amounts to one 
 hundred thirty nine pounds one shilling & eleven pence * ; — That the moneys 
 coined since amounts to one hundred & nine pounds two shillings & seven 
 pence — By the representation of M^ Wetherle, Master Workman of the Mint, 
 it appears also that all the stock of copper suitable for this business is now 
 expended: — It is therefore the opinion of the Council that in compliance 
 with the above order of the Court, the Master, Inspector & all others now 
 employed in the Mint should be discharged until the farther order of the 
 General Court ; & that measures should be immediately adopted for speedy 
 settlement of the accounts — 
 
 "Ordered that Nathan Cushing & Artemas Ward esq? be a Committee 
 to examine the accounts of Joshua Wetherle, Master Workman of the Mint 
 exhibited this day, together with the accounts heretofore exhibited & report — " 
 
268 THE EARLY COHSTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 The following draughts of the letters discharging the officers and em- 
 ployees of the mint, are found in the Council files at date. 
 
 « Sir " Boston January 23? 1789 
 
 "Agreeably to the directions of the Governour & Council you are hereby 
 discharged from 'your employment in the Buisness of coinage of Copper 
 and you are also directed to discharge all the persons now employed in that 
 Business untill the further of the General Court — 
 "I am Sir with great Estee 
 
 " Your hum Serv* 
 
 "J. A" 
 
 "Sir "Boston Jan? 23/1789 
 
 " Agreeably to the directions of the Gov. & Council you are hereby 
 directed to discharge all the persons now employed in the Buisness of the 
 Mint and you are hereby to consider yourself also discharged from this 
 Business untill the further order of the Court — 
 
 "I am Sir your hum Sev*" 
 
 " Sir " Boston January 23. 1789 
 
 " Agreeably to the directions of the Governour & Council you are hereby 
 discharged from your employ as Inspector of the Mint untill the further 
 order of the Gen Court 
 
 " I am Sir with great Este 
 
 "Your hum Sev* 
 " Ebenezer Hancock Esq " J. A " 
 
 In the House of Representatives, Friday, January 23, 1789 : — 
 "The Secretary brought down the following message, from His Excel- 
 lency the Governour viz. 
 
 " Gentlemen of the Senate & Gentlemen of the House of Representatives — 
 " In compliance with a Resolve of the General Court of the 22 d of No- 
 vember last all the copper suitable for making cents, has been worked. In 
 Consequence thereof the Master workman, the Inspector, and all others em- 
 ployed in the mint are discharged, untill the further order of the General 
 Court, and measures are adopted for the most speedy settlement of all the 
 accounts ; which I shall cause to be laid before you 
 
 " The building and tools necessary to carry on the business of the mint 
 have been built and procured at the expense of the Commonwealth. You 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 
 
 269 
 
 will give such directions concerning them, and the remaining stock unsuitable 
 
 for the business as shall best promote the interest of the State. 
 
 Signed John Hancock" 
 
 " Boston Jany, 23? 1789. 
 
 On Tuesday, January 27th 1789, we find a "Warrant drawn on the 
 Treasury for Two hundred ninety eight pounds two shillings & seven pence 
 in favor of Capt Joshua Wetherle Master Workman of the Mint — to be 
 paid in Cents & to be accountable for the same — " 
 
 Before presenting the final statement of the accounts of the mint-master, 
 we will give an abstract of his statements of "Expenses of Erecting, Com- 
 pleating and Carrying on the Business of the Massachusetts Mint." 
 
 
 Expence of Erecting 
 &c 
 
 Expence of 
 
 Carrying on the ' 
 
 Business 
 
 Amount of Stock 
 
 Amount of 
 
 the whole acco tts 
 
 given in 
 
 Quantity of Coin 
 Struck. 
 
 1787 Nov? 3 . . 
 
 1788 May 31 . . 
 July 31 . . 
 
 Aug? 4 30 . . 
 
 Oct? 31 . . 
 
 1789 Jan? 21 . . 
 
 £391 8 
 
 83 1 
 
 188 16 
 
 11 14 
 
 2 10 
 
 11^ 
 
 1 
 
 »i 
 4 
 
 
 
 £ 19 12 4 
 108 15 9 
 135 19 6 
 
 113 4 6 
 
 54 3 2i 
 45 13 3f 
 
 £265 2 
 
 35 13 6 
 131 3 6 
 
 £411 1 3| 
 191 16 10 
 
 589 18 3i 
 
 40 3 10 
 
 92 6 81 
 139 1 11 | 
 
 f 2700 Doll 1 * is 
 1 £810 
 129 
 109 2 7 
 
 
 677 11 
 
 H 
 
 477 8 7 
 
 431 19 
 
 1464 8 Hi 
 
 £1048 2 7 
 
 Witherle's accounts were next presented in Council ; we give the record 
 in full : — 
 
 " Wednesday January 28 th 1789 Present in Council 
 " His Honor Benjamin Lincoln Esq* Lieut. Governor 
 
 Honble Nathan Cushing Azor Orne Jonathan Greenleaf Edward Cutts Esq? 
 
 Honble Samuel Adams John Frost William Phillips Artemas Ward Esq 1 ? 
 
 "The Committee appointed the twelfth instant to whom was referred the 
 examination of the accounts of Mf. Joshua Wetherle for the erecting, carry- 
 ing on & purchase of copper for the Mint from the third of November 1787 
 to this day, reported a statement of said Accounts with the allowances made 
 the Master Workman & the Inspector of said Mint & find a balance of one 
 thousand & seventy pounds ten shillings and three pencei due to Mf. Joshua 
 Wetherle late Master Workman which were read & thereupon Advised that 
 
270 
 
 THE EARLY COESTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 His Excellency be requested to lay the same before the General Court with 
 the annexed inventory of those articles in his hands belonging to the Com- 
 monwealth — 
 
 " D 1 .. M? Joshua Wetherle in account with The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cl. 
 
 
 
 
 1789 
 
 
 
 
 " 1789 To 3498 lb of Copper from 
 
 
 
 Jan 21 
 
 By amount of Account for 
 
 
 
 the Commissary General 
 
 
 
 
 the expences of erecting, 
 
 
 
 at 9 d pr lb . 
 
 £131 
 
 3 6 
 
 
 carrying on & purchase 
 
 
 
 "Jany21To amount of copper 
 
 
 
 
 of copper for the Mint 
 
 
 
 coined at the Mint to 
 
 
 
 
 from the 3 1 ? of Novem- 
 
 
 
 this day, paid into the 
 
 
 
 
 ber 1787' to this day. 
 
 £1595 
 
 16 4J 
 
 Treasury & received out 
 
 
 
 
 By your salary from June 
 
 
 
 again & sundry war- 
 
 
 
 
 1. 1787 to 21 January 
 
 
 
 rants from the Governor 
 
 
 
 
 1789 is 19 months & 20 
 
 
 
 & Council 
 
 1048 
 
 2 7 
 
 
 days at £300 p 1 Annum 
 
 491 
 
 13 4 
 
 Balance due to Joshua 
 
 
 
 
 By Ebenezer Hancock esq? 
 
 
 
 Wetherle 
 
 1070 
 
 10 3J 
 
 
 inspector of the Mint for 
 his pay from the 13? 1 of 
 September 1787 to Jan- 
 uary 21?* 1789 is 16 
 months & 7 days at 
 £120 pi Annum . 
 
 162 
 
 6 8 
 
 
 £2249 
 
 16 4J 
 
 £2249 
 
 16 4'J 
 
 : Inventory of the buildings, implements &c for coining of Copper, now on hand the property 
 
 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts — 
 
 " 2 Buildings on Boston neck viz* N? 1 containing 1 Machine for cutting Cents &c 
 
 1 D° for stamping D° 
 
 1 Cast iron frame for cutting Machine 
 
 1 iron stove & funnel 
 537 lb Copper scraps — 
 
 N° 2 containing 1 Air furnace with grates & doors 
 
 2 iron bars . . 2 D° Ladles 
 1 D° Shovel . . 1 D° Rake 
 
 21 T>° Moulds 2 rolling machines 
 300 White bricks 
 
 ■ 2 Buildings at Dedham Viz'.. 
 
 N°. 1 containing 
 
 1 Plating Machine — 1 Trip hammer & stake 
 4 tongs . . 2 iron rollers ■ — 1 sett iron bed pieces 
 1 Forge . . 1 Nealing furnace 
 50 white bricks. — 
 N°. 2 a small coal house containing about 50 bushels Charcoal 
 
 "Joshua Witherle" 
 Boston 21* January 1789 — 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 271 
 
 " Commonwealth of Massachusetts In Senate June 9*! 1 1789 
 " Resolved that there be allowed & paid out of the Treasury of this 
 Commonwealth the sum of Ten hundred & seventy pounds ten shillings & 
 3 1 from the first money which shall come into the treasury from Tax 1ST! 6. 
 not already appropriated to Joshua Wetherle in full for the balance of an 
 account due to him for erecting sundry buildings and for carrying on the 
 business of coining cents. 
 
 "Eesolved further that the said Wetherle be & he is hereby impowered 
 & requested to take charge' till the further order of this Court of the afore- 
 said building utensils &c the property of this Commonwealth remaining, as 
 by an Inventory exhibited & annexed to his account beforementioned." 
 
 " Thursday June 11* 1789 
 
 c Warrant drawn on the Treasury for One thousand & seventy pounds 
 ten shillings & three pence I in favor of Capt Joshua Wetherle in full for 
 the balance of his account for erecting buildings & carrying on the business 
 of coining cents — to be paid from the first money that shall come into the 
 Treasury from tax IST- 6 not already appropriated — agreeable to a resolve 
 of the ninth instant — " 
 
 " Commonwealth of Massachusetts In Council June 17? 1789 
 
 " His Excellency communicated a Resolve of the General Court in favor of 
 Joshua Wetherlee late Master workman of the Copper Mint, passed June 9*? 
 1789, respecting the settlement of his account, — and mentioned, that M r Weth- 
 erlee was desirous that the bonds he gave upon his introduction to the said 
 business of coinage might be cancelled — and asked the advice of Council : 
 The Council thereupon Advised, that the bonds of Joshua Wetherlee be can- 
 celled, and that his Excellency give order to the Treasurer to cancell said Bonds 
 accordingly — 
 
 " A true copy from the Minutes of Council John Avery jun 1 Sec y " 
 
 " You are hereby directed to cancell the bonds of Joshua Wetherlee agree- 
 able to the above advice of Council — 
 
 " To Alexander Hodgdon Esq? T >i TT V " 
 
 Joshua Wetherle's bond is next presented : — 
 
 " Know all Men by these presents that We Joshua Witherly of Boston in 
 the County of Suffolk in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Esq r as Principal 
 in the full and just Sum of one thousand pounds and Caleb Davis of Boston 
 
272 THE EAKLT COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Esq. and My Benjamen Cobb of said Boston and of the said County of Suffolk 
 
 Merchant in the sum of five hundred pounds each as Sureties are held, and 
 
 stand firmly bound and obliged to Alexander Hodgdon Esq 1 Treasurer and 
 receivir General of this Commonwealth or to his Successor in said Office — To 
 which Payment well and truly to be made We bind ourselves, our Heirs, Execu- 
 tors, and administrators jointly and severally firmly by these presents sealed 
 with our Seals and dated this sixteenth day of May in the year of our Lord one 
 thousand, seven hundred and Eighty seven, and in the Eleventh year of the 
 Independence of the United States of America — 
 
 " The Condition of this obligation is such, that whereas the said Joshua 
 Witherly Esq is appointed by his Excellency the Governour and the Council to 
 carry on the buisness of coinage of copper, procure the materials for the purpose 
 of erecting a Furnace, and doing every thing necessary for the carrying on said 
 coinage; if therefore the said Joshua Witherly shall truly, and faithfully 
 discharge the duty of his trust, according to Law, and agreeable to such Rules 
 and regulations respecting the well ordering and managing the buisniss of the 
 said Mint, as shall be established by the Governour and Council and render an 
 Account of his proceedings as often as shall be required by the Governour and 
 Council and shall appropriate the Copper that he may be furnished with by the 
 Governour and Council to the buisness of coinage of Copper, and defraying the 
 Expence of the same, then the above written obligation to be void and of none 
 Effect, but in default there of to remain in full force — 
 
 " Signed, sealed & delivered T , . -rrr.,, , r -, 
 
 ° ' Josh a Witherle [l. s.J 
 
 in presence of us — ^ T , -^ . r -. 
 
 1 Caleb Davis l. s. 
 
 John Avery jun Benj Cobb [>,]" 
 
 " W Harris J L J 
 
 « Treasury Office Boston 17 June 1789 
 
 " By Virtue of and Order from His Excellency the Governor with Advice 
 of Council dated this day this Bond is cancel'd by me — 
 
 Alex r Hodgdon Treas 1 " 
 
 The following petition relates to the further use of the mint buildings : — 
 " To the Hon ble Senate & House of Representatives of the Common Wealth 
 
 of Massachusetts 
 
 " The Petition of Joshua Witherle of Boston humbly Sheweth, 
 
 " That your petitioner being informed that your Hon rs have been pleased to 
 
 request or direct him to take charge of the Buildings & apparatus of the Mint 
 
MASSACHUSETTS. 273 
 
 until the further Orders of Government, which your petitioner has no objection 
 to — And begs leave to inform your Hon 1 ? That He, in order to save expences to 
 Government, erected those buildings on his own land, for which he has not 
 charg'd any Rent — Except the land & Stream at Dedham, where the plating 
 Mill stands, which land & stream is leased to your petitioner for a number of 
 years, with a design of carrying on a particular Manufacture 1 which he concieves 
 may be benefic! to the public as well as to himself — Your Petitioner therefore 
 prays your Hon 1 ? for liberty of making use of s d Mill, until Government shall 
 see fit to dispose of it otherways, in consideration of which your petitioner is 
 willing to relinquish the rent of s d land & Stream & to take care of the buildings 
 & Apparatus of the Mint without any expence to Government — Which will 
 enable your petitioner to prosecute the afores d business. And your Petitioner 
 as in duty bound shall pray 
 
 "Boston 10 June 1789 Josh* Witherle " 
 
 " Comm of Massachusetts In Senate 26th June 1789 
 
 "On the petition of Joshua Witherle — Resolved that the said Witherle 
 until the further order of the General Court, have liberty to make use of the 
 mill at Dedham, with the house, appurtenances, and utensils to the same 
 belonging, which were erected and provided for the service of the mint) he 
 keeping the same in good repair, & returning them when required, according to 
 an inventory which has been exhibited by said Witherle without any charge or 
 expence to the government — " 
 
 A Resolve of June 10, 1790, relates to the disposal of the copper coin 
 in the State Treasury. 
 
 " Resolved, That the Treasurer, be, and he hereby is directed to pay 
 out the copper cents now in the treasury, in discharge of the debts due from 
 the Commonwealth, at the rate of one hundred and eight cents for six shillings 
 lawful money, subject however to such appropriations as have been or may 
 be made by the Legislature, of the other public monies in the treasury, and 
 that the Treasurer receive the same in payments at the same rate, any law 
 or resolve to the contrary notwithstanding." 
 
 Joshua Witherle's house stood upon the site now occupied by dwelling 
 houses numbered from 1132 to 1144 Washington Street, East Waltham Street 
 dividing the estate near its southerly line. Bushnell in his manuscript Numis- 
 
 1 Probably tbe working of copper. The Boston Directory of 1V89 says, "Witherle Joshua 
 & Co. copper-smiths, house WashiDgton-street, shop in Kilby-street." 
 
274 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 matic Notes says of it, " The mint house stood directly in the rear of Joshua 
 Witherle's house, now three stories high, of wood, numbered 910 Washington 
 street, and has been occupied for several years as a lying-in hospital at Boston 
 Neck. The building used as a mint house was a wooden one, one story in 
 height, of high stud, about twenty feet wide by forty feet in length. Mr. 
 Witherle had probably occupied the building previous to the period of the State 
 coinage. He was a copper smith by trade, and was commonly known among 
 the boys of Boston, by the appellation of 'The Cent Maker.'" 
 
 " Some years ago there was a report that silver coins were struck at the 
 Mass. mint, 1787-88, bearing the devices of the cents and half cents. The 
 following letter written by the late Judge Savage, who was high authority upon 
 Mass. history, is in reply to a query upon the truth of the above report : 
 
 _ ,. « f Boston 5 Novr. 1853. 
 
 " 'Dear Sir, 
 
 " c To the several questions in your note of the 2 d inst. relative to our mint 
 in Boston, I can make no answer, except to the last. No silver coins were 
 struck. 
 
 " 5 How vexatious is our ignorance ; but the blessed advent of the Consti- 
 tution of the Union so soon putting an end to our copper shop, will explain it. 
 
 Yours, Jas. Savage.'" 
 
 The copper for the coins of Massachusetts, (excepting a small quantity 
 which was drawn at Newton,) after being cast into ingots at the mint at Boston, 
 was carted to the mill at Dedham, where it was drawn under a trip-hammer, and 
 rolled into sheets, when it was returned to the mint, where the blanks were 
 prepared and the coin stamped. 
 
 The carting to and from Dedham is said to have been done by Rufus 
 Whiting, who appears to have been a primitive expressman, taking orders from 
 the inhabitants of Dedham for such articles as they desired, purchasing them in 
 Boston and delivering them at their homes. Taking payment for his services 
 for the mint in cents, he made his payments in the same until they became so 
 plentiful as to caxise some difficulty in making his larger purchases ; after 
 which, if he wished fifty pounds of sugar, or merchandise of similar amount he 
 was compelled to obtain part at one store, and part at another, until his order 
 was completed. Why tradition should have selected Rufus, from among the 
 many Whitings, is uncertain, but the mint accounts which are preserved in the 
 archives, (Vol. 140,) contain bills from Joseph and Paul, Richard, William, 
 Rufus, Moses, and Edward Whiting, all having charges for carting copper. 
 
NEW JERSEY. 
 
 An earlier date is found upon many of the coins issued under the 
 authority of ISTew Jersey, than upon those of Massachusetts ; but we have 
 given precedence to the State last named, because her consideration of the 
 subject of a coinage of copper preceded that of New Jersey, though only by 
 a short time ; the act authorizing a coinage in this State was, however, 
 passed some months earlier than was that of Massachusetts. 
 
 It is probable that the undertakers of this coinage, having already had 
 some experience in the business, (as it is said that Mould had followed a 
 similar occupation in England, and brought to this country his entire appa- 
 ratus, prepared to continue it,) found fewer, and less serious obstacles to 
 overcome in the establishment of their mint, than did Witherle ; and although 
 they soon disagreed and established separate mints, they were able to issue 
 their coins much more speedily, and to a greater amount than he found it 
 possible to do. 
 
 The first introduction of the project of coining in this State is recorded 
 in the " Totes and Proceedings of the tenth General Assembly", on Tuesday, 
 May 23d, 1786, when : — 
 
 "The Speaker laid before the House proposals made by "Walter Mould, 
 Thomas Goadsby and albion Cox for striking a Copper Coin for the State 
 of New-Jersey which was read Whereupon Ordered, That Mess 1 ' 8 A Clark, 
 E S Smith, Sheppard, Marsh and Nicoll be a Committee to Confer with the 
 said Walter Mould Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox on the Subject of the 
 said proposals and report to the House the Terms they may agree upon " 
 
276 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 " Wednesday May 24. 1786. M r A Clark from the Committee Appointed 
 to Confer with Walter Mould Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox on the Subject 
 of their proposals for striking a Copper Coin in the State of New-Jersey 
 reported as follows : 
 
 " That they have held the conference for which they were appointed and 
 have agreed with M r Mould in behalf of himself and Associates on either of 
 the Conditions following, as may be most agreeable to the Legislature 
 
 " First That said Persons if authorized to Coin a sum in Coppers not 
 to exceed ten thousand pounds will engage to Coin that sum. and no more 
 and to pay one eleventh part thereof to the State 
 
 " Secondly If they shall be permitted to Coin any greater sum than the 
 ten thousand pounds limitted by persons authorized for that purpose who 
 may stop such Coinage whenever a sum shall be Coined to as large an 
 amount as will pass current without Depreciation they will engage to Coin 
 at least ten thousand Pounds and to pay to the State one tenth part of all 
 the sums they may Coin which several Conditions are Submitted to the 
 House 
 
 " By order of the Committee, 
 
 "Ab 1 ? Clark" 
 
 " The House having taken the above report into Consideration Ordered, 
 That M r Mould and his Associates have leave to bring in a Bill agreeably 
 to the Last mentioned Condition ***** 
 
 "M r Marsh agreeably to leave given and in behalf of the Petitioners 
 presented the draught of a Bill intituled < An Act for the Establishment of 
 a Coinage of Copper in this State ' which Bill was read and ordered a second 
 reading." 
 
 " Thursday, May 25. 1786. A Petition from William Leddle Esq. Accom- 
 panied with proposals for Coining of Copper was read. Whereupon 
 
 "The Bill intituled 'An Act for the establishment of a Coinage of 
 Copper in this State' was a second time debated and Ordered to be en- 
 grossed." 
 
 Who William Leddle, or Leddel as he writes it, was, we know not ; 
 but he seems to have received rather cool treatment, not even "Leave to 
 withdraw" being recorded upon his petition. This paper we have been so 
 fortunate as to obtain, but that of Mould, Goadsby and Cox, cannot now be 
 found. 
 
NEW JERSEY. 277 
 
 The Petition of William Leddel. 
 
 " To the Honourable the Legislature of the State of New jersey now 
 Sitting at New Brunswick. — 
 
 " The Memorial and Petition of William Leddel humbly Sheweth, — 
 
 " That your Memorialist, being at present possest, of a considerable quan- 
 tity of Copper, the Production of this State, suitable in quality for a copper 
 Coin, and in possesion of sundry Iron Factories, in which the Coinage of 
 Coppers would be, by Him, easily performed, and without any very consid- 
 erable expence, and having for some Time past, considered a copper coinage, 
 to be carried on in this State, subject to the controul of proper Commis- 
 sioners appointed by the Legislature of the Same, as a circulating Medium, 
 for small Change, and Export, as an eligable Expedient, — The evident Utility 
 thereof,- — 
 
 " hath induced, your Memorialist, to beleive and Pray, that your Honors 
 would grant him the Privillidge, of coining a sum of Money in Coppers as 
 large as the Commissioners appointed by your Honors, to regulate Said 
 Coinage, should See, expedient and necessary, — 
 
 " To induce your Honors, to grant the Prayer of your Memorialist, he 
 humbly Offers, for your Consideration the following Proposals, viz* — 
 
 " That the Coppers, when coined shall be eaqual in weight, and in quality 
 to the best, Coppers that ever hath circulated in this State, — ■ 
 
 " That the Legislature shall have the Privillidge, to give the Divise or 
 impression to be made on the Coppers so to be coined. — and 
 
 " That in consideration of such Permission, your Memorialist will pay 
 into, and render unto the Treasury of this State every Ninth Copper, and 
 that your Memorialist, will at any Time, at the Desire of the Treasurer, or 
 the Commissioners Afforesaid, receive any Paper Money emitted by this State 
 and taken in Payment for Taxes, in exchange for Coppers so made and 
 Coined. — 
 
 " Should your Honors, doubt the Skill and abillity, of your Memorialist, 
 to compleat the, said Coinage he prayeth that he may have five Days, to 
 convince your Honors, by producing an Ensample of his own Performance 
 your Honors at the same Time giving the impression and Weight, . — 
 
 " New Brunswick. — " And your Petitioner as in Duty 
 
 "25*. h May 1786. Bound Shall ever Pray 
 
 W™ Leddel" 
 
278 THE EAKLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 We copy the act of June 1st, 1786, from the Pamphlet Laws of New 
 
 Jersey. 
 
 Chapter CLIY. 
 " An Act for the Establishment of a Coinage of Copper in this State. 
 
 "Whereas the Copper Coin now current and passing in this State con- 
 sists mostly of base Metal, and of Coppers so small and light as to be of 
 very little real Value, whereby the Citizens of this State are subjected to 
 manifest Loss and Inconvenience, and are liable to be greatly defrauded ; for 
 Remedy whereof, 
 
 " Sect. 1. Be it Exacted by the Council and General Assembly of 
 this State, and it is hereby Enacted by the Authority of the same, That Walter 
 Mould, Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox, and the Survivors and Survivor of 
 them, are hereby authorized aud empowered, from and after the Publication 
 of this Act, to strike and coin in Copper, for this State, a Sum equal in 
 Value to Ten Thousand Pounds at fifteen Coppers to the Shilling. 
 
 " 2. And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the 
 Coppers so to be coined shall be of pure Copper, and of the Weight of six 
 Pennyweight and six Grains ; that they shall be manufactured and coined 
 within this State, and shall have such Marks and Inscriptions as shall be 
 directed by the Justices of the Supreme Court, or any one of them. 
 
 " 3. And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the said 
 Coppers so to be struck and coined, shall be of the Value aforesaid, unless the 
 United States in Congress assembled shall, by a publick Act, alter the Valua- 
 tion thereof, to which Alteration the Value thereof shall at all Times be 
 subject. 
 
 "4. And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That the 
 said Walter Mould, Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox, before they shall enter 
 on or begin the Coinage aforesaid, shall enter into Bond to the Governor or 
 Commander in Chief of this State, to the Use of the State, with at least two 
 sufficient Sureties, in the Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, conditioned that the 
 said Walter Mould, Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox, or one or more of 
 them, shall, within two Years after the Publication of this Act, strike and 
 coin, within this State, the full Sum of Ten Thousand Pounds in Coppers as 
 aforesaid ; and that they shall faithfully and honestly demean themselves in 
 coining said Coppers ; and that they will deliver to the Treasurer of this 
 State, or his Order, for the Use of the State, one Tenth Part of the full Sum 
 they shall strike and coin as aforesaid, which said Tenth Part shall be paid 
 
NEW JERSEY. 279 
 
 quarterly unto the Treasurer, as aforesaid, by the said Walter Mould, Thomas 
 Goadsby and Albion Cox, from the Time they shall begin to coin as aforesaid 
 during the Time they may carry on said Business ; which Bond the Treasurer 
 is authorized and empowered to take, and the same to file in the Auditor's 
 Office : And the said Walter Mould, Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox, shall, 
 at the Time of giving said Bond, respectively take an Oath or Affirmation 
 that they will well and truly account to the Legislature for the Tenth Part 
 of all the Coppers they may coin as aforesaid, and that they will truly and 
 faithfully execute the said Coinage agreeably to the true Intent and Meaning 
 of this Act. 
 
 "5. And be it further Enacted, That if any Person or Persons whatsoever 
 shall strike or coin any Coppers within this State, without Leave being first 
 had and obtained from the Legislature to do the same, shall forfeit and pay, 
 for each Day he or they may be so employed in striking or coining Coppers 
 contrary to the true Intent and Meaning of this Act, the Sum of Twelve 
 Pounds, to be recovered by the Collector of the County in an Action of Debt in 
 any Court where the same may be cognizable, with Costs of Suit, to be paid 
 into the Treasury of the State for the Time being for the Use of the State. 
 
 " Passed at New Brunswick, June 1, 1786." 
 
 In the General Assembly, Friday, November 17th, 1786 : — 
 
 " A Petition from Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox was read, praying 
 a Supplement may be made to the Act intituled, ' An Act for the establish- 
 ment of a Coinage of Copper in this State; ' which may enable them incle- 
 pendant of Walter Mould, in said Act named, to proceed to the Coinage of 
 two thirds of the sum limited by the Aforesaid Act : 
 
 " Ordered, That the said Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox have leave 
 to present a Bill agreeably to the prayer of their Petition. A Petition from 
 M r Mould was read, and ordered to be read a second time when the said 
 Bill shall be presented to the House." 
 
 " Saturday November 18. 1786 ***** M r Dayton agreeably to leave 
 given, presented the draught of a Bill intituled 'A Supplementary Act to 
 the Act intituled, An Act for the Establishment of a Coinage of Copper in 
 this State ; which was read and ordered a second reading." 
 
 The following is a copy of the original manuscript of this bill : — 
 
 " State of New Jersey 
 
 " A Supplementary Act to the Act intituled ' An Act for the establishment 
 
280 THE EAKLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 of a Coinage of Copper in this State.' Whereas by An -Act passed at Bruns- 
 wick the first day of June last intituled ( An Act for the establishment of a 
 Coinage of Copper in this State,' Walter Mould Thomas Goadsby and Albion 
 Cox were jointly nominated to execute the said business subject to certain 
 conditions restrictions and penalties and whereas it appears that delays have 
 been occasioned and the good intentions of the before mentioned Act is likely 
 to be defeated by the Circumstances of the parties being jointly bound to 
 execute the Contract therefore in order to facilitate and forward the business 
 agreeably to and on the Terms prescribed by said act 
 
 " Be it enacted by the Council and General Assembly of this State, and 
 it is hereby enacted by the Authority of the same 
 
 " That it shall and may be lawful for the said Thomas Goadsby and 
 Albion Cox from and after the publication of this Act to proceed in the 
 Coinage of two third parts of the sum Authorised in the Act intituled r An 
 Act for the establishment of a Coinage of Coper in this State, to wit, of six 
 thousand six hundred and sixty six pounds thirteen shillings and four pence 
 in as full and Ample a manner as they might have done under the former 
 Act had the said Walter Mould joined himself to and subscribed the Condi- 
 tions and penalties enjoined by said Act 
 
 "Provided Nevertheless and it is hereby understood and required that 
 previous to the entering upon the business aforesaid they the said Thomas 
 Goadsby and Albion Cox give and enter into like Bonds and take the same 
 Oath as is prescribed by the before mentioned Act excepting only so far as 
 relates to the joining of the said Walter Mould to the said Thomas Goadsby 
 and Albion Cox and also that they be subject to the like limitations and 
 restrictions with those pointed out in the said Act • 
 
 " And be it further enacted by the Authority Aforesaid that the said Walter 
 Mould be and he is hereby Authorised and empowered to begin and enter 
 upon the Coinage of the remaining third part, to wit, three thousand three 
 hundred and thirty-three pounds six shillings and eight pence upon his pre- 
 viously taking the like Oath and giving a separate Bond in his own name 
 with two sufficient sureties for the same sum and under the same restrictions 
 Conditions and penalties with those required from the said Walter Mould 
 Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox in the before recited Act Provided always 
 that in case of neglect refusal or falure on the part of the said Walter Mould 
 to comply with the above Conditions and enter upon the Coinage of the 
 above mentioned one third within two months from the date hereof it shall 
 
NEW JERSEY. 281 
 
 and may in that Case be lawful for the said Thomas Goadsby and Albion 
 Cox to take upon themselves solely the whole coinage of the sum of ten 
 thousand pounds as fully and amply and under the same exclusion Conditions 
 and restrictions as "Walter Mould Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox were by 
 the former Act empowered jointly to do 
 
 " And be it further enacted by the Authority Aforesaid that if they or 
 either of them neglect to give bond as aforesaid he or they so neglecting shall 
 be made liable to forfeit and pay the same sum to be recovered in the same 
 manner that other persons are made liable to pay for striking or Coining 
 Coppers by the before recited Act. 
 
 « Council Chamber Nov 1 ' 22 d 1786. " House of Assembly November 
 
 This Ee-engrossed Bill having been 22 d 1786 
 
 read and compared Resolved — That "This re-engrossed Bill having 
 
 the same do pass. By Order of the been read and Compared Resolved 
 
 House That the same do pass By order of the 
 
 Wil. Livingston Presdt." House Benj'^ Van Cleve Sp- " 
 
 On Tuesday, May 29th, 1787, "Mr. Kitchel, with Leave of the House, 
 brought in a Bill, intitled, 'An Act to prevent the Circulation of bad and 
 light Coppers in this State; 7 which was read, and ordered a second reading." 
 
 This bill, after the usual references from Council to Assembly, and from 
 Assembly to Council, and undergoing several amendments, was passed June 
 4th, 1787. 
 
 Chapter CXCVII. 
 " An Act to prevent the Circulation of bad and light Coppers in this State. 
 
 " Whereas the Circulation of Coppers which are of base Metal and 
 below the proper Standard, must be productive of great Evils to the com- 
 mercial Part of this State, if not timely prevented ; therefore, 
 
 " Be it Enacted by the Council and General Assembly of this State, 
 and it is hereby Enacted by the Authority of the same, That if any Person 
 or Persons, from and after the twentieth Day of July next, shall pass or offer 
 to pass in Payment, or in Exchange within this State, any Coppers other than 
 those made within the same, agreable to Permission given by a Law passed 
 the first Day of June, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty-six, and 
 the Supplement thereto, passed the twenty-second Day of November, in the 
 same Year, each and every Person or Persons, so offending, shall forfeit and 
 pay ten Times the nominal Value of the Sum or Sums so offered in Payment, 
 
282 THE EARLY CODSTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 or in Exchange, to be recovered by Action of Debt, by any Person that will 
 sue for and recover the same, with Cost of Suit, to and for his own Use : 
 Provided, That Nothing in this Act contained shall be construed to extend 
 to any Copper Coin that shall be struck by the United States of America in 
 Congress assembled. 
 
 "Passed at Burlington, June 4, 1787." 
 
 Mr. Bushnell furnishes the following, from his manuscript Numismatic 
 
 Notes. 
 
 Extract from a letter from W. C. Baker, to Charles I. Bushnell, dated Morristown; Aug. 8, 
 
 1855. 
 
 " There were two mint-houses in this State, one located in Morristown, 
 and the other in Elizabethtown. The mint-house in the former place, which 
 is still standing, was the residence of John Cleve Symmes, Chief Justice of 
 the State of New Jersey, uncle to John Cleve Symmes, author of c The Hole 
 at the North Pole', and father-in-law of Gen. Wm. H. Harrison, President 
 of the United States. The residence was called ' Solitude.' It was at one 
 time occupied by a Mr. Holloway, and is known by some as the * Holloway 
 House.' The mint here was carried on by Walter Mould, an Englishman, 
 who previous to his coming to America, had been employed in a similar way, 
 in Birmingham. In the coinage of the New Jersey coppers, a screw with a 
 long lever was employed. This information is vouched for by Mr. Lewis 
 Condict, of Morristown, who saw the mint in operation. 
 
 " The building in Elizabethtown, used as a mint-house, is near to the 
 house formerly occupied by Col. Francis Barber, of the Revolutionary army, 
 and is known as the ' Old Armstrong House.' It is still standing, and is 
 situated in Water Street, and the coins were made in a shed back of the 
 main building. The coining here was carried on by a man named Gilbert 
 Eindle, probably for account of Messrs. Goadsby and Cox. I have this from 
 Mrs. , of Elizabethtown, who remembers the circumstance." 
 
 Mr. Bushnell further says: 
 
 "Mr. J. R. Halsted informed me some [20] years ago that an acquaint- 
 ance of his knew a Mr. Hatfield, who claimed to have made dies and coined 
 New Jersey coppers, in a barn, (Mr. Halsted thought) below Elizabethtown, 
 in striking which he was assisted by a negro." 
 
 We are indebted to Mr. Bushnell for a copy of an affidavit of John 
 Bailey, who, it seems, also made New Jersey Coppers. 
 
NEW JERSEY, 
 
 283 
 
 " ? City of New York, ss. 
 
 " f Personally appeared before me, Jeremiah Wool, one of the Aldermen 
 of the said City, John Bailey, of the said City of New York, cutler, who 
 being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, That since the fifteenth day of April, 
 1788, he hath not, either by himself or others, made or struck any coppers 
 bearing the impression of those circulated by the state of New Jersey, com- 
 monly called Jersey coppers : and that what he so made previous to the said 
 fifteenth of April, was in conformity to, and by authority derived from an 
 Act of the State of New Jersey, entitled, " An Act for the establishment of 
 a Coinage of Copper in that State, passed June the first, 1786." 
 
 " c John Bailey. 
 
 " 5 Sworn this first day of August 1789 
 
 " ( Before me, Jeremiah Wool, Alderman.' " 
 
 The coins of New Jersey are of a single type, but many varieties : — 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A horse's head, placed upon a wreath as in heraldry, beneath 
 which is a plough. 
 
 Legend, — nova c^sarea 
 
 In exergue, — The date, — 1786, 1787 or 1788. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A shield, argent, six pales gules, a chief azure. 
 
 Legend, — * e * peueibus * unum * 
 
 Borders, — Serrated. Edges, — Plain. Size, — 16 to 19. 
 
 Some obverses have three leaves under the horse's head, and some re- 
 verses, two branches, or sprigs, crossed under the shield. 
 
 The weights of the coins of 1786, are from 137 to 178 grains ; 1787, 108 
 to 165 grains, and of 1788, 136 to 160 grains ; heavier specimens undoubt- 
 edly exist, as all the heaviest we have weighed were considerably worn, while 
 the lightest were nearly uncirculated specimens. 
 
 Tables of the varieties will be found on the two pages following. 
 
284 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMEKICA. 
 
 
 
 1786. 
 
 OBVERSES. 
 
 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Legend and Punctuation. 
 
 Handle Ends. 
 
 Beam. 
 
 Dies. 
 
 Witb 
 Reverses. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 6 
 7 
 S 
 
 NOVA C^ESAREA- 
 NOVA C^ESAREA 
 NOVA C^ESAREA 
 NOVA C^ESAREA 
 NOVA C^ESAREA 
 NOVA CESAREA- 
 NOVA CJESAREA 
 NOVA C^ESAREA- 
 
 Rounded. 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Rounded. 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Pointed. 
 
 Pointed. 
 
 Straight, j 
 
 Enfoentup,^^-^- 
 
 Curved, J 
 
 Curved, ' 
 
 Curved, > Without coulter. 
 
 Curved ] } Date under beam ' 
 
 1 
 3 
 2 
 6 
 1 
 2 
 1 
 1 
 
 A, B, F 
 
 E, F 
 
 E, F 
 
 CD, H 
 
 C, G 
 
 C, G 
 
 G 
 
 G 
 
 R2 
 
 Rl 
 
 R* 
 
 C 
 
 R4 
 
 E* 
 
 R6 
 
 R6 
 
 
 
 1787. 
 
 OBVERSES. 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 No. 
 
 Legend and Punctuation. 
 
 Handle Ends. 
 
 Beam. 
 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 
 Reverses. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 1 
 
 NOVA CESAREA 
 
 Knobs, heavy. 
 
 Straight. 
 
 1 
 
 5 
 
 B, D 
 
 R2 
 
 2 
 
 NOVA CESAREA- 
 
 One knob, light. 
 
 Straight. 
 
 1 
 
 B 
 
 R3 
 
 3 
 
 NOVA C^ESAREA 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Straight. 
 
 -No leaves under head. 
 
 5 
 
 C, D, E, F 
 
 R 
 
 4 
 
 NOVA C^ESAREA 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Curved. 
 
 14 
 
 A, B, C, D 
 
 C 
 
 5 
 
 NOVA CJESAREA- 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Curved. 
 
 
 1 
 
 E, F 
 
 m 
 
 6 
 
 NOVA CESAREA- 
 
 Rounded. 
 
 Curved. 
 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 R4 
 
 1 
 
 NOVA CESAREA 
 
 Rounded. 
 
 Curved. "1 
 
 
 2 
 
 G, I 
 
 R 
 
 8 
 
 NOVA OESAREA 
 
 Straight. 
 
 Curved. 
 
 
 4 
 
 A, D, K 
 
 R3 
 
 9 
 
 NOVA CESAREA- 
 
 Light. 
 
 Curved. } 
 
 Three leaves under head. 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 R4 
 
 10 
 
 NOVA C.ESAREA-& 
 
 Heavy, square. 
 
 Curved. 
 
 
 1 
 
 H 
 
 R6 
 
 11 
 
 NO VA*CiES AREA * 
 
 Heavy, square. 
 
 Curved. 
 
 
 1 
 
 H 
 
 R5 
 
 WUj 
 
 
 v-vrt- 
 
 
 
 1788. 
 
 OBVERSES. 
 
 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Legend and Punctuation. 
 
 Facing 
 
 Beam. 
 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Reverses. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 1 
 2 
 3 
 4 
 5 
 
 NOVA * CESAREAN 
 
 NOVA CiESAREA 
 
 ■3- NOVA -3> C^ESAREA * 
 
 * NOVA * CiESAREA * 
 
 NOVA CESAREA 
 
 Right. 
 Right. 
 Right. 
 Right. 
 Lelt. 
 
 Straight, no coulter or singletree. 
 Straight, ) r , ,. , 
 Straight C . on te t r and 
 Slightly curved J sm § letree - 
 Curved, Coulter and ring. 
 
 1 
 1 
 
 2 
 2 
 3 
 
 B 
 
 E 
 
 A, B 
 
 C 
 
 D 
 
 R6 
 
 R4 
 
 R4 
 
 R 
 
 R4 
 
 NOTES ON THE TABLES OF NEW JERSEY COINS. 
 
 The notes which follow may serve to elucidate some indefinite points. 
 
 1786. 
 
 No. 1. The handle ends are not only rounded, but enlarged, though not 
 sufficiently so as to be called with knobs. 
 
 No. 2, — E, is represented on Plate VI. No. 20. 
 
 No. 3. The beam is straight, but bent up at the end. 
 
 No. 4 — D is represented by Fig. 41, 4— H, on Plate VI. No. 19. 
 
 No. 5. The handle ends are but slightly rounded. [Plate VI. No. 18.] 
 
 No. 6 closely resembles No. 5, but differs in punctuation. 
 
 Nos. 7 and 8. These have the date under the beam of the plough, and 
 pointed ends to the handles. "We have seen but one specimen of each, one 
 of which, No. 7, [Plate VI. No. 17] is owned by A. S. Jenks, of Philadelphia : 
 the owner of the other, No. 8, is unknown. All other varieties of this year 
 
NEW JERSEY. 
 
 285 
 
 1786. REVEESES. 
 
 No. 
 
 Legend and Punctuation. 
 
 Shield. 
 
 Palea of 
 
 Sprigs. 
 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Obverses. 
 
 Earity. 
 
 A 
 B 
 
 C 
 D 
 E 
 F 
 G 
 H 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Narrow. 
 
 Narrow. 
 
 Narrow. 
 
 Narrow. 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Wide. 
 
 Wide. 
 
 Very wide. 
 
 Four. 
 
 Three. 
 
 Four. 
 
 Four and five. 
 
 Three. 
 
 Three. 
 
 Five. 
 
 Four. 
 
 Two. 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 None. 
 
 1 
 1 
 3 
 1 
 4 
 1 
 3 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 4,5,6 
 
 4 
 
 2,3 
 
 1,2,3 
 
 5, 6, 7, 8 
 
 4 
 
 R5 
 E? 
 
 R2 
 E3 
 
 c 
 
 E3 
 R4 
 C 
 
 
 1787 
 
 . REVERSES. 
 
 
 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Legend and Punctuation. 
 
 Shield. 
 
 Pales of 
 
 Sprigs. 
 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Obverses. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 A 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Narrow. 
 
 Four. 
 
 None, 
 
 2 
 
 4,8 
 
 E5 
 
 B 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Three. 
 
 None. 
 
 9 
 
 1,2,4 
 
 C 
 
 C 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Four. 
 
 None. 
 
 3 
 
 3,4 
 
 E2 
 
 D 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Wide. 
 
 Three. 
 
 None. 
 
 8 
 
 1, 3, 4, 8 
 
 C 
 
 E 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Wide. 
 
 Four. 
 
 None. 
 
 2 
 
 3, 5 
 
 R4 
 
 F 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Wide. 
 
 Five and six. 
 
 None. 
 
 2 
 
 3, 5 
 
 R6 
 
 G 
 
 -¥• E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Narrow, 
 
 Four. 
 
 Two. 
 
 1 
 
 7 
 
 E6 
 
 H 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Four. 
 
 Two. 
 
 1 
 
 10, 11 
 
 R5 
 
 I 
 
 * E * PLUEIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Four. 
 
 Two. 
 
 4 
 
 6,7,9 
 
 R 
 
 K 
 
 * E * PLUEIBS * UNUM * 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Four. 
 
 Two. 
 
 1 
 
 8 
 
 R3 
 
 
 1788 
 
 REVERSES. 
 
 
 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Legend and Punctuation. 
 
 Shield. 
 
 Pales of 
 
 Sprigs. 
 
 Dies. 
 
 With 
 Obverses. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 A 
 B 
 C 
 D 
 
 E 
 
 * >-r E * PLURIBUS * UNUM * 
 X «£« PLURIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLURIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLURIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 * E * PLURIBUS * UNUM * 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Wide. 
 
 Narrow. 
 
 Medium. 
 
 Wide. 
 
 Four. 
 Four. 
 Four. 
 Four. 
 Five and six. 
 
 Two. 
 Two. 
 Two. 
 None. 
 None, 
 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 2 
 1 
 
 3 
 
 1,3 
 4 
 5 
 2 
 
 R4 
 
 ■Ri 
 
 R 
 
 R4 
 
 R4 
 
 have the handles cut off straight. Reverse E of 1786, and B of 1787, are 
 identical in two dies, and F of 1786, with D of 1787, in one die. 
 
 1787. 
 
 No. 1. Both handles of these dies have heavy knobs. 
 
 No. 2. The lower handle is short, the upper, long with a very light 
 knob : for 2 — B, see Plate VI. No. 21. 
 
 No. 4. Most of these dies are much alike, differing mainly in the curves 
 and positions of the plough-handles and beams ; the specimen (4 — B) on 
 plate VI- No. 23, differs greatly from any other of this number. 
 
 No. 5. One of the most coarsely cut dies of the series. On plate VII. 
 No. 20 is 5 — E, and No. 19, 5 — F ; of the last we know but two specimens. 
 
 No. 8. The die- of this variety found with reverse A, we have seen on but 
 one specimen j that with D is also quite rare — Dr. Maris has one in brass: the 
 two other dies are found with reverse K, the plumbs. [Plate VI. No. 22.] 
 
286 THE EARLY COEVS OP AMERICA. 
 
 No. 10. The only die we know of this year punctuated with a quatrefoil, 
 (•&) and only one specimen known; this belongs to Dr. Maris. 
 
 No. 11. An extremely rare variety which we have always found double- 
 struck, upon one specimen causing the E to resemble a K, whence it has been 
 called the w plukibtjs " variety. [Plate VI. No. 24.] 
 
 Eeverse C of 1787, and D of 1788, are identical in two dies, F, with E in 
 one die; the other die of F, is identical with the reverse of the immiints of 1786. 
 
 1788. 
 
 No. 1. We are indebted to Dr. Maris for this variety. It is punctuated 
 with a star and a quatrefoil, and the plough has neither coulter nor singletree; 
 its reverse is the same with that of Plate VI. No. 25. 
 
 No. 2. The horse's right ear, (at observer's left,) touches the letter C : we 
 find none without cracks over nova and area, and across the plough handles, 
 and beam : its reverse, E, is identical with one die of F of 1787. 
 
 No. 3. This is called the " dog " or " fox " variety, from a small animal in 
 the legend on the reverse, which on fine specimens is clearly seen to be a 
 horse. [Plate VI. Nos. 25 and 26.J 
 
 No. 4. The beam is but slightly curved. In one die the mane of the horse 
 is long, hanging straight the length of his neck, and the plough equidistant 
 from the stars; in the other, the mane is not as long, and the handles of the 
 plough are much nearer to one star, than the beam is to the other. 
 
 No. 5, comprises the heads facing left. That given on Plate VI. No. 27, is 
 the smallest and most rare of the three : its reverse, D, is identical with one die 
 of C, of 1787 : a curious fact concerning this reverse is, that while it is found 
 on coins of 1787, with a heavy break across the shield, we have seen none of 
 1788, on which that break is visible. For another die see Fig. 42. 
 
 For the purpose of imposing " rare varieties " upon collectors, some unprin- 
 cipled person has altered New Jersey coins of 1786 and 1787, by engraving, or 
 otherwise changing the facing of the horse's head, and in one instance, the 
 plough also, from right to left. No coin, having in its original condition the 
 head to the left, and the date 1786, or 1787, has come to our knowledge. 
 
 The shields noted as narrow, measure less than 9 ; medium, 9 to 10 ; 
 wide, 10 to 11, and very wide, more than 11. 
 
 "We are indebted to John H. Hickcox, Esq., of Albany, N. Y., for a copy 
 of a letter from F. B. Chetwood of Elizabeth, N. J., dated March 19, 1858, 
 who gives the following particulars : — 
 
NEW JERSEY. 287 
 
 " My Mother, the daughter of Col. Francis Barber, is now seventy-six 
 years old, and says that all of her recollection on the subject of your enquiry 
 is that when she was a child ten or twelve years old, she used to go into 
 the house on the adjoining premises to her father's residence in this place to 
 see them make coppers — The business was carried on in a room behind the 
 kitchen, by Gilbert Kindle and a person whose name she thinks was Cox — 
 The modus operandi was as follows — In the middle of the room was a wooden 
 box or pit sunk in the floor several feet deep, in the middle of which pit 
 was placed an iron Die, the top of which was about level with the floor of 
 the room — A workman sat on the floor, with his legs inside the pit — he 
 placed the smooth coppers on the Die and when stamped, brushed them off 
 the Die into the pit — The impression on the copper was made by a screw- 
 press which was worked by two men, one at each end of an iron bar or 
 horizontal lever, attached to the screw at the centre of its length, which was 
 about nine or ten feet long. 
 
 " My mother thinks it was in operation only a year or two, but her 
 recollection on this point is not very reliable. 
 
 " The copper was brought to that house, all finished, as she thinks, except 
 the stamping — She has no recollection at all of any other branch of the 
 business being carried on there — She recollects that the copper when coined 
 was put into kegs and sent off somewhere, and that her mother used to 
 purchase a bureau drawer nearly full at a time, and pay them out in daily 
 use for household expenses." 
 
 An interesting study may be made of the varieties of the N~ew Jersey 
 coins, to some particulars of which we will direct attention. A careful exami- 
 nation of the letters reveals in many of these, some peculiarities of the punches 
 by which the letters were impressed in the dies ; and as the same peculiar 
 letters appear in several different dies, the natural inference is that all these 
 dies were made by the same person. 
 
 The letter A upon many of them is broken near the top, as A, and when 
 not broken, often shows an irregularity, the broken line being cut in. The 
 J\T is irregular on the under side of the sloping line, as N"; the P is imperfect 
 at the left of its foot, the ceriph being broken from that side, as P. A general 
 likeness may in many dies be traced in other letters, and also in the figures. 
 
 A comparison of these coins shows that No. 1 of 1786 differs in work- 
 manship from any of the other varieties. Nos. 2, 3 and 4, are much alike. 
 
288 THE EAKLY COIN'S OF AMEEICA. 
 
 Nos. 5, 7 and 8, (the last two have the date under the beam of the plough,) 
 resemble each other in many points, and though in some respects they are 
 much like ISTos. 2, 3 and 4, yet in others they differ widely from them ; some 
 of their reverses are among the finest dies of this State. 
 
 Nos. 1 and 2 of 1787, and some of IsTos. 3 and 4, exhibit a style of 
 workmanship much alike. JSTo. 5 agrees closely with one die of ]S"o. 3, the 
 plukibs, and Nos. 2 and 4 of 1788 ; in these the most marked letters are the 
 1ST, (which in No. 5 is inverted) where the sloping line joins the right limb 
 considerably above the foot, and the XT, which is very broad : these two letters 
 are sufficient for the identification of dies upon which they appear. No. 11 
 is of a style peculiar to itself, as also are some dies of No. 4 and 8 of 1787, 
 and No. 5 of 1788, with the head to the left. 
 
 The reverses are not always of a style to correspond with their obverses, 
 but often those widely differing in their workmanship are combined, sometimes 
 a coarsely cut reverse appearing with a well executed obverse, and vice versa, 
 as in the specimen shown on Plate VII, No. 19. 
 
 To extend this examination further, to the comparison of the issues of 
 this State with those of Vermont and Connecticut, furnishes an interesting 
 field for conjecture as to the business connection possibly existing between 
 the parties conducting the several coinages ; for we find the letters A and 1ST 
 precisely as before described, upon many of the Vermont dies, and on some 
 of those attributed to Connecticut. We therefore consider it certain that 
 many of the dies of New Jersey and Vermont, and some of the atjctoei 
 connec, (as well as some others yet to be treated of,) were the work of the 
 same artist ; but whether the dies for the different mints were made at one 
 place, or whether the artist followed an itinerant practice, and visited the mints 
 as occasion required, which probably would be the more convenient method 
 of conducting his business in the absence of the regular means of communi- 
 cation now in use, must be left to conjecture. 
 
 The opinion has been expressed, (p. 191,) that the dies upon which was 
 a plough, cut by Atlee, were the Vermont coins with that device : it seems 
 fully as probable, judging from the facts just stated, that, although Atlee may 
 have cut some of those dies, (they do not all appear to have been the work 
 of one artist,) he must have done many of these also, as they bear indisputable 
 evidence of the same handiwork with most of the Vermont coins of 1787 and 
 1788, and also with that of the geoegivs • m - eex - 
 
NEW YORK 
 
 An attempt was made, as early as 1661, to establish a mint in New 
 York, then known as New Amsterdam. 
 
 " The Burgomasters and Scepens of New Amsterdam, in pursuance of a 
 previous resolution, made application on the twelfth day of October, 1661, to 
 the Chamber of the Directors of the West India Company, at Amsterdam in 
 Holland for authority to establish a mint in the colony for the coinage of 
 silver. This application, however, did not meet with success." 1 
 
 In 1672 an order was passed regulating the currency of silver coin in 
 this State, regarding which we have the following memoranda : — 
 
 " Orders made and confirmed at y e Gene aU Court of Assizes held in New 
 York, beginning on y b 2 d and ending on y" 7 th day of October in y e three 
 and twentieth year of his Ma ties Reigne Annoq Dom. 1672. ***** 
 
 "12. Whereas, it is thought expedient that a certaine regulacon should 
 be made upon y e sylver Coyne which passeth to and fro in this Governm* by 
 y e certainty of its value, It is Ordered That a Boston Shilling shall pass for 
 one shilling, and a good piece of Eight Spanish Coine, whether of Mexico 
 Sevill or a pillar piece shall be valued and go for six shillings in any payment 
 either for debt and demands or purchasing goods or merchandize between 
 man and man." 2 
 
 The Massachusetts and New Hampshire Advertiser, of March 29, 1786, 
 contains this announcement : 3 — " New York Connecticut and Vermont have 
 authorized a person in each of those states to coin coppers ; numbers of them 
 are now in circulation ; they are in general well made, and of good copper, 
 
 1 Charles I. Bushnell. 2 New York Records ; C. I. B. 3 Matthew A. Stickney. 
 
290 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 those of ISTew York in particular. Was a person authorized in this State for 
 the same purpose, it would undoubtingly prevent the manufacture of those 
 made of base metal." 
 
 "What the New York coins were, to which the writer of the above para- 
 graph refers, we are at a loss to determine, unless to the non virttjte vici, 
 (1786,) which may have made their appearance early in that year, and bearing 
 the legend, neo-eboracencis, were taken to be coins authorized by the 
 State, and thus considered as sufficient to warrant that statement. 
 
 It appears certain, however, that ISTew York had not at that time author- 
 ized a coinage, and we have no proof that she did so subsequently ; indeed, 
 whatever proof we have, is of a character to indicate that no such action was 
 ever taken by that State. 
 
 We learn from Mr. Bushnell that petitions were presented Feb. 11th, 
 1787, by John Bailey, and Ephraim Brasher, for the privilege of coining 
 coppers, which were followed, March 3d, 1787, by another to the same effect 
 from Thomas Machin. These petitions cannot now be found and their terms 
 are unknown to us, but the action of the authorities thereupon is thus re- 
 corded in the Journal of the Assembly : — 
 
 Feb. 12, 1787, " The several petitions of " John Bailey and Ephraim 
 Brasher, relative to the Coinage of Copper within this State, were read, and 
 referred to Mr. Brooks, Mr. Galatian, and Mr. Duboys." 
 
 March 3, 1787, " A Petition of Thomas Machin, relative to the Coinage 
 of Copper in this State, was read, and referred to Mr. Brooks, Mr. Duboys, 
 Mr. Doughty, Mr. E. Clark, and Mr. Taylor." 
 
 We find no report referring particularly to these petitions, but under 
 date of March 5th, 1787, is this statement of the action of the committee : — 
 
 " Mr. Brooks from the Committee appointed to bring in a bill to regulate 
 the circulation of Copper Coin within this State, brought in the report of the 
 said Committee, which he read in his place, and delivered in at the table, 
 where the same was again read and is in the words following, viz. 
 
 "The Committee who were directed to bring in a bill to regulate the 
 Copper Coin in this State, being at a loss to determine the extent of the 
 intended regulation, whether it was only to ascertain the value of the pieces 
 now in circulation, or was meant to extend to a new coinage, do present to 
 the House the result of their enquiries on this subject. 
 
 " They find that there are various sorts of copper coin circulating in this 
 State, the principal whereof are, 
 
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, $2.00 a year, in advance. 
 Address JEREMIAH COLBURN, 18 SOMERSET STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 Subscription, $1.50 Canadian Currency, per annum, in advance. 
 Payable to R, W- McLACHLAN, Box 86^, Montreal. 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
 -DEALER IN- 
 
 Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, 
 
 AND CONFEDERATE PAPER MONEY AND BOOKS RELATING TO THE SAME. 
 
 Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, post free, . . . . #1.60 
 
 Field Medal, Bronze, . . . . . ...... 1.25 
 
 ! Z-"2 V 
 
 1343- CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 EDWARD COGAN, 
 
 Dealer in Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals, 
 
 No. 408 STATE STREET, BROOKLYN, N. Y. 
 
 HENRY AHLBORN, 
 
 Buys and Sells all kinds of American and Foreign Coins and Medals 
 
 AT THE 
 
 "Old. Toll House," Foot of Cambridge Street, 
 
 BOSTON. 
 
Part 10. 
 
 Price $1. 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPRISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OF 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OF UNKNOWN OEIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 FIBST PATTEKNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLYESTEB S. CEOSBY. 
 
 BOSTON, MASS.: 
 PUBLISHED BY THE NEW ENGLAND NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCD3TY. 
 
 1873. 
 
NEW YORK. 291 
 
 "First. A few genuine British half-pence of George the Second, and 
 some of an earlier date, the impressions of which are generally defaced. 
 
 " Secondly. A number of Irish half-pence, with a bust on the one side, 
 and a harp on the other. 
 
 "Thirdly. A very great number of pieces in imitation of British half- 
 pence, but much lighter, of inferior copper, and badly executed.— These are 
 generally called by the name of Birmingham Coppers, as it is pretty well 
 known that they are made there, and imported in casks, under the name of 
 Hard "Ware, 1 or wrought copper. 
 
 "Fourthly. There has lately been introduced into circulation, a very 
 considerable number of coppers of the kind that are made in the State of 
 ]STew-Jersey. Many of these are below the proper weight of the Jersey 
 coppers, and seem as if designed as a catch-penny for this market. 
 
 " The following calculations will tend to shew the difference between the 
 real and nominal value of the several kinds of coppers that are circulating 
 among us. 
 
 "The very best red copper in sheets may be bought by the quantity at 
 the factories in England, for lid. sterling per pound. — The expence of 
 importation will be from 20 to 25 per cent. — This will bring the price to 
 about two shillings New York currency per pound. — But copper in the mass, 
 or old copper which may be melted down into ingots, and manufactured in 
 the plating mills, so as to be fit for cutting into blanks, as the coppers are 
 called before they are milled, will not cost the purchaser more than 20d. per 
 pound. 
 
 ^Forty-eight of the genuine British half-pence, when new, weigh one 
 pound Averdupois. Of the Birmingham Coppers that circulate among us, 
 sixty make one pound Averdupois. — The genuine Jersey coppers, weigh each 
 six pennyweight, six grains, which gives forty-six and two fifths to the pound 
 Averdupois. 
 
 " These all pass by consent without discrimination, at fourteen to the 
 shilling. — Hence the following comparative values : 
 
 1 It will be noticed that the name " Hard Ware " is here definitely applied to copper 
 coin ; here is a partial confirmation of the opinion expressed in regard to the use of the same 
 term, (p. 192,) in the articles of agreement between Reuben Harmon, Thomas Maphin and 
 others. Among the coppers here referred to, were probably many of those evidently counterfeit 
 half-pence of George III. bearing date from 1772, (perhaps earlier) to 1787, of which I find 
 ten varieties in my own collection, without particular effort to procure such pieces. 
 
292 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 " A pound of Copper, may, as before stated, be reckoned at . . £ 1 8 
 A pound of genuine British half-pence passes with us for . . 3 5 
 
 The difference is, 19 
 
 Which is a little more than fifty-one per cent loss. 
 
 "A pound of Birmingham coppers passes with us for . . 4 3 
 
 The difference is £0 2 7 
 
 Which produces a loss of near sixty-one per cent. 
 
 "A pound of Jersey coppers passes with us for nearly . . . 3 4 
 
 The difference is 18 
 
 Which is exactly fifty per cent loss. 
 
 " If the expence of Coinage be deducted from the losses respectively, as 
 before stated, the difference will shew the neat loss the State sustains by the 
 influx of the several copper coins that are current among us. 
 
 "What the real expence of Coinage may be, the Committee have not 
 been able to ascertain with any degree of accuracy, as the persons who 
 could give the best information on that subject, find it their interest to keep 
 the secret to themselves. It may be presumed, however, that the expence of 
 Coinage on a considerable sum, would not amount to more than 25 or at the 
 most 30 per cent. Taking it at the highest estimation, the neat loss on 
 the three several kinds of coppers specified in this statement, would be as 
 follows : 
 
 " On the British half-pence 36 per cent. 
 
 On the Birmingham half-pence ....... 49 per cent. 
 
 On the Jersey Coppers .35 per cent. 
 
 " The profits that will arise to the Coiners on the aforegoing principles, 
 will be as follows : 
 
 " On the British half-pence ........ 57 per cent. 
 
 On the Birmingham ditto ........ 96 per cent. 
 
 On the Jersey coppers ........ 54 per cent. 
 
 " From this statement it appears, that there are very great profits arising 
 from this traffic, even if we admit, that the price of copper, and expence of 
 coinage, should be considerably higher than the Committee have stated them." 
 
 " Ordered, That the further consideration of the said report be post- 
 poned." 
 
 We next give the action of the Assembly and Senate, as recorded in 
 their respective journals, only that of April 18th being from that of the Senate. 
 
NEW YORK. 293 
 
 March 15, 1787. "The House resolved into a Committee of the whole 
 House, on the report of the Committee appointed to bring in a bill to regu- 
 late the circulation of Copper Coin in this State ; the said report which is 
 entered on the Journals of this House, on the third day of March instant, 
 was read and considered ; and after some time spent thereon Mr. Speaker 
 reassumed the chair, and Mr. Patterson from the said Committee reported, that 
 he was directed by the said Committee to report to the House, that the Com- 
 mittee had agreed to a resolution in the words following, viz. 
 
 " Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that a Committee be 
 appointed to prepare and bring in a bill to establish a Coinage of Copper in 
 this State, and to regulate the value of the Copper Coin now in circulation. 
 
 "Mr. Patterson read the said report in his place, and delivered the same 
 in at the table, where it was again read, and agreed to by the House. 
 Thereupon. 
 
 " Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a 
 bill to establish a Coinage of Copper in this State, and to regulate the value 
 of the Copper Coin now in circulation ; and 
 
 " Ordered, That Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Brooks, and Mr. Lansing be a Com- 
 mittee for that purpose." 
 
 April 7, 1787. " Mr. Brooks from the Committee appointed to prepare 
 .and bring in a bill to regulate the copper coin, according to order, brought 
 in the said bill entitled An act for regulating the value of copper coin within 
 this State, which was read the first time and ordered a second reading." 
 
 April 9, 1787. "Mr. J. Smith, from the Committee of the whole House, 
 on the bill entitled An act for regulating the value of copper coin in this 
 State, reported that the Committee had made some progress therein, and had 
 directed him to move for leave to sit again. 
 
 " Ordered, That the said Committee have leave to sit again." 
 
 April 12, 1787. "Mr. John Smith, from the Committee of the whole 
 House, on the bill entitled An act for regulating the value of copper coin in 
 this State, reported that the Committee had gone through the bill, made 
 amendments, and altered the title ; that the altered title is, An act to regulate 
 the circulation of copper coin in this State, which he was directed to report 
 to the House ; and he read the report in his place, and delivered the bill and 
 amendments in at the table, where the same were again read, and agreed to 
 by the House. 
 
 " Ordered, That the bill and amendments be engrossed." 
 
294 THE EARLY COnSTS OE AMERICA. 
 
 April 13, 1787. "The engrossed bill entitled An act to regulate the 
 circulation of copper coin, was read a third time. 
 
 " Resolved, That the bill do pass." 
 
 Senate Journal, April 18, 1787. "Mr. Peter Schuyler, from the Com- 
 mittee of the Whole, on the bill entitled An act to regulate the circulation of 
 Copper Coin in this State, reported that they had gone through the bill 
 without amendment, which report he read in his place, and delivered the bill 
 in at the table, where it was again read and agreed to by the Senate : 
 Thereupon, 
 
 " Resolved, That the bill do pass. 
 
 " Ordered, That Mr. Parks deliver the bill to the Honorable the Assembly, 
 and inform them that the Senate have passed the bill without amendment." 
 
 In the Assembly, April 20, 1787. " A Message from the Honorable the 
 Council of Kevision was delivered by the Honorable Mr. Justice Hobart, c That 
 it does not appear improper to the Council that the bill entitled An act to 
 regulate the circulation of copper coin in this State should become a law of 
 this State.'" 
 
 Chapter XCYII. 
 
 "An Act to regulate the Circulation of copper coin. Passed April 20, 
 1787. 
 
 "Be it enacted by the people of the State of New York, represented in 
 Senate and Assembly, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the Same, 
 that from and after the first day of August next, no coppers shall pass cur- 
 rent in this State, except such as are of the Standard and weight of one third 
 part of an Ounce averdupois, of pure copper, which coppers shall pass current 
 at the rate of twenty to a Shilling of the lawful current Money of this State 
 and not otherwise. 
 
 " And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any person 
 or persons, shall after the said first day of August next, offer in payment 
 any copper coin, other than of the Standard and weight aforesaid, such copper 
 coin shall be liable to be seized, and shall be forfeited to the use of the 
 person or persons who shall seize the same. And it shall be lawful for any 
 person or persons, to whom such * * * * offer of payment shall be, to seize 
 and take such copper coin ; and the person or persons making such Seizure, 
 shall forthwith give information thereof, and shall deliver the Coppers so 
 seized to some Justice of the peace of the City or County in which such 
 
NEW YORK. 295 
 
 seizure shall have been made ; and the said coppers shall remain in the 
 Custody of such Justice of the peace, for the space of ten days ; and if not 
 claimed within that time, shall be adjudged to be forfeited, and shall be 
 returned to the person or persons who delivered the same to such Justice 
 of the peace, and the person or persons seizing such coppers shall on the 
 request of the person or persons offering the same in payment, give informa- 
 tion of the Name of the Justice to whom they shall have been delivered. 
 And in case the said Coppers should be Claimed, and the legality of the 
 seizure Controverted, it shall be lawful for such Justice to hear and deter- 
 mine the Same, in a summary manner ; provided the sum for which such 
 coppers shall have been offered in payment, do not exceed the sum of forty 
 shillings ; but if the same shall exceed the Sum of forty Shillings, then the 
 said Justice of the Peace, if either of the parties require it, shall take to his 
 assistance two able and sufficient freeholders, who, under Oath, shall with said 
 Justice summarily hear and determine the said claim and controversy, and 
 their Judgment in the case shall be final between the parties. And the said 
 Justice shall, after such determination, deliver the coppers deposited with 
 him, to such of the said parties as shall be adjudged to be intitled to the 
 same, according to the true intent and meaning of this act. 
 
 "Provided that nothing in this act contained, shall be construed to extend 
 to any copper coin to be struck by the United States of America in Congress 
 assembled. 
 
 " And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that if any person 
 or persons shall pass or offer to pass in payment, any coppers of base metal, 
 or of a standard or weight different from that which is hereby permitted to 
 pass, knowing the same to be of such Base metal, or of such different 
 standard or weight, such person or persons shall forfeit five times the Value 
 of the Sum for which such coppers shall be so offered or passed in payment, 
 to be recovered with costs of suit, before any Justice of the peace, by any 
 person that will sue for the same ; which Justice is hereby fully empowered 
 and required summarily, to hear and determine the same, and to award execu- 
 tion thereupon, if the said forfeiture shall not amount to more than six pounds 
 current money of this State ; but if such forfeiture shall amount to more 
 than that sum, then to be recovered with costs of suit, in any court of record 
 within this State, by action of debt, bill or information, in either case, to the 
 use of the person or persons who will sue for the same." 
 
 On the 7th of February, 1788, it was enacted, " That if any Person shall 
 
296 THE EAKLY COE5TS OF AMEKICA. 
 
 counterfeit, or cause or procure to be counterfeited, or act or assist in coun- 
 terfeiting, any of the Species of Gold or Silver Coins, now current or here- 
 after to be current in this State, or shall pass or give in Payment, or offer 
 to pass or give in Payment, any such Counterfeit, knowing the same to be 
 counterfeit ; then every such Person, being thereof convicted, according to 
 the due Course of Law, shall be deemed guilty of Felony, and shall suffer 
 Death as a Felon." 
 
 From the foregoing, it appears certain that, although a committee was 
 appointed to bring in a bill to establish a coinage of copper in this State; yet 
 no such bill was presented, neither was a coinage authorized. 
 
 Most of the specimens in our cabinets known as New York coppers, are 
 of English origin, and entitled to that name, if at all, only from the fact that 
 they bear devices or legends apparently indicating that they were struck for 
 circulation in that State, but under no authority, other than that of an act 
 which countenanced all copper coins of a specified quality and weight, irre- 
 spective of their legends, devices, or origin ; while others we think might be 
 more properly classed under the head of Patterns. All these will be con- 
 sidered on later pages. 
 
 Samuel Davis in a " Journal of a Tour to Connecticut," in 1789, printed 
 in the Massachusetts Historical Society Collections, April, 1869, refers to 
 the copper coinage of the States. Of New Haven he says, " We find some 
 difficulty in making change in this place. Coppers pass at six the penny. 
 Even those graced with the legend c Auctori Conn.' are included. Feel 
 chagrined that old Massachusetts, with his bow and arrow, should be under- 
 valued. New York regulates their trade. The crown passes there, and here 
 now, at 6s. 9d." 
 
THE FITGIOS 
 
 These were the earliest coins issued by the authority of the United 
 States. The records relating to them are very meagre, and the papers 
 therein referred to cannot now be found. The ensuing copies of the entries 
 in the Journal of Congress contain all the information that can now be pro- 
 cured regarding the proceedings of the authorities in relation to this coinage : 
 these we copy according to their dates. 
 
 "Saturday, April 21, 1787 ***** The Committee, consisting of Mr. 
 Johnson, Mr. King, Mr. Pierce, Mr. Clark, and Mr. Petti t, to whom was 
 referred a report of the Board of Treasury on certain proposals for coining 
 copper have reported, 
 
 "That the board of treasury be authorized to contract for three hun- 
 dred tons of copper coin of the federal standard, agreeably to the proposition 
 of Mr. James Jarvis, provided that the premium to be allowed to the United 
 States on the amount of copper coin contracted for be not less than fifteen 
 per cent. That it be coined at the expense of the contractor, but under 
 the inspection of an officer appointed and paid by the United States ; that 
 the obligations to be given for the payment of the copper coin to be deliv- 
 ered under such contract be redeemable within years after the date 
 thereof, with an option of discharging the same at an earlier period ; that 
 they bear an interest not exceeding six per cent per annum, and that the 
 principal and interest -accruing thereon be payable within the United States ; 
 that the whole of the monies arising from the said contract shall be sacredly 
 appropriated and applied to the reduction of the domestic debt. 
 
 "A motion Avas made by Mr. Madison, seconded by Mr. Few, to strike 
 out the last clause, and on the question, shall the last clause stand, viz that 
 
298 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 the whole of the monies &e, the yeas & nays being required by Mr. Pettit, 
 the question was lost, and the clause was struck out." 
 
 After the clause was stricken out, the original article was amended by 
 inserting in the bla- k the word "twenty," and instead of the rejected clause, 
 the following was inserted ; 
 
 " That the whole of the aforesaid loan shall be sacredly appropriated and 
 applied to the reduction of the domestic debt of the United States, and the 
 premium thereon towards the payment of the interest on the foreign debt." 
 
 In this form it was passed, and is so entered in the printed- Journal of 
 Congress. 
 
 The subsequent action relating to this coinage follows : 
 
 " Tuesday, May 8, 1787. On motion of Mr. King 
 
 K Hesolved, That the board of treasury be and hereby are authorized to 
 dispose of the public copper on hand, either by sale or contract for the 
 coinage of the same, as they shall judge most for the interests of the United 
 States." 
 
 "Friday, July 6, 1787 ***** On the report of a committee, consisting 
 of Mr. Pierce, Mr. Kean, and Mr. Holten, to whom was referred a letter of 
 the 11th May from the board of treasury : 
 
 " Resolved, That the board of treasury direct the contractor for the 
 copper coinage to stamp on one side of each piece the following device, viz : 
 thirteen circles linked together, a small circle in the middle, with the words 
 * United States,' round it ; and in the centre, the words ? We are one ; ' on 
 the other side of the same piece the following device, viz : a dial with the 
 hours expressed on the face of it ; a meridian sun above, on one side of 
 which is to be the word ' Pugio,' and on the other the year in figures ' 1787 ' 
 below the dial, the words c Mind your Business.' " 
 
 September 30, 1788. A committee, consisting of Mr. Clark, Mr. Dane, 
 Mr. Carrington, Mr. Bingham, and Mr. "Williamson, having been appointed to 
 inquire into the department of finance, they reported, Sept. 30, 1788. Their 
 report upon this- subject was as follows : — 
 
 "There are two contracts made by the board of treasury with James 
 Jarvis, the one for coining three hundred tons of copper of the federal 
 standard, to be loaned to the United States, together with an additional quan- 
 tity of forty-five tons, which he was to pay as a premium to the United 
 States for the privilege of coining ; no part of the contract hath been fulfilled. 
 A particular statement of this business, so far as relates to the three hundred 
 
PLATE VII. 
 
 HELIOTYPE PATENT. 
 
THE EUGIOS. 
 
 299 
 
 tons, has lately been reported to Congress. It does not appear to your 
 committee that the board were authorized to contract for the privilege of 
 coining forty-live tons as a premium, exclusive of the three hundred men- 
 tioned in the act of Congress. 
 
 "The other contract with said Jarvis is for the sale of a quantity of 
 copper, amounting, as per account, to 71,174 pounds ; this the said Jarvis 
 has received at the stipulated price of eleven pence farthing, sterling, per 
 pound, which he contracted to pay in copper coin, of the federal standard, on 
 or before the last day of August 1788, now past ; of which but a small part 
 has been received. The remainder it is presumed, the board of treasury will 
 take efl'ectual measures to recover as soon as possible." 
 
 The last sentence of the foregoing report leads us to expect some 
 further mention of the subject in the records : no such mention is to be 
 found, and we are left in ignorance as to the quantity of coin struck, and the 
 date and manner of settlement with the contractor. If, however, we may 
 judge from the number of dies, and the plentiful supply of specimens still 
 found, a large quantity must have been issued, and it may be that the whole 
 of the contracts were fulfilled. 
 
 The design of the coins is as ordered in the resolve of July sixth : 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Thirteen rings linked regularly, forming an endless chain. 
 Legend, — united • states » on a small circular label around the centre. 
 Centre, — we are one 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A sun-dial, the sun shining upon it from above. 
 
 Legend, — • eugio. » • 1787 » 
 
 In exergue, — mind your business 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. 
 
 Size, — 17 h to 18. Weight, — 126 to 178 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. Nos. 4, 5 and 6, and Figs. 43 and 44.] 
 
300 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 We find impressions from no less than twenty-seven obverse, and twenty- 
 four reverse dies, which differ, in most instances, very slightly. The most 
 prominent points of variation in the obverses are to be found in the order of 
 the words united states, which are often transposed to states united. In 
 one die, from which we know of but three impressions, united is above, and 
 states below, (see plate VII, No. 4,) and in another, (plate VII, No. 5,) 
 these words are separated by two stars of eight. The words we are one 
 also vary considerably in position, and in the spacing of the letters. 
 
 The principal differences of the reverses are in the different punctuations 
 of the legend seen in Nos. 3 and 4, of plate VII, in the punctuation of the 
 motto, mind tour business, (which on some specimens has five diamond- 
 shaped dashes, on others, four, and on others, none, while one die, (plate VII, 
 No. 3,) has two light dashes, and a point ;) and in the sun's rays, which in 
 some dies, (see plate VII, No. 6,) are very heavy, and are known as " club 
 rays." Fig. 43, shows the rings struck through from the obverse : this is often 
 seen, and on some, the impression of the reverse is visible on the obverse. 
 
 There are, besides the regular issue of these coins, other pieces of the same 
 general character, supposed to be patterns, which will next be described. 
 
 OBVERSE, NO. 1. 
 
 Device, — Thirteen rings linked alternately, a mullet within each. 
 Legend, — united * states * The label bearing this legend is on a 
 large, open star, of thirteen triangular points. 
 Centre, — we are one 
 
 obverse no. 2. 
 Device,— Thirteen rings linked regularly, each bearing the name of a State. 
 Legend, — American - congress • on a small circular label. 
 Centre, — An eye. 
 
 A glory fills the space between the legend and the thirteen rings. [Fig. 45]. 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 3. 
 
 This is apparently the same die with the last, but without the eye in the 
 centre. We can learn of but two impressions of each of these obverses: those 
 
THE FUGIOS. 301 
 
 of 1 and 2, one each in silver and copper, are owned by Mr. Bushnell, those of 
 3, both in copper, by Mr. Appleton, and Mr. Brevoort. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 2, and Fig. 46.]" 
 OBVERSE NO. 4. 
 
 We are informed by Mr. Bushnell that a variety exists with reverse similar 
 to that last described, but differing in the obverse, the rays of the glory 
 extending into the thirteen rings: this obverse is represented by Fig. 47. 
 
 Obverses 1, 2= 3, and 4, are found with reverse A. 
 
 REVERSE A. 
 
 Device, — A sun-dial, the sun shining upon it from above. 
 Field, — Plain. 
 
 REVERSE B. 
 
 Device, — A sun-dial, the sun shining upon it from above. 
 
 Legend, — • eugio. • • 1787 • 
 
 In exergue, — -mind-your- business 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 5. 
 
 Device, — Thirteen rings linked alternately, a mullet within each : within 
 the chain of rings, a large star of thirteen points, with an open centre. 
 
 We have seen reverse B, combined with obverse No. 1, only in the cabinet 
 of Mr. Bushnell, who has a specimen in silver, and one in brass : with obverse 
 !N"o. 5, only in silver, in the cabinet of Mr. Brevoort. [Plate VII. ISTo. l.J 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 6. 
 
 Device, — Thirteen rings linked regularly, each bearing the name of a State. 
 
 Legend, — American • congress • on a small circular label. 
 
 Centre, — we are one 
 
 A glory fills the space between the legend and the thirteen rings. 
 
 REVERSE C. 
 
 Device, — A sun-dial, the sun shining upon it from above. 
 
 Legend, — eugio . 1787 * 
 
 In exergue, — mind_youR- business. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 3.] 
 
 Eeverse C is found with obverse JSTo. 6 upon three specimens in copper, 
 two of which are owned by Mr. Brevoort, the other by Mr. Bushnell : it is 
 also found, both with the united • states * , and states* united* obverses, 
 upon coins taken from circulation. All these pieces are of the usual size. 
 
302 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Upon the coins found in circulation, with perhaps one exception, the 
 rings on. the obverse are laid as seen in Nos. 2 to 6, of plate TIL, which is 
 the order we have termed " regular ; " in those we have described as linked 
 " alternately," they are arranged as in No. 1, of the plate. The re-strikes fre- 
 quently seen, are of the latter style, and are from dies found in a store at 
 New Haven, Connecticut, formerly occupied by Messrs. Broome and Piatt. 
 
 These coins have been known by various names, as "Franklin," "Sun 
 Dial," " King," and " Mind your business " cents, as well as by the name at the 
 head of this chapter. Another name is proposed for them by Mr. Bushnell, 
 in the annexed paragraph : 
 
 " This coin was issued by authority of Congress in 1787. It is generally 
 known as the Franklin Cent, but should properly be called the Kittenhouse 
 Cent, if named after any individual. 1 * * * It was first coined in the city of 
 New York. A number of sets of dies were made, and the piece was subse- 
 quently coined not merely in New York, but also in New Haven, Connecticut, 
 Rupert, Vermont, and other places. The dies were made by Abel Buel, of 
 New Haven, and the coins were struck by means of a drop press." 
 
 The ensuing notice of these corns was circulated in the papers of that time : 
 
 " The coinage of federal Cents, coppers, at New York, we are told, is 
 carrying on, and we may expect soon to see them in circulation among us — 
 these will free us from the impositions to which we are now exposed from the 
 floods of light half-coined British half-pence, introduced among us — and as, 
 from the excellent monitorial caution, 'mixd tour business,' impressed on 
 each of these, they may prove an antidote to insurgency, they will doubtless 
 be held in high estimation." 
 
 1 "In the year 1756, he (Rittenhouse,) made an eight-day clock, for his brother in-law, 
 Mr. Barton ; over the dial-plate of which, was engraven this mementory motto — Tempus fugit ; 
 and underneath, this blunt but too often necessary precept — Go about your business. 
 
 "On one description of the continental bills of credit, issued by congress during the Ameri- 
 can war, were represented a sun-dial and a meridian sun over it : above, the word ' Fugio ; ' and 
 beneath, these words — 'Mind your Business.' And on the reverse of a copper one cent piece, 
 struck in the year 1787, in pursuance of a resolve of congress of the 6th of July in that year, 
 are impressed the same device and mottoes as those last mentioned ; corresponding with those 
 adopted by our Philosopher, when only twenty-four years of age : a circumstance that shews, 
 how early in life he had formed a just estimate of the value of time. 
 
 "It may not be improper here to observe, that the various devices affixed to the continental 
 money, as it was called, were much admired for their appropriate significancy ; and that they 
 were generally supposed to be the production of the late ingenious Judge Hopkinson, an intimate 
 friend of Mr. Rittenhouse."— .Bartow's Memoirs of David Rittenhouse, p. 467. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS 
 
 In this chapter we shall describe a variety of pieces, some of which were 
 of American manufacture, while others were struck in Europe, with reference 
 to, and for circulation in, America; separating them into classes according to 
 their purpose or origin. 
 
 As many of these were probably designed as patterns for either Federal 
 or State coins, although no actual proof exists that all were so intended, 
 we shall place them under the head of 
 
 FEDEEAL AKD STATE PATTEBNS. 
 
 First in this class should be placed the Massachusetts Pine Tree Copper, 
 and Halfpenny, both dated 1776. Of neither of these have we any reliable 
 history, antedating their comparatively recent discovery. 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS PINE TREE COPPER. 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A Pine Tree, its trunk dividing the characters lc lm 
 Legend, — massachuset ts state 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty, seated upon a globe, facing left, sup- 
 porting with her left hand the staff of liberty, and holding the cap extended 
 in her right. At her feet sits a dog. 
 
304 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 Legend, — liberty and virtue 
 
 In exergue, — 1776 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size,— 20. Weight 198 grains. 
 
 [Plate YII. Xo. 7, and Fig. 48.] 
 
 This probably unique piece, now in the collection of Mr. William S. 
 Appleton, was formerly owned by Mr. J. Oolburn, of Boston, who obtained it 
 about 1852, from Mr. Edward W. Hooper, then a school-boy collector of coins. 
 Mr. Hooper purchased it from a grocer at the northerly part of the city, 
 who found it many years before while excavating on his premises, in the 
 vicinity of Hull, or Charter Street, for the purpose of making an addition to 
 his dwelling. He had long preserved it as a curiosity. 
 
 We take this to be the first pattern for a Massachusetts Cent, and the 
 characters upon the obverse to be abbreviations for " One Cent Lawful Money." 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS HALFPENNY. 
 , OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Three heads combined, facing left, front, and right. 
 Legend, — state oe massa : h d 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty, facing right, resting against a globe. 
 Her right hand supports the staff of liberty, in her left she holds the cap, 
 and at her feet sits a clog. 
 
 Legend, — goddess ldberty 
 
 In exergue, — 1776 
 
 Borders and edge plain. Size, — 15. Weight 81 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. Xo. 8, and Fig. 49.] 
 
 This piece which has been known as the "Janus Copper," we think may 
 more properly be called the Massachusetts Halfpenny. It has three heads com- 
 bined, instead of two as in a Janus head. This device resembles the Brahma 
 of Hindoo mythology, which represents the past, the present, and the future. 
 
 The only specimen known of this curious pattern is in the collection of 
 Matthew A. Stickney, Esq., and was found with an engraved piece (see plate 
 Vn. ISTo. 9,) and some proof impressions from plates for continental paper 
 money engraved by Paul Revere ; from this circumstance Mr. Stickney is 
 inclined to the opinion that they were the work of that engraver. However 
 this may be, the Pine tree cent, and this Halfpenny sufficiently resemble each 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 305 
 
 other in their workmanship, to he considered the work of the same artist. 
 They were probably private enterprises, as no mention of them is found upon 
 any records. 
 
 CONTINENTAL CURRENCY. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Thirteen rings interlinked, each bearing the name of a State. 
 Legend, — America? congress • on a small label around the centre. 
 Centre, — we are one 
 A glory fills the space between the legend and the thirteen rings. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A sun-dial, the sun shining upon it from the upper left. 
 In exergue, — mind your business 
 Near the sun, in the same circle, the word eugio 
 Legend, — continental curency 1776 around the whole. 
 Borders, — Beaded. Edge, — Ornamented with leaf-work. Size, — 25. 
 "Weight, — Silver, 378 grains. Tin, 258 grains. Brass, 224 grains. 
 
 [Plate VIII. No. 15.] 
 
 One specimen of this variety, found in the cabinet of Mr. Parmelee, is 
 struck in silver : this has probably done service as a dollar, as it bears 
 evidence of considerable wear from circulation. Impressions from these dies 
 are usually found in tin. A specimen in the cabinet of Mr. Brevoort, struck 
 in brass, (size 23,) has the same reverse with that just described, but the 
 rings upon the obverse are beaded, instead of plain as in all the others : Mr. 
 Appleton has another, in brass, from the same dies, with the beads partly cut 
 into lines ; both these have a comma under the N . This die was afterwards 
 further altered, into the more common style described above. 
 
 Another reverse similar to the above, has the legend continental cur- 
 rency Its obverse is the same with that of the preceding. [Plate VIII. No. 16.] 
 
 The third obverse has the legend American congress In this, "N. 
 hamp ? s " precedes " massachs " in the rings, thus differing from the other 
 dies. Its reverse has the sun more nearly above the dial, and e g eecit (e g 
 probably the initials of the die cutter,) in the inner circle, above the date. 
 
 These pieces are not of extreme rarity, neither are they very common : 
 the one most difficult to obtain, excepting those in silver and brass, (only one 
 specimen of each of which is known,) is that last described. 
 
 • In Watson's Chemical Essays, (Dublin, 1791,) we find this mention of 
 
306 THE EARLY O OUSTS OP AMERICA. 
 
 these pieces : " The Congress in America had recourse to the same expedient ; 
 [the coinage of tin,] they coined several pieces of about an inch and half in 
 diameter, and of 240 grains in weight ; on one side of which was inscribed 
 in a circular ring near the edge — Continental Currency, 1776 — and within 
 the ring a rising sun, with — fugio — at the side of it, shining upon a dial, 
 under which was — Mind your business. — On the reverse were thirteen small 
 circles joined together like the rings of a chain, on each of which was 
 inscribed the name of some one of the thirteen states ; on another circular 
 ring, within these, was inscribed — American Congress — and in the central 
 space — ive are one. — I have been particular in the mention of this piece of 
 money, because like the leaden money which was struck at Vienna, when that 
 city was besieged by the Turks in 1529, it will soon become a great curiosity. 
 I estimated the weight of a cubic foot of this Continental currency, it was 
 equal to 7440 ounces : this exceeds the weight of our best sort of pewter, 
 and falls short of that of our worst ; I conjecture that the metal of the con- 
 tinental currency consisted of 12 parts of tin and one of lead." 
 
 A fine specimen of an engraved pattern is the 
 
 NOX DEPEXDEXS • STATUS 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head facing right, with hair falling to the shoulder, where 
 upon an oval shield are emblazoned a staff with flag, and a sword crossing ; 
 in each angle, a fleur de lis. Upon the breast is a winged head. 
 
 Legend, — jstost • depen - dens • status 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An Indian, clad only with a tunic of feathers, facing left, seated 
 upon a globe. In his right hand he holds extended a bunch of tobacco; his 
 left rests upon a shield bearing the same emblems with that upon the obverse. 
 
 Legend, — amer ica 
 
 In exergue, — 1778 
 
 Borders and edge plain. Size,— 19. [Pig. 50.J 
 
 Nothing is known of the origin or history of this piece. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 
 
 307 
 
 THE NOVA CONSTELLATIO PATTERNS. 
 
 THE "MARK." 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eye, forming the centre of a glory of thirteen points, the 
 points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars. 
 Legend, — nova constellatio * 
 Border, — A wreath of leaves. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A wreath, enclosing the letters U. S and the figures 1.000 
 Legend, — libertas • justitia • 1783 • 
 
 Border, — A wreath of leaves. Edge, — Ornamented with leaf-work. 
 Size, — 21. "Weight, — 270 grains = eleven pennyweights, six grains. 
 
 [Plate VIII. No. 1, and Fig. 51.] 
 
 THE "QUINT." 
 OBVERSE NO. 1. 
 
 Device, — An eye on a plain field within a glory of thirteen points, the 
 points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars. 
 Legend, — nova constellatio y 
 
 Size, — 16tL Weight, — 135 grains = five pennyweights, fifteen grains. 
 
 [Plate VIII. No. 2, and Fig. 52.] 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 2. 
 
 Device, — An eye, forming the centre of a glory of thirteen points, the 
 points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars. 
 
 In place of a legend this has a plain raised ring. 
 Size, — 16. Weight, — 110 grains. 
 
 [Plate VIII. No. 3.] 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A wreath enclosing the letters U. S and the figures 500 
 Legend, — libertas ■ justitia ■ 1783 • 
 
 Borders of both, beaded, and edges ornamented with leaf-work. 
 This reverse is upon both specimens of the Quint. 
 
308 THE EARLY (JOUSTS OF AMEKICA. 
 
 These are undoubtedly the first patterns for a coinage for the United 
 States, and command an interest exceeding that of any others of this class : 
 fortunately the early records supply some information definitely referring to 
 them. 
 
 The financier, Eobert Morris, reported, January 15, 1782, a system of 
 coinage devised by Gouvernenr Morris. We quote the portions most impor- 
 tant in this connection, from Sparks's Life of Gouverneur Morris. 
 
 " The various coins, which have circulated in America, have undergone 
 different changes in their value, so that there is hardly any which can be 
 considered as a general standard, unless it be Spanish dollars. These pass 
 in Georgia at five shillings, in North Carolina and New York at eight 
 shillings, in Virginia and the four Eastern States at six shillings, and in all 
 the other States, excepting South Carolina, at seven shillings and sixpence, 
 and in South Carolina at thirty-two shillings and sixpence. The money unit 
 of a new coin to agree, without a fraction, with all these different values of 
 a dollar, excepting the last, will be the fourteen hundred and fortieth part of 
 a dollar, equal to the sixteenth hundredth part of a crown. Of these units, 
 twenty-four will be a penny of Georgia, fifteen will be a penny of North 
 Carolina or New York, twenty will be a penny of Virginia and the four 
 Eastern States, sixteen will be a penny of all the other States, excepting 
 South Carolina, and forty-eight will be thirteen pence of South Carolina. 
 
 "It has already been observed, that, to have the money unit very small, 
 is advantageous to commerce ; but there is no necessity that this money unit 
 be exactly represented in coin ; it is sufficient that its value be precisely 
 known. On the present occasion, two copper coins will be proper, the one 
 of eight units, and the other of five. These may be called an Eight and a 
 Five. Two of the former will make a penny, proclamation or Pennsylvania 
 money, and three a penny Georgia money. Of the latter, three will make a 
 penny New York money, and four a penny lawful, or Virginia money. The 
 money unit will be equal to a quarter of a grain of fine silver in coined money. 
 Proceeding thence in a decimal ratio, one hundred would be the lowest silver 
 coin, and might be called a Cent. It would contain twenty-five grains of 
 fine silver, to which may be added two grains of copper, and the whole 
 would weigh one pennyweight and three grains. Five of these would make 
 a Quint, or five hundred units, weighing five pennyweight and fifteen grains ; 
 and ten would make a Mark, or one thousand units, weighing eleven penny- 
 weight and six grains." 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 
 
 309 
 
 Here we have the name, value, and weight of these two patterns, which, 
 probably with others, were submitted to Congress for their approval; but 
 for some unknown reason, no immediate action was taken thereupon. 
 
 Jefferson, after consultation with Morris, remarks, "he seems to concur 
 with me, in thinking his smallest fractional division too minute for a Unit, 
 and, therefore, proposes to transfer that denomination to his largest silver 
 coin, containing 1000 of the units first proposed, and worth about 4s. 2d. 
 lawful, or -If of a dollar. The only question then remaining between us is, 
 whether the Dollar, or this coin, be best for the Unit. We both agree that 
 the ease of adoption 'with the people, is the thing to be aimed at." 
 
 One system of coins proposed by Morris was as follows : — 
 
 " One crown, or ten dollars, equal to . 
 
 One dollar, or 'ten bills, equal to 
 
 One bill, or ten pence, equal to 
 
 One penny, or ten quarters, equal to 
 
 One quarter, equal to ... 
 
 10,000 
 
 1,000 
 
 100 
 
 10 
 
 r 
 
 ' as in the official report.) 
 
 (The term "bills," probably should be "bits,' 
 
 " The value of the quarter is equal to a quarter of a grain of pure silver, 
 or one fourteen hundred and fortieth part of a Spanish dollar. 
 
 " This was his first plan of a new coinage, founded on the principle of 
 decimals and a money unit. The largest piece, or crown, was to be of gold ; 
 the next, or dollar, of silver. He proposed, also, that for convenience there 
 should be other coins struck, besides those here designated, but that each 
 should contain a precise number of the money unit. * * * * * 
 
 "Lastly, as to the names above chosen, they, like all other names, are 
 arbitrary, and perhaps better may be substituted. The word crown occurred, 
 from the following idea of an impression for a gold coin ; viz. An Indian, 
 with his bow in his left hand, and in his right hand thirteen arrows, and his 
 right foot on a crown ; the inscription, manus inimica tyrannise 
 
 Morris subsequently remodelled his plan, and " assumed for his Unit an 
 amount equal to twelve shillings and six pence sterling, which he called a 
 pound, making this divisable by ten, and giving the names of pounds, shillings, 
 pence, and doits to the several divisions ; thus, 
 
 "One pound is equal to 1,000 
 
 One shilling equal to ......... • 100 
 
 One penny equal to ......... • 10 
 
 One doit equal to 1 
 
 * * * * * * * 
 
310 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 "The table of coins proposed in connection 
 ing was as follows. 
 
 " Crown, of gold 
 
 Half crown 
 
 Dollar, of silver 
 
 Shilling 
 
 Groat ......... 
 
 Doit, of copper 
 
 with this system of reckon- 
 
 value 1,200 doits. 
 
 600 
 
 300 
 
 100 
 
 20 
 
 1" 
 
 A still different system of coins upon the 
 American State Papers ; this is as follows : 
 
 same basis, is given in the 
 
 Pemi. currency. Virginia currency. 
 
 Of gold, 
 
 weighing 
 
 188 
 
 qrs. 
 
 Expression 1,0000 
 
 Value £2 
 
 12 
 
 £2 1 8 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 94 
 
 u 
 
 .5000 
 
 a 
 
 l 
 
 6 0i 
 
 1 10 
 
 Of silver, 
 
 a 
 
 260 
 
 c< 
 
 .1000 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 5 2i 
 
 4 2 
 
 a 
 
 " 
 
 104 
 
 tt 
 
 .400 
 
 ti 
 
 
 
 2 1 
 
 1 8 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 52 
 
 a 
 
 .200 
 
 it. 
 
 
 
 1 0| 
 
 10 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 26 
 
 a 
 
 .100 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 6i 
 
 5 
 
 Of copper, 
 
 a 
 
 00 
 
 a 
 
 .5 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 
 
 01 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 00 
 
 " 
 
 .4 
 
 a 
 
 
 
 0J 
 
 0" 
 
 In a statement of the accounts of the United States, we find among the 
 "Expenditures for Contingencies," between January and July, 1783, the fol- 
 lowing items referring to the preparations for coining ; and there is no 
 reason to doubt that these patterns are the results of those preparations. 
 
 " February 8. Jacob Eckfield, for Dies for the Mint of North America, 
 
 March 21. Benjamin Dudley employed in preparing a Mint, 
 
 April 17. John Swanwick, for Dies for the Public Mint, 
 
 May 5. A. Dubois, for sinking, casehardening, &c. four Pair of Dies 
 
 for the Public Mint, ......... 
 
 June 30. Benjamin Dudley employed in preparing a Mint, . 
 
 Dollars. 
 
 5 
 
 75 
 22 
 
 72 
 77 
 
 90ths. 
 18 
 
 24 
 
 42 
 
 60" 
 
 Some further particulars are furnished by Robert Morris, in his diary : 
 
 "1783. April 2 d I sent for M r Dudley who delivered me a piece of 
 Silver Coin, being the first that has been struck as an American Coin. 
 
 " April 16 th Sent for M 1 ' Dudley and urged him to produce the Coins to 
 lay before Congress to establish a Mint. 
 
 " April 17 th Sent for M r Dudley to urge the preparing of Coins & c for 
 Establishing a Mint. 
 
 " April 22 d M r Dudley sent in several Pieces of Money as patterns of the 
 intended American Coins." 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 311 
 
 "July 5 th M r Benj n Dudley ***** also informs of a Minting Press 
 being in New York for sale, and urges me to purchase it for the use of the 
 American Mint. 
 
 " July 7 th M r Dudley respecting the Minting Press, but I had not time 
 to see him. 
 
 "August 19 th I sent for M r Benjamin Dudley, and informed him of my 
 doubts about the establishment of a Mint and desired him to think of some 
 employment in private service, in which I am willing to assist him all in my 
 power. I told him to make out an account for the services he had per- 
 formed for the public, and submit at the Treasury office for inspection and 
 settlement. 
 
 "August 30 th M r Dudley brought the dies for Coining in the American 
 Mint." 
 
 The dies for the larger -piece, or Mark, differed materially from those for 
 the smaller pieces, or Quint, as they were apparently cut by hand, while 
 the latter were made in the more usual method, by the use of punches. The 
 edges of all the coins were finished alike. 
 
 But three specimens from these dies are known, all of which are now in 
 the cabinet of the writer. The ownership of two of them is traced to the 
 Hon. Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the first Congress, in the following 
 letter received with them from Mr. Henry S. Adams, by whom they were 
 purchased from Mr. Haseltine : 
 
 "John W- Haseltine, Esqr. Philadelphia, May 28, 1872. 
 
 " Dear Sir The history of the two coins which you obtained from me, 
 viz. Nova Constellatio 1783, U. S. 1000, Nova Constellatio, 1783 U. S. 500 is 
 as follows. 
 
 " They were the property of the Hon. Charles Thomson, Secretary of the 
 first Congress. At his death his property was left by Will to his nephew, 
 John Thomson, of Newark, State of Delaware. These two coins were found 
 in the desk of the said deceased Charles Thomson, and preserved by his 
 nephew during his life ; at his death they came into the possession of his son 
 Samuel E. Thomson of Newark, Delaware, from whom I received them. So 
 you will perceive that their genuineness cannot be questioned ; as they were 
 never out of the possession of the Thomson family, until I received them. 
 
 "Yours respectfully, Kathmell Wilson." 
 
312 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 The pedigree of the third we are unable to trace ; but it bears upon its 
 reverse evidence of. its genuineness, as it is from the same die that impressed 
 the other of the same value — a Quint. 
 
 Samuel Curwen, in his diary, under the date of May 15, 1784, gives the 
 following description of what he calls a medal : — 
 
 " Mr. Bartlet presented me with a medal struck in Philadelphia ; — in a 
 
 round compartment stands, ! IT. S 5 1783 ; ' — round, f Libertas et 
 
 Justitia ; ' on the other side, in the centre, an eye surrounded by a glory ; the 
 whole encompassed by thirteen stars, — with the legend, ? Nova Constellation " 
 
 This was evidently another of the patterns referred to by Morris, probably 
 that called a "Five." If all the dies mentioned were for coin, and if impres- 
 sions were taken from all, it remains for some fortunate investigator to discover 
 the pieces still wanting to exhibit the designs of the dies as yet unrepresented 
 in the cabinets of our numismatists. It is not improbable, however, that the 
 item to Swanwick was for the dies in the rough, as that to Dubois so par- 
 ticularly specifies the work he performed. If this supposition be correct, and 
 if the piece described by Curwen was the " Five," as we believe, we have 
 descriptions of seven out of the eight dies mentioned. 
 
 Jefferson's modification of Morris's system ultimately prevailed, which 
 probably accounts for the scarcity of the patterns of Morris's proposed coins : 
 owing to the disadvantages under which they were produced, it is probable 
 that very few of these were struck ; perhaps, indeed, and it is not unlikely, 
 but a single specimen of each, to submit to Congress. 
 
 THE IMMUNE COLUMBIAS. 
 
 OBVERSE, NO. 1. 
 
 Device, — An eye on a plain field, within a glory of thirteen points, the 
 points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars. 
 Legend, — nova constellatio 
 Border, — Serrated. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 313 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 2. 
 
 Device, — An eye on a plain field, within a glory of thirteen points, the 
 points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars. 
 Legend, — nova • constellatio * 
 Border, — Serrated. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty, seated, facing right, with the scales 
 of justice extended in her left hand, the staff, with liberty cap and flag, in 
 her right. 
 
 Legend, — immune Columbia • 
 
 In exergue, — 1785. 
 
 Border, — Serrated. Edges, — Plain, or Milled. Size, — 17. 
 
 "Weight, — Gold, 128.8 grains. Silver, 92 grains. Copper, 148 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. Nos. 30 and 31, and Figs. 53 and 54.J 
 
 The following dies were muled with the Immune Columbia: 
 
 VEEMON AUCTORI. 
 
 Device, — A head, laureated, facing right, with mailed bust. 
 
 Legend, — verm on auctori 
 
 Border, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 16. Weight, — 106 grains. 
 
 CEOROIVS * III REX. 
 
 Device, — A head, laureated, facing right, with mailed bust. 
 Legend, — ceorcivs * ni • rex. 
 
 Borders, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 16. Weight, — 129 grains. 
 [Fig. 36, p. 186, and Plate VII. No. 32.] 
 
 The legend of the last, " ceorcivs " is peculiar. The same punches 
 used on the dies for the New Jersey and Vermont coins, as well as on 
 several other pieces, were used on this die. In none of the dies referred to 
 was a G required, except in another ceorcivs, (muled with the Liber JSTatus,) 
 and the gheorge clinton ; and in the last, the same C punch was used, and 
 cut into a G, in the die. These must have been the latest impressions from the 
 Immune die, as many of them have quite an uneven surface, proving the die to 
 have yielded,, and become concave. The last two are found in copper only. 
 
 These pieces are all extremely rare, and as they were struck in gold, 
 silver, and copper, it is presumed that they were intended as patterns for a 
 coin in the metal for which they might be considered the most appropriate. 
 
314 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 The only known specimen in gold, is that in the Mint at Philadelphia : 
 its obverse is No. 2. Mr. W. E. Du Bois, the Assayer of the Mint, sends us 
 the following particulars: "The gold 'Immune' weighs 128.8 grains, near the 
 full weight of the guinea (129.5) and therefore struck on a good piece. 
 The guinea legend, of one of the Georges, can be seen beneath ; a golden 
 ' palimpsest,' we may say. The edge is milled or notched ; the whole coin 
 very thin, as the guinea was. The bullion value is $5.05." Of those in 
 silver we have seen but five, all with obverse No. 1, and with milled edges; 
 and with this obverse, in copper, only one. Of the copper with obverse No. 2, 
 the number is probably about eight, all with plain edges. 
 
 The three dies first described, were probably the work of Thomas Wyon, 
 of Birmingham, England ; and the obverses are both to be found on the 
 copper nova constellatio series. 
 
 Both of the muled pieces bear evidence of the same handiwork, probably 
 that of James F. Atlee, of Machin's Mills. These are found only in copper, 
 and are as rare as the others in the same metal, — the vermon auctori 
 more so. 
 
 CONFEDERATIOS AND EXCELSIORS. 
 
 An interesting series of pieces is next presented, which are curiously 
 connected, and extensively muled. The Confederatios form the principal por- 
 tion of this group, which is illustrated on Plate YII . Nos. 10 to 24 inclusive. 
 
 Most of the members of this group, the Confederatios excepted, have . not 
 been supposed to bear any relation to each other, or to any other series : but 
 if it is allowable to judge of the origin of these pieces by marked peculiarities 
 common to most of them, proving conclusively the use of the same punches 
 in making the dies, and by the muling of these dies with others, the origin 
 of which is believed to be known, and which exhibit the same marked pecu- 
 liarities, we may fairly infer that all of these were produced by the same 
 artist, or under his direction. 
 
 The group thus formed comprises the Confederatios, which include among 
 their reverses a Libertas et Justitia of 1785, a Washington and the Immunis 
 Columbia, of 1786, and the "New York Excelsiors." It numbers in all, 
 (excluding the two New Jerseys connected with it on the plate,) thirteen 
 dies, which are struck in fourteen combinations. 
 
 It is very probable that some of these dies were designed as patterns for 
 the coins of New Jersey, while others were intended for those of New York; 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 315 
 
 and some, perhaps, sprung from the more ambitious motive of furnishing 
 a coin for National adoption, the Washington pieces of this group being 
 not inappropriate, in respect to the ideas expressed upon them, for such a 
 purpose. 
 
 The dies for these patterns we believe to have been made by Thomas 
 Wyon, of Birmingham, England, and it is supposed that most of the impres- 
 sions from them were struck there • but it appears certain that one of the 
 dies was brought to America, and used here, as it forms the reverse of one 
 of the New Jersey coins. 
 
 The fact that the date of the obverse with which this reverse die first 
 appeared, is that of the earliest coins of New Jersey, suggests that this die 
 was the pattern adopted for the coin of that State, and was procured, and 
 preserved as a model for other dies until the year following, when it was 
 brought into use, but to a very limited extent, as we find but two specimens 
 bearing its impress. 
 
 Implicit reliance as to the common origin of two dies cannot be reposed 
 in a judgment based upon their presence upon the same planchet : but when 
 this evidence is supported by a marked similarity in the workmanship of the 
 dies, it may be taken as conclusive. 
 
 Thus in the case of the immune Columbia • muled with the vermon 
 auctori and the ceorcivs * in rex. ; the first is a finely executed die, 
 probably by "Wyon, while both the others are of a very inferior style of work- 
 manship, probably by Atlee : we cannot account for their presence in the 
 same hands in order to effect these combinations, unless the immune die 
 was procured by Atlee, as it is probable that the shield die was, either by 
 him, or by the undertakers of the coinage for New Jersey. 
 
 The same remarks will apply to the workmanship of the obverse of the 
 New Jersey coin which is coupled with the reverse die of the immunis of 
 1786. This reverse we attribute to Wyon ; but we are not of the opinion 
 that the New Jersey obverse came from the same hand, neither does it resemble 
 in any respect, any die of the group now under consideration. 
 
 The TNiMiCA tvrannis • amerioa • furnishes an interesting instance of a 
 narrow escape from the loss of an important specimen. It was found in 
 digging up au old drain, in Berlin, Connecticut, in 1861. How many varieties 
 of coins have been thus lost, but not so fortunately recovered, it is impossible 
 to estimate. 
 
316 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMEEICA. 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 1. 
 
 Device, — A cluster of thirteen large stars, upon a central field of size 8, 
 within a glory of twenty-four groups of fine rays. 
 Legend, — coneederatio • 1785 ■ 
 Border, — Serrated. 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 2. 
 
 Device, — A cluster of thirteen small stars upon a central field of size 6, 
 within a glory of sixteen groups of fine rays. 
 Legend, — coneederatio • 1785 • 
 Border, — Serrated. 
 
 REVERSE A. 
 
 Device, — An Indian standing beside an altar, with his right foot upon 
 a crown. In his right hand is an arrow, in his left, a bow, and at his back, 
 a quiver full of arrows. 
 
 Legend, — inimica tyrannis • America • 
 
 Border, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 18. Weight, — 112 grains. 
 
 REVERSE B. 
 
 Device, — An Indian standing beside an altar, with his right foot upon a 
 crown. In his right hand is an arrow, in his left, a bow, and at his back, a 
 quiver full of arrows. 
 
 Legend, — inimica tyrannis • Americana • 
 
 Border, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 18. Weight, — 147 to 153 
 grains. 
 
 The two preceding reverses we take to be those designed for the fore- 
 going obverses. Reverse A is found only with the first obverse ; reverse B, 
 with both. 
 
 [Plate VII. Nos. 11, 12, and 13, and Figs. 56 and 57.] 
 REVERSE C. 
 
 Device, — U S in monogram, within a wreath of thirty pairs of leaves. 
 Legend, — libertas et justitia • 1785 • 
 
 Border, — (worn) . 
 
 Edge, — Plain . Size, - 
 [Plate VII. No. 10.] 
 
 17. Weight, ■ 
 
 103 grains. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 317 
 
 REVEESE D. 
 
 Device, — Head of Washington facing right. 
 Legend, — gen . Washington . 
 
 Border and edge, — Plain. Size, — 183. "Weight, — 134 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 14.J 
 REVEESE E. 
 
 Device, — An eagle displayed ; on his breast a shield argent, six pales 
 gules, a chief azure. A bundle of arrows is in his right talon, and in his 
 left, an olive branch with thirteen leaves. About his head are thirteen stars. 
 Legend, — * e • pluribus unum ■ 1786 
 Border and edge, — Plain. Size, — I82. Weight, — 134 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 15.] 
 REVERSE F. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty seated upon a globe, facing right ; the 
 scales of justice extended in her left hand, the staff of liberty, with cap and 
 flag, supported by her right. 
 
 Legend, — immunis Columbia • 
 
 In exergue, — 1786 
 
 Border, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 18. Weight, — 160 grains. 
 [Plate VII. No. 16, and Figs. 55 and 58.] 
 
 REVERSE a. 
 
 Device, — A shield argent, six pales gules, a chief azure. 
 Legend, — * e * pltjribus * unum * 
 Border, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 18. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 17, and Pig. 58.] 
 REVERSE H. 
 
 Device, — An eagle displayed, on his breast a shield argent, six pales 
 gules, a chief azure. In his right talon is an olive branch with thirteen 
 leaves, in his left, a bundle of arrows. About his head are thirteen stars. 
 
 Legend, — e- pluribus unum * +1787* 
 
 Border, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 18. Weight, — 114 grains. 
 
 The weights are of those with the Confederatio obverses. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 21, and Fig. 59.] 
 
 Of these obverses, !No. 1, is found with reverses A, B, C, D, E and F, 
 No. 2, with reverses B and H. 
 
 JSTo. 1 - F, and 1 - B, (Figs. 55 and 56,) we have not seen, but are 
 assured upon good authority that they exist. The absence of these combina- 
 
318 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 tions would not, however, release from the group any one of the dies, as the 
 connection of all is established independently of them. All the other combi- 
 nations are known to us: they are all of extreme rarity, the only piece which 
 we have seen duplicated being No. 2-B, (Fig. 57.) Upon one specimen, 
 owned by Mr. Appleton, reverse D is muled with E (plate VII. No. 15-a) 
 and in Mr. Stickney's collection is a mule of reverses E and G (plate VII. 
 No. 18) : reverse F is also found, but very rarely, combined with G, (plate 
 VII. No. 17, and Fig. 58) this is known as the New Jersey Immunis. The 
 weights of these are respectively 117, 133, and 132 grains. Of the varieties 
 represented on plate VII. No. 10, is owned by Mr. Hiram S. Shurtleff ; Nos. 
 12, 13, 15, 17, 21 and 24, by Mr. Lorin G. Parmelee ; Nos. 12, 18, and 24, by 
 Mr. Matthew A . Stickney, and Nos. 12, 14, and 15a, by Mr. Wm. S. Appleton. 
 No. 36, we are informed, was owned by the late Mr. J. G. Morris, of Phila- 
 delphia, but its present owner is not known, and a No. 17 and 19, are in the 
 cabinet of the writer. The other pieces are found in most good collections. 
 Eeverse H, is from the die forming the reverse of the pieces called the 
 New York Excelsior cents ; this being muled with a Confederatio, connects 
 them with this group. We shall therefore, in describing these, continue the 
 numbers and letters. 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 3. 
 
 Device, — The State arms of New York. Upon an oval shield, the sun 
 rising from behind hills, the sea in the foreground ; at the left of the shield 
 stands Liberty, with staff and cap, and at the right, Justice, with sword and 
 scales. Upon a section of a globe above the shield, stands an eagle with 
 outspread wings, facing left. 
 
 In exergue, — excelsior 
 
 Border, -Serrated. Edge, -Plain. Size, -18. Weight, - 141 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 22.] 
 OBVERSE NO. 4. 
 
 Like the last, except that the eagle faces the right. 
 [Plate VII. No. 23, and Fig. 59.] 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 319 
 
 REVERSE I. 
 
 Device, — A large eagle, displayed ; on his breast a shield argent, six 
 pales gules, a chief azure : a bundle of arrows is in his right talon, an olive 
 branch of thirteen leaves in his left, and thirteen stars about his head. 
 
 Legend, — * e * pltiribus tinum 1787 * 
 
 Border, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 18 2. Weight, 123 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 24.] 
 
 In the die last described, the eagle is large, his wings reaching nearly to 
 the legend : his beak is widely open and his crest long and slender. We 
 have seen but two specimens of this variety ; they are in the collections of 
 Messrs. Stickney, of Salem, and Parmelee, of Boston. 
 
 Obverse No. 3, is found with reverse H. No. 4, with both H and I. 
 These are all quite rare. 
 
 [Plate VII. Nos. 22, 23, and 24.J 
 
 In following the clues which we pointed out in our remarks upon the 
 coins of New Jersey, (p. 287,) we have been compelled to change opinions 
 we had formed as to the origin of some pieces, which, although in doubt, had 
 previously been regarded as of English manufacture ; thus as we find upon the 
 Non Yi Virtute Vici (1786,) and the Immunis Columbia (1787,) as well as on 
 the Liber Natus Libertatem Defendo, and the George Clinton (1787,) letters 
 and figures precisely the same with those there described, we consider them 
 also the work of the same artist that cut the dies before referred to. It is 
 probable that they were designed as patterns. 
 
 It will be remembered that Maj. Eli Leavenworth stated to the committee 
 that he "Made blank Coppers the Last fall had them Stamped in New york 
 With Various Impressions — Some few of them With an Impression Similar 
 to the Impresion of the Coppers Coined by the Aforementioned CompT — " 
 We have long believed that the Liber Natus Libertatem Defendo, and the 
 George Clinton, were among the pieces struck for Leavenworth, probably at 
 Machin's Mills, and must now class with them the Non Yi Yirtute Yici, and 
 the Immunis of 1787 : it is not unlikely that the Connecticuts of similar work- 
 manship were also part of the same enterprise. The Non Yi Yirtute Yici 
 may have been a pattern of Atlee's, made before the beginning of operations 
 at Machin's Mills, or, as is not unlikely, while he may have been engaged in 
 making experimental pieces, previous to his association with partners. 
 
320 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 THE NON VI VIRTUTE VICI 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A bust in military costume, facing right. 
 Legend, — non vi virtute vici 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty seated, facing right, with scales of 
 justice extended in her left hand, the staff, with liberty cap, supported by 
 
 her right. 
 
 Legend, — jsteo-eboeacensis • 
 
 In exergue, — 1786 
 
 Borders,— Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 19. Weight, — 117 grains. 
 
 Of this we have seen six or eight specimens. 
 
 This piece is sometimes classed among the Washingtons, because of the 
 resemblance of the head to that upon some of the Washington medals. 
 
 [Plate VIII. No. 4, and Fig. 60.J 
 
 
 tT&'BWM 
 
 THE IMMUNIS COLUMBIA OF 1787. 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty, seated upon a globe, facing right, the 
 scales of justice extended in her left hand, the staff with cap and flag, sup- 
 ported by her right. 
 
 Legend, — immunis Columbia 
 
 In exergue, — 1787 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eagle, displayed, holding in his right talon an olive branch 
 of thirteen leaves, and in his left, thirteen arrows. 
 Legend, — * e * pluribtjs * unum * 
 
 Borders, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 16s. Weight, — 135 grains. 
 This piece though not common, is not of extreme rarity. 
 [Plate VIII. No. 8, and Fig. 61.] 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 
 
 321 
 
 THE GEORGE * CLINTON * 
 
 OBVEESE. 
 
 Device, — Bust of George Clinton, facing right. 
 Legend, — george * Clinton * 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The State arms of New York. Upon an oval shield, the sun 
 rising from behind hills, the sea in the foreground ; at the left of the shield 
 stands Justice, with sword and scales, and at the right, Liberty, with staff 
 and cap. Upon a section of a globe above the shield, stands an eagle with 
 outspread wings, facing right. 
 
 In exergue, — 1787 excelsior 
 
 Borders, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 17. Weight, — 157 grains. 
 
 The letter G, on the obverse, was first stamped in with a C punch, and 
 altered in the die, to a G. 
 
 We know of not more than five specimens of the George Clinton, the 
 two finest of which are owned by Mr. Appleton, and Mr. Parmelee. 
 
 [Plate VIII. No. 5, and Fig. 62.] 
 
 THE LIBER NATUS LIBERTATEM DEFENDO * 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An Indian, standing, facing left, a tomahawk in his right hand, 
 a bow in his left, and a quiver of arrows at his back. 
 Legend, — liber natits ltbertatem deeendo * 
 
 REVERSE A. 
 
 Device, — The State arms of ~New York. Upon an oval shield, the sun 
 rising from behind hills, the sea in the foreground; at the left of the shield 
 stands Justice, with sword and scales, and at the right, Liberty, with staff 
 and cap. Upon a section of a globe above the shield, stands an eagle with 
 outspread wings, facing right. 
 
 In exergue, — 1787 excelsior 
 
 The same die with the reverse of the George Clinton. 
 
 Borders, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 17. Weight, — 127 grains. 
 
322 
 
 THE EARLY COIN'S OF AMERICA. 
 
 REVEKSE B. 
 
 Device, — An eagle standing upon the section of a globe. 
 Legend, — nfo-eboeacus 1787 excelsior 
 
 Border, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 17. Weight, — 153 grains. 
 The dash in the legend is very light, and does not appear upon the plate. 
 [Plate VIII. Nos. 6 and 7, and Figs. 63 and 64.] 
 REVERSE C. 
 
 Device, — A bust of George III. facing right. 
 
 Legend, — ceorcivs hi rex 
 
 The last die much resembles in style of lettering that described on p. 313. 
 
 All these pieces are very rare ; that with reverse A is most easily pro- 
 cured; we can call to mind but three with reverse B, but can place only those 
 of Mr. Appleton and Mr. Bushnell. That with reverse C, is considered unique. 
 
 BRASHER'S DOUBLOON. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The sun rising from behind a range of mountains; at their foot, 
 in the foreground is the sea; brasher underneath, a beaded circle around. 
 Legend, — nova * eboraca * Columbia -s- excelsior * 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eagle, displayed, on his breast a shield argent, seven pales 
 gules, a chief azure ; in his right talon is an olive branch, and in his left, a 
 bundle of arrows ; about his head are thirteen stars, and on his right wing 
 is an oval punch-mark with the letters E B. The device is encircled by a 
 wreath of leaves. 
 
 Legend, — otum * e * pluribits -s- 1787 -a- 
 
 Borders and edge, — Plain. Size, — 19. Weight,— 408 grains, gold. 
 
 Four of these doubloons have come to our knowledge ; they are owned 
 by Mr. Bushnell, Mr. Parmelee, Mr. Stickney, and the United States Mint at 
 Philadelphia ; the first has the punch-mark on the breast of the eagle. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 24, and Fig. 65.J 
 
PLATE VIII. 
 
 
 HNS m 
 
 
 lifl 
 
 M_b~ 
 
 LV 
 
 
 
 
 ill 
 
 11 
 
 * Ute 
 
 ■viju 
 
 f;^<*4. ftUXltA fii : \%- 
 
 
 
 SjKSS* 
 
 tVfe 
 
 
 * L 
 
 xsGiattB 
 
 I 1U 
 
 :pr/i;s 
 
 HELIOTYPE PATENT. 
 
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, $2.00 a year, in advance. 
 Address JEREMIAH COLBURN, 18 SOMERSET STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 Subscription, $1.50 Canadian Currency, per annum, in advance. 
 Payable to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86^, Montreal. 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
 -DEALER IN- 
 
 Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, 
 
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 w 
 
 THE 
 
 Early Coins of America; 
 
 AND THE 
 
 LAWS GOVERNING THEIR ISSUE. 
 
 COMPBISING ALSO DESCRIPTIONS OP 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES, THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TOKENS, 
 
 MANY PIECES OF UNKNOWN OEIGIN, 
 
 OF THE SEVENTEENTH AND EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES, 
 
 AND THE < 
 
 FIRST PATTEENS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 By SYLVESTER S. CEOSBY 
 
 BOSTON, MASS.: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
 1875. 
 
THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA 
 
 COMPLETE. 
 
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 ready, completing the work. 
 
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PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 323 
 
 AMERICAN TOKENS. 
 
 Under the head of American Tokens we place those pieces struck in 
 America, and also those struck in England by order of American merchants 
 for circulation in this country, for purposes either of change or advertise- 
 ment, arranging them, in most instances, according to their dates. 
 
 THE GLOVCESTER TOKEN. 
 
 Of the history of the earliest of these, called the Gloucester Token, nothing 
 is known. It appears to have been intended as a pattern for a shilling of 
 a private coinage, by Richard Dawson of Gloucester [county V] Virginia. It 
 is probable that no tokens of this intended issue were actually put in circu- 
 lation, as we find no specimen in silver. But two specimens of this are known, 
 both struck in brass. A full description cannot be given of it, as both 
 impressions are very imperfect, and together they do not supply the entire 
 legends with certainty. The following description is as nearly complete as 
 can be obtained. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A large mullet, voided at centre and points. 
 Legend, — ric[hard?] dawson • anno • dom • 1714 ■ 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A house. 
 
 Legend, — glovcester • oo • [ V ] Virginia • 
 
 In exergue, — xn 
 
 Borders, — Beaded. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 14. Weight, — 62 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 4.] 
 
 These pieces are owned by George W- Cram, of JSTorwalk, Conn., and 
 L. G. Parmelee, of Boston, Mass. 
 
 The house upon this token may have been designed to represent a ware- 
 house, but it is of a style corresponding more closely to that of some of the 
 public buildings of olden times. Possibly it may have represented the court 
 house of Gloucester county, and the legend, should any specimen fortunately 
 be discovered to supply the missing portions, may prove to be, glovcester • 
 oo • house • Virginia • in accordance with the favorite method, (still con- 
 tinued,) of naming settlements in the Southern States, where many an insig- 
 nificant hamlet is dignified by the appellation of " Court House," or " County 
 House." 
 
324 
 
 THE EARLY COESTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 THE GRANBY OR HIGLEY TOKENS. 
 
 The Granby or Higley Tokens are supposed to have been struck by 
 John Higley of Granby, from metal obtained from the mines at "Copper 
 Hill" in that town, then part of Simsbury, in the State of Connecticut. The 
 authorities appear to have taken no notice of his issues of coin, which seem 
 to have continued for about three years, — from 1737 to 1739 inclusive, — 
 specimens being extant bearing these dates, though we know of none dated 
 1738. 
 
 TYPE NO. 1. OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A deer, standing, facing left. 
 
 Legend, — • ftST* the • valve ■ of • three • pence. 
 
 REVERSE A. 
 
 Device, — Three hammers, each bearing a crown. 
 Legend, — A connecticvt . 1737 . ■> 
 
 Of this type there are two obverse dies, which are shown on plate VIII. 
 !Nbs. 17 and 18. The principal differences in these may be seen in the 
 positions of the ground lines on which the deer stands, and of the word 
 " three," which in E"o. 18, rests upon the curved line below : Bolen's is a 
 copy of this variety. Both obverse dies are found with reverse A ; we have 
 heard of four specimens of this type, but can place only those of Messrs. 
 Appleton and Parmelee. 
 
 TYPE NO. 2. OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A deer, standing, facing left. 
 Legend, — BSF= valve . me . as . you . please . -fa- 
 in exergue, — The Eoman numerals III within scroll work: 
 beneath. 
 
 REVERSE B. 
 
 Device, — Three hammers, each bearing a crown. 
 
 Legend, — • i^r . i . am . good . copper . :> =;>: «sgj 1737 • 
 
 a crescent 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 325 
 
 Of this reverse there are two dies, shown on plate VIII. ISTos. 19 and 20. 
 The principal difference is in the spacing of the characters. One die of the 
 obverse first described is found upon two specimens, with one of these reverse 
 dies, (plate VIII. ISTo. 19,) one of which belongs to C. I. Bushnell, Esq., 
 the other, to the writer. The other die of reverse B is found only with the 
 obverse last described, and upon but one specimen, which is owned by L. G. 
 Parmelee. [Plate VIII. No. 20 and Fig. 66. J We recollect no other instance 
 where both forms of the u are used in the same legend. 
 
 TYPE NO. 3. OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A deer, standing, facing left, a crescent above.. 
 
 Legend, — JSP value . me . as . you . please iz 
 
 In exergue, — The Roman numerals III within scroll work ; a crescent 
 beneath. 
 
 Of this obverse there are three dies, differing principally in the word 
 "please," and in the positions of the numerals. In one, (plate VIII. jSTo. 23, 
 of which we find no well preserved specimen,) the letters P L are near together, 
 the L low, and leaning to the left: the top of none of the numerals join the 
 ground line. In another, (No. 24,) the letters are evenly spaced, and the 
 tops of the first and third numerals join the line. In the third, (]STo. 25,) the 
 letters plea, are widely spaced, and the tops of the second and third numerals 
 join the line. The two obverse dies first described, are found with one die of 
 reverse B, (plate VIII. ]S"os. 21 and 22,) of which, perhaps three of each are 
 known: specimens of these varieties are owned by Messrs. Appleton, Brevoort, 
 Parmelee, and by the writer. All three dies are found with the most common 
 reverse, (C) that with a broad axe but no date, (plate VIII. Nos. 23, 24 and 
 25 and Fig. 67,) and the third, with the reverse of 1739. 
 
 REVERSE C. 
 
 Device, — A broad axe. 
 
 Legend, — IW j . out . my .. way . through . 
 
 1739. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A deer, standing, facing left, a crescent above. 
 Legend, — iW value . me . as . you . please ix 
 
 In exergue, — The Roman numerals HI within scroll work; a crescent 
 beneath. 
 
326 THE EARLY COINS OT AMERICA. 
 
 REVERSE D. 
 
 Device, — A broad axe. 
 
 Legend, — J . cut . my . way . through . 1739 . 
 
 The borders of all are beaded, or milled, and the edges plain; in size 
 they vary from 18 to 19, and their weight varies from 122 to ] 70 grains : the 
 heaviest specimen is one of 1739, owned by Mr. Appleton. Two other 
 impressions from these dies are known, one belonging to Mr. Bushnell, the 
 other to the present writer. 
 
 Several of these tokens are double struck, apparently by accident, as the 
 second impression is often visible only at one edge; this in one instance causes 
 the first letter of the obverse legend to resemble a W, thus reading " walue," 
 which it certainly was never intended to do. Mr. Parmelee has the piece 
 here referred to. 
 
 It has been said that these were the work of Dr. Samuel Higley, a physi- 
 cian and blacksmith : as he was not living in 1737, this must be an error. 
 
 It is stated by Phelps, in his History of the Copper Mines at Granby, that 
 "this coin is said to have passed for two and six pence, (forty-two cents,) 
 in paper currency it is presumed, though composed chiefly, if not entirely, of 
 copper." 
 
 These coppers, owing to the fine quality of the metal of which they were 
 composed, were much in favor as an alloy for gold, and it is probably due in 
 part to this cause that they are now so extremely rare. We are informed of 
 an old goldsmith, aged about seventy-five years, that during his apprentice- 
 ship, his master excused himself for not having finished a string of gold beads 
 at the time appointed, as he was unable to find a Higley copper with which 
 to alloy the gold; thus indicating that they were not easily obtained sixty 
 years ago. 
 
 We have heard it related of Higley, that being a frequent visitant at the 
 public house, where at that time liquors were a common and unprohibited 
 article of traffic, he was accustomed to pay his " scot " in his own coin, and 
 the coffers of the dram-seller soon became overburdened with this kind of 
 cash, (an experience not at all likely to cause trouble to collectors of the 
 present day,) of the type which proclaims its own value to be equal to 
 what was then the price of a " potation," — three pence. 
 
 When complaint was made to Higley, upon his next application for 
 entertainment, which was after a somewhat longer absence than was usual 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 327 
 
 with him, he presented coppers bearing the words, " Value me as you please " 
 " I am good copper ". 
 
 Whether this "change of base" facilitated the financial designs of the 
 ancient coiner, or not, we have never been informed : sure we are however, 
 that should he be aware of the immense appreciation in the value of his 
 coppers, since that day, it would amply reward him for the insulting conduct 
 of the publican. 
 
 "We cannot vouch for the truth of this "legend," but we believe those 
 first issued bore the words, " The value of three pence," and, whatever the 
 cause, subsequent issues more modestly requested the public to value them 
 according to their own ideas of propriety, although they did not refrain from 
 afterwards proclaiming their own merits. 
 
 We extract the following information relating to the place where the 
 metal for these coppers was obtained, from Phelps's History of the Copper Mines 
 and Newgate Prison at Granby, Conn: — "After 1721, when a division of the 
 mining lands took place among the lessees, each company worked at separate 
 mines, all situated upon copper-hill, and (excepting Higley's) within the com- 
 pass of less than one mile. * * * At Higley's mine, which lies about a mile 
 and a half south of this, extensive old workings exist, though commenced at a 
 later period than the others. Mr. Edmund Quincy, of Boston, had a company 
 of miners working at this place at the breaking out of the war of the revolution; 
 soon after which the works were abandoned." 
 
 At the session of the General Assembly in October, 1773, " an Act was 
 passed r constituting the subterraneous caverns and buildings in the copper 
 mines in Simsbury, a public gaol and workhouse for the use of the Colony;' 
 to which was given the name of Newgate Prison. The prisoners were to be 
 employed in mining. The crimes, which by the Act subjected offenders to 
 confinement and labor in the prison, were burglary, horse stealing, and counter- 
 feiting the public bills or coins, or making instruments or dies therefor." 
 
 As a prison, this locality appears to have been no less a failure than it was 
 as a mining speculation. The buildings were three times destroyed by fire, 
 and revolts, violence, and escapes were of frequent occurrence up to the time 
 of its abandonment, in 1827, when it had been in use as a prison for upwards 
 of fifty years. 
 
328 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 CHALMEES' ANNAPOLIS TOKENS. 
 
 Ik 1783 a goldsmith of Annapolis, Maryland, issued silver tokens as a 
 speculative venture of his own. They consisted of shillings, sixpences and 
 threepences, and are all now very rare, the two smaller pieces especially so. 
 
 The shilling first to be described is supposed to be unique. 
 
 THE CHALMERS SHILLING. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Centre, — EoUdl to One Shi Above is a branch, below, two hands clasped. 
 Legend, — i. Chalmers * Annapolis * 1783* 
 Border, — Finely milled. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A chain of twelve rings linked regularly, another ring inter- 
 linked with the three lower rings, the middle one supporting a staff with 
 liberty cap, above which is an eye: eleven of the rings enclose each a mullet, 
 and at each side of the liberty cap is a mullet. 
 
 Border,' — Beaded. Size, — 13. See Figure 68. 
 
 The centre of the obverse is very indistinct, but faintly shows the inscrip- 
 tion, in three lines, " Equal to One Shi " At the sale of the Mickley collection, 
 (No. 2527,) it brought fifty dollars: as its present owner is unknown to us, 
 no further particulars regarding it can be given. The following are descriptions 
 of the more common varieties of these tokens. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Two hands clasped, within a wreath. 
 Legend, — i. Chalmers, annapolis. * 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Within a beaded and lined circle is a field divided by a hori- 
 zontal bar. On the superior portion of the field is a serpent, and on the inferior, 
 two doves holding in their beaks a branch. 
 
 Legend, — $. one * shilling % 1783. 
 
 Borders and edge, — Milled. Size, — 1U- Weight, — 57 grains. 
 [Plate IX. Nos. 5 and 6, and Fig. 69.] 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 
 
 329 
 
 There are two dies of this reverse, not greatly differing: in the more 
 common, (plate IX. No. 5,) the bar lies between IS" and N, and in the rarer 
 variety, (plate IX. ISTo. 6,) between IS" and I : the character following " one " 
 also differs from that of the other, being here a group of eight points. 
 
 THE CHALMERS SIXPENCE. 
 
 OBVEESE. 
 
 Device, — A mullet, within a wreath. 
 Legend, — i - chalmers . annapolis . 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A cross with hands clasped on the centre, two arms terminat- 
 ing in crescents and two in stars. In each angle of the cross is a leaf. 
 
 Legend, — i. c. srx pence 1783. 
 
 Borders and edge, — Milled. Size, — 11. Weight, — 28 grains. 
 
 We find also two dies of this reverse, differing principally in the size of 
 the letters, but only a single die of either of the obverses. 
 
 [Plate IX. Nos. 7 and 8, and Fig. 10.] 
 
 THE CHALMERS THREEPENCE. 
 
 OBVEESE. 
 
 12 grains. 
 
 Device, — Two hands clasped. 
 Legend, — i. chalmers . annap'? • 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A branch encircled by a wreath. 
 Legend, — • three * pence ■ 1783 . 
 Borders and edge, — Milled. Size, — 8. "Weight, 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 9, and Fig. 71.] 
 
 It may be that the edges were not intentionally milled, and that this 
 appearance arises from the manner of cutting the planchets. 
 
 We are indebted to Mr. Joseph J. Mickley of Philadelphia, for the fol- 
 lowing translation from the German, of an account of the Chalmers coinage, 
 by Doctor John David Schopf, who travelled in this country in 1783 and 1784. 
 
 " In the United States, Annapolis has the honor of having furnished the 
 
330 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 first silver money for small change. A goldsmith of this place coins on his 
 own account, though with the consent of the Government. After the depre- 
 ciation of the paper money it became customary, and necessary, throughout 
 America, to cut the Spanish dollars in two, four, and more pieces for change. 
 This dividing became soon a profitable business in the hands of expert cutters, 
 who knew how to cut five quarters, or nine and ten eighths, out of a round 
 dollar, so that shortly every one refused to take this kind of money otherwise 
 than by weight, or at discretion. To get over this embarrassment the said 
 goldsmith assists in getting these angular pieces out of circulation, by taking 
 them in exchange, with a considerable advantage to himself, for pieces of his 
 own coinage." The work from which the above account is taken is considered 
 as reliable, but we find no proof that this coinage was issued by consent of the 
 Government, and perhaps the author intended no more than to convey the 
 idea that the Government tacitly allowed it. 
 
 THE BALTIMOKE TOWN THREEPENCE. 
 
 A curious little silver token, of which we have no history, is supposed to 
 have made its appearance in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1790. It is apparently a 
 private issue, by Standish Barry, and represents the value of three pence. A 
 curious feature in this token is the preciseness of its date — July 4 90 • ; 
 Whether any especial celebration of the anniversary of American independence 
 was observed in 1790, is unknown to us: if there was, this silver token was 
 probably issued in commemoration of that event. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head, facing left, within a plain circle. 
 Legend, — Baltimore . town • july • 4 ■ 90 • 
 
 REVERSE. ' 
 
 Inscription, — three pence within a plain circle. 
 Legend, — standish - barry . entwined in a beaded network. 
 Borders and edge, — Milled. Size, — 9. Weight, — 13 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 23, and Fig. 72.] 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 
 
 331 
 
 THE NOVA CONSTELLATIO COPPERS. 
 
 This is a series of tokens struck in England for use in America. It 
 comprises several varieties, specimens of most of which are often found, 
 though some of them are very rare. 
 
 But little is known of the history of these tokens. The most that can 
 be learned in relation to them is contained in the following extract from 
 Bushnell's Numismatic Notes in manuscript: — "The Nova Constellatios were 
 made in Birmingham, in England, and the dies were cut by Wyon, of that 
 place. Over forty tons were issued from one die alone, and many more from 
 another. They were manufactured by order of a gentleman of New York, 
 who is believed to have been Gouverneur Morris." 
 
 We shall give a description of only one of these pieces for each year, 
 1783, 1785, and 1786, leaving the dies to be described in the tables of varieties. 
 
 1783. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eye on a plain field, within a glory of thirteen points, the 
 points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars. 
 Leg-end. — nova • constellate ♦ 
 
 EEVEESE. 
 
 Device, — U • S in large Roman capitals, encircled by a wreath. 
 Legend, — libektas * justttia ■ 1783 ■ 
 
 Borders, — Usually milled, sometimes serrated. Edges, — Plain. 
 Size, — 16^ to 18. Weight, — 117, to 138 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. Nos. 25, 26, and 27, and Figs. 73 and 74.] 
 
 1785. 
 OBVEESE. 
 
 Device, — An eye on a plain field, within a glory of thirteen points, the 
 points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars. 
 Legend, — nova constellatio 
 
332 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMEEiCA. 
 
 
 1783. 
 
 OBVERSES. 
 
 
 
 
 Legend. 
 
 Long Eays of Glory 
 
 Two Eays point 
 
 No. 
 
 With 
 Reverse. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 NOVA • CONSTELLATIO * 
 NOVA • CONSTELLATIO * 
 NOVA ■ CONSTELATIO + 
 
 Heavy, points fine. 
 Light, points fine. 
 Heavy, cuneiform. 
 
 Just left of N, and right of A. 
 Just left of N, and at right foot of A. 
 At N, and just to right of A. 
 
 1. 
 2. 
 3. 
 
 A. 
 B. 
 C. 
 
 R3. 
 
 C. 
 
 R. 
 
 1785. 
 
 Legend. 
 
 Long Rays of G-lory 
 
 Two Rays point 
 
 No. 
 
 With 
 Reverse. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 NOVA • CONSTELATIO 4- 
 NOVA CONSTELLATIO 
 NOVA CONSTELLATIO 
 
 NOVA CONSTELLATIO 
 
 NOVA CONSTELLATIO 
 
 Same die with last. 
 Points blunt. 
 Points fine. 
 
 Points blunt. 
 
 Points blunt. 
 
 At N, and just to right of A. 
 
 At left foot of N, and right foot of A. 
 
 At left foot of N, and right foot of A. 
 
 Just left of N, and at right foot of A. 
 
 At O, and at left foot of A. 
 
 1. 
 2. 
 3. 
 
 4. 
 
 5. 
 
 B. 
 A. 
 B. 
 
 IE: 
 
 E. 
 
 R3. 
 
 R4. 
 
 C. 
 
 B5. 
 
 R6. 
 
 E 4 . 
 
 1786. 
 
 Legend. 
 
 Long Rays of Glory 
 
 Two Rays point 
 
 No. 
 
 With 
 Reverse. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 NOVA CONSTELLATIO 
 
 Points blunt. 
 
 Just left of N, and right of A. 
 
 1. 
 
 A. 
 
 Fv5. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — U S in script monogram, encircled by a wreath. 
 Legend, — libertas et justitia ■ 1785 • 
 Borders, — Usually milled, but on some serrated. Edges, - 
 Size,— 161 to 18. Weight,— From 108, to 127 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. Nos. 28, and 29, and Figs. 75, 76 and 77.] 
 
 Plain. 
 
 One die, which is used in both iSTo. 3, of 1783, and No. 1, of 1785, 
 (see Figs. 74 and 75,) has the legend spelled nova • constelatfo + 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 
 
 333 
 
 1783. REVERSES. 
 
 Legend and Date. 
 
 LIBERTAS * JUSTITIA • 1783 
 LIBERT AS * JUSTITIA • 1783 ■ 
 LIBERTAS + JUSTITIA • 1783 
 
 Wreath of 
 
 24 pail's. 
 24 pairs. 
 23 pairs. 
 
 u s 
 
 No. 
 
 Large. 
 Smaller. 
 Same as last. 
 
 A. 
 B. 
 C. 
 
 With 
 Obverse. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 R3. 
 
 C. 
 
 R. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Legend and Date. 
 
 Wreath of 
 
 Leaves of Wreath 
 
 No. 
 
 With 
 Obverse. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA 1785 
 
 LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA 1785 • 
 
 LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA ■ 1785 • 
 LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA • 1785 • 
 LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA • 1785 • 
 
 30 pairs. 
 
 30 paiis. 
 
 :il) pairs. 
 29 pairs. 
 26 pairs. 
 
 All separate at points. 
 
 Four to six joined by a break. 
 
 Two over U join. 
 
 Two over U and three over S, join. 
 
 Five at left of U, close. 
 
 A. 
 
 B. 
 
 C. 
 D. 
 
 E. 
 
 2. 
 
 li 
 
 4. 
 4. 
 
 5. 
 
 R*. 
 
 R3. 
 
 C. 
 R5. 
 R6. 
 R*. 
 
 17! 
 
 Legend and Date. 
 
 LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA • 1786 ■ 
 
 Wreath of 
 
 23 pairs. 
 
 Leaves of Wreath 
 
 All separate. 
 
 No. 
 
 With 
 Obverse. 
 
 Rarity. 
 
 R5. 
 
 A marked difference exists between the libertas kt justitia die found 
 with the Confederatio obverse, (Plate VII. No. 10,) and these dies. In the 
 former the curve of the U coils around the body of the S, which we have 
 seen in no other die. This piece is now in the cabinet of the writer. 
 
 1786. OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eye on a plain field, within a glory of thirteen points, the 
 points intersecting a circle of thirteen stars. 
 Legend, — nova oonstellatio 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — U • S in large Roman capitals, encircled by a wreath. 
 Legend, — libertas et justitia • 1786 • 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Weight, — 123 grains. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 33.] 
 
 But two impressions from the dies of 1786 have come to our knowledge: 
 one of these is owned by Mr. Appleton, the other by Mr. Bushnell. 
 
 THE BAR CENT, OR U S A COPPER. 
 
 This is another piece about which little is known. Bushnell says of it, 
 " This copper was coined in Birmingham, in England, in the year 1785, and 
 was probably the work of Wyon. 
 
 The obverse U S A is the same as the device 
 
 of the old Continental Buttons, having been copied from them. This novel 
 
334 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 piece was put into circulation in the city of New York, and made its first 
 appearance there in the month of November, of the above mentioned year. 
 On account of its light weight, as well as its device, it was not received with 
 favor, and was not extensively circulated." 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — IT S A in large Roman monogram, on a plain field. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Thirteen horizontal bars. 
 
 Borders, — Serrated. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 154. Weight,— 85 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 25, and Fig. 78.] 
 
 There were two pairs of dies for this token: that given on the plate is 
 the rarest variety. A piece somewhat smaller than that last described, was 
 gotten up a few years since, and has by some been believed to be designed 
 for a half cent of the same type: we have, however, good reason to suppose 
 that it is of quite recent manufacture; it is represented by Fig. 79. 
 
 THE MOTT TOKENS. 
 A copper token, issued in the year 1789, by the Messrs. Mott, of the city 
 of New York, dealers in watches, clocks and jewelry, is generally conceded 
 to have been the first tradesman's token issued in America; it' was manu- 
 factured in England, and is of the following description: 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An old style of clock, with an eagle perched upon its top. 
 Legend, — motts, n. y. importers, dealers, manufacturers, of gold 
 
 SILVER WARES. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 
 
 335 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eagle with wings expanded, facing left. In his right talon 
 he holds an olive branch of seven leaves and four berries, aud in his left, 
 three arrows. On his breast is a shield argent, six pales gules, a chief azure: 
 above his head, the date, — 1789 
 
 Legend, — chronometers, clocks, watches, jewelry, silverware, 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, ■ — Usually plain, but on some, milled. 
 
 Size, — 17. Weight, — 108 to 171 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 17, and Fig. 80.J 
 
 From the upper left hand corner of the clock, a heavy break is seen 
 upon most impressions, though some are found without the break. 
 
 Bushnell, in his "Early New York Tokens," states regarding the firm 
 that issued this token, " The firm of Motts was composed of William and 
 John Mott, and their place of business was at No. 240 Water street, a location 
 at which they continued for a number of years, and which was at the time 
 a most fashionable business part of the city." 
 
 TALBOT, ALLUM & LEE. 
 
 The next enterprise of the same character with that of the Motts' token, 
 appears to have been the tokens issued by Talbot, Allum and Lee, merchants 
 in the India trade, also of New York city. This firm put into circulation a 
 large quantity of coppers comprising several varieties, and of the dates of 1794 
 and 1795. These also were of English manufacture. 
 
 
 1794. OBVERSE. 
 
 Device,— A ship sailing toward the right. Above the ship, new tobk 
 Legend, — talbot allum & lee. one cent 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty standing beside a bale of merchandise, 
 supporting the liberty staff with cap, with her right hand, her left resting 
 upon a rudder. 
 
 Legend, — liberty & commerce. 
 
336 THE EARLY COINS OF AMKRJCA. 
 
 In exergue, — 1794 
 
 Edge, PAYABLE AT THE STORE OF -: : : :- 
 
 Borders, — Milled. 
 
 1795. OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A ship under full sail toward the right. 
 
 Legend, — at the store of talbot allum & lee new york. * 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty standing beside a bale of merchandise, 
 supporting the liberty staff with cap, with her right hand, her left resting upon 
 a rudder. 
 
 Legend, — liberty & commerce 
 
 In exergue, — 1795 
 
 Edge, — WE PROMISE TO PAY' THE BEARER ONE CENT • 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Size, — 18. Weight, — 153 grains. 
 [Plate IX. Nos. 18, 19 and 20, and Figs. 81 and 82.] 
 
 Of these tokens for 1794, there were four obverse, and two reverse dies. 
 The rarest variety may be distinguished by the large & in both legends, and 
 the absence of the words New York, from the reverse. One variety has a 
 large & in the legend on the obverse only, and the bowsprit of the ship points 
 just forward of the last E. Both the other obverses have a small & in the 
 legend: in one the bowsprit points at the last E, and in the other more 
 nearly at the period. The reverse found with the last three, has a small &. 
 
 Of 1795 we have found but one pair of dies. 
 
 Bushnell, in his "Early New York Tokens," says of these: — "The dies 
 of the two hitter tokens [those of 1794 and 1795,] were cut at Birmingham, 
 in England, and the variety bearing the date of 1795 is by far the rarest, 
 fewer of that die having been struck." 
 
 "The names of the individuals composing the firm of Talbot, Allum & Lee 
 were William Talbot, William Allum and James Lee, and their place of business 
 was at No. 241 Pearl street. They were extensively engaged in the India trade 
 — at that time, as well as now, a very lucrative branch of mercantile pursuit." 
 
 "The firm of Talbot, Allum & Lee was formed in 1794, and continued 
 until the year 1796, when Mr. Lee retired from the concern. The remaining 
 partners carried on the business, under the name of Talbot & Allum, until 
 the year 1798, when the firm was dissolved." 
 
 Six "mules" with reverses of these tokens are described in BusbnelPs work, 
 but as they bear no evidence of being intended for America, we omit them. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 337 
 
 ANGLO-AMEEICAN TOKENS. 
 
 The tokens thus classed, are supposed to have originated in England, as 
 speculative ventures of some of the engravers of that country, who looked 
 upon America as a favorable market for the products of their enterprise. 
 
 THE CAROLINA AND NEW ENGLAND TOKENS. 
 
 The pieces first to be described in this chapter are two which were per- 
 haps not intended for circulation as currency, but are introduced here, as 
 no more appropriate place offers for their insertion. These were issued in 
 1694, probably in London, and are now known as the Carolina, and the JN"ew 
 England, Elephant tokens. 
 
 They were struck upon copper planchets of very unequal weight, the 
 New England token in Mr. Appleton's collection weighing 236 grains, while 
 the only other known, Mr. Parmelee's, (which is somewhat worn,) is much 
 thinner, and weighs but 133 grains ; the Carolinas are more regular in this 
 respect, their weight ranging from 130 to 162 grains. 
 
 It is not known whether these tokens were intended to serve as coins, 
 or were struck only as medals, to increase or perpetuate the interest in the 
 American Plantation ; the latter seems much the more reasonable view of then- 
 purpose. 
 
 Snelling, writing in 1769, makes no mention of the New England tokens, 
 but says of the Carolina, " We cannot ourselves conceive the intent of striking 
 it, or for what purpose it was intended ; however, we think it has no claim to 
 be admitted as a piece of money, but rather is of the ticket kind, and we are 
 of the same opinion in regard to another piece, which is certainly of the same 
 class with this; be it what it will, it is what we call the London Halfpenny, 
 one side of both, that is the Elephant, we apprehend was struck from the 
 same dye, which is still remaining in the Tower, and appears to be the work 
 of Kotiers ; on the other side instead of god preserve Carolina and the 
 lopds proprietors 1694, as upon this; there is upon that, round the city arms, 
 god preserve London; we have heard two or three opinions concerning the 
 intent of uttering this piece, as that it was for the London Workhouse; also, 
 that its inscription alludes to the plague, and was struck whilst it raged in 
 London; and we have likewise heard it was intended to be made current at 
 Tangier in Africa, but never took place." 
 
338 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 CAROLINA. 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An elephant standing, facing the left. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Inscription, — god : preserve : Carolina : and the : lords : proprie- 
 ters • 1694 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 184. Weight, — 143 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. l.J 
 
 The above is the rarest of the Carolina tokens ; the two specimens we 
 know of are in the collections already named as containing the New England 
 Elephant tokens. In the more common variety of this token, the obverse 
 closely resembles the last, but the elephant's tusks nearly touch the milling, 
 and his right legs are more smoothly cut. A more marked difference is found 
 on the reverse, where, though the same die is used, the inscription has been 
 altered to god : preserve : Carolina : and the : lords : proprietors • 1694 
 the last e is still to be seen under the o. These were struck on copper 
 planchets of from 17 to 18i, weighing from 130 to 162 grains. It is said that 
 they were struck also in brass, but we have seen none in that composition. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 2.] 
 
 NEW ENGLAND. 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An elephant standing, facing the left. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Inscription, — god : preserve : new : England : 1694 : 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 184. Weight, — 133 and 236 
 
 grains. 
 
 The obverses of the New England Elephant token and of the Carolina 
 
 last described, are from the same die with that of the London tokens. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 3.] 
 
 THE VIRGINIA HALFPENNIES. 
 
 Under the heading of "Coins for the Colonies," Ruding describes the 
 pieces we call Virginia half-pennies. ' There is so much uncertainty as to 
 whether, or not, these were authorized coins, that we place them in this chapter, 
 considering it altogether likely that they were an unauthorized issue. It seems 
 probable that had there been a coin legally struck and issued for Virginia, 
 
PLATE IX. 
 
 ■ * • i kJJA 
 
 COPIES 
 
 
 HELIOTYPE PATENT. 
 
PATTERNS AISTD TOKENS. 
 
 339 
 
 Jefferson would have been cognizant of the fact ; but he writes in 1782 
 (Jefferson's Works, Vol. 1, p. 136,) "In Virginia, coppers have never been in 
 use." From this it would appear that whatever their origin, and notwithstand- 
 ing the considerable number of dies represented by them, their use in that 
 State must have been very limited. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A bust of George III. laureated, facing right. 
 Legend, — georgivs • in • rex • 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An ornamental and crowned shield, emblazoned quarterly : — 
 1, England impaling Scotland; 2, France;. 3, Ireland; 4, the Electoral domin- 
 ions. 
 
 Legend, — virgi nia ■ The shield divides the legend. 
 
 Date, — 17 73 • The crown divides the date. 
 
 Border, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 15^ to 17. Weight, 110 to 
 123 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. Nos. 10, 11 and 12, and Fig. 83.] 
 
 In one variety of this, the legend of the obverse is found without the 
 point after georgivs. Several dies are found of both varieties, and we 
 should judge that about twenty pairs of dies must have been used upon them: 
 the differences, however, are so slight, as to render it useless to attempt a 
 table of dies, as they consist principally of different spacings in the legends, 
 and slight differences in the position of the points. 
 
 The largest piece is quite rare, and is sometimes, we think without good 
 reason, called a penny. It weighs 131 grains. 
 
 The pieces described above are struck in copper; but specimens of a 
 similar design, dated 1774, exist in silver. 
 
 These may have been issued as patterns for a silver coin for this State. 
 They are extremely rare, but three specimens being known to us : these are 
 owned by Messrs. Henry S. Adams, Chas. I. Bushnell, and L. G. Parmelee. 
 
340 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A bust of George III. laureated, facing right. 
 Legend, — georgivs • in dei gratia • 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An ornamental and crowned shield, emblazoned quarterly: — 
 1, England impaling Scotland; 2, France; 3, Ireland; 4, the Electoral do- 
 minions. 
 
 Legend, — virgi nia • The shield divides the legend. 
 
 Date, — 17 74 The crown divides the date. 
 
 Borders and edge, — Plain. Size, — 16. "Weight, — 84 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 13, and Fig. 84.] 
 
 THE NOVA EBORACS. 
 
 The tokens next to be described are commonly known as "New York 
 coppers. They were not issued by authority of that State, but have probably 
 derived their name only from the legends and shield upon them. 
 
 obverse no. i. 
 Device, — A bust facing right, laureated, and mailed. 
 Legend, — * nova -s- eborac * 
 
 reverse a. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty seated upon a globe, facing right, with 
 the New York shield beside her, holding in her left hand an olive branch, 
 and supporting the staff of liberty with her right. 
 
 Legend, — * virt et • lib * 
 
 In exergue, — 1787 
 
Reverse B, — * virt . et 
 
 LIB * 
 
 
 NO. 3. 
 
 Obverse No. 2, — * * nova 
 
 EBORAO * 
 
 Reverse C, — * virt . et 
 
 LIB. * 
 
 
 NO. 4. 
 
 Obverse No. 3, — * nova 
 
 * EBORAC * 
 
 Reverse D, — •:- virt . et . 
 
 lib -:- 
 
 PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 341 
 
 Of these tokens there are four varieties, all having the New York shield 
 on the reverse beside the goddess, who, on all that follow, faces the left : that 
 described above is the most common: the legends of the others are given 
 below, in the order of their rarity. 
 
 NO. 2. 
 
 Obverse No. 1, — -s-nova* eborac* (The same die with the first.) 
 
 Liberty faces the left. 
 
 Liberty faces the left. 
 
 Liberty faces the left. 
 
 The four varieties are represented on Plate VIII. by Nos. 10, 11, 9 and 
 12, respectively: the first three by Figs. 85, 86, and 87. 
 
 The borders of Nos. 1 and 2, are usually found plain, but sometimes 
 show a slight milling; the reverse of No. 3, and both sides of No. 4, have 
 milled borders. The edges of all are plain. The weight of Nos. 1 and 2 
 is about 112 grains, No. 3, 120 grains, and No. 4, from 120 to 142 grains. 
 
 Of No. 4 we have seen but three specimens, owned by Messrs. Appleton, 
 Bushnell, and Parmelee. 
 
 All of these tokens are supposed to be of English origin, but we have 
 no authentic information regarding their issue ; they probably were a private 
 speculation of some English merchant. 
 
 THE GEORGIVS TRIUMPHO. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head, laureated, facing right. 
 Legend, — georgivs • triumpho • 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — The goddess of liberty facing left, behind a framework of 
 thirteen bars with a fleur-de-lis at each corner. In her right hand she holds 
 an olive branch, and her left supports the staff of liberty. 
 
 Legend, — voce popoli 
 
 In exergue, — 1783 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 18. Weight, — 117 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 14.J 
 
342 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 Great differences of opinion have been occasioned by this token, most 
 collectors considering it as having reference to George Washington, as the 
 Triumphant George, and some have, on that account, placed it among the 
 Washington pieces, while others insist that George the Third was the person 
 referred to, and in proof of their position they adduce the resemblance of the 
 head to that upon some of his coins. It is true that the head bears a strong 
 resemblance to that upon some coins of George III., but it is not probable 
 that this resemblance was intentional. It is more likely that the die was cut 
 by an artist, who, having a hub of the head of King George, used it in making 
 this die, regardless of the want of correspondence between the head and the 
 legends: or it may have been left with an ambiguous character, in order to 
 obtain for it a more extensive circulation. 
 
 We know of no occasion at the date of this token, to claim any triumph 
 for King George, but a triumph may justly be claimed for Washington, in 
 the successful termination of the Revolutionary war, by which the independ- 
 ence of the United States was secured. 
 
 We consequently consider the Georgivs Triumpho a token intended to 
 commemorate this result, and designed for circulation in this country. 
 
 THE AUCTORI PLEBIS. 
 
 The Auctori Plebis is a token of English origin, which from its resem- 
 blance to the coins of Connecticut, is by many classed with the issues of 
 that State. We are in ignorance as to its maker, but as the piece is repre- 
 sented in a book of engravings of English tokens, entitled " The Virtuoso's 
 Companion," published in England in 1796, we consider the place of its origin 
 satisfactorily established, and it was probably struck for use in America. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A bust, facing left, laureated and draped. 
 Legend, — • auctori: • • plebis: • 
 
 REVEBSE. 
 
 Device, — A female seated, her left arm resting upon an anchor, her 
 right hand upon a globe; at her feet is a lion. 
 Legend, — o indep : et • liber o 
 In exergue, — 1787 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size,— 17. Weight, — 116 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 15.] 
 The device of this reverse is found upon three other English tokens. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 343 
 
 We have seen two pieces with the head facing right, bearing the same 
 legend with the obverse of this, but as their reverses bear a harp, and the 
 legend and date, hispaniola • 1736 we of course do not class them, as some 
 have done, with tokens intended for America. This mention of them is 
 inserted, as we have heard of two impressions from the obverse dies, the 
 reverses of which have been obliterated, probably by attrition, and which from 
 the legend have been considered rare varieties of the piece just described. 
 
 THE KENTUCKY TOKENS. 
 
 The first of these, which is known as the Kentucky " Triangle," or 
 " Pyramid token," is also represented in " The Virtuoso's Companion," and is 
 supposed to have originated in Lancaster, England. The name of this State 
 is applied to it from the circumstance that the initial K appears upon the 
 star at the top of the pyramid. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A hand holding a scroll inscribed, our cause is just 
 Legend, — unanimity is the strength of society + 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A radiant triangular pyramid of fifteen stars united by rings, 
 each star bearing the initial of a State, that of Kentucky at the top. 
 Legend, — e pluribus unum* 
 Borders, — Milled. Size, — 18 to 19i. Weight, — 155 to 192 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 26.] 
 
 The edges of some of these are plain, others are lettered, " payable in 
 Lancaster London or Bristol" and we have heard of different lettering, 
 but can of our own knowledge give no other than the above. The Clay 
 Catalogue, Nos. 298 and 299, designates different edges, — viz: "Payable at 
 Bed worth, etc." and " engrailed." 
 
 THE MYDDELTON TOKENS. 
 These two most beautifully executed tokens relating to Kentucky, were 
 from the establishment of Boulton and Watt, near Birmingham, England. 
 Of their history we know nothing, and can therefore give only a description 
 of them. 
 
344 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — Hope, beside an anchor, presenting two children to a female 
 whose right hand is extended to receive them, while her left supports the 
 staff with liberty cap: before her is an olive branch and wreath, and behind 
 her a cornucopia. 
 
 Legend, — British settlement Kentucky. 
 
 In exergue, — 1796. 
 
 REVERSE A. 
 
 Device, — Britannia, with head bowed, her spear inverted; a bundle of 
 fasces, the scales of justice, and a broken sword at her feet, while before 
 her the cap of liberty rises from the earth. 
 
 Legend, — payable by p • p ■ p ■ myddelton. 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 18. Weight, — silver, 175 
 grains; copper, 177 grains 
 
 reverse b. 
 
 Inscription, — copper company op upper canada within a plain circle. 
 
 Legend, — one halp penny • 
 
 Borders and edge as preceding. Size, — 18. Weight, — 166 grains. 
 [Plate IX. Nos. 22 and 23, and Figs. 88 and 89.] 
 
 The reverse last described is that which properly belongs upon another 
 token, apparently intended for Canadian circulation, the obverse of which has 
 for a device, — a figure of Neptune reclining against a water conduit; legend, 
 — eeetilitatem divitias que circumperremus • and the date, — 1794 It is 
 a very rare token, and we have seen it only in Mr. Parmelee's collection. 
 
 The obverse die is found with reverse A, both in silver and copper, but 
 with reverse B, in copper only. They are all very rare. 
 
 From the legends of the reverses it would appear that these were designed 
 to serve as a token currency; but what value those in silver were intended 
 to represent, is uncertain. In beauty of design and execution, these tokens 
 are unsurpassed by any piece issued for American circulation. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 345 
 
 THE FRANKLIN PRESS. 
 
 This may, perhaps, be more properly ranked as an English token, but as 
 it has so evident an allusion to an eminent American, and has so long been 
 accorded a place in collections of American coins, we shall here describe it. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A printing press, of old style. 
 
 Legend, — sic oritur doctrina surg-etque libertas ■ 
 
 In exergue, — 1794 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 The inscription, — payable at the franklin press london - 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 17s. Weight, — 120 grains. 
 
 [Plate IX. No. 16.] 
 
 TOKENS OF UNCERTAIN DATE, ORIGIN AND PURPOSE. 
 
 The tokens next to be considered are two about which nothing can be 
 written, not founded entirely upon conjecture. Both appear to be of Dutch 
 origin, are quite rude in their design and workmanship, and were probably 
 struck late in the seventeenth, or early in the eighteenth century. 
 
 THE NEW YORKE TOKEN. 
 
 The first of these is called the New Yorke Token, and has until quite 
 recently been considered unique, but within three years, three new specimens 
 have been discovered ; two of these are owned in Boston, Mr. Appleton 
 having one in lead, and Mr. Parmelee one in brass. The other specimen is 
 in lead, but its present ownership is unknown to us. The only specimen in 
 lead accessible to us is so much corroded as to furnish no satisfactory basis 
 for ascertaining its original weight. - 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eagle displayed, resting upon a branch with a leaf at each 
 end. 
 
 Legend, — #new- yorke- in- amerioa •■■-«&&■ 
 
346 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 In the centre a group of five palm trees ; at the right stands a female 
 (Venus?) with flowing robes. At the left is a Cupid with his bow in his left 
 hand, his right extended toward the female, to whom he is running. 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 13. Weight, — brass, 55 
 
 grains. 
 
 [Plate VIII. No. 14, and Fig. 90.] 
 
 The only account we have found of this piece, is in the Historical Maga- 
 zine for 1861, from which we make the following extracts: "The style in 
 which it is executed is more Dutch than English; and as the only existing 
 specimen has been preserved in Holland, it is probable that the dies were 
 originally cut there. * * * There is no date upon the token ; but it evidently 
 belongs to the period between 1664, when the name new torke was first 
 adopted, and 1710, after which it was rarely spelled with an e. It should 
 probably be referred to the latter part of this period, for the currency of the 
 colonies was then in a very unsettled state, and the amount in circulation was 
 not adequate to the wants of trade. In Massachusetts, early in 1701, f not a 
 few individuals stamped pieces of brass and tin, and palmed them on community 
 at a penny each.' * * * It is not unlikely then, that at some time between 
 1700 and 1706, there was in New York, as we know there was in other 
 American colonies, a deficiency of cash, to supply which and perhaps somewhat 
 to regulate the unsettled currency, the dies of our coin were prepared in 
 Holland (possibly at the instance of some Dutch inhabitant of JSTew Yoi'k), 
 but were used to strike nothing more offensive to the sovereign's right of 
 coining than this harmless trial-piece in soft metal. 
 
 "Many conjectures may be offered as to why the half-penny was not 
 brought into circulation after the dies were ready. The wants of the market 
 may have been relieved by an importation like that proposed in Massachusetts, 
 or the proclamation of Queen Anne may have made the New Yorkers afraid 
 of trespassing on the royal prerogative. 
 
 "Without venturing to claim that this coin contains the earliest display 
 of the American eagle, we think it unquestionably deserves to be considered 
 
 THE EARLIEST NEW YORK TOKEN." 
 
 In regard to the e in Yorke, we would call attention to the fact that it 
 is thus used upon the reverses of the Continental Currency pieces of 1776. 
 
PATTERNS AND TOKENS. 347 
 
 THE "NEW ENGLAND STIVER." 
 
 The second token is known as the "New England Stiver," a small copper 
 piece presumed to have originated in Holland, to furnish small change for 
 some of the Dutch merchants of that day in New Amsterdam. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Two Lions, the upper facing the left, the lower inverted, and facing the 
 right. At the left of the lions y and at the right § A circle of dashes sur- 
 rounds this device, forming a deeply milled border. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 In four lines, the inscription, new engla nd k The Xs all reversed, 
 the M inverted. 
 
 Edge, — Plain. Size, 12. Weight, 37 grains. 
 
 [Plate VIII. No. 13.] 
 
 The letters on the obverse have been supposed to signify, " 1 Stiver Von 
 Connecticut": we think it more probable that they were the initials of some 
 Dutch trader, as I. S. Van C It probably was not very extensively circulated, 
 only one specimen, that in the collection of L. G. Parmelee, being now known. 
 We have no clue to the date of its issue, except in the style of its work- 
 manship, which we should judge to be that of the seventeenth century. 
 
 ENGRAVED PATTERN. 
 
 The engraved piece mentioned on page 304, having inadvertently been 
 omitted from a more appropriate place, will next be described. Whether 
 this was intended as a pattern, is impossible to decide, as it has neither 
 legend or date: but if so, it was probably designed as a pattern for some 
 coin of the United Colonies. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 An Eagle resting upon a crown, with five stars at his left, and five at 
 his right. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 A shield bearing a cross and a fleur-de-lis impaled by dimidiation. At 
 the left of the shield are five stars, three above, and five at the right. 
 
 Borders, — Beaded. Edge, — Plain. Weight, — 87 grains. Size. — 15. 
 
 [Plate VII. No. 9.] 
 
348 THE EARLY CODSTS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Having omitted from this work some pieces usually considered as be- 
 longing to America, our reasons for so doing may be expected. 
 
 The "Colonies Francoises," of 1721, 1722 and 1767 were omitted, as 
 they are supposed to have been coined with no especial reference to America, 
 but, as the inscriptions indicate, for the French Colonies in general. 
 
 The tin piece of James II, has been, we think without reason, considered 
 as intended for Florida: we have not described it, as we see no ground for 
 such an opinion: another "Florida piece," with the legend jvan estevan 
 de peka Florida has recently been decided to be a Spanish medal, and the 
 legend, the name of an individual. 
 
 The "Dansk Americ" pieces we have not included, as they are obvi- 
 ously outside of our contemplated limits. 
 
 Among the Tokens, we have included some which have but a very slight 
 claim to recognition among American numismatists, while we have excluded 
 others which have been supposed to have reference to this country, being 
 satisfied that no such reference was intended. 
 
 It may be also, that some Washington medals we have not described 
 will here be sought ; but we are conscious of including in our list some 
 which should not be considered as coins, rather than of omitting any* that can 
 properly be so described, as we have intended, under the general head of 
 Washington pieces, to include all which can reasonably be supposed to have 
 served the purposes of coins, and also the medals produced by muling one 
 die of a coin with one of a medal. And in this department, as well as in 
 that of the tokens, we have intended to describe all such pieces as were 
 struck in the eighteenth century, for use in this country. 
 
THE WASHINGTON PIECES. 
 
 The early Washington pieces form a most interesting department in the 
 collection of coins, and, if the interest be extended to the collection of all 
 pieces graced with the likeness, or bearing the name of Washington, it 
 forms also a very extensive field for research : our intention is, however, to 
 describe only those struck in the eighteenth century, which may have been 
 intended as patterns, or used as coins. 
 
 Tradition furnishes a reasonable excuse for the refusal of any pattern 
 bearing the head of the first President, if indeed they were actually presented 
 as patterns as has been supposed, in the repugnance of Washington to the 
 adoption of a style of coinage so closely resembling that of a monarchy, and 
 in his personal feeling against appearing so conspicuously upon the coins of 
 the country. 
 
 The pieces first to be described are not considered as intended for 
 patterns, and are supposed to have been issued by private persons for specu- 
 lative purposes, but nothing is actually known in regard to their origin or 
 intention. 
 
 WASHINGTON & INDEPENDENCE. 
 
 The first of the pieces bearing this legend is usually known, from the 
 legend upon the reverse, as the Unity States Cent. 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 1. 
 
 Device, — A large bust of Washington, laureated and draped, facing left. 
 Legend, — Washington & independence 1783 
 
350 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMKKICA. 
 
 EEVEESE A. 
 
 device, Two olive branches forming a wreath, which encloses the 
 
 words ONE CENT 
 
 Legend, — unity states of America 
 
 Under the bow which fastens the ends of the branches is the fraction T tta 
 Borders,— Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size,— 174. Weight,— 114 grains. 
 
 [Fig. 91.] 
 
 The piece just described is supposed to be of French origin; the error 
 in the legend upon the reverse may be owing to an ignorance of the English 
 language in the designer of it. These plane-bets are usually quite rough. 
 
 OBVEBSE NO. 2. 
 
 Device, — A large bust of Washington, laureated and draped, facing left. 
 Legend, — Washington & independence -1783- 
 
 EEVEESE B. 
 
 Device, — A female figure facing left, seated upon a rock: in her right 
 hand she holds an olive branch, and her left supports the staff of liberty, 
 with cap. 
 
 Legend, — united states 
 
 Borders, — Beaded. Edge, — Usually plain. Size, — 17 2. Weight, — 
 128 grains. 
 
 Of the above obverse we find impressions from two dies, one of which 
 has a button on the drapery, and of the reverse, also two dies, one of which 
 resembles the reverse next to be described, having the letters T. w. 1. E. s. 
 in the exergue. These are found both in copper and brass, and sometimes 
 with edges engrailed. 
 
 OBVEKSE NO. 3. 
 
 Device, — A small bust of Washington, in military dress, laureated, facing 
 lei't, with hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — Washington & independence • 1783 • 
 
THE WASHINGTON PIECES, 351 
 
 REVERSE C. 
 
 Device, — A female figure, facing left, seated upon a rock: in her right hand 
 she holds an olive branch, and her left supports the staff of liberty, with cap. 
 Legend, — united states 
 In exergue, — t. w. i. r. s. 
 
 Borders, — Beaded. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 17s. Weight, — 120 grains. 
 Of the obverse last described we find two dies, and of the reverse, three. 
 
 [Plate X. Nos. 1 and 2.] 
 
 THE DOUBLE HEAD WASHINGTON CENT. 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A bust of Washington, in military dress, laureated, facing left, 
 with hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — Washington 
 
 reverse. 
 
 Device, — A bust of Washington, in military dress, laureated, facing left, 
 with hair tied in a queue. 
 Legend, — one cent 
 
 Borders, — Beaded. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 17. Weight, — 124 grains. 
 On each side is an elongated star under the bust. 
 
 [Fig. 92.] 
 
 None of the Washington pieces yet described are very rare, except one 
 die of the Washington & Independence with the smaller head. In that die 
 the face has less prominent features, and the expression is very different from 
 the others. A modern restrike of one of those with the larger head is fre- 
 quently found, and appears in silver, brass, and copper: its edge is engrailed. 
 
 WASHINGTON • THE • GREAT • D ■ G . 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A very ugly head, facing right. 
 Legend, — Washington - the • great ■ d ■ g . 
 Border, — Serrated. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A chain of thirteen rings, each bearing the name of a State, 
 and on the central space, — 84 
 
 Border and edge, — Plain. Size, — 16^. Weight, — 102 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 3.] 
 
 The 84, may be the last two figures of the date, and it is possible that 
 the figures 17 may have been above them, as the two now visible occupy 
 only the lower half of the central field. 
 
352 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 But two specimens of this, the ugliest of all pieces bearing the name of 
 Washington, are known : neither of them is sufficiently well preserved to 
 give the full particulars of the reverse. One is in the cabinet of Mr. Apple- 
 ton, the other, in the Mint at Philadelphia. 
 
 ' A new, and probably unique Washington piece, of 1785 or 1786, (judging 
 from the dies with which its obverse is combined, for it has no date,) has 
 recently come into the possession of the writer: its obverse die is identical 
 with reverse D, and its reverse, with reverse G, of the Confederates (p. 317) : 
 it was probably designed as a pattern. A line drawn on plate VII. between 
 those two reverses will represent this piece, and may be numbered 14a. 
 
 THE WASHINGTON TRIAL-PIECES. 
 
 The most important of these was procured from the widow of Hancock, 
 a die cutter of Birmingham, England, and is an impression of the unfinished 
 obverse die of one of the Washington cents of 1791 — which of them, it is 
 difficult to determine, so much alike are the busts upon both. It has a head 
 of Washington, facing left, but there are no buttons on the coat, the epau- 
 lettes and the queue are unfinished, and there is no legend. 
 
 It is struck on a copper planchet apparently prepared for a Macclesfield 
 halfpenny, as it has upon the edge, payable at Macclesfield Liverpool 
 or congleton • x • as on the edge of those tokens. Its reverse is plain, 
 showing only the roughness of the anvil upon which it was supported in 
 striking. Its size is 19, and its weight, 194 grains. 
 
 This interesting trial piece was procured by the writer at the sale of 
 the Clay collection: the catalogue says of it, "It was obtained of the widow 
 of Hancock, the medallist, of Birmingham, and proves the origin of the 
 Washington Cents, beyond a doubt." 
 
 Two other trial-pieces, struck only upon one side, are described in the 
 catalogue of W- E. Woodward's sale of April, 1863, (Nos. 2270 and 2271.) 
 One of these is of the large eagle reverse, a, soon to be described, with 
 the edge lettered, bersham bradley willey snedshill; the other is from 
 reverse b, with edge, payable at the warehouse of thos . & alex . 
 hutchinson. We know not where these now are, but they were imported 
 in a package of English tokens which afterwards came into the possession 
 of Mr. Jeremiah Colburn, and were sold with his collection. 
 
THE WASHINGTON PIECES. 
 
 353 
 
 THE WASHINGTON CENTS' OF 1791. 
 
 The Washington cents of 1791, and the Washington tokens having a 
 ship on the reverse, are all from the two obverse dies which have a bust 
 identical with that upon the trial piece first described, and must have sprung 
 from the same origin. A considerable number of the large and small eagle 
 cents, and of the token of 1793, must have been issued, as so many specimens 
 of all of them are now known. The other token, that struck with the reverse 
 die of the Liverpool halfpenny, is much more rare than either of the others, 
 only four specimens of this having come to our knowledge. 
 
 As the obverses of these pieces are from the same dies, we shall describe 
 them all in this section, although one of the reverses has the date of 1793. 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 1. 
 
 Device, — A bust of Washington in military costume, facing left, with 
 hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — Washington president 1791 
 
 REVERSE A 
 
 Device, — A large eagle, displayed; on his breast a shield argent, six 
 pales gules. In his beak is a scroll inscribed . u-num e plurlbus In his 
 right talon he grasps an olive branch of thirteen leaves, and in his left, a 
 bundle of thirteen arrows. Above his head are the words one cent 
 Edge, — united states of America • x ■ 
 Borders, — Milled. Size, — 19. Weight, — 194 grains. 
 
 [Plato X. No. 5, and Fig. 93.] 
 
 REVERSE B. 
 
 Device, — A ship sailing to the right, a break like a liberty cap on the 
 top of the mainmast. 
 
 Legend, — Liverpool halfpenny 
 
 Edge, — PAYABLE IN ANGLESEY LONDON OK LIVERPOOL- x- 
 
 Border, — Milled. Size, — 18. Weight, — 138 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 6, and Fig. 95.] 
 
354 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA 
 
 Obverse ISTo. 1, with reverse A, known as the Large Eagle Cent, is the 
 most common of the Washington cents of date subsequent to 1783. This 
 obverse is found with reverse B, on four specimens, of which but three are 
 now known to us; these are in the cabinets of Messrs. Appleton, Parmelee, 
 and that of the writer, and are called the Washington Liverpool Halfpenny. 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 2. 
 
 device, — A bust of Washington, in military costume, facing left, with 
 hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — Washington president . 
 
 REVERSE C. 
 
 Device, — A small eagle, displayed, with upraised wings : on his breast a 
 shield argent, six pales gules, a chief azure. In his right talon he holds 
 an olive branch with eight leaves and three berries, and in his left, six 
 arrows. About his head are eight mullets, above the stars a cloud reaching 
 from wing to wing, and above the cloud the words one cent Under the 
 eagle is the date 1791 
 
 Edge, — UNITED STATES OE AMERICA • x • 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Size,— 19. Weight, — 190 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 7, and Fig. 94.J 
 REVERSE D. 
 
 Device, — A ship sailing toward the right. 
 
 Legend, — halfpenny 
 
 On a panel under the ship, the date, 1793 
 
 Edge, — PAYABLE IN ANGLESEY LONDON OR LIVERPOOL • x ■ 
 
 Border, — Milled. Size, — 19. Weight, — 163 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 14, and Fig. 96.] 
 
 Obverse No. 2 is found with reverses C and D. That with reverse C is 
 called the Small Eagle Cent, and is rather more rare than that with the 
 large eagle reverse (A) ; while the token with reverse D, the Ship Halfpenny, 
 is of about the same degree of rarity with that last named. 
 
 A curious and probably unique medal with reverse A, is in the collec- 
 
 tion of Mr. James E. Eoot, of Boston : its obverse is a bust of George ] ! 1 
 
PLATE X. 
 
 COPIES 
 
 HELIOTYPE PATENT. 
 
THE WASHINGTON PIECES. 
 
 355 
 
 facing left, with the legend georgivs hi dei gratia It is struck in 
 copper, size 20, and has a beaded border and engrailed edge: this obverse is 
 illustrated in the Clay catalogue, at the upper left of the second plate. 
 
 THE WASHINGTON PIECES OF 1792. 
 OBVERSE- NO. 1. 
 
 Device, — An undraped bust of Washington, facing right, the hair con- 
 fined by a fillet which is tied in a bow with long ends. 
 Legend, — Washington president . 1792 
 
 REVERSE A. 
 
 Device, — A small eagle, displayed, with upraised wings, on his breast a 
 shield argent, six pales gules. In his right talon he holds an olive branch 
 of fourteen leaves and six berries ; in his left, thirteen arrows; about his head 
 are six mullets, and above it is the word, cent 
 
 Edge, — Plain, or lettered united states oe America ■ x - x x ■ 
 Borders, — Milled. Size, — 19. Weight, — 198 grains. 
 
 Of obverse ~No. 1, reverse A, usually known as the " Naked bust," but 
 sometimes called the ""Roman head," Washington, we have heard of six or 
 eight specimens, three of which are in the same cabinets with the three 
 having the Liverpool Halfpenny reverses; another is owned by Mr. Bushnell. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 9, and. Fig. 97.] 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 2. 
 
 Device, — A bust of Washington, in military costume, facing left, with 
 hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — Washington president 1792 
 
 REVERSE B. 
 
 Device, — A large eagle, displayed; on his breast a shield argent, six 
 pales gules, a chief azure. In his beak he holds a scroll inscribed mum e 
 pluribus In his right talon is an olive branch with thirteen leaves and one 
 
356 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 berry, and in his left, thirteen arrows. Over his head is a single voided star, 
 
 above which twelve similar stars form a curve reaching from wing tc wing. 
 
 Edge, — Plain, or lettered united states of America • x 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Size, — 19. Weight, — Copper, 180; silver, 187; 
 
 gold, 252 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 10, and Fig. 98.] 
 
 Obverse No. 2, with reverse B, is also an extremely rare variety, but the 
 number known we cannot specify: the only specimens we have seen in copper, 
 are found in the cabinets of Messrs. Appleton, Bushnell, Cohen, Parmelee, and 
 the writer. We have seen about the same number of impressions from these 
 dies in silver, as in copper, of which specimens are owned by Messrs. Appleton, 
 Bushnell, Parmelee, and A. S. Jenks of Philadelphia. One impression in 
 gold is known, owned by Col. M. I. Cohen, of Baltimore. 
 
 The fact that impressions are found in gold, silver, and copper, gives us 
 reason to believe that they were intended as patterns for a coin in that 
 metal for which they might be considered most appropriate. 
 
 OBVEKSE NO. 3. 
 
 Device, — A bust of Washington, in military costume, facing left, with 
 hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — geo. Washington born Virginia feb. 11. 1732 • 
 
 REVERSE C. 
 
 Inscription, — ■ * general of the American armies 1775 resigned 
 
 1783 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1789 
 
 The foregoing inscription is in ten lines, with the star above, and dash 
 below. 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size, — 19. Weight, — 178 grains. 
 
 Obverses 2 and 3 with reverse C, (Plate X, Nos. 11 and 13,) were evi- 
 dently designed for medals, but are so connected by muling, with the dies of 
 the Washington piece last preceding, that they properly follow that in our 
 descriptions. Neither of these is very rare, though the first is by no means 
 common. 
 
 These are usually struck in copper and with plain edge; but Mr. Appleton 
 has one with obverse No. 2 and reverse C, with edge lettered united states 
 of America These are usually struck in copper. Impressions are found in 
 silver of obverse No. 3 and reverse C, but they are extremely rare. A single 
 impression is known of obverse 3 combined with reverse B. It is in copper, 
 
THE WASHINGTON PIECES. 
 
 357 
 
 and is found in the collection of Col. Cohen. Its size is 20. weight, 173 
 grains. It is illustrated on plate X. by No. 12. 
 
 Of reverse C, we find two dies, in one of which the words oe the are 
 directly over the letters ican, while in the other they are over the letters can a 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 4. 
 
 Device, — A bust of "Washington, in military costume, facing left, with 
 hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — g . Washington . president . i . 1792 
 
 REVERSE D. 
 
 Device, — An eagle, displayed, on his breast a shield argent, six pales 
 gules, a chief azure; in his right talon is an olive branch of thirteen leaves, 
 and in his left, thirteen arrows. 
 
 Legend, — united states oe America 
 
 [Fig. 99.] 
 
 This die does not appear to have been appi'oved, as it was defaced by a 
 chisel mark; probably a mark of condemnation by its maker. 
 
 REVERSE E. 
 
 Device, — An eagle, displayed, with upraised wings; on his breast is a 
 shield argent, seven pales gules, a chief azure; in his right talon is an olive 
 branch of fifteen leaves, and in his left, a bunch of six arrows. About his 
 head are fifteen mullets. 
 
 Legend, — . united states oe America . 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Plain. Size,— 20 to 22. Weight,— copper, 
 
 220 to 273 grains ; silver, 193 to 234 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 8, and Fig. 100.] 
 
 The only impression of obverse No. 4 with reverse D, is in silver, and as 
 its present owner is unknown we can give no further particulars in regard to 
 it. The same obverse is found with reverse E in silver and copper; and 
 though both are very rare, in silver it is much more so than in copper. 
 
358 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 We have seen one specimen in copper, now owned by Jules Fonrobert, of 
 Berlin Prussia, the edge of which is ornamented in circles and squares. 
 
 It is believed that the three dies last described were the work of Peter 
 Getz, of Lancaster, Pa: a self-taught, but skillful mechanic and engraver. 
 He was of German descent, the original name being Gotz, and was born near 
 Lancaster about the year 1768. He is said to have constructed the first fire- 
 engine ever made in the United States, and there is, (or was,) at the Mint in 
 Philadelphia, a pair of scales made by him, for Weighing gold, which were 
 highly valued for their great accuracy. He belonged to the Masonic order, 
 and made the jewels for the Lodge in Lancaster, (of which he was a crafts- 
 man,) which are still preserved by the Lodge. It is related of him, that 
 upon one occasion an English engineer visited Lancaster to survey some 
 lands, and had the misfortune to break one of his most valuable instruments, 
 which at that time it was impossible to replace in this country. While lament- 
 ing that he would be obliged to lay idle for many months, until he could 
 replace it from England, he was told that Getz could repair the damage. 
 The Englishman laughed incredulously, but concluded to let the "Dutchman" 
 try his hand at the job. It was done to the perfect satisfaction, and agreeable 
 surprise of the engineer, who, (as the story goes,) rewarded Peter's skill by 
 ^pouring his hands full of gold." Getz died from the effect of an accident, 
 at the early age of thirty-six years. 
 
 The foregoing information was obtained from a letter to Mr. J. J. Mickley, 
 from J. Lawrence Getz, of Reading, Pennsylvania, a grandson of Peter Getz. 
 
 We shall here describe a piece we have not been fortunate enough to see, 
 referring to Snowden's "Washington and National Medals," plate XI, ]S"o. 
 43, for an illustration of the one specimen then known. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A bust of Washington in military costume, facing left, with 
 hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — Washington president 1796 
 
 Border, — A beaded circle surrounded by a glory. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Probably identical with reverse D last described, but altered at the border, 
 the rays of the glory upon the. obverse apparently extending over and turned 
 in on the reverse, as if to convey the idea of glory shed upon the United 
 States, by Washington. Its diameter is represented as nearly 24. 
 
THE WASHINGTON PIECES. 
 
 359 
 
 A search in the Mint cabinet for this piece being unsuccessful, we are 
 obliged to rely upon the illustration referred to above, for our description. 
 
 THE "GRATE" TOKEN. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 -Device, — A bust of Washington, in military costume, facing right, with 
 hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend — g. Washington, the eirm eriend to peace & humanity * 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An open fire-place, with a grate. 
 
 Legend, — payable by clark & harris . 13 . wormwood sT bishopsgate. 
 In exergue, — London 1795 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Engrailed. Size, — 174. Weight, — 144 
 g rams - [Plate X. Nos. 15 and 16.] 
 
 Of the obverse of this token we have found two dies, (in one of which 
 the space between the two ends of the legend is much larger than in the 
 other,) and of the reverse, but one. The planchets upon which they were 
 struck were usually so small as to leave but very little space outside of the 
 legend, in consequence of which the impression of the borders is very seldom 
 to be seen. The legend on the reverse proves this to be an English token. 
 
 LIBERTY AND SECURITY. 
 
 Whether the three pieces bearing the above motto as a legend, were 
 intended to be circulated as penny and halfpenny tokens, or were designed 
 merely as medals, is uncertain; but whatever their intent, we consider them 
 not out of place in this chapter. 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 1. 
 
 A bust of Washington, in military costume, facing the left^ 
 
 Device, 
 with hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — george Washington. 
 
360 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 REVERSE A. 
 
 Device, — A shield, argent, seven pales gules, impaling argent, fifteen 
 mullets, five, four, three, two, one. 
 
 Above the shield an eagle, displayed, grasping in his right talon an olive 
 branch of nine leaves, and two berries, (or stems,) and in his left, three 
 arrows. 
 
 Legend, — liberty and security 
 
 Ed°-e, — AN" ASYLUM EOR THE OPPRESSED OE ALL NATIONS :: : " 
 
 Border, — A plain, double ring. Size, — 21. Weight, — 300 grains. 
 
 [Fig. 101.] 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 2. 
 
 Device, — A bust of Washington, in military costume, facing the right, 
 with hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — • george Washington • 
 
 REVERSE B. 
 
 Device, — A shield, paly of sixteen argent and gules, impaling argent, 
 fifteen mullets, five, four, three, two, one. 
 
 Above the shield an eagle, displayed, grasping in his right talon an 
 olive branch of eight leaves and four berries, and in his left, six arrows. 
 
 Legend, — . liberty and security . The date 17 95 is divided by 
 the shield. 
 
 Edge, — AN ASYLUM EOR THE OPPRESS'd OE ALL NATIONS :: : :: 
 
 Border, — A plain circle, with milling around it. 
 Size, — 20i. Weight, — 310 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 17, and Fig. 102.] 
 
 OBVERSE NO. 3. 
 
 Device, — A bust of Washington, in military costume, facing the right, 
 with hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend,— george Washington 
 
 Border, — A plain circle, with milling around it. 
 
THE WASHINGTON" PIECES. 
 
 361 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A shield, argent, seven pales gules, impaling azure, fifteen 
 mullets, five, four, three, two, one. 
 
 Above the shield, an eagle, displayed, grasping in his right talon an olive 
 branch of eight leaves and three berries, and in his left, six arrows. 
 
 Legend, — liberty and security The date 17 95 is divided by the 
 shield. 
 
 Edge, — Usually — payable at london Liverpool or Bristol- (See 
 below.) 
 
 Border, — Milled. Size, — 18, Weight, — 139 grains. 
 
 [Fig. 103.] 
 
 A specimen in the collection of Mr. Appleton, has the edge lettered, 
 Birmingham redruth & Swansea and one in the writer's collection has the 
 edge, an asylum for the oppress^ OE all nations • x • We have seen 
 no duplicate of the last, and the other is very rarely found. 
 
 The large piece, without date, (that first described,) cannot be called 
 rare; but the other, having a date, is extremely so, only two specimens being 
 known. Mr. Appleton is the owner of one, and the writer, of the other. 
 The smaller piece, though much more rare than that without date, is not of 
 extreme rarity. 
 
 A mule of the reverse last described, with a die of the • irish halfpenny - 
 is sometimes found, but is considered of very little importance. It is probable 
 that all of these were of English origin, and the two more common varieties 
 are illustrated in "The Virtuoso's Companion." 
 
 The pales upon the shields have all been described as "gules," — they 
 being evidently so intended, — although not all so engraved, several of them 
 having the pales plain instead of composed of fine perpendicular lines, which 
 properly represent gules, or red. 
 
3g2 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 NOKTH WALES. 
 Device, — A bust of Washington, in military costume, facing left, with 
 hair tied in a queue. 
 
 Legend, — georgeivs Washington 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A hai*p, crowned. 
 
 Legend, — north wales 
 
 Borders, — Plain. Edge, — Usually plain, (see below.) Size, — 17. 
 
 Weight, — 111 grains. 
 
 [Fig. 104.] 
 
 The more common variety of reverse has at each side of the base of the 
 harp, a star of six. Another reverse, known on only a single specimen, has 
 two smaller stars at each side of the harp, and a fleur de lis on top of the 
 crown, in place of the star found in the more common die: one other specimen, 
 on a thick planchet weighing 143 grains, has on the edge, payable in 
 Lancaster London or Bristol Both of these are owned by the writer. 
 Most of the North Wales pieces are in a brassy composition, but the two 
 last mentioned are in copper. 
 
 A curious Washington piece is owned by Mr. Stickney, which he believes 
 to have been intended as a pattern for a dollar, and the work of Jacob 
 Perkins. It is struck as an incused shell, and, (we speak from recollection 
 only, it being now impossible for us to obtain an exact description of it,) 
 has in the centre, a bust of Washington, facing left, and closely resembling 
 those upon the small funeral medals of Washington, the dies of which were 
 cut by Perkins. Around the field surrounding the bust, is fine engine-w r ork 
 of intricate pattern, which covers the rest of the surface of the planchet, the 
 size of which is about 21. 
 
 It is not improbable that Jacob Perkins made this, and for a pattern ; 
 but it seems scarcely possible that it could have been intended to issue it upon 
 so thin a planchet, this being hardly one fifth of the thickness of a dollar. 
 
 Mr. Stickney refers to this piece, in a communication to the Journal of 
 Numismatics, (Vol. III. No. 5,) as, " a Silver pattern for the first coinage 
 of United States Dollars, beautifully executed by Jacob Perkins of New- 
 buryport, and obtained by me from his nephew, which last was not accepted 
 by the government, because it bore the medallion head of Washington, a too 
 aristocratic design for a period governed by French influence." 
 
THE EARLY PATTERNS OF THE 
 UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 On Wednesday, July 6, 1785, Congress took into consideration the 
 report of a grand committee on the subject of a money unit, and resolved : 
 
 " That the money unit of the United States of America, be one dollar. 
 
 " That the smallest coin be of copper, of which 200 shall pass for one dollar. 
 
 "That the several pieces shall increase in a decimal ratio." 
 
 On the 8th of August, 1786, further action was taken, the names and 
 weights of coins specified, and the board of treasury ordered to report a 
 draft of an ordinance for the establishment of a Mint. 
 
 The draft was therefore presented, and on the 16th of October, 1786, an 
 "ordinance for the establishment of the Mint of the United States of America, 
 and for regulating the value and alloy of coins," was passed. 
 
 The form of the ordinance, and the action relating thereto, may be found 
 in the Journals of Congress between the dates specified above. 
 
 The Mint was not in readiness for coining until late in the year 1792, 
 when a small amount of silver was coined, and in 1793, the regular coinage 
 of copper was commenced. 
 
 It appears from a paragraph in the ISTewburyport Herald, of July 18, 
 1792, that the opinion then prevailed that Jacob Perkins was to be the super- 
 intendent of the United States Mint. We know that he was employed in 
 making dies for the Mint of Massachusetts, and it may be that he was con- 
 cerned in the preparation of some of the patterns described in this chapter; 
 but of this we have no proof. The following is the article alluded to : — 
 
 "Several newspapers of the past and present week have prematurely 
 mentioned Mr. Perkins of this town being sent for to Philadelphia, for the 
 purpose of superintending the coinage there. Mr. Perkins' abilities in that 
 line are fully adequate to such an appointment, as the specimens he has 
 
364 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 exhibited in that line amply testify. — Instead of the former method of per- 
 forming the business he has invented a new machine, which cuts the metal 
 into such circular pieces as are wanted, and gives the impression at the same 
 time — its motion is accelerated by a balance wheel, and more than one third 
 of the time and labor thereby saved. He has also constructed another machine, 
 of his own invention, for milling or lettering the edge, by which a boy can 
 mill sixty each minute." 
 
 "Washington, in his fourth annual address, November 6, 1792, says : — "In 
 execution of the authority given by the legislature, measures have been taken 
 for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of our 
 Mint. Others have been employed at home. Provisions have been made for 
 the requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for 
 the purposes of the establishment. There has been a small beginning in 
 the coinage of half dismes, the want of small coins in circulation calling the 
 first attention to them." 
 
 The half dismes here referred to were issued before the Mint was com- 
 pletely organized ; and tradition reports, that, owing to the scarcity of silver, 
 Washington caused some of his own private plate to be melted to supply the 
 deficiency, and that it was from that supply that these patterns were coined. 
 It is said that the value of about one hundred dollars was coined into half 
 dismes. 
 
 THE DISME. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head with flowing hair, facing the left. 
 Legend, — liberty parent oe science & indus. 
 Date, — 1792 under the head. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A small eagle, flying toward the left. 
 Legend, — united states of America 
 Beneath the eagle, the word disme 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Edge, — Milled. Size,— 14. Weight,— Silver, 40 to 
 57; copper, 58 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 18, and Fig. 105.] 
 
THE EARLY PATTERNS OF THE UNITED STATES MINT. 
 
 THE HALF DISME. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head with flowing hair, facing the left. 
 Legend, — lib- par- op science & industry - 
 Date, — 1792 under the head. 
 
 EEVEESE. 
 
 Device, — A small eagle, flying toward the left. 
 Legend, — uni • states op America 
 Beneath the eagle msme 
 
 Borders and edge, — Milled. Size, — ]0i. Weight,— 21 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 19, and Fig. 106.] 
 THE LAEGE PATTERN CENT. 
 
 365 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head with flowing hair, facing the right. 
 Legend, — liberty parent of science & industry * 
 Date, — 1792 under the head. 
 The name birch is on the shoulder of the bust. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A wreath formed of two laurel branches tied by a ribbon 
 below, enclosing a plain circle, within vvhich are the words one cent 
 
 Legend, — united states op America. 
 
 Under the bow in the ribbon is the fraction T fo 
 
 Edge, — Differing in each of the three specimens we have examined, one 
 being plain ; one reading, to be esteem kd » be useful * while on the third, 
 the first mullet is omitted, and at each side of the one remaining, is a small leaf. 
 
 Borders, — Milled. Size,— 21. Weight,— 217 to 286 grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 20, and Fig. 107.] 
 
 It has been said that the head upon this pattern, as well as those upon 
 the disme and half disme, was intended for a likeness of Martha Washington. 
 
i 366 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 THE EAGLE PATTERN CENT. 
 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head facing the right, the hair confined by a band and knot. 
 
 Legend, — liberty. 
 
 Date, — 1792 under the head. 
 
 Border, — A slightly raised rim. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — An eagle with upraised wings, standing upon the section of a 
 
 globe, facing the right. 
 
 Legend, — united states oe America. 
 Border, — A circle of 87 small stars. 
 Edge, — Milled. Size, — 18. Weight,— 175^ grains. 
 
 [Plate X. No. 21, and Fig. 108.] 
 
 THE SMALL PATTERN CENT. 
 OBVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A head with flowing hair, facing right. 
 Legend, — liberty parent oe science & tndust: 
 Date, — 1792 under the head. 
 
 REVERSE. 
 
 Device, — A wreath formed of two olive branches, tied below, enclosing 
 the words one cent 
 
 Legend, — united states oe America 
 Under the bow in the ribbon is the fraction ifa> 
 Borders and edge, — Milled. Size,— 14. Weight, — 65 grains. 
 [Plate X. No. 22, and Fig. 109.] 
 
 The tr Silver Centre Cent " is from the same dies with that last de- 
 scribed, but it has a small plug of silver inserted in the centre, as indicated 
 by its name. The weight of one in Mr. Parmelee's collection is 59 grains. 
 
 The Eagle pattern cent is in the cabinet of the Mint at Philadelphia, and 
 we have heard of but one other. The collections of Messrs. Applet on and 
 Parmelee supply specimens of all the other pieces, all of which are extremely 
 rare. 
 
SOUTH CAROLINA. 
 
 The following, relating to the proposed coinage for South Carolina, was 
 received from Mr. Bushnell, but not in season to be given in its proper 
 place ; we therefore present it in an additional chapter. 
 
 "In the year 1785, Mr. Charles Borrell made a proposal to the Legisla- 
 ture of South Carolina to coin 20,000 pounds in silver, and 10,000 pounds in 
 copper for the use of the State, the petitioner agreeing to receive and accept 
 the paper money of the State in exchange. This proposal being accepted, 
 an ordinance was passed on the twenty-second day of March, 1786, granting 
 the privilege to Mr. Borrell, and the Governor of the State was authorized 
 to designate the device and legend for the coins. Mr. Borrell thereupon pro- 
 ceeded to Europe, and made a contract in Switzerland for the amount, and 
 in a letter to Mr. Lewis ]N~ewhouse, of Charleston, dated July 21, 1786, he 
 says, f Be pleased to assure His Excellency, the Governor, that when you 
 receive this, there will be on the way to Charleston, from One Thousand to 
 Fifteen Hundred Louis d'ors, to be presented to the Treasury, and, after 
 examination, a certificate, in due form, must be obtained, approving and 
 declaring these monies to be just and conformable to the ordinance, and that 
 in consequence, the State will receive the surplus.' 
 
 "A Louis d'or is 24 livres, equal to about $4,444. ***** This is all 
 I have been able to learn respecting this coinage, the authority for which is 
 given below. 
 
 " ' An Ordinance respecting Silver and Copper Coins. 
 
 " < Whereas a proposal has been made by Mr. Charles Borrell, for coining 
 a quantity of silver and copper money, and paying the same into the 
 Treasury in exchange for the paper medium of this State ; 
 
 • "'Be it therefore ordained by the Honorable, the Senate and the House 
 of Eepresentatives, now met and sitting in General Assembly, and by authority 
 
368 THE EARLY COINS OP AMERICA. 
 
 of the same, That if the said Charles Borrell shall, within Fifteen Months 
 next ensuing, import into this State, copper coin, to the amount in value, of 
 ten thousand pounds sterling, one moiety, in pieces of the value of one penny 
 each, and the other moiety in pieces of the value of half a penny each, accord- 
 ing to the standard of British half-pence, and silver coin to the value of 
 Twenty Thousand pounds sterling, that is to say, Three fourths in pieces to the 
 value of one shilling each, and the other fourth in pieces of the value of six 
 pence each, which pieces shall be of the same weight as English shillings 
 and sixpences, and contain an alloy proportioned to that of the French Crowns, 
 and shall be impressed, stamped, and made with the figures, words, and 
 devices, and in such way and manner as the Governor shall direct, and shall 
 be respectivel3 r called a penny, a half-penny, a shilling and a sixpence ; and 
 if the said coin shall on being assayed in the presence of the Treasurer be 
 found to be of the value above mentioned, according to the standard aforesaid, 
 which the Governor, on a certificate thereof from the Treasurers shall cause 
 to be notified by proclamation, the Treasurers shall and may receive the same 
 in exchange for the paper medium of this State and give the said medium in 
 exchange for the said coin; and that the said coin shall be the lawful money 
 of this State, receivable and issuable as such, at the value aforesaid, in all 
 payments at and from the Treasury, and a tender in law according to the 
 rates and value aforesaid, in satisfaction of all private contracts, and that the 
 counterfeiting, clipping, defacing, or debasing the same, shall be felony, with- 
 out the benefit of clergy. 
 
 " ' In the Senate House, the twenty-second day of March, in the year 
 of our Lord, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Eighty Six. 
 
 « < John Lloyd, 
 
 f * ? President of the Senate. 
 " c John Fauchereaud, 
 " c Speaker of the House of Representatives.' " 
 
 We will conclude with a paragraph already printed on page 144 : — 
 
 " Charleston, S. C. Sept. 29. 
 "Government has received information that Mr. Borel has compleated 
 his contract of coinage for this State, in Switzerland, and may be soon 
 expected here by the way of London. The stipulation was for 30,0001. in 
 silver and copper, to be exchanged for the paper medium." 
 
CONCLUSION 
 
 Since the tables of varieties were printed, several new dies, and some new 
 combinations, have been discovered, which will here be described : an omission, 
 also, may here be supplied, by copying Ruding's description of one of'Lord 
 Baltimore's coins. He says : " One shilling has the arms of his wife, a cross 
 botony, quartered on the reverse. This coin, .which is supposed to be nnique, 
 was in the possession of the late Sir Frederick Morton Eden, bart." We have 
 no knowledge of this piece, having never fonnd any other mention of it. 
 
 Mr. H. S. Adams has an impression upon copper, from Pine Tree Shilling 
 dies, and having an engraving made of it, kindly presents an opportunity for 
 its illustration. We copy the comments upon the piece, made in the report 
 of the Boston Numismatic Society, at one of the meetings of which it was 
 exhibited. " It is struck over a half-penny of George I., part of the date of 
 which is discernable, and is supposed to be 1723. The piece has been in 
 various collections during the past twelve or fifteen years, and from the owners 
 it is traced back to the discoverer, Charles Payson, Esq., of Portland, Me. 
 Mr. Payson purchased it of an old gentleman, who said it had been in his 
 possession some forty years. Mr. P.'s theory about it is, that the die was 
 
370 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 rejected on account of the last N being left out of the word England; this 
 accounts for not finding Shillings of the same die. ***** That this die 
 should have been in existence at the period of the issue of the half-pennies 
 of George L, is not strange, as a die of a similar character, used here one 
 hundred and twenty years ago, was shown at the November meeting." 
 
 Mr. Stickney also has a similar piece in copper, but from different dies, 
 and of larger size. 
 
 As connected with the Continental Currency pieces, (by having for a 
 reverse a similar obverse die,) though evidently a medal, may be described 
 a piece, specimens of which are owned by Mr. Appleton, and Mr. Henry W. 
 Holland, of Cambridge. 
 
 OBVEESE. 
 
 Device, — At the left, and in the back ground, the city of London. In 
 the centre, an Indian with bow and quiver, standing before Britannia who 
 is seated at the right ; between them is a dove, flying toward the Indian. 
 
 Legend, — eelicitas : Britannia : et : America 
 
 In exergue,' — mdcclxxxiii Sep t 4 
 
 BEVEESE. 
 
 Device,— Thirteen rings interlinked, each bearing the name of a State. 
 
 Legend, — American-: congress * 
 
 Centre, — we are one 
 
 A glory fills the space between the legend and the thirteen rings. 
 
 Border, — Beaded. Edge, — Ornamented with leaf-work. Size, — 25. 
 
 Descriptions of two pieces were purposely omitted from the last chapter, 
 as they are evidently modern impressions, although the obverse dies may 
 have been cut at the date claimed for them. 
 
 OBVEESE NO. 1. 
 
 Device, — An eagle facing left, resting upon a rock. 
 Field, — Plain. 
 
 OBVEESE NO. 2. 
 
 S 6 ^ 6 ' - ;^ 1 eagk ' With Wi " gS dis P la Jed, resting upon a shield. 
 Jbield, — Plain. 
 
 EEVEESE. 
 
 Inscription, - Trial piece. Designed for United States Cent. 1792 
 Borders, -Raised. Edges, -Plain. Size, 19. 
 
CONCLUSION. 371 
 
 COPIES. 
 
 We have placed at the foot of most of our plates, (but in a few instances 
 on other plates,) copies of some pieces there illustrated, that comparisons 
 might be readily made, and the counterfeits recognized when met with. We 
 will here give a list of these copies, not all of which were originally intended 
 as counterfeits, but which are sometimes offered as genuine pieces. 
 
 Plate I. No. 18, — Sommer Island Shilling, — issued by A. S. Kobinson. 
 
 Plate I. Nos. 19 to 25, Plate II. Nos. 25 to 28, and Plate III. Nos. 17 
 and 18, — Wyatt's Counterfeit. New England Silver money. 
 
 Plate III. ]STos. 19, — W. Idler's Lord Baltimore Penny. No. 20 repre- 
 sents one with the name and address removed. 
 
 Plate IV. No. 20, — A. S. Kobinson's Kosa Americana Twopence of 1733. 
 
 Plate VII. Nos. 34 and 35, — J. A. Bolen's Confederatios. 
 
 Plate VIII. Nos. 27 to 30, — The George Clinton, Liber Natus, and 
 Higley Copper, by J. A. Bolen. 
 
 Plate IX. Nos. 27 and 29, — New York Doubloon, and New England 
 Elephant, issued by A. S. Kobinson, and No. 28, — The Carolina Elephant, 
 by J. A. Bolen. 
 
 Plate X. No. 24, Bolen's Bar Cent, 25, — Idler's Washington Half 
 Dollar, and 27, — Edwards's Immune Columbia. 
 
 We have endeavored to make our descriptions, measurements, and weights, 
 as complete as possible, but it will often be found that planchets were used 
 greatly differing in thickness, size and weight ; therefore, where a range of 
 weight is not specified, the weight of the heaviest specimen found is given. 
 An apparent difference may also be noticed where some dies when struck on 
 a small planchet appear to be milled at the border, while when struck on a 
 large planchet the border will be beaded ; this appears among the Rosa 
 Americanas, the Vermonts, and perhaps elsewhere. 
 
 The following pieces have come to our knowledge since the chapters in 
 which they belong were printed. 
 
 A new obverse die of the larger Saint Patrick piece • -flore at rex = 
 with the letters of the legend much larger than that before described : its 
 reverse does not differ from that of the other variety. 
 
 The smaller St. Patrick piece floreat : rex: • noted as in silver, is an 
 error, as the piece supposed to be in silver proves to be copper, plated. 
 
372 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 A new obverse die of the Rosa Americana Twopence, the reverse of 
 which has no label and is shown on plate III. No. 14. 
 
 A specimen in brass, of the Wood's Pattern, with reverse No. 2, (p. 147,) 
 is in Mr. Appleton's collection, thus making two specimens in brass. 
 
 A Vermont coin of 1788, with legend vermon atjotori the c inverted : 
 it is found with reverse A, and is owned by Dr. Maris. 
 
 Nos. 3 and 4 of Connecticut coins of 1785 are found with reverse A. 
 
 A new head, mailed bust, probably of 1786, No. 2, but so worn as to 
 render a description impossible. It belongs to Dr. Maris. 
 
 A new reverse of 1786, punctuated, inde --=- et • lib: with obverse No. 5. 
 
 Reverse B of 1786, should have the legend lnde -<- et lib an impression 
 from that die, owned by Dr. Maris, showing this singular punctuation. The 
 impressions previously found were imperfect, and the punctuation illegible. 
 
 A new reverse of 1787, with legend *int>e:** ♦ et-iib:# is found 
 with obverses 35 and 37. Both specimens are owned by Dr. Maris. 
 
 Reverse N, of 1787, draped busts, should have a period instead of a 
 dash between et lib 
 
 Among New Jerseys a new die of No. 3, of 1786, with reverse F. 
 
 Dr. Maris sends us a new die of No. 6 of 1786, which has the cross- 
 bar of the singletree parallel with the beam of the plough. 
 
 A new die of reverse B of 1787, with obverse 1. In this die the second 
 u shows that an s was first put in its place, and the u stamped over it. 
 
 Two new dies of No. 4 of 1787, with reverse D. Both belong to Dr. Maris. 
 
 A Washington piece like Fig. 106, on a thin planchet, owned by 
 Mr. Parmelee, has an edge ornamented in circles and squares like a thick 
 one before described, and weighs but 180 grains. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 ISP For references to particular pieces and plates, see legends and inscriptions. The pieces not 
 represented on the plates are indicated by a cipher (0) , but no references are made to the cuts, which 
 will be readily found.- The figures refer to pages, and the Roman numerals to the plates. 
 
 Agents to the Kiug instructed, 83, 84 
 Andros, Sir Edmund, arrives, 90, 95 
 Anglo-American Tokens, 337 
 Annapolis Tokens, 328 
 Anne, Queen, Proclamation by, 117 
 Answers to Reasons for a Mint in New Eng- 
 land, 93 
 American Tokens, 323 
 Articles of Agreement of Machin, &c. 192 
 Bailey, John, Affidavit of, 283 
 Bailey, John, Petition of, 290 
 Baltimore, Lord, Letter from, 125 
 Baltimore, Lord, to be apprehended, 129 
 Baltimore, Lord, to be summoned, 130 
 Bar Cent, 333 
 Base Halfpence, 172, 173 
 
 Base Money, Project for Coining mentioned, 141 
 Bermuda, 11 
 
 Birmingham Coppers, 291 
 Black Doggs, 203 
 Blathwayt, Mr., Letter to, 91 
 Bond of Reuben Harmon, 178 
 Bond of Josiah Witherle, 271 
 Boston, or Bay Shillings, 62 
 Bostoneers, Randolph complains of, 85 
 Brass and Tin Pieces, 114 
 Brass and Tin Pieces, Order prohibiting, 115 
 Brasher's Doubloon, 322 
 Brasse Money, 15 
 
 Brown, Ammi, Letter from, 63 
 
 Buel, Abel, 188, 189 
 
 Buel, William, 188, 189 
 
 Bullets, Muskett, 26 
 
 Callender, Joseph, 251, 252 
 
 Canada, 133 
 
 Carolina, Coin for, 144, 337 
 
 Carolina, Elephant Tokens, 337, 367 
 
 Cent, Name proposed, 308 
 
 Coinage, First, at United States Mint, 363 
 
 Coinage of Half Dismes, 364 
 
 Coinage, Proposals for, 139 
 
 Chalkhill, William, Memorial of,|225 
 
 Chetwood, F. B., Letter from, 287 
 
 Clinton, George, 319, 321 
 
 Commissioners of Treasury, Letters to, 87, 89 
 
 Committee on Plantations, Opinion of, 86 
 
 Connecticut, 203 
 
 Petition of John Reed, 204 
 
 Petition for Coining in, 207 
 
 Resolve granting Petition, 209 
 
 Coins described, 211 
 
 Tables of Varieties of Coins, 212, 213 
 
 Notes upon Tables, 214 
 
 Bill forbidding Other Coining in, 219 
 
 Investigation ordered, 221 
 
 Report upon, 221 
 
 Coinage suspended, 224 
 
 Disposal of Coin in Treasury of, 224 
 
374 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OE AMERICA. 
 
 Cooley, William. 188 
 Cox, Albion, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280 
 Crown, 31 
 
 Cuming, Alexander, Proposal to Coin, 142 
 Copies, 371 
 
 Curwen, Samuel, Extract from Diary, 312 
 •Davis, Samuel, Proposal to Coin, 140 
 Dawson, Richard, 323 
 Disme, and Half.»Disme, 364 
 Dobbs, Arthur, Proposal to Coin, 143 
 Dollars, found in Flemish Wreck, 14 
 Double Impressions, &c, 187 
 Ducatour, 29 
 Eight, 308 
 
 Elephant Tokens, 337 
 Engraved Pattern, 347 
 Expenditures for Contingencies, 310 
 Farthings rendered Uncurrent, 26 
 Five, 308, 312 
 
 Foreign Coin, Value of, regulated, 84, 85 
 Fugios, 297 
 
 Report of Committee on Coining, 297 
 
 Design ordered for Coin, 298 
 Fysack, John, proposes to Coin, 139 
 Gen. Washington, 317, 352 
 Getz, Reter, 358 
 Gilders, 29 
 
 Glovcester Token, 323 
 Goadsby, Thomas, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280 
 Half Disme, 365 
 Half-pence, Base, 172, 173 
 Half-penny, Massachusetts, 304 
 Hall, B. H, Letters from, 187, 188, 190 
 Hancock, Ebenezer, appointed Inspector, 253 
 Hancock, Ebenezer, discharged, 268 
 Harmon, Julian, Letter from, 189 
 Harmon, Reuben, Jr., 177, 196, 202 
 Hatfield's Coining Operations, 282 
 Higley or Granby Tokens, 324 
 Higley, John, 324, 326 
 Higley, Samuel, 326 
 Hull, John, Autograph of, facing page 41 
 
 Death of, 97 
 
 Residence of, 97, 98 
 
 Hutchinson, Extract from, 32 
 Introduction, iii 
 Inscriptions : — 
 
 Colonies Francoises, 348 
 
 Copper Company of Upper Canada, 344, IX. 
 
 Dansk Amerik, 348 
 
 Dovble De L Amerique Francoise, 134, III. 
 
 Equal to One Shi, 328, 0. 
 
 General of the American Armies, 1775 
 Resigned 1783 President of the United 
 States 1789— 356, X. 
 
 God Preserve Carolina and the Lords 
 Proprietors, 338, IX. 
 
 God Preserve New England, 338, IX. 
 
 Mind your Business, 299, 305, VII, VIII. 
 
 New England 347, VIII. 
 
 Payable at the Franklin Press London, 
 345, IX. 
 
 Three Pence, 330, X. 
 
 Trial Piece, Designed for United States 
 Cent, 370, 
 
 We are One, 299, 305, VII, VIII. 
 Jacobus, 31 
 Janus Copper, 304 
 Jencks, Joseph, Sen., 79 
 Jersey Coppers, 291 
 Kentucky Tokens, 343 
 
 King requested to order Impress for Coin, 83 
 Kirk, Colonel, Instructions to, 86 
 Knight, Madam, Account of the Early Trade, 
 
 114 
 Lawrence, Earl of Rochester, Letter to, 89 
 Leddel, William, Petition of, 277 
 Legends : — 
 
 America, 306, 0. 
 
 American Congress, 305, 306, 370, VII, VI 1 1. 
 
 American Liberty, 175, 176, VI. 
 
 Auctori Connec, 192, 209, 211, 288, V, VI. 
 
 Auctori Plebis, 342, IX. 
 
 Auctori Vermon, 181, 185, 0. 
 
 At the Store of Talbot Allum & Lee, New 
 York, 336, IX. 
 
 Baltimore Town, July 4, 90, 330, X. 
 
 British Settlement Kentucky, 344, IX. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 375 
 
 Legends : — 
 
 Brvn : Et • Lvn : Dvx ■ Sa : Rom : Mi : Arc: 
 
 The :Et-Pr:Elec- 147, III. 
 Csecilivs : D^S : Terras-Manse : & Ct. 130, 
 
 131, III. 
 Ceorcivs III- Rex. 313, 315, 322, VII. 
 Chronometers, Clocks, Watches, Jewelry, 
 
 Silverware, 335, IX. 
 Commonwealth . 247, VI. 
 Confederate . 314, 316, VII. 
 Connecticvt . 1737 . 324, VIII. 
 Continental Currency. 305, VIII. 
 Crescite : Et : Mvltiplicamini. 130, III. 
 Dat ■ Pacem • Et Auget • Opes • 147, III. 
 Dat ■ PacenrEt • Nouas • Prebet • Et • Auget- 
 
 Opes ■ 147, III. 
 Ecce Grex. 137, III. 
 E Pluribus Unnm . 317, 319, 320, 343, VI, 
 
 VII, VIII, IX. 
 Excelsior, 318, 321, VIII. 
 Felicitas : Britannia : Et : America 370, 0. 
 Floreat Rex . 137, III. 
 Fugio. 299, 301, 305, VII, VIII. 
 
 Gen. Washington . 317, 352, VII. 
 
 George Clinton . 319, 321, VIII. 
 
 George Washington . 359, X. 
 
 Georgeivs Washington, 361, 0. 
 
 Georgius ■ D : G : Rex • 163, IV. 
 
 Georgius -Dei ■ Gratia • Rex • 161, 162, 163, 
 168, III, IV. 
 
 Georgius • D : G : Mag : Bri : Fra : Et • Hib : 
 Rex • 147, 161, 164, III, IV. 
 
 Georgivs ■ Rex • 147, III. 
 
 Georgivs • II • D ■ G ■ Rex • 167, IV. 
 
 Georgivs • III ■ Rex ■ 192, 288, 339, IX. 
 
 Georgivs III. Dei Gratia, 339, IX. 
 
 Georgivs Triumpho . 341, IX. 
 
 Glovcester Co. [?] Virginia, 323, IX. 
 
 Goddess Liberty, 3U4, VII. 
 
 I Am Good Copper, 324, VIII. 
 
 I Chalmers Annapolis, 328, IX. 
 
 I Cut My Way Through, 325, VIII. 
 
 Immune Columbia. 186, 312, 815, VII. 
 
 Immunis Columbia. 317, 320, VII, VIII. 
 
 Legends : — 
 
 Inde Et Lib. 185, 192, 211, 212, 372, V, VI. 
 Indep Et Liber, 342, IX. 
 Inimica Tyrannis ■ Americana • 316, VII. 
 In New England : Ano : 51, I, II. 
 Jvan Estevan De Pena Florida. 348, 
 Liber Natus Libertatem Defendo 319, 321, 
 
 VIII. 
 Libertas Et Justitia, 316, 332, VII. 
 Libertas Justitia, 307, 331, VII, VIII. 
 Liberty, 306, X. 
 Liberty & Commerce, 335, IX. 
 Liberty and Security, 359, X. 
 Liberty and Virtue, 304, VII. 
 Liberty Parent of Science & Industry 364, 
 
 365, X. 
 Liverpool Halfpenny, 353, X. 
 Ludovicvs • XOII • D • Gr ■ Fran • Et ■ Nav ■ 
 
 Rex, 134, III. 
 Mag • Brit • Fra • Et • Hiber • Rex : ■ 147, III. 
 
 Massachusetts. 247, VI. 
 
 Massachusetts State 303, VII. 
 
 Masathvsets . In . 46, I, II. 
 
 Motts, N. Y. Importers, Dealers, Manu- 
 facturers, of Gold & Silver Wares. 334, 
 IX. 
 
 Neo-Eboracensis . 320, VIII. 
 
 Neo-Eboracus 1787, Excelsior, 322, VIII. 
 
 New England An Do, 51, I. II. 
 
 New Yorke In America, 345, VIII. 
 
 Non Dependens Status 306, 0. 
 
 Non Vi Virtute Vici. 320, VIII. 
 
 North American Token 173, IX. 
 
 North Wales. 362, 0. 
 
 Nova Csesarea . 283, VI, VII. 
 
 Nova Constellatio. 307,311,312, 331, VII, 
 VIII. 
 
 Nova Eborac . 340, VIII. 
 
 NovaEboraca Columbia Excelsior, 322, IX. 
 
 Payable by Clark & Harris 13 Wormwood 
 S* Bishopsgate. 359, X. 
 
 Payable by P. P. P. My.ldolton . 344, IX. 
 
 Quarta Decima Stella . 181, IV. 
 
 QuiescatPlebs. 138,111. 
 
376 
 
 THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Legends: — 
 
 Regit Vnvs Ytroqve . 167, 0. 
 
 Richard Dawson . Anno Dom. 1714. 323, 
 IX. 
 
 Rosa Americana. 1733 167, J\ 
 
 Rosa Americana Utile Dulci . 161, 164, III, 
 IV. 
 
 Rosa Sine Spina . 168, III. 
 
 Sic Oritur Doctrina Surgetque Libertas, 
 345, IX. 
 
 Sommer Islands . 17, I. 
 
 Standish Barry. 330, X. 
 
 State of Massa: |D. 303, VII. 
 
 Stella Quarta Decima . 180, IV. 
 
 Talbot Allum & Lee . 335, IX. 
 
 The Value of Three Pence . 324, VIII. 
 
 Unanimity is the Strength of Society, 
 343, IX. 
 
 United States, 299, 300, 350, 351, VII, X. 
 
 United States of America. 357, 364, X. 
 
 Unity States of America . 350, 0. 
 
 Unum E. Pluribus. 322, IX. 
 
 Value Me As You Please . 324, VIII. 
 
 Vermon Auctori. 185, 192, 313, 315, V. 
 
 Vermontensium Res Publica. 181, IV. 
 
 Vermontis Res Publica . 180, IV. 
 
 Vermonts Res Publica. 180, IV. 
 
 Virginia . 339, IX. 
 
 Virt. Et Lib. 340, VIII. 
 
 Voce Popoli . 341, IX. 
 
 Washington, 350, 0. 
 
 Washington President . 353, X. 
 
 Washington President 1791 . 353, X. 
 
 Washington President 1792 . 355, X. 
 
 Washington President I 1792. 357, X. 
 
 Washington President 1796. 358, 0. 
 
 Washington the Great, D. G. 351, X. 
 
 Washington & Independence, 349, X. 
 Liberty of Coinage to be solicited, 96 
 Lord Baltimore Coin — unique, 369 
 Lord High Treasurer, Letter to, 89 
 Lords of Treasury, Letters to, 87, 96 
 Machin, Thomas, 191-202, 290 
 Mansflelld, John, Petition from, 103 
 
 Manus Inimica Tyrannis, 309 
 
 Mark, 307 
 
 Marks, 30 
 
 Marks and Contractions, ix 
 
 Maryland, 123 
 
 Acts relating to Mint in, 126 
 Acts relating to Coin, 128 
 Description of Coins, 130 
 Regulates Current Coins, 132 
 
 Massachusetts Silver Coinage, 25 
 
 Reasons for establishing Mint in, 31 
 
 Scarcity of Money in, 29 
 
 Original Draught of First Act, 34 
 
 Copies of Acts from Records, 36 
 
 Price paid for coining in, 38 
 
 First Action of Committee, 39 
 
 First Designs for Coins, 39 
 
 Fac Simile of Designs, facing page 41 
 
 Order from the Committee, 42 
 
 Forms of Coins of, 43 
 
 Change of Design, 43, 44 
 
 Exportation of Coin prohibited, 70, 79, 98, 
 
 101, 104 
 Date upon Coin not changed, 72 
 Order for Coinage of Twopences, 73 
 Fac Simile of Order, facing page 41 ' 
 Committee to contract with Mint Master, 
 
 71, 78, 81 
 Reports of Committee, 72, 78, 81 
 Necessity for coining, 76 
 Proceedings against Mint, 76 
 The King asked to order Impress, 83 
 Mint discontinued, 91 
 Act against counterfeiting, 99 
 Proposals to make Mint Free, 108 
 Copper Coinage, 225 
 Chalkhill, William, Memorial of, 225 
 Importation of Specie, 226 
 Brick Arch to receive Specie, 227 
 Account of Specie, 228 
 Memorial of Seth Reed, 229 
 Resolve relating to Coinage, 232 
 Report of Committee, 233 
 Proposals of James Swan, 230, 246 
 
INDEX.. 
 
 377 
 
 Massachusetts, Calculation of James Swan, 235 
 
 Governor's Message, 237 
 
 Report on Message, 238 
 
 Congress to be requested to coin, 239 
 
 Act establishing Mint, 239 
 
 Appropriation for Mint, 243 
 
 Committee on Mint report, 244 
 
 Mint Master appointed, 245 
 
 Copper available for coining, 245 
 
 Petition from James Swan, 263 
 
 Devices ordered for Coin, 246 
 
 Coinage of Silver proposed, 247 
 
 Descriptions of Coins, 247 
 
 Tables of Varieties, 248 
 
 Makers of Dies, 251 
 
 Instructions to Mint Master, 252 
 
 Inspector appointed, 252 
 
 Foreign Copper Coin, 253 
 
 Reports on coining Silver, 254 
 
 Reports of Mint Master, 256, 258 
 
 Messages from Governor, 260, 262, 268 
 
 New Measures proposed, 263 
 
 Mint Master to render Accounts, 260 
 
 Account of Copper on hand, 263 
 
 Proposals for coining, 264 
 
 Plan for Contract, 265 
 
 Committee to examine Accounts, 267 
 
 Officers discharged, 268 
 
 Accounts of Mint, 2G9 
 
 Resolve upon Coin in Treasury, 273 
 
 Cartage of Copper, &c, 274 
 
 Location of Mint, 274 
 Massachusetts Halfpenny, 304 
 Massachusetts Pine Tree Copper, 303 
 Masts for the King, 77 
 May, John, Proposals of, 264 
 
 Action on Proposals of, 266 
 Mind Your Business Coppers, 188, 302 
 Mint of the United States, 363 
 Money Unit, 308, 363 
 
 Morris, Gouverneur, Plan for Coinage, 308 
 Morris, Robert, Extract from Diary of, 310 
 Mould, Walter, 275, 278 
 Moulton, William, empowered to coin, 175 
 
 Newburgh, Mint at, 191 
 Newby, Mark, Halfpence of, 135 
 Newcastle, Letter from Duke of, 166 
 New England, Elephant Token, 338 
 
 Silver Money, 45 
 
 Stiver, 114, 347 
 Newgate Prison, at Granby, 327 
 New Hampshire, 175 
 New Jersey, 275 
 
 Proposals laid before House, 275 
 
 Report upon, 276 
 
 Petition of William Leddel, 277 
 
 Act authorizing Coinage, 278 
 
 Supplementary Act, 279 
 
 Bad and Light Coppers prohibited, 281 
 
 Location of Mint Houses, 282 
 
 Coppers made by John Bailey, 283 
 
 Description of Coins, 283 
 
 Tables of Varieties, 284 
 
 Notes on Tables, 284 
 
 Method of Coinage, 2S7 
 
 Peculiarities of Dies, 287 
 
 New Varieties, &c, 371 
 New York, 289 
 
 Early Attempt to establish Mint, 289 
 
 Early Regulation of Value of Coin, 289 
 
 Report of Committee, 290 
 
 Action of House thereupon, 293 
 
 Act to regulate Foreign Copper Coin, 294 
 New Yorke Token, 114, 345 
 Nobles, 30 
 
 Nova Constellatios, Silver, 307 
 Nova Constellatios, Copper, 312, 331 
 
 Tables of Varieties, 332, 333 
 Oak Tree Coins, 47 
 Oath for Mint Master, 41 
 Ogilby, Account of Trade in Maryland, 128 
 Oldmixon's History, Extracts from, 22 
 Order of Council against a Mint, &c, 94 
 Parchment Money, 148 
 Patterns, Federal and State, 303 
 Patterns, United States, 363 
 Penalties to prevent frauds, proposed, 121 
 Pennsylvania, 169 
 
378 
 
 THE EAKLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 Pennsylvania, Act against counterfeiting, 170 
 
 Order of Council, 172 
 
 Petition of Smyth and Harwood, 174 
 Penny. Oak, and Pine Tree, 74 
 Pieces purposely omitted, 348 
 Pine Tree Coins, 54 
 
 Tables of Varieties, 56 
 
 Notes on Tables, 58 
 
 Shillings of 1650, 62 
 Pine Tree Coppers, 176, 303, 369 
 Perkins, Jacob, 251, 252, 362, 363 
 Philadelphia, Proclamation by Mayor of, 169 
 Pierce, Jonathan, Proposals of, 264 
 Pillory, 171 
 Pistoles, 116 
 
 Present to the King, 77, 82 
 Proclamation regulating Value of Coin, 117 
 
 Proclamation relating to the same, 120 
 
 The same revived and continued, 121 
 Provinc Penc, 116 
 Quint, 307 
 
 Quo Warranto issued, 112 
 
 Randolpb,Edward,on Massachusetts Coinage,75 
 Read, John, Petition of, 204 
 Reasons for a Mint in New England, 91 
 Reed, Seth, Memorial of, 229 
 Report on a Mint in New England, 94 
 Resented, Former Use of the Word, 31 
 Rindle, Gilbert, 282 
 Rittenhouse Cent, 302 
 Rittenhouse, David, 302 
 Rix Dollar, 30 
 Rosa Americanas, 145 
 
 Patterns described, 147 
 
 Coins described, 161 
 
 Without Date, 162, 165 
 Ryall of 8, 30 
 
 Saint Patrick Halfpence, 135 
 Samaritan, Good, Shilling, 67 
 Saunderson, Robert, 98 
 Savage, James, Letter from, 274 
 Scire Facias, Note relating to, 112 
 Sommer Islands, 11 
 Stamp ordered for Coin, 80, 106 
 
 Stiver, New England, 114, 347 
 
 Stocks, 171 
 
 Sun Dial Cents, 188 
 
 Swan, James, Petition of, 230 
 
 Second and Third Proposals of, 236 
 
 Again petitions, 246 
 Treasure discovered, 14, 15 
 Trial Pieces, 352, 370 
 Twopenccs ordered in Massachusetts, 73 
 USA Copper, 333 
 Valuation of Pieces of 8, 95 
 Vermont, 177 
 
 Acts, 177, 179, 183 
 
 Maker of Dies, 188 
 
 Coins described, 180, 181, 185 
 
 Tables of Varieties, 185 
 
 Location of Mint, 188 
 Virginia, 19 
 
 Right of Coinage granted by Charter, 19 
 
 Financial Condition of, 19 
 
 Act authorizing Coinage in, 21 
 Virginia Halfpennies, 338 
 Wampum. 25 
 
 Washington Pattern Dollar, 362 
 Washington Trial Piece, 352, Plate X. No. 4. 
 Wharton, Mr., Paper about raising of Money, 
 
 306 
 Willow Tree Coins, 46 
 Wilson, Rathmell, Letler from, 311 
 Witherle, Joshua, appointed Mint Master, 245 
 
 Reports to Council, 256, 258, 263 
 
 Order to render Accounts, 260 
 
 Discharged, 268 
 
 Bond of, 271 
 
 Resolve for Payment of, 271 
 
 Order to cancel Bond, 271 
 
 Petition for Use of Mint, 272 
 
 Petition granted, 273 
 
 Residence and Mint, 273 
 Wood, William, Patent, 151 
 
 License, 159 
 
 Patent surrendered, 160 
 
 Pension granted to, 160 
 Wyon, Thomas, 315 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 SOCIETIES, LIBEAEIES, 
 
 AMERICAN NUMISMATIC SOCIETY, 
 
 BOSTON ATHENAEUM, 
 
 BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY, 
 
 FRIENDS' LIBRARY, 
 
 HAVERFORD COLLEGE, .... 
 
 LIBRARY COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA, 
 
 LONG ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, . 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS STATE LIBRARY, 
 
 MICHIGAN STATE LIBRARY, . 
 
 MINT OF THE UNITED STATES, . 
 
 NEW YORK STATE LIBRARY, 
 
 OHIO STATE LIBRARY, 
 
 PEABODY INSTITUTE, 
 
 PHILADELPHIA LIBRARY, 
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY, 
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY, 
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY, 
 
 PUBLIC LIBRARY, 
 
 VERMONT STATE LIBRARY, . 
 
 VIRGINIA STATE LIBRARY, . 
 
 YALE COLLEGE 
 
 &C. 
 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 West Haverfokd, Pa. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Lansing, Mich. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Albany, N. Y. 
 Columbus, Ohio. 
 Baltimore, Md. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Bkookline, Mass. 
 Reading, Mass. 
 Worcester, Mass. 
 montpelier, vt. 
 Richmond, Va. 
 New Haven, Conn. 
 
THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA. 
 
 NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS. 
 
 Adams, Charles Francis, 
 Adams, Henry Sewall, 
 Ahlborn, Henry, 
 Allen, Jonathan, 
 Anthon, Charles Edward, 
 Applegate, J. Henry, Jr. 
 Appleton, William Sumner, 
 Auliek, J. Wily, 
 Bagley, John J. 
 Baker, John R. 
 Balfour, David M. 
 Balmanno, Alexander, 
 Barnes, O. F. 
 Barr, George L. 
 Bates, Thomas T. 
 Bell, Charles Henry, 
 Betts, Benjamin, 
 Bond, Thomas Edward, 
 Booth, Henry, 
 Brevoort, J. Carson, 
 Brock, R. Alonzo, 
 Bushnell, Charles I. 
 Calder, John B. 
 Capelle, William Curtis, 
 Carrington, W. C. 
 Chaplin, Charles, 
 Child, Dudley R. 
 Cleneay, Thomas, 
 Cleveland, Edmund J. 
 Cogan, Edward, 
 Cohen, M. I. 
 Colburn, Jeremiah, 
 Cook, Henry, 
 Cory, Barney, 
 Cram, George W. 
 Creamer, George G. 
 
 Quincy, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Alfred, N. Y. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Washington, D. C. 
 Detroit, Mich. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 Mason, Mich. 
 Medford, Mass. 
 Traverse City, Mich. 
 Exeter, N. H. 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 Richmond, Va. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Providence, R. I. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Richmond, Va. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 Elizabeth, N. J. 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 Baltimore, Md. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Norwalk, Conn. 
 Salem, Mass. 
 
 Crosby, Samuel Trevett, 
 Crosby, William, 
 Davenport, Henry, 
 Davis, Joseph Alba, 
 Davis, Robert Coulton, 
 Dawley, Joseph E. 
 Edwards, Ernest, 
 Edwards, Jonathan, 
 Elliott, George M. 
 Ely, Heman, 
 Emery, James, Jr. 
 Endicott, Charles, 
 Ezekiel, H. C. 
 Fagan, G. H. 
 Fay, Albert W. 
 Fellows, Charles Sumner, 
 Fewsmith, William, 
 Fitch, Miss Caroline M. 
 Fonrobert, Jules, 
 Gilman, Marcus D. 
 Gooch, John A. 
 Gorham, William H. 
 Haseltine, John W. 
 Haussler, Joseph, 
 Holland, Henry W. 
 Howland, Rufus, 
 Hughes, J. D. 
 James, F. H. 
 Jenison, O. A. 
 Jenks, Abram S. 
 Jenks, William J. 
 Johnson, W. F. 
 Jones, D. 
 Jones, Justin, 
 Knight, Francis H. 
 Lee, Francis II. 
 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 New Haven, Conn. 
 Lowell, Mass. 
 Elyria, Ohio. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Detroit, Mich. 
 Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 Paignton, England. 
 Syracuse, N. Y. 
 Chicago, 111. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Berlin, Prussia. 
 Montpelier, Vt. 
 Biddeford, Me. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Hoosick Falls, N. Y. 
 Cambridge, Mass. 
 Greenfield, Mass. 
 Chicago, 111. 
 Lancaster, N. Y. 
 Lansing, Mich. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Salem, Mass. 
 
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS. 
 
 381 
 
 Lewis, W. H. 
 Lincoln, Charles S. 
 Lincoln, Frederic William, 
 Littlefield, Marcellus, 
 Mackenzie, Mortimer L. 
 Marcou, Jules, 
 Marean, Charles, 
 Maris, Edward, 
 Marvin, William T. R. 
 Mason, George B. 
 McKay, John, Jr. 
 Mercur, Rodney A. 
 Mickley, Joseph J. 
 Miles, M. 
 Nelson, James, 
 Osgood, James R. 
 Page, Hollis, 
 Fai'ish, Daniel, Jr. 
 Parmelee, Lorin G. 
 Perkins, John L. 
 Piper, William T. 
 Poillon, William, 
 Pratt, George Williams, 
 Pratt, J. F. 
 
 Quincy, Miss Eliza Swan, 
 Ralph, Edmund S. 
 Ralph, George F. 
 Ravenel, Daniel, 
 Raymond, A. D. F. 
 Remondino, P. C. 
 Ripley, Joseph B. 
 Ritchie, Thomas Pope, 
 Roberts, O.O. 
 
 Katonah, N. Y. 
 Hartford, Conn. 
 London, England. 
 Woburn, Mass. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Cambridge, Mass. 
 Baltimore, Md. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Towanda, Mich. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Lansing, Mich. 
 Cold Spring, N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Cambridge, Mass. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Chelsea, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Buffalo, N. Y. 
 Utica, N. Y. 
 Charleston, S. C. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Wabashaw, Minn. 
 Savannah, Ga. 
 Brookline, Mass. 
 Northampton ,. Mass. 
 
 Robinson, John, 
 Roman, A., & Co. 
 Root, James E. 
 Ross, M. Denman, 
 Rugg, Gilbert F. 
 Rush, S., Jr. 
 Rust, Nathaniel J. 
 Rust, Horatio N. 
 Salisbury, W. G. 
 Saunders, William A. 
 Seavey, George Francis, 
 Shurtleff, Nath'l Bradstreet, 
 Slafter, Edmund Farwell, 
 Slevin, Thomas E. 
 
 Spybey, Francis George, 
 
 Stickney, Matthew Adams, 
 Tessier, Cyrille, 
 
 Towne, Horatio, 
 Ulex, George F. 
 
 Vaux, William S. 
 
 Walter, D. L. 
 
 Ward, James W. 
 
 Wardwell, William T. 
 
 Webster, George C. 
 
 Whitney, Edward Herbert, 
 
 Wight, Edwin B. 
 
 Wilder, Lyman, 
 
 Winsor, Richard B. 
 
 Wood, Isaac Francis, 
 
 Woodward, W. Elliot, 
 
 Wynne, Thomas H. 
 
 Yerrington, J. D. 
 
 Zabriskie, Andrew C. 
 
 Salem, Mass. 
 San Francisco, Cal. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Chicago, 111. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Cambridge, Mass. 
 Cambridge, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Nottingham, Eng. 
 Salem, Mass. 
 Quebec, Canada. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Hambourgh, Prussia. 
 Philadelphia, Pa. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Lakeville, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Detroit, Mich. 
 Hoosick Falls, N. Y. 
 Providence, R. I. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 Boston, Mass. 
 Richmond, Va. 
 Brooklyn, N. Y. 
 New York, N. Y. 
 
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 
 
 Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies. 
 
 Published Quarterly. Terms, $2.00 a year, in advance. 
 Address JEREMIAH COLBURN, 18 SOMERSET STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal. 
 
 PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY 
 
 The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada. 
 
 Subscription, $1.50 Canadian Currency, per annum, in advance. 
 ■ Payable to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box @6}4, Montreal. 
 
 JOHN W. HASELTINE, 
 
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