(Slontell IniuetBttg ffiibraty -3tbara. N?m gork FROM THE BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY COLLECTED BY BENNO LOEWY BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY f |f 029 793 308 Qvers oW v; Cornell University Library 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/cu31924029793308 : : fyc/fZJr, THE AMERICAN NUMISMATIOAL MANUAL OF THE CURRENCY OR MONEY OP THE ABORIGINES, AND COLONIAL, STATE, AND UNITED STATES COINS. WITH HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE NOTICES OF EACH COIN OE SERIES. ]>Y MONTROVILLE WILSON DICKESON, M.D., MEMBER OP THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF SCIENCE, THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA, THE ACADEMY OP NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA, AND THE ETHNOLOGICAL SOCIETY OP NEW YORK ; FELLOW OP THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF COPENHAGEN, ETC. ETC. ILLUSTRATED BI NINETEEN PLATES OF F AC-SIMILES. PHILADELPHIA: J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO 1859. /\^7'1J Entered, according to Act of Congress^** the year 1859, by MONTROVILLE WILSON DICKESON, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BT J. FUnX. DEDICATION To the People op the American Union. In publishing this work, the basis of which is the Anglo-American Colonial coins, I have endeavored to rescue from the graves of modern antiquity those original, and, in many cases, rude representatives of value, which, to the early colonists and their successors for many years, possessed an importance in developing, conducting, and advancing their agricultural industry, trade, and commerce, equal in magnitude and purpose, relatively, with the more extended and perfect appliances of the present day. Contrasting the coinage of our infant colonies with that of the present time ; their struggles against kingly prerogative for its existence, with the undisturbed authority of the people over the same subject now, is an instructive commentary relative to their triumphs and our progress as freemen since, which is calculated to excite our wonder and induce our gratitude. It shows that our fathers were so constituted, that though they might be worn out, they could not be crushed in their contests for ultimate freedom. In their weakness, full of diplomacy without compromising principle, principle was their bulwark in all their contests for self-government. Learning from dear-bought experience, that local security and national prosperity could neither be attained nor maintained by a legislation of foreign dictation, and that a fair but just independence of any authority (iii) iv DEDICATION. but their own could not be achieved but by making themselves sovereigns instead of remaining subjects, they early planted the seeds of liberty in every practicable form ; among the earliest acts of which was the establishment of the Mint at Boston, whose fruits, meeting the popular taste, so excited the colonial appetite for more, that it laid the foundation for wants, which the open declaration of independence in 1776, and its acknowledgment in 1783, could only appease. The full fruition of early purposes and struggles having been long since confirmed, may our country still further exemplify its progressive character; and through the patriotism and vigilance of its sovereigns, occupy, to the remotest period of time, its present exalted position among the nations of the earth ; and may the people fail not to refresh their love of country by frequently contemplating the feeble sources of their origin — seeing that the neglect of the lessons of the past leaves no certain guide for the future. THE AUTHOR. PREFACE Coin or money is the medium which mankind has adopted to facilitate the exchange of one commodity for another, and, consequently, it is now inseparable from the trade, commerce, and exchanges of the world. The history of money, in our own country, dates from the lignite, shells, wampum, &c, &c, of the aborigines, down to the present very highly artistic coins of the United States Mint. Thus, in coins or money, as in the arts generally, and also in agriculture and commerce, the advancement, from great rudeness to comparative perfection, excites our wonder ; so effective, for improvement and progress under Providential arrangement and guidance, has been man's intellect, which, in its further achievements and victories, it is not gifted with the prescience to unfold or determine. To trace the progress of any art, from its rude origin up to the period of its present perfection, is an agreeable task, and it induces self-gratulation, and merits public approval and support in proportion to its utility. It is peculiarly gratifying to be able to contemplate the results of the inventiveness and ingenuity of mankind, gradually progressing, and finally triumphing over all obstacles to complete success. The coins of the colonies have been involved in much obscurity, and the facts in relation to them have been chiefly derived from the specimens, and such history in regard to them, as the curious and scientific have collected and preserved. The specimens are more numerous, and have been better taken care of than those of any other art ; so natural is it, and ever has it been, for mankind in all ages to cling to the representatives of value. It is the purpose of this work, as far as practicable, to establish the origin, and faithfully describe the coins and coinage of our country, from the dawn of the period when the pioneers of discovery, settlement, and civilization, experienced the necessity, and adopted the measures, for founding some commercial standard or representative of value in their commerce, and also trade, with one another, down to the present very enlightened era in our history; thus forming a metallic chain, the description and history of the links of which will embrace every feature relevant to a thorough knowledge — so far as I have been able to acquire it — of the whole and its parts ; 00 vi PREFACE. and thereby imparting to the student, or the gentleman of leisure, the proper relation of coins to the chronological and historical events therewith connected. The attention paid to numismatics in other countries has elicited much useful information, and induced numerous publications upon that subject. In our own country, the aboriginal — so far as it can be classed under that head — and the colonial coins — the main purpose of my effort — have been peculiarly neglected in every work of the kind. In collating and presenting, therefore, as perfect a history of them, as is practicable, I have expended much labor and time, and incurred great expense. I hope the result will impart much pleasure to my patrons, and contribute something to their stock of information, though it may not be of the kind that adds to the hoards of their metallic treasures. In the present age, the subject of money can be no intrusive one; as it certainly has lost none of the attraction or interest, which the fondness for its acquisition or possession has heretofore given to it. In fact, every advancing stage of civilization or progress, with its increased refinements and luxuries, has but enhanced its importance in the practical estimation of mankind, till it has become a lever in the movement of the world, totally eclipsing the conceptions of an Archimedes, or any other physical or mental teacher in regard to power, except the modern disciple of gold. The fac-similes of this work — numerous and expensive — are of themselves such a collection for the general observer, and the young collector of coins, as has never before been produced. Feeling, as I do, that every department of science has claims to the public consideration and understanding, this vohame is presented with the hope that it may meet with the popular approbation ; it being my purpose, if it should be approved, to prepare an edition for the use of schools ; where certainly no harm could arise from proper information being imparted relative to the origin and progress of our metallic currency — occupying as it has, and now does, a paramount relation to everything that has made us a successful agricultural, manufacturing, and commercial people, and without which we should not yet have emerged from our infancy as a nation. In this work, I am indebted to the Eev. Joseph Felt, on the "Massachusetts Currency ;" Henry Noel Humphreys, " on the coinage of the British Empire ;" Lloyd P. Smith, Esq., Librarian of Philadelphia Library; Joseph Mickley, Esq., of Philadelphia, for access to his fine and extensive cabinet of coins; the " Manual" and " Supplement" thereto, by Jacob R. Eckfeldt and William E. Du Bois, Assayers of the U. S. Mint ; Hon. James Boss Snowdex, Director of the Mint; other officers of that institution, and to numerous private individuals; to all of whom I present my thanks. THE AUTHOR. DESCRIPTION OF PLATES. Portrait op the Author To Face Title-page. Frontispiece " Page 11 . ABORIGINAL COINS. Plate I. Lignite Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,12. Coal " 10, 11, 16, 17, 19. " " (Ancient Britain) " 13,14,15. II. Lignite " 1. " Coal (Ancient Britain) " 3,9,14. " Stone " 2,13,15. " Stone Hatchets •. " 8,10. " Jasper, &c, Darts " 4,5,11,12. " Lily Encrinite " 6, 7, 16, 17, 18 19. HI. Terra-Cotta » 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 17. Gold « 1,2. " Galena « 6, 7,-8, 9, 10, 11. " Copper " 12, 13, 14, 15, 21. " Stone " 3,4,5,16. " Copper Beads and Tubes " 17,18,19,20. V. Wampum. COLONIAL COINS. VI. Somers' Islands » 1. " Massachusetts Pattern-shilling « 2. " New England Shilling and Six-pence « 3 4. " Pine-tree Shilling, Six-pence, and Three-pence " 5 6 7. " Oak-Tree Shilling, Six-pence, Three-pence, and Two-pence.... " 8,9,10 11. " Good Samaritan Shilling « \2. " Lord Baltimore Shilling, Six-pence, Groat, and Penny " 13 14 15 16. VII. Tin Piece — King James II « 1, " Carolina Half-Penny « 2. " Louisiana Copper a 3 " Rosa- Americana Pennies, Half-Pennies, and Farthing « 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. " Granby Coppers « 11 \2. ' (vii) DESCRIPTION OF PLATES. Plate YLTL IX. Florida Piece — Charles ILT., Spain Figure Pitt Piece Louisiana Copper ■. Virginia Half-Pennies — Copper and Silver " Washington Piece" Continental Currency Janus Copper Massachusetts Coppers •■■ Pine-Tree Copper U. S. A. Copper " Xon Dependens Status Xova Constellatio — Gold " " " Silver " " " '•' Immune Columhia " " " Copper " Georgius Triumpho AnapoKs Shilling, Six-pence, and Three-pence " Confederatio Copper " Vermonts Ees Publica Yermontensiuni Ees Publica Yernion Auctori — Immune Columbia " XI. xn. xm . George HI. — Immune Columbia. Auctori Plebis.. Georgius m. Ees Auctori Connec Nova Caesarea Immune Columbia — Xew Jersey .. Neo Eboraeensis Xew York Gold Coin Immunis Columbia Xoya Eborac Liber Xatus Libertato Defendo First United States Cent Kentucky Coppers Massachusetts Cent and Half-Cent.. Xew York Cent Castorland Half-Dollar Xorth American Token De Dansk Am eric Washington Cents " Tokens " Half-Dollar " Token " Cent " Copper " Half-Penny " Medalet Liverpool Half-Pennies 1. 2, S. 4,5. 6. 9,10. 11. 12. 13. 1. 2,3. 4. 5,6. 7. 8, 9, 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 1. 2. 3. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. 21. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5,6. 7. 8, 12. 9,10. 11. 13 14. 15. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9. 2,10. 8. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4,6. DESCRIPTION OF PLATES. PATTERN PIECES. Plate XIII. Cent, 1792 Figure 7. " " — Eagle volant, 1855 " 8. " Disme, 1792 " 9. " Cent, 1792 " 10. a a « " 11. " " —Eagle, 1792 « 12. « " " " " 13. " Half-Dollar — Trial, 1858 " 14. " Cent — Eagle " 15. " " — Liberty-Cap — Composition, 1854 " 16. " "— Composition, 1835 " 17. " " —Indian Princess, 1858 " 18. " " — Feuchtwanger, 1837 " 19. " " —Composition, 1851 " 20. " "— Eing, 1850 " 21. " Three-Cent Pieces " 22,23,24. UNITED STATES' COINS. XIV. Eagle, 1795 " 1. " " Half-, 1795 » 2. " " " 1798 " 3. " " 1797 " 4. " " Quarter-, 1796 » 5. " " Double-, 1849 « 6. " " Quarter-, 1808 « 7. " " " 1834 " 8. " " Half-, 1834 " 9. " " 1838 « 10. " " Half-, 1838 « 11. " " Quarter-, 1838 " 12. " " Half-, 1808 « 13. " Dollar, Gold, 1849 « M. " " " Indian Princess, 1854 " 15. " " Three- Piece, Indian Princess, 1854 " 16. PATTERN PIECES. " Gold Ring-Dollars and Half-Dollar, 1852 " " Dollar, Liberty-cap, 1836 XV. Dollars, Silver, 1794, 1796, 1798, 1840 " Half-Dollars, Silver, 1794, 1803, 1808, 1837, 1840 XVI. Quarter-Dollars, 1796, 1815, 1831, 1843, 1853 " Dimes, 1796, 1798, 1809, 1837, 1838 " Half-Dimes, 1792, 1795, 1796, 1829, 1837, 1839 " Dollar— Trial, 1836 " Three-Cent Pieces 17, 18, 19. 20. 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. 1, 4, 7, 10, 15. 18, 2, 5, 8, 11. 3, 6, 9, 13, 12, 14 19. 16, 17. x DESCRIPTION OF PLATES. Plate XVII. Cents, Chain, 1793 Figures 1, 2. « " Wreath, 1793 " 3,4. " Liberty-Cap, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1796 " 5,6,7,8. " Cent, Cue, 1796 " 9. « " Turban, 1808 " 10. « " Fillet, 1816 " 11. " " « —fifteen stars, 1817 " 12. " " " —Three Types, 1839 " 13,14,15. " « Nickel, 1856 " 16. " Half-Cent, Liberty-Cap, 1793, 1794, 1795, 1797 " 17,18,19,20. " " Cue, 1800 " 21. " " Turban, 1809 " 22. " ' " " —twelve stars, 1828 " 23. « " Fillet, 1840 " 24. XVm. Half-Eagle, N. G. & N., Cal " 7. " Ten and Five-Dollar Pieces, Oregon Ex. Co., Cal " 1,8. " " " Moffatt&Co " 2,12. " " " Cinn. Mining and Trading Co., Cal.. " 4. " " " Pacific Co " 3. " " " Massachusetts and California Co " 6. " " " Baldwin & Co " 10 " " " Dubosq & Co " 9. " « " Shultz&Co " 11. " " " Mormon, Utah " 5,14. " " " Dunbar & Co " 13. " Ten-Dollar Pieces, U. S. Assay Office at S. Francisco, Moffatt & Co. " 18. " Ingots, Moffatt & Co » 20,21. " Bars, F. D. Kohler, Assayer of the State of California " 19. " Five and One-Dollar Pieces, North Carolina « 15, 16 17. NIX. Ten-dollar Pieces, Miners' Bank, San Francisco, California " 12. " " " J. S. O « 10. " Twenty-five and Ten-Dollar Pieces, Templeton Keed " 2 7. " Ten-Dollar Pieces, Cincinnati Mining and Trading Co " 4. " " " Pacific Co « 6. " Tens and Twenty-Dollar Pieces, Baldwin & Co , >' 8 3 13. " Ten-Dollar Piece, Dubosq & Co « i\. " Twenty and Two-and-a-half-Dollar Pieces, Mormon, Utah " 59. " Fifty-Dollar Piece, U. S. Assay Office, San Francisco, California. " 1. " Gold Dollar, Half, and Quarter, California « 14 15 iq TO COMMEMORATE THE TRIUMPH op AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE. Device. — The bust of the Goddess of Liberty : the liberty-pole, suncomiteci by the cap, rests against the right shoulder, and the hair is blown back, as if by the wind against which the goddess appears to be running, to announce to the world the tidings of her victory. Legend.— LIBEKTAS AMEEICANA 4 JUIL, 1776. • Reverse. — Pallas, holding in her left hand a shield with three fleur de lis — the arms of France — ■ and opposing it to a leopard — England — which is springing toward it : her right hand is drawn back and holds a barbed javelin, as if in the act of plunging it into the leopard. Under the shield is an infant in a stooping posture, strangling a serpent with each hand, and, apparently, contemplating the same act upon another at its feet. Legend.— NON SINE DIIS ANIMOSUS INFANS. 1 Exergue. — 17 n . 1777 19 0ot 1781 Acoording to ancient mythology, Hercules, under the protection of Pallas, is said to have strangled two serpents whioh had assaulted him in, his cradle, Infant America, like Hercules in his cradle, had destroyed two armies' — Burgoyne's, which surrendered at Saratoga, Oct. 17, 1777, and Cornwallis', at Yorktown, Oct. 19, 1781. — Mease's Description of American Medah. The embellishments and illustrations in this work, by Rosenthal Brothers, of Philadelphia, are, of themselves, sufficient enoomium upon their taste and skill as lithographers. I cannot, however, forego the expression of my personal appreciation of, and indebtedness to them for, the zeal with which they entered into the work, and prosecuted it to completion — evidencing not only pre-eminence in their art, but a corresponding interest in whatever is useful or beautiful. M. W. D. The infunt'i strength was dependent upon the gods. — Horace. Ode IV , Book III., Verse 20 THE AMERICAN NUMISMATICAL MANUAL. INTRODUCTION. Having no parentage in the arts, except from our famous old mother, England — our predecessors, the aborigines, when we came among them upon this continent, being armed with, and possessed of no traces of civilization, not since exhumed from their mounds, and they superseded in value by the progress of the arts of other nations — we not only trace our lineage to her, but in our connection, otherwise, as scion and pupil so long, look to her records and acts. Hence, to begin where she did in coinage, and follow it up to the period when, having set up for ourselves, we adopted a national coinage of our own, cannot but be both entertaining and instructive. Temples, statues, triumphal arches, or any monuments of art, have been of vast importance in elucidating and testing the chronicles and histories of past times, and often in bringing to light important events in the history of the world, of which no written record existed. Coins, similarly applied, become the more positive evidence. A coin, find it where we may, is an index to the people who originally issued it, and truly indicative of their state of civilization. The date of the foundation of Kome, as accepted by the Eomans themselves, is proved by a coin struck by the Emperor Philip II., to commemorate the millennium of the city. The inscription of this coin states it was issued in the year of his third consulship, the period of which being known, the foundation of Rome is fixed at one thousand years before that event. Other Roman coins, where triumphal arches have crumbled to dust, and statues have been overthrown, record such great historical facts as " Judaea Capta," " Victorian BrittanicaB," "Aegypto Capta," and others of equal importance. Astronomy acquires evidence from the device on a coin of Augustus Cassar, of the appearance of a great comet at a certain period. This comet was supposed by the (11) 12 INTRODUCTION. populace of Eome to have been the spirit of Julius Ca?sar after his apotheosis. Sir Isaac Newton availed himself of the use of coins, in testing the dates of his great work on ancient chronology ; and through these means, the names of upwards of two thousand places, provinces, and princes, have been preserved — many of them having no other record. In portraiture, coins are of the greatest interest ; the Greek and Roman series furnishing accurate representations of the features of Alexander the Great, the Ptolemies, Csesar, Augustus, Homer, Sappho, and Cicero ; who, though not placed upon the public coinage during their lives, were afterwards engraved on the public money of different States, in honor of their memory. Ancient works upon portraiture are chiefly indebted for their value to the portraits found upon coins. Lost history has been revealed through the medium of recently-discovered coins. I refer to the series of '• Grseco Bactrian" and " Grseco Indian" coins. After the death of Alexander the Great, his powerful lieutenants divided up his empire among themselves, each erecting for himself an independent sovereignty out of the conquered provinces; but, of the names of the rulers in north-western India, only eight of the immediate successors of Alexander were preserved. The discovery of these coins has extended the number to twenty, and the coins of their more barbarous successors disclose a series extending from the third century before, to the twelfth century after, the Christian era. The earliest money transaction on record, is that in which it is related that Abraham weighed to Ephron " four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant," in payment for the field of Machpelah. These were, doubtless, mere pieces of silver without stamp or mark, which passed by weight only, as the term shekel, to weigh, fully implies. The term used in the book of Job for money is not shekel, but " kesitah," a lamb, from the image of that animal having been stamped on the pieces of the weight of a shekel, as the image of an ox was subsequently placed on the Roman pound weight of copper. The shekel, when long afterwards issued in the form of a positive coin, was of the weight of two Greek drachms, and equal to about fifty-six cents, or about the value of a lamb at that period. On the obverse of this coin, was the sacred cup of manna, and on the reverse, the rod of Aaron, on which three flowers are perceptible. The inscriptions were, on the obverse, " Shekel of Israel," and the reverse, " Jerusalem the Holy." Some have such inscriptions as " Saviour Prince of Israel," " the first year of the deliverance of Israel," &c. &c. As commerce increased, from the time of Abraham to that of Micah, who lived about 1500 B. C, commercial wants increased, and the pieces of silver used in trade were largely augmented at the expense of their size ; for a transaction of Micah with his mother refers to a thousand pieces of silver ; and similar sums are mentioned three INTRODUCTION. 13 centuries later, in the transaction of the five lords of the Philistines and Delilah; and that they were very small pieces, is evident from the statement, that the lords brought the money in their hands — probably in sealed bags, each containing a certain weight. The Jews, it is said, did not adopt the use of positive coins till long after their introduction into other countries. From the time of Abraham, however, to that of the Maccabees, about 144 years B. C, they had, like other oriental nations, in addition to common money, formed of small pieces of silver, a kind of jewel-money, consisting of personal ornaments adjusted to a certain weight, which, if occasion required, might be used as money. Such are the jewels mentioned in Genesis xxiv. 22, as given by Abraham's servant to Kebekah. " The man took a golden ear-ring of half a shekel in weight, and two bracelets for her hands, of ten shekels' weight of gold." They also had ring-money, such, undoubtedly, as was used by the Celtic nations of the West. This ring-money of the East appears to have been formed of wire, so attached together — not being fastened — that portions could be detached at pleasure from the chain. Eepresentations of this kind of money are found in hieroglyphic sculptures, where men are represented as weighing rings, and a scribe is taking an account of their number and value. Similar rings are still current as money in Nubia, and the portion of this work devoted to the aboriginal currency of North America, will show that they were in use as such among the Indians. The bags of silver given by Naaman to Gehazi, 2 Kings, v. 23, may or may not have contained the ring-money, their weight probably being a talent; among the Hebrews, a weight and denomination of money equivalent to 3000 shekels. As a weight, therefore, it was equal to about 931 lbs. avoirdupois; as a denomination of silver, it has been variously estimated at from ,£340 to £396 sterling, or from about $1500 to $1800. Other kinds of money of a ruder character also existed, such as engraved stones, like the Egyptian scarehei, pieces of cloth, slices of salt of an estimated value, the remnants of patriarchal times and customs, which still form the currency of some parts of northern Africa. To the Greeks, that once noble people, to whom the world is so largely indebted for so many features of civilization, we must ascribe the first invention of positive coins as money. As it is natural that the honor of origin of any creation in art, conferring either individual or national distinction, should be contested, some have given prece- dence, in time, to the Persian daric of gold and silver — coins equal to our five-dollar and quarter-dollar pieces. Others place, as first, the Phoenician coins struck in the island of Malta; and others, again, the brass money of Italy. In neither of which however, except the Greek, has there been that gradual development of the art of coining, from the stamping of the simple lump of metal, through all its phases, to that of the perfect coin. 14 INTKODUCTION. The first species of money that was circulated by tale instead of weight, of which we have any account, consisted of spikes, in shape, of brass or iron ; six of these being as many as the hand could grasp. From this rude money were derived the words obolus and drachma, meaning spike and handfull, which continued to be the names of two well-known pieces of Greek money ; the latter of which had a value equal to six of the former. Drachma is the name of the principal coin now in use in Greece. The date of the change in Greek money from weight to positive coins, of specific and guaranteed value, cannot be determined ; but as Homer states, that an ox was exchanged for a "bar of brass of certain size;" that a woman who understood several useful arts was of the value of four oxen ; that the brazen armor of Diomedes was of that of nine oxen, and the golden armor of Glaucus of that of one hundred oxen, we must conclude that a positive coinage did not exist in his time ; while the allusion in the laws of Lycurgus to gold and silver coins prove that they were then in use; and hence, then, between these two epochs, we must place the invention of coined money. Herodotus states that the Lydians were the first to issue gold coins. The first appearance of gold coins, however, whether Greek or Lydian, is determined to have taken place about eight hundred years before the Christian era, and to have been followed by an issue of silver coins, of a similar character, in the island of iEgina, about fifty years later, by Phidon, prince of Argos. The first symbol placed upon these coins was of a sacred character — emblems referring to protective gods, and images of the gods themselves ; but not till after the age of Alexander, were portraits of sovereigns either allowed or introduced. The principles of the Greek coinage were rapidly extended through the north of Greece into transalpine Gaul, and, radiating from another centre of Greek civilization, the ancient colony of Massitia, now Marseilles, extended northward even to the then remote island of Britain, where imitations of the coins issued by Philip of Macedon and Alexander, began to supersede the Celtic ring-money. Asia Minor being rich in gold — the fabulous richness of the sands of Pactolus being known to every school-boy — its first coinage was of gold. Italy and Sicily abounding in copper, their first emissions were of that material, or rather a mixture of copper and other metals termed JEs, a term, perhaps, for bronze. The Uira, in Sicily, and the libra, in Italy, was the unit upon which this bronze coinage was founded. The pound weight of copper first received a State impress in Rome, to pass as coin, in the reign of Servius Tullius, about 578 b. c. These coins, from being impressed with the i maces of cattle, such as oxen, sheep, &c, were called pecunia, from the Latin pecus, cattle INTRODUCTION. 15 which has now been so long translated money. The Romans did not issue a silver coinage till the year 281 B. a, when its standard was based upon that of the Greek drachma. The drachma being, at that time, of the value of ten Roman ceses, the new silver coin was denominated a Denarius, or piece of ten asses. This piece became the parent of the silver pennies of the Anglo-Saxon coinage, and of those of France, where the silver pieces corresponding to English pennies are still called Deniers, par- ticularly in the provincial districts of that country. The Romans coined gold in 207 B. c. Their standard gold coin was called the Aureus, and was worth twenty-five Denarii. Such was the state of the Roman coinage at the time of their conquest of Britain, where their coins soon superseded those of the natives. Caasar states that the Gauls used for money gold and iron rings of a certain weight. The lowest denomination of the ring-money was found to be exactly one-half penny- weight, which was the unit from which the larger sizes were graduated. The gra- dations of value existed up to 13 oz. 7 dwts. The system of ring-money in Ire- land was about as perfect as real coins. This ring-money not only existed in England and Scotland, but probably continued in use as currency till it was superseded by the more convenient coinage of the Roman empire. The Britons, from their proximity to Gaul, received thence the coined money of the Greeks at an early day, which was displacing the ring-money very rapidly, even before the conquest of the Romans. Caesar, in speaking of the civilization of the Britons, says, " They had both lozenge and gold money ; or, instead of money, rings adjusted to a certain weight." There were, also, rude coins of tin, evidently of native workmanship. Tin, the ancient staple of the island of Britain, establishes the truth of the existence and the anti- quity of these coins. Following these, then, were coins of Greek form and style; then came coins bearing the names of British districts or cities ; and next came those bearing the names of chiefs or rulers. Caesar also speaks of Comius as possessing considerable influence, and of coins bearing the name Epillus, son of Comius, which may be attributed to him. The British prince, Cunobeline — the Cymbeline of Shakspeare — whose dominions extended over Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex, and much of the country west of the Severn, issued coins bearing his own effigy and name, Cunobelinus, in full. He is said to have visited Rome in the reign of Augustus, and to have brought back with him Roman artists to superintend his coinage. Taciovanus, supposed to have been of Gallic origin, but holding dominion in Britain, had coins also bearing his name. In the 42d year of the era of Britain, the southern parts of the island were subjugated by the Emperor Claudius, and the Roman coinage soon after gained the 16 INTRODUCTION. ascendent. The first allusion to Britain on a Roman coin, occurs in those issued under that emperor — followed by those issued under Britannicus, the son of Claudius; Septimus Severus, who died in York, Eng., A. D. 211 ; Caracalla, Geta, Posturnus, Victorinius, Marius ; British coins of the usurper Carausius, under the reign of Maximianus ; Allectus, his treacherous successor, Constantine the Great, Crispus, and Constantius. Roman coin thus circulated in Britain till the final abandonment of the country, about A. D. 414. The Saxons now succeeded the Romans in Britain, and as their money is totally different from that of the Romans, it must have been brought into the island with them, along with a new set of weights, values and measures. Their coins were called Skeattse — Latinized Scatta — a term which Ruding derives from a Saxon word meaning a portion ; and which he illustrates, by supposing that these coins were a portion of some merely nominal sum, by which large amounts were calculated. They were mentioned after the adoption of the Saxon silver penny, in the laws of iEthelstan, where it is stated that 30,000 skeattae are equal to £120, which would make them about one twenty-fifth part less in value than a penny sterling. Of the origin of the word penn}^ Ruding says : " It is variously spelled as peneg, peninc, &c, and some derive it from the Latin word pendo, to weigh, while others consider pecunia as the parent word." The penny, with occasional half-pennies, constituted the only money of the country up to the reign of Edward III. It was intended that a pound Tower should make 240 pennies, giving 24 grains to each ; but this weight was gradually decreased by successive princes, 22 i grains being afterwards deemed full weight, and 20 grains being about the average weight down to Henry III. Their standard purity seems to have been 11 oz. 2dwt. fine, and 11 dwt. alloy. The name of the moneyer or mint-master of the district in which the piece was coined, was now — about 700 A. D. — generally placed on the reverse of the coin with some ornament, and afterwards the name of the place of mintage. Next followed the coins of the Saxon Heptarchy — those of the kings of Kent, from the accession of Ethelbert in A. D. 568, to the end of the reign of Baldred, A. D. 823, under whom the first silver penny was coined ; of the kings of Mercia, from the penny of Eadwald or Ethelwald to that of Burgred in A. d. 874, the last of the Mercian princes; of the kings of the East Angles, the earliest emission of coins by whom, were by Beruna in A. D. 750 ; they were of the form and size of skeattse. Guthram, a Dane, succeeded to the throne, who, being converted to Christianity, was baptized by the name of Ethelstan in A. d. 878. His name is found on his coins with Re or Rex, and Rex Ang.— Anglias — the first time the title of "King of England" appears on any coin. INTRODUCTION. 17 The Coins of the Kings of Northumberland. — The distinctive feature in the Northumbrian coins is their metal, a composition containing in a hundred parts, 60 to 70 of copper, about 20 of zinc, 5 to 11 of silver, with minute portions of gold, lead and tin. These coins were termed stycas, two being equal to a farthing. There were also skeattse of the usual purity of silver. The first styca was by Egfrith, from A. D. 671 to 685. Eric, the son of Harold of Norway, slain A. d. 951, was the last king. His coins were silver pennies. Coins of saints also were issued under his reign ; those of St. Peter having been called "Peter Pence," and erroneously supposed to have been coined for the purpose of paying to Rome the tribute known by that name ; they were silver pennies, coined at York. There were others bearing the name of St. Martin, St. Edmund, &c. The dignitaries of the Church, soon after the firm establishment of Christianity in the island, had authority to strike money, and enjoy the profits of mintage. Archbishops alone, however, had the privilege of stamping these coins with portraits and names. This privilege was withdrawn by iEthelstan in A. d. 924. Subsequently, the prelatical coinage was distinguished from the royal by peculiar mint-marks, and these terminated in the reign of Henry VIII. The coins of the Archbishops of York were stycas, till they became, by the edict of iEthelstan, assimilated to the coins of the realm. Ulphere or Vulphere, who held this See from A. d. 854 to 892, is the last prelate whose name occurs on coins of the Episcopal mint. Next in order are the coins of the Saxon and Danish sole, monarchs of England; the coins of Egbert do not differ in general from those of the kings of the Heptarchy. Some bear the king's profile with his name, as " Ecgbeorht Rex," with a cross and the moneyer's name ; the style the same under Ethelwfl, iEthelbearht, iEthelred, ^Elfred the Great, Edward the Elder, iEthelstan, iEdmund, Eadred, Eading, Eadgar, Edward the Martyr, iEthelred, the son of Elfrida, Edmund Ironside; Cnut, whose coins were very numerous, and distinguished by 340 variations of moneyer's names, and more places of mintage than any other. Harold I., whose coins resemble those of the preceding reign ; Harthacnut, of whose coins, both English and Danish are found ; Edward the Confessor, whose pennies were various in design, but differing only from those of his predecessors by being larger, though of the same nominal value ; half-pence and farthings being produced by cutting the penny into two or four pieces. Harold II., who issued coins, but with nothing new in regard to them. At the period of the Roman conquest of England, the old Celtic ring-money was still used in many parts of Ireland, though the Danish invaders, who had subdued the southern part of the island, had introduced a coinage of silver pennies, similar to that of England. The Irish had no other money than ring-money, till the Danish invasion, 18 INTRODUCTION. as no other coins have been discovered, except the series of Hiberno-Danish coins, which extend from that period down to its subjection by the Norman-Anglo princes of England, in the reign of Henry II., A. d. 1154 to 1189. After the subjection of Ireland to the Anglo-Norman princes, the first coins — pennies, half-pennies, and far- things — were those issued by John, who was created Lord of Ireland. Anglo-Noruan Kixgs. — Great changes in the coinage might have been expected from this succession to the throne of England; but in that we are disappointed. No improvement took place, and the Saxon types were still adhered to, as well as the standard and weight. The emissions were all silver pennies; and half-pennies and farthings were obtained by cutting them into two and four pieces. William Eufus, Henry I., Stephen, Henry II., and Richard I., so far as the coinage is concerned, did not deviate, except for the worse, from the precedent of their illustrious predecessor. Henry III. is said to have issued a coinage of half-pennies and farthings, which were afterwards recalled. He also issued what were called gold pennies, which circulated but for a short time. Ruding describes this gold coin as one called gold pennies, and weighing two sterlings, and coined to pass for twenty pennies of silver ; but that it afterwards passed for twenty-four, or two shillings of 12 pence. He says, this piece, properly a royal, was the first of the sort coined in modern Europe. Henry in. also issued an Irish coinage similar to the English coinage — the long double cross on the reverse, and the legend, on the obverse, HERICUS REX HI. The coins of Edward I. exhibit the head of the king, designed, for the first time, in a manner that was to continue without alteration for eight successive reigns, including that of Henry VIII. It was, in fact, a new conventional king's head — a kind of head which, in colonial times in America, answered for George III., Washington, Pitt, or any other distinguished person for whom an effigy was wanted. Edward I. had the credit of coining the first groats, or fourteen-penny pieces. Edward in., 1327 to 1377. — The silver coinage of this reign was groats, half-groats, pennies, half- pennies, and farthings. The words "Dei Gratia" were adopted for the first time, on English coins, during this reign ; first on the gold coins, and afterwards on the groats ; though it had appeared on the great seal since William I., and on the coins of France since the time of Charlemagne, who seems to have adopted Christianity as his watch- word. The great feature, however, of this reign, was the coinage of gold ; and the attempt of Henry III. being too partial, it may be considered England's first gold coinage. Three denominations of gold were coined, to be current at 6s., 3s., and Is. M., being called florins, half-florins, and quarter-florins — derived from the cele- brated gold coin of Florence. It was the name only that was adopted, the devices and values being original and national. The noble being rated too high, this gold coinage INTRODUCTION. 19 was recalled. The gold nobles were then determined on; these were nobles, half- nobles, and quarter-nobles; the first denomination passing at 6s. 8d. Richard II., 1377 to 1399, issued, without change, groats, half-groats, pennies, halfpence, farthings, and gold nobles. Henry IV. reduced the pennies from 18 to 15 grains. Nothing new under Henry V., except some further improvement in the style of coinage. Henry "VI. ordered a groat of 45 grains to be struck; also, two coins of base metal, an Irelande d' argent, to pass for a penny, and a Patrick, to pass for one-eighth of a penny, for Ire- land. Edward IV. — His silver coins were exactly like those of preceding reigns. The gold nobles were increased in value to 8s. id., the value of the precious metals being enhanced. It was this king who encouraged and invoked the aid of the Alchymists, announcing, with confidence, that he should soon be able to pay his debts with gold and silver produced by " the stone." Notwithstanding this, however, gold rose ; the additional price procured gold faster than " the stone," and a new issue of nobles took place — fifty to the pound weight. Shortly this proportion was changed, and then forty-five were issued to the pound. The angels and half-angels, a new coin, having the archangel Michael piercing a dragon with a spear, on the reverse a ship with a large cross for a mast, made their appearance. There is no record of Edward V. having done anything in the way of coinage. Richard III. issued a considerable coinage, similar to that of his predecessors. Coins of the English Sovereigns. Henry VII., 1485 to 1509. — The eighteenth year of this reign was marked by an entirely new coinage; for the first time, some attention was directed to the artistic execution of silver coins. The shield for the royal arms was now first adopted for the reverse. This was the most florid and deco- rative period of mediaeval art, and it is not surprising that the coinage should partake of it ; hence the rich device of the great seals was transferred to the " sovereign," the principal gold coin of this reign. The shilling, also, made its appearance, and, in the new coinage, groats, half-groats, and pennies, were minted ; but the great feature was the issue of the gold royal, or royal, twenty-two and a half such pieces to be coined out of the pound weight, Tower. Henry VIII., 1509 to 1547. — In this reign, the penny was reduced to ten grains, and other silver coins in proportion. The gold coinage was debased to make it accord in value with the coins of the continent — the old sovereigns to pass for 22s., and after- wards for 22s. Qd. St. George and the Dragon formed the type of the obverse of the noble issued and called the George noble — a device not repeated till adopted by George III., as the reverse of the sovereigns and the silver five-shilling pieces. The angel was still coined, and crowns and half-crowns of gold were now added for the first time. In this reign, the pound Troy superseded the pound Tower, in the mint, and 20 INTRODUCTION. the standard of gold was settled, which has ever since been termed crown gold. It was debased in the latter years of the reign ; but the standard, termed crown gold, was 22 carats fine to 2 carats alloy. In the thirty-sixth year of this reign, pieces of the denomination of sixpence, threepence, and three-half-pence, were first struck in Ire- land, similar to the English coinage. Edward VI., 1547 to 1553. — Under this king, no change worth noticing. Mart, 1553 to 1558, declared her intention of restoring the old standard in the silver coinage, 11 oz. 2 dwt. fine, and 18 dwt. alloy; but, instead of that, the coinage fell 1 dwt. lower than the last of Edward VI. Sovereigns were issued, to be current at 30s. ; half-sovereigns, to be called ryals of gold, at 15s. ; the angel to be current at 10s., and the half-angel at 5s. Shillings, groats, half-groats, and pennies were struck for Ireland. Elizabeth, 1558 to 1602. — The complete restoration of the integrity of the cur- rency is due to her. She ascertained the amount of silver in the base money, and caused it to be stamped and to pass for its true value — a loss to the nation and a gain to the government, which received back at 2id. what was issued for 12d. She after- wards produced a coinage scrupulously corresponding in weight and purity with its nominal value, excepting the just rate of profit or seignorage. The great event of the coinage of this period, was the temporary introduction of the mill and screw, instead of the hammer and punch, by which coins, in their mechanical production, were much improved. The regularity of the process, combined with placing the date on the coins, resulted in the discontinuance of the mint-marks. It is said, the originator and maker of milled money was one Philip Mastrelle, a Frenchman, who finally got to counter- feiting, was convicted and executed at Tyburn on the 27th of January, 1569. In 1601 and 1602, very handsome half-crowns were issued. During this reign, there were coined of silver, including the base money of Ireland, £4,718,579 2s. 8id. ; of gold, £440,552 8s. 9id. Copper pence and half-pence, the first struck by a British sove- reign, were issued in Ireland in 1601. Coinage of Scotland before the Union. — The earliest coins attributed to Scotland were those of William the Lion, A. d. 1165. A few coins have been attributed to princes of the Hebrides, which are not of earlier date than the eleventh century ; to Donald VIII. A. d. 1093, to Alexander I. 1107, and to Alexander II. and III. all of very rude execution. Those of Baliol and Bruce are in some respects inferior to the English contemporary coinage. Coins were issued by Robert II. of a national character — the arms of Scotland on the obverse, and St. Andrew and the Cross on the reverse • by David II., in whose reign the first gold coinage was issued — a. d. 1371 in imitation of the nobles of Edward III., differing only in the substitution of the arms of INTRODUCTION. 21 Scotland for those of England on the shield, and the name and titles of the Scottish king in the legend; Robert III., James I. and II. — 1390 to 1460 — issued similar coins to those of Robert II. The silver coins of James I., II., and III., were like those of preceding reigns, very closely copied from the English. Billon coins were issued, and attributed to Robert III. These base coins were pennies, and afterwards, when still baser coins were issued, they were termed "white pennies," to distinguish them from the baser, or " black pennies." In the reign of James IV., the types of the coinage were modified, he issued a groat of equal weight of the English, which was ordered to pass for 14 pennies Scotch, also a gold coin with a new type, of which there were two or three sizes — the king armed on a galloping horse on the obverse. James V. issued coins of gold to pass for 20s., and also gold pennies of several kinds ; but the finest coin of his reign is the gold " bonnet piece," so called from cap or beret, termed in Scotland a bonnet which the king wears. Of this piece there were two- third and one-third pieces issued at the same time. Mart — 1542 to 1587 — issued the testoon, 3s. Scotch, and also the half-testoon. During her union with Darnley, the fine large silver royal was struck, and the twenty and ten shilling pieces. The bawbees — half-penny — of Mary, as they were styled, were issued in the following reign. The gold coins issued were numerous, and among them was the royal, one of the best wrought coins of her reign. James VI., 1587 to 1625. — The first silver coins of this reign were issued by authority of the Lord Regent. They were of thirty, twenty, and ten shillings. Various other moneys of silver were coined, among which was the two-mark piece. Up to this time, the arms of Scotland crowned, &c, formed the type of the obverse of the silver coinage of this reign; but in 1582, forty, thirty, twenty, and ten shilling pieces were issued, bearing the king's portrait on the obverse ; the balance-mark and half-mark were next coined. His gold coinage was large ; among it, the " Sceptre" being a fine large coin of the size of a double English sovereign. Scotland had been merged in the "United Kingdom," &c. — James I. 1602 to 1625 — issued crowns, half-crowns, shillings, half-shillings, pieces of two pennies pennies, and half-pennies. Subsequently, the term Great Britain for the United Kingdom was adopted in the coinage. The shillings bore the king's bust instead of the figure on horseback ; the two-penny pieces had a rose on one side, and a thistle crowned on the other ; the pennies had the rose and the thistle without the crown, and the half-pennies the same, without mottoes. The first gold coins of this reign were the sovereigns and half-sovereigns, having the king in armor, holding the orb and sceptre. The pound weight of gold, 23 h carats fine, and one-half carat alloy, was next coined into 27 rose-rials of 30s. each, or 54 spurrials of 15s. each. The first gold coinage of 22 INTBODUCTION. James was of the same standard as that of the last of Elizabeth — the pound weight of gold, 22 carats fine and 2 of alloy, to make thirty-three sovereigns and a half of 20s. each. Next, the pound weight of the same gold was coined into thirty-seven units of 20s. each, and a thistle crown of four shillings, because the English gold coin had long been of more value than those of other nations, and was exported for melting, from the true proportion of the relative value of gold and silver not having been properly understood in England. The Irish coinage received attention during this reign, and steps were taken to restore its intrinsic value and purity. Shillings and sixpences 9 oz. fine, to 3 oz. alloy, were issued ; the base money of the previous reign being ordered to be received at one-third of its original value — the shilling for fourpence, &c. They were subsequently reduced to one-fourth. The Irish sixpences and shillings bore the portrait of James in armor, same as the English shillings, and on the reverse the Irish harp crowned. Copper farthings were issued for Ireland as well as England. Charles I., 1625 to 1649. — A coinage was soon issued in this reign, of the same weight and purity as that of the last — 7f grains to the silver penny, which had been eight grains in the beginning of the reign of Elizabeth, but which was reduced to the above weight by her. Notwithstanding the waste of resources in the civil wars during this reign, no debasement in the coinage took place ; the very rudest of the coins of Charles, and even his siege-pieces, being of the proper purity and weight. The first silver coins of this reign were of the same denomination and value as those of James, viz.: crowns, half-crowns, shillings, half-shillings, two-pences, pennies, and half-pennies. The shillings and sixpences represent the king in the dress of the day. First, the stiff ruff like that of the reigns of Elizabeth and James, then in a limber or falling one, and, lastly, in a simple falling collar edged with lace, as he is seen in most portraits by Van Dyke. On some of his pieces he appears in his parliamentary robes. The crowns and half-crowns have the king pretty generally on horseback, in armor. None of the pieces coined in the Tower were dated, but the mint-marks afford sure indications of the dates. To January, 1625, they are marked with the trefoil- to January, 1626, with the fleur de lis, and so on. This refers to the London coinage • but in his reign there were extensive coinages of silver in various parts of the kin°-dom. The coins of the York Mint are beautifully executed, and have a lion passant e;uardant for mint-mark, also the word " Ebor," York. It is supposed the York Mint was established when Stafford was President of the North, and some money was probably coined when the king was there, during his magnificent progress to Scotland. There was also a permanent mint at Aberystwith, for refining and coining the silver produced from the Welsh lead mines. The coins of this mint bear the Welsh feathers. The coins of this reign, milled at the edge, were produced by the mill and screw under the INTRODUCTION. 23 direction of Nicholas Briot, who had been chief engraver of French moneys. He also coined money for Charles I, for Scotland. He subsequently returned to France, but left in disgust, in consequence of some regulations that displeased him. His return to France at the time prevented the permanent establishment of the mill and screw. The king, 1642, removed to Shrewsbury, when the Master of the Mint, Mr. Bushell, was ordered to join him, and money was coined there. After the defeat of Edgehill, the king removed the mint of Aberystwith to Oxford, to coin there, in the New-Inn Hall, under the direction of Mr. Bushell and Sir William Parkhurst, all the remaining plate of the colleges — a large loan having been previously made to him in 1642, while he was at Nottingham, by the Universities. In this mint a large quantity was coined of both gold and silver. The silver, twenty and ten shilling pieces, are peculiar to this mint, and to this period, for no other such pieces occur in the annals of the English coinage. The best executed of these pieces have the king on horseback, crowned and in armor, the horse trampling upon arms and trophies, surrounded by the usual titles; the reverse has the motto " Exurgat Deus," &c, with " Relig. prot. leg. aug. liber, par.," dated 1644; alluding to his declaration at the breaking out of the war, that he would protect "the Protestant religion, the laws and liberties of his subjects, and the privileges of Parliament." This coining down the plate of the colleges, caused the barbarous destruction of many rare and interesting relics of the highest antiquity ; but such are the inevitable consequences of civil war; for in 1644, the Commons, House of Parliament, with equal recklessness, ordered all the king's plate in the Tower to be melted down and coined, notwithstanding a remonstrance from the Lords, alleging that the curious workmanship of the ancient pieces was worth more than the metal. On many occasions, during the disastrous fortunes of the king, his partizans were under the necessity of striking off money in a rude manner, by coining down their own plate for the relief of the soldiers. By which course, as many magnificent family, as national, monuments of arts, perished. The first examples of this kind of money were coined at Dublin ; they were merely weighed pieces of plate, simply stamped with numerals to denote their value — some having on the obverse, C. R. under a crown. In 1645, when Carlisle was defended by Sir Thomas Glenham for the king, he coined down plate into shillings, &c, with the king's head very rudely executed. Some of these siege pieces are stamped with a castle, and numerals to denote their value ; for instance, those struck during the siege of the Castle of Scarborough. Burin" the defence of Pontefract Castle, coin were stamped there with the motto, " Dum spiro spero." This place was defended seven weeks after the execution of the king, by Colonel John Morris; and after that event, this staunch royalist struck the coin he 24 INTRODUCTION. issued in the name of Charles II. The shillings so struck are of an octagonal shape, with "Carlos Secundus, 164S," round the figure of the castle, and the reverse had, " Mortem patris pro filio." Of these irregular coins there was a great variety, hoth of gold and silver. The first Scottish coinage in this reign consisted of crowns and half-crowns. But the pieces coined by Briot, who was sent there for that purpose, were surpassingly well executed ; they consisted of crowns, half-crowns, shillings, and sixpences. Some coins were also issued of a more specially Scottish character — small silver pieces, size of an English penny, but of the value of twenty Scottish pence, having the king's head and XX. on the obverse, and the crowned thistle on the reverse ; also two-shilling pieces, Scotch, and the noble or half-mark, with the head and title as usual on the obverse, and the arms of Scotland, legend, &c, on the reverse, with Y- to denote the value — 6s. 8d. Scottish money. All these coins were the work of Briot. It was ordered in this reign that the name, Irish money, should be abolished, and that thereafter all accounts should be kept in Sterling or English money. No silver money was issued in regular form for Ireland by Charles I. ; but his troubles induced the irregular coinage struck in Dublin. The gold coinage of this reign was not various. The fine old sovereigns or ryals, and the nobles, were abandoned soon after the beginning of the reign, and a small coinage of angels was issued. The principal coins in the early part of the reign were the units or broad pieces of 20s. each, with halves and quarters; the gold pieces struck at Oxford were £3, £1, and 10s. There was an issue of sceptres in Scotland, coined for £12 pieces, Scotch, but passed on account of their weight at £13. 13s.; also crowns, half-crowns, &c. The Commonwealth — 1648 to 1660 — with Cromwell at its head, proceeded at once to make great changes in the coinage. The royal arms were thrown aside, and the simple cross of St. George, as a suitable badge for Puritanical England, was adopted. It was placed within a palm and an olive branch, and had for legend, in good plain English, " The Commonwealth of England." On the reverse were two joined shields, one having the cross of St. George, the other the harp of Ireland, and the motto also in English, "God with us," and the date; that of the first issued being 1649. The issue consisted of crowns, half-crowns, shillings, half-shillings, and pieces of two-pence, a penny, and half-penny. The smaller pieces had no mottoes. Pierre Blondeau, a Frenchman, who had carried to perfection the stamping of coin by the mill and screw, was invited to England. His first pattern half-crown bore on the edge, "Truth and Peace," 1651, Petrus Blondeus ; another, "In the third year of freedom, by God's blessing restored." The established rival workers in the mint INTRODUCTION. 25 sent in rival patterns ; one with the double shield, supported by winged figures, with the motto, "Guarded by Angels." The opposition finally frustrated the plans of Blondeau. The screw process was, however, adopted without Blondeau's immediate aid, who was thus shabbily treated by the new saints. In the latter part of the protectorate, Cromwell issued coins bearing his bust, which were laureated, with " OLIVAB. D. G. B. P. Ang. Sco. ET HIB. ETC. PBO." Oliver, protector of the Bepublic of England, Ireland, and Scotland, and substituting "Ect." for France. The gold coins bore the same devices and mottoes as the silver coins, and were simply 20s., 10s., and 5s. pieces. The silver standard adopted by the Commonwealth was 11 oz. 2 dwt. fine, and 18 dwt. alloy. No coins were struck in Scotland. In Ireland, as in England, great numbers of town tokens were struck off and circulated. Charles II., 1660 to 1684. — On his accession to the throne, silver coins, from half- crowns downwards, except groats and quarter-shillings, which soon followed, were issued. They were struck like the earliest of his father's coins, with the view of restoring the ancient monarchical feeling, with the old shield, traversed by the cross, fleurie, and the same mottoes. The new improvement of the mill and screw, also, being abandoned, the coins were again produced by the old process of the hammer. This prejudice against an important improvement was of short duration; for, in 1662, Peter Blondeau was again employed to direct the mint, upon the new principle of the mill and screw. Great competition arose, at this time, between the celebrated Simon, who had engraved the dies for the Protector's last coins, and John Boeter, of Antwerp, which was unfairly decided in favor of the latter. Simon afterwards produced a pattern- crown, exquisitely engraved. On the edge of this famous coin is inscribed his petition to the king, against the previous unjust decision in favor of his opponent, which was unheeded. The petition is, " Thomas Simon most humbly prays your Majesty to compare this, his tryal piece, with the Dutch, and if more truly drawn and embossed, more gracefully ordered, and more accurately engraven, to relieve him." After this, it is said, he was discharged from the mint; and, we may add, that he had been probably a very ardent supporter of Cromwell. In 1663, the first milled coinage took place, consisting of crowns, half-crowns, and shillings. In Ireland, no silver money was issued in this reign, except crowns and half-crowns, irregularly formed, which came under the head of money of necessity, rather than of that of regular coinage. The gold coins were not various in this reign. In 1664, a gold coinage by the new process was issued. This coinage consisted of £5 pieces, and forty and twenty shilling pieces; the latter called " guineas," from being made of gold brought from 4 26 INTRODUCTION. Guinea; there were also half-guineas. The term guinea, for a twenty-shilling piece, continued down to the reign of George III. The English gold coins being still above the value of other nations, the nominal value, and the old unit of 20s., was raised to 22s., and other coins in proportion. In 1670, the weight of the gold coins was again reduced, the pound of gold — 22 carats fine — being coined into £44 10s. Copper was first issued in bulk in this reign. As early as the reign of Henry IV., V., and VI., the black or base money of the continent circulated in England. These pieces were known as "Abbey pieces." In the reign of Henry VIII., or even earlier, many traders, for want of small change, coined for themselves leaden tokens, to pass as half- pennies and farthings ; but as these rested upon the personal liability- of those issuing them, great loss was caused to the poor. In order to put a stop to this kind of coinage, it was proposed to Elizabeth to issue a small copper coinage. About this time — 1594 — the city of Bristol struck copper farthings, by authority, and, afterwards, some other towns were allowed to do the same. In the reign of James I., in order to put a stop to these town and private tokens, it was determined to issue a small copper cur- rency. The voyal repugnance to it was so great, however, that it was not coined at the royal mints ; but patents were granted to private persons, the first being to Lord Hamilton. These copper farthings bore, on the reverse, a harp, which shows they were intended chiefly for Ireland — the destination of all discreditable coin — though they were, by royal proclamation, current in England. They were, also, issued by Charles I. and II., and have become a permanent currency. After the Revolution, in 1688, a proclamation was issued by James, in Ireland, for coining sixpences and shillings of mixed metal. They were made from old pieces of ordnance, and known as the " gun-money." "William and Mart, and Williau III., 16SS to 1702. — The same style of coinage was continued at the commencement of these reigns. The profiles of the king and queen are shown, one over the other, on the obverse of all the coins, surrounded with " Gulielmus et Maria Dei." The general coinage had fallen into a bad state, but, after the death of the queen, in 1695, the king, who continued to reign by the title of William III., determined to restore its general character. A tax was imposed upon dwelling-houses, to raise the sum of £1,200,000, to supply the deficiency of clipped money ; and to prevent delay, and to carry into effect a complete new coinage, mints were established at York, Bristol, Norwich, Exeter, and Chester. The new coinage was completed in two years. The pride of the king upon this subject, and the deter- mination that it should be ably managed, were exemplified by the appointment of the illustrious Newton to the position of Master of the Mint. Nearly £7,000,000 of silver money were coined during the years 1696 and 1697. But the silver coinage INTRODUCTION. 21 was still insufficient, and continued so for twenty years afterwards; for, in 1717, in the reign of George I., Sir Isaac Newton, who was still in office, stated, in his report, " If silver money became a little scarcer, people would, in a little time, refuse to make payments in silver, without a premium." In Scotland, in the reign of William and Mary, sixty, forty, twenty, ten, and five shilling pieces were coined. William III. duplicated this issue. The gold coins of William and Mary, and William III., consisted of £5 and £2 pieces, guineas, and half- guineas. The last Scottish gold was issued during the reign of William III., and consisted of a small issue of pistoles and half-pistoles. These pieces were about the size of guineas and half-guineas, resembling them in type, and were coined from gold sent over from the colony of Darien by the Scottish African company. Notwith- standing all the emissions, the precious metals were scarce, and guineas, at one time, rose to the value of 30s. An enactment reduced them, subsequently, to 26s., and, afterwards, to 22s. Anne, 1702 to 1714. — The coins of this reign were of the same denominations, weight, and fineness, as those of the last. After this reign, the English coins circulated in Scotland as in England — no difference of type being made for the former. During the short reign of Anne, the coins marked another epoch in the improvement of English money. The gold coins of Anne were £5 and £2, guineas and half-guineas. No copper coin was issued in this reign, either for England, Scotland, or Ireland. George I, 1714 to 1727. — The coinage of this reign remained the same in weight and value as the preceding; the bust of the king was executed in the conventional style of the times, with Roman mantle and armor. The legend on the obverse contains the titles as well as the name, with, for the first time, as a permanent addition, " Fidei Defensor," " Defender of the Faith," abbreviated, Georgius D. C. M. BR. FR. ET HIB. REX F. D. On the reverse, his German titles appear, as, " Brunsvicensis et Lunenber- gensis Dux, Sacra Romani Imperii Archithesaurius et Elector," abbreviated, Brun. et L. Dux S. R. L. A. T. H. ET EL. His own arms not being placed in the centre, like those of William III., but occupying the fourth shield. The copper coinage was much extended in this reign, above £46,000 worth having been issued in 1717, when the pound avoirdupois was coined into twenty-eight pence. George II., 1729 to 1760. — No change took place in the weight, value, &c, of the coinage during this reign. The coins bore the titles, " GEORGIUS II. DEI GRATIA," as in the reign of his father; on the reverse a change took place in the arrangement of the titles, which stands thus : M. B. F. ET H. REX F. D. B. ET L. D. S. R, I. A. T. ET E., being merely a new abbreviation of the English titles, followed by a still more close abbreviation of the German ones. Of the gold coins, the quarter-guineas 2S INTRODUCTION. were omitted in this reign. The principal gold coins minted -were guineas and half- guineas, only a few £5 and £2 pieces being struck. The guinea was, by proclamation in 1737, raised to 22s 9d. The reverse of the gold coins was changed in this reign, and the old garnished shield, somewhat varied, was adopted in place of the four shields disposed in a cross. This change of arms did not extend to silver coins, which were continued as before. The first coinage of copper half-pence and farthings in this reign was under warrant of Queen Caroline in 173S, for the time guardian of the realm. There were forty-six half-pence coined out of the pound avoirdupois. There was also a great quantity of false copper money now put into circulation. Birmingham was the chief seat of these illegal mints, though destined afterwards to become the legitimate seat of the whole copper coinage of the country, in the great works at Soho. The copper coinage of George II. presents no remarkable features. George III.. 1760 to 1S20. — This prince, in succeeding to the throne, did not attempt to issue a silver coinage, although the currency was limited in amount, and of diminished value from wear and tear. In 1762 and 1763, £5791 onlv were issued, but of what denomination is not stated. In this coinage, and until 1787, one pound of silver, of 11 oz. 2 dwt. fine to IS dwt. alkvy, was coined into sixty-two shillings. In 17S0, a proposal was made, but without success, to take the coinage out of the hands of the sovereign, abolishing the mint establishment, and vesting the power of coining in the Bank of England. After such a proposition, it seems almost incredible that no serious issue of silver money took place till 17S7, twenty-seven years after the accession of the king, and more than the average length of a long reign. 17S7 was marked by an issue of £55,459 in shillings and sixpences. Some years afterwards, the bad condition of the silver coinage was somewhat alleviated by the sanction of bank tokens of 5s., &c, which were well executed. They had on the obverse, the king's head, and on the reverse, the words BANK TOKEN in a wreath of oak and bay, with the value. The tokens of the Bank of Ireland were similarly gotten up, and they consisted of three-shilling pieces and ten-pences, resembling an English shilling. The wretched condition of the national coinage was permitted to go on, getting to be gradually worse till 1803, when the attempt was made to patch up the grievance by stamping Spanish dollars for circulation, with such a mark as is used at Goldsmith's Hall for stamping silver plate. In the following year, the stamp was changed for a small octagon containing the king's head; and about the same time, an arrangement was made with Mr. Boulton, of Soho, to stamp the entire face of the dollar with a device by means of machinery, the result of the great inventions in the application of steam-power by Watt. In 1798, Messrs. Dorrien & Co. endeavored to remedy the scarcity of silver money INTRODUCTION. 29 to some extent, by sending bullion to the Tower to be coined on their own account, according to the act of Charles II., " upon payment of certain dues." But after it was coined, the Government of this unfortunate period — destined ever to be obstructive — caused it to be melted down, on the plea that a coinage could not be lawful without a proclamation ; so that this attempt of private enterprise to remove the grievance, was rendered futile through the obstinacy or stupidity of the Government. These coins were dated 1787, and only a few specimens escaped the crucible. The gold coinage was not quite so flagrantly neglected as the silver ; but, nevertheless, the issues were small and insufficient. In the year of the king's accession a gold coinage occurred, and there are guineas of every year from 1760 to 1774. In 1770, there was a coinage, when forty-four guineas and a half were coined out of every pound of gold, twenty-two carats fine to two carats of alloy. In 1787, a new gold coinage took place, and the guineas, known as the " spade guineas," appeared. They were so called, from the shield on the reverse, which is in the form of a pointed spade. Having been relieved, by our own act, of all dependence upon George III., in 1776, having had our capabilities for self-government acknowledged in 1783, and having adopted the Federal Constitution in 1787, we happily avoided the balance of a reign, that terminated in 1820. PART I. MEASURE, WEIGHT, STANDARD, STERLING, COINS, AND COINING. We have deemed it important to present the following data, under its proper heads, viz. : Measuee, Weight, Standard, Steeling, Coins, and Coining, as being relevant, in a work of this kind, because bearing, either directly or indirectly, upon the subject- matter of the origin and details of a metallic currency. MEASURE. Measure, in a commercial sense, signifies the dimensions of anything bought, sold, or estimated. It is of three kinds, viz. : linear, or long measure ; square, or superficial measure ; and solid, or cubic measure. 1. Linear Measure is applied to lines ; as roads and distances of all kinds. 2. Square Measure is applied to superfices, having both length and breadth; as land, flooring, &c. 3. Solid Measure determines the contents of bodies that have length, breadth, thickness or depth ; as marble, timber, &c. Linear measure is the element of all other measures. Square measure is determined by multiplying length and breadth together ; and solid measure, by multiplying length, breadth and depth together. H M U *^ in g: -4 CO •J s £ TC o -1 05 CD Scale of Sizes, or Measure, of Medals and Coins. (30) WEIGHT — STANDARD. 31 It is from measure that weight is properly deduced. Coins are adjusted by weight; and imaginary moneys, whether of account or exchange, are valued from their esta- blished relation to coin. WEIGHT. Weight may be defined as a natural property of matter, proportioned to its bulk and the density of its parts. It is determined by being balanced in a scale, against some known or acknowledged weight, placed in the opposite side. The following are the chief properties of weight, as demonstrated by Sir Isaac Newton, viz. : 1. The weight of all bodies, at equal distances from the centre of the earth, is directly proportioned to the quantity of matter that each contains. 2. On different parts of the earth's surface, the weight of the same body is different ; increasing from the equator to the pole in proportion to the sine of the latitude. 3. That the weight of the same body, at different distances from the earth, is inversely as the squares of the distances from the centre of the same. 4. That, at different distances within the earth, or below its surface, the weight of the same body is directly as is the distance from the earth's centre ; so that, half way toward the centre of the earth, a body would weigh but half as much as at the surface, and at the exact centre it would have no weight at all. 5. That a body, immersed in a fluid which is specifically lighter than itself, loses so much of its weight as is equal to the weight of the quantity of the fluid displaced. STANDARD. Standard signifies any measure or weight of established authority, by which others are sized or adjusted. It is distinguished as being arbitrary, from human sources; or, invariable, from nature or God. The former is that which is almost universally adopted, and the latter is intended to restore the former, if lost, and, hence, serve as a model or guide to new systems of meterology. From the highly intrinsic value of the materials which have been adopted for the formation of money, and from the necessity of adding to them materials of inferior worth for their preservation, has been derived the practice of reducing such mixtures to a fixed proportion, which is denominated the standard, or fineness. From the indefinite account which Cassar has left us in relation to the brazen and iron money in use among the ancient Britons, no positive conclusion can be reached relative to any standard having been adopted by them, as he has only said, " They adjusted their brazen masses and iron rings to a fixed weight." In 1266 it was enacted — 51 Edward III. — "That an English penny, called a sterling round, and 32 STERLING— COINS. without clipping, shall weigh thirty-two wheat-corns from the middle of the ear; twenty pence to make one ounce, twelve ounces one pound, eight pounds one gallon of wine, and eight gallons of wine one London bushel." Soon after, the weight of the penny was represented by metallic grains, which are supposed to have been the same as the modern Troy grains. STEELING. Though this word is now an established one, and familiar to us in its application, its origin or derivation is considered by some to be uncertain and unsettled. The opinion of writers relative to it is various; but the most probable is that which deduces it from the Easterlings, who were said to have been expert refiners from the eastern part of Germany, and who came into England, and first established the standard properties of silver, viz. : 11 oz. 2 dwt. fine silver and 18 dwt. alloy. Ruding fixes the time between the year 1086, when the great survey of the kingdom was completed in the reign of William I., and the 4th of Henry II., A. D. 1158, when it first came into use. Whatever may be the etymology of the word, or the period of its introduction, it is certain that it has been in use all over the world, as particularly designating the money of England ; and it is a marked feature in the history of coinage, that the fineness of silver money, expressed by the term sterling, has preserved its integrity and the confidence of commercial nations uninterruptedly, from the reign of Henry II. down to the present time, fully seven hundred years. COINS. Coins are pieces of metal, in shape round and flat, generally stamped by authority of Government with certain impressions, designed to give them a legal and, hence, current value, and also a guarantee for a particular weight and fineness. Gold, silver, and copper, are the most desirable metals for coins. Of all the metals, gold is the most valuable, and the most difficult of imitation, being remarkable for its rich color, the beauty of its polish, and its slight liability to change. It is so malleable, that gold leaf can be reduced to the thickness of the 300-1000 part of an inch, and gold gilding to the ten-millionth part of the same. Silver follows next in value, and can be reduced to 170-1000 part of an inch in thickness; its density, compared with that of gold, being as 170 to 300, and their specific gravity nearly in the same proportion; that is, as 105 to 193. The value of gold and silver, commercially, they being the subjects of purchase and sale, is fluctuating. At the present day, 15J oz. of silver are equal to one of gold. In all regular governments, a standard for coins has been fixed by law ; that is, a COINAGE. 33 certain proportion between the quantity of pure metal and alloy. The fineness of gold is generally expressed in carats — twenty-two of which are of pure metal, and two alloy. Hence, the standard of gold is said to be twenty-two carats fine. Lately, the gold and silver of our own mint, and the mints of most other countries, are alloyed in the proportion of one to ten, which seems to afford a sufficient degree of resistance to abrasion. The alloy of silver is generally copper, and that of gold, both silver and copper. In the computation of the value of coins, the alloy is not included. In England, France, and Germany, the theory now is, to dispense with the silver as alloy in the gold coins, and use copper only. In our own country, to retain the gold color, both silver and copper are used, and the proportions are — 900 parts gold, 25 silver, and 75 copper — 1000. Beside the standard of fineness of coins, there is a legal weight fixed " of rates of coinage" — a mint regulation. In the mint regulations of most countries, there is an allowance for deviation from the standard weights and fineness of coins, which is termed "the remedy of the mint." In some, the "remedy" is applied in the weight, and in others, in the fineness. Sometimes it is made a source of emolument, and when the government issues coins at a rate above their intrinsic value, or the market price of the metals, the gain is called seignorage, and the charges for mint expenses are denominated brassage. COINAGE. Moneyee — "a reponsible and authorized manufacturer of coin" — appears to have been at one time an important personage, and very naturally so when the art of coining was so little understood. In the 33d year of Henry II., the moneyers of York were expressly ex- empted from the payment of the donum, which was assessed upon the population. In the 18th year of Henry III., the mayor of the city of London was commanded not to interfere with the liberty of the king's moneyers, by exacting talliage from them. The cut in the margin represents a moneyer jubilant at the king's favor. In less than eight years thereafter, this exemption or favor to the moneyers was extended to all the officers of the mint. The office of Cuneator — from L. cuncus, a wedge -or coiner, was held in hi-h repute, and descended by inheritance, even into the female line; and it was construed so strictly as a right or property, as to be the subject of alienation or transfer. 1 In 1 Doughdale's Baronage, vol. ii. p. 31. 84 COINAGE. the 18th year of Edward III., the widow of the former possessor of the office sold it to William Lord Talimer, for himself and his heirs, which office he held till his death, which occured in the 4 th year of Richard II. The mode of coining was very rude, the means em- ployed being to fix one die firmly into a wooden block, the other into a puncheon, which, being applied to the prepared metal, and struck by hand with a mallet, made the impression. This method was probably coeval with the first regular attempts at coining. See Cut. The new coins that made their appearance in the 18th year of Edward I., were made by the following process, viz. : the metal was cast into bars from the melting-pot ; these were cut by shears into square pieces of exact weight ; then with tongs and hammer they were forged into a round shape; after which they were blanched by nealing or boiling, and afterwards stamped or impressed with a hammer. 1 The next improvement in coining is best exhibited by the annexed cut, into the faces of which were inserted the obverse and reverse die. This contrivance was worked by hand, with the aid of a pulley. Though peculiar, it is nevertheless true, that no improvement of any importance upon this machine was made till the power of the screw was applied to coinage, in their mint, about the middle of the sixteenth century; 2 and which was introduced into the English mint about the year 1561, when it was worked in conjunction with the old process, till the latter was wholly abandoned in the 14th year of Charles II., 1662. From that time, till some few years ago, only very slight improvements have been made in the machinery of the English mint, which consisted of a lever, to which the upper die was attached, worked by a fly, which forced it down upon the stationary die beneath. This machine was known by the term, mill and screw, and was a material improvement, in power, over the hand and the pulley, as it made the impression by a single application, and hence was a great saving of time and labor. 1 Leak, p. 76 ; quoting the Ked-Book. La Blane, Historique de Monnage France, p. 68. COINAGE. 35 In 1787, Mr. Boulton, of France, invented a powerful machine, concentrating, in one operation, all the requirements of a mint ; such as rolling the metal, cutting the blanks, shaking them together to wear down the edges, and working at the same time any number of stamping machines, a single movement of which made a perfect impression upon both faces of the metal, and milled or stamped its edges — thus forming a perfect coin. 1 The earliest specimens of milled money appeared in the reign of Queen Elizabeth ; legends upon the edges of coins, date from 1651, as they occur upon those made by the process of Blondeau and Eamage at the time of the Commonwealth. This process was by impressing the letters upon the edge of the coin, by enclosing the blanks in a collar which contained the letters, of the same diameter as the pieces to be impressed, but of less thickness. The blank, thus placed, being struck with the die, expanded under it, and received the impression of what might have been placed in the collar, which opened by means of four joints, and permitted the coin to escape. The operation, which is known by the name of milling, was first applied to coins in 1663, the strokes having been given at that time at right angles across the edge ; in 1669, diagonal strokes were introduced, but still not meeting the requirement against counterfeiting, angular strokes were substituted in 1739, which increased the protection. 2 In 1685, however, the invention by Monsieur Casting for milling, made its appearance, and then the impression given to the edge of coins was by passing them between two plates — one stationary, the other movable by a pinion which worked in teeth on the back edge of the same. By this process, one-half of the legend was cut in each of the pieces, so that when the coins had been impressed or engraved by the movable plate to the end of that which was stationary, the impression upon the edge of the coin was complete. 1 Shaw's History of Staffordshire, vol. ii. p. 118. See the Account of the Mint at Soho. 2 Vallarine's Observations on the Current Coin, p. 17. PAKT II. ABOKIGINAL COINS. OE MONEY. All nations or peoples have possessed something — relatively of more value than anything else — for the acquisition of which they have energetically taxed their faculties. This, whatever it may have been, whether a shell, a head, a piece of lead, silver or gold, has been the standard or measure of value. No matter how rude or savage a people may be, the love of gain or accumulation, in some form, is a predomi- nant feature in their character; and to gratify it, their energy and ingenuity have been zealously exerted. It is not peculiar or strange, then, that the aborigines of this continent should have originated and used coins or money as a measure of value, or a medium of exchange, in their dealings with one another. The earliest knowledge we have of aboriginal coins or money in this country, is derived from the evidences of it exhumed from the mounds that skirt the waters of the Mississippi and its tributaries. In these mounds have been found relics which, similar to those of ancient Egypt, as represented by paintings in her tombs, are as demonstrative of the measure of art and civilization, at the time thej" were deposited, as were the subjects of those paintings when they were committed for execution to the hands of the artist. The specimens of aboriginal coins or money, found in the tumuli, were composed of lignite, coal, bone, shell, terra-cotta, mica, pearl, cornelian, chalcedony, agate, jasper, native gold, silver, copper, lead, and iron, which were fashioned into forms, evincing a skill in art to which the descendants of the aborigines now surviving are strangers. Here we find shells from the sea-side; mica from the primitive formation; coal and lignite from the secondary ; gold and silver from the Carolinas — perhaps from Cali- fornia ; native copper from the shores of Lake Superior ; lead from Missouri, &c. &c. ; showing, to some extent, the intelligence, energy, and communication with the distant (86) PLATE, I, NH,i,«wU. L..1I, I']iiIjh|U ABORIGINAL COINS. 37 parts of our country, by those who heaped up these monuments over treasures — unwritten histories — for our instruction and enlightenment. Many of these specimens of American aboriginal art — such as they are — in many cases very rude, and in others of very good workmanship, present a striking analogy, in form and design, to the ancient Egyptian; agreeing, as they do, in shape and ornament with the Egyptian and Etruscan relics exhumed from their sepulchral homes. The first medium of circulation, as money, among the aborigines, is believed, by antiquarians, to have been formed from lignite, coal, shell, bones, and terra-cotta. These specimens are frequently found now, upon opening the small oblong-oval mounds in the valley of the Mississippi. The Scripture injunction, "to put no money in thy scrip," being farthest from the practice of the aborigines, who supplied even the dead with the wherewith for a long journey. The first specimens of this kind which we — Thomas Mitchell, Esq., and myself — met with, in our, at that time, aboriginal researches, were from a small mound upon the plantation of William Ferriday, Esq., in Vidalia, Concordia Parish, Louisiana, in 1844. We removed from around the bones of a male aborigine, of very large size, forty-three small pieces — round and flat — of lignite, coal, shell, and jasper. These specimens were mostly entire, but the bone and shell crumbled to pieces from exposure to the air. The lignite and coal pieces were of two sizes, which would measure, by the scale in this work, 9 and 6. They were mostly plain on both sides. In two of the largest, however, we found rude figures, composed of lines and depressions, which see in Plate I., figs. 1 and 2. Occasionally, what are represented as depressions in the fac-simile extended entirely through the piece. Judging from the anatomical conformation of the crania, we believe these mounds to have been the burial-places of the Tensaw tribe of Indians, as the heads are flat- tened in an upward or conical direction. The next collection we will describe was taken from a small mound upon the plantation of Charles Chamberlain, Esq., in the same year, 1844, located about six miles above Natchez, Mississippi. They were found in a small vase, which was ela- borately carved around the bulbous portion of it, filled with light-colored ashes. Numerous vases of this description are often found placed near the neck of a skeleton. These pieces are now in our collection. See Plate I., Pigs. 3, 4, 5, and 6. A great number of lignite and coal pieces were found, some twenty years since, in a small mound, on the border of the Miami River, in Ohio, the largest of which was about the size of our old cent, but much thicker. There were two other sizes, which were smaller. The largest of these coins, or money, was perforated with sixteen small holes ; the faces of others were indented with from five to eight parallel lines, 38 ABORIGINAL COINS. and on one specimen the lines were crossed, forming diamond-shaped figures. See fac-similes, Plate I., Pigs. 7, 8, and 9. *" These specimens were taken to Cincinnati, Ohio, and distributed among the lovers of the curious. Some few were deposited in the Dorfeul Museum there, where we had the pleasure of examining them in 1844, and taking drawings from them. In July, 1845, we opened a small mound on the plantation of General Quitman, situated on the margin of the Mississippi Eiver, eight miles above Natchez. Near the bottom of this structure, we found a small vase, finely ornamented, and com- posed of an unusually fine material. The ornaments were painted vermilion color, relieved by a dark red, and it contained very fine white ashes. See figure in the margin. Near this vase we found two oval masses of conglomerated burnt bones, mixed with ashes and coal. Breaking open these peculiar masses, we found, in the centre of one of them, a small cup of coarse material, not ornamented, and within it a small horn- stone model of an axe or hatchet, pierced at its upper extremity with a hole, and evidently designed to be suspended from the neck as an ornament or symbol of war; possibly to denote to the denizens of another world that the possessor — presumed to carry all the buried paraphernalia with him — was a chief of the first class. We also found four unfinished jasper beads, two of them partly drilled through the centre ; and at the bottom of the cup lay a coin-like mass of lignite, the size of a twenty-five cent piece, with rude figures upon both sides, and evidently designed for a coin of much value, being the solitary pecuniary deposit or resource for a long journey. See fac-simile, Plate I, Fig. 12. A similar vase to that previously described, was found a short time afterwards in the upper stratum of a small mound, on the premises of Mrs. Posthlethwait at Natchez, Miss., containing ashes and a similar lignite coin, more elaborately ornamented. See fac-simile. Plate II Figure 1. Such coins as we have been describing, were undoubtedly as highly prized by their aboriginal possessors, as are those of the present day by us ; and they were, unquestion- ably, as subservient to the laws of value and exchange, as is a more modern coinage now. The coal specimens of coin or money are quite as frequently found in the mounds as the lignite, but they are not as well preserved. Subjected to the action of the air, they become very dry, soon become disintegrated, and crumble to pieces. They are also less elaborately carved, owing to the difference in material, though the designs are similar lines and cross-lines, with occasionally an effigy of a man or bird upon them, and on one specimen we have seen, the extended hand. In shape and size they also PLATE, II ABORIGINAL COINS. 39 agree with the lignite, except in being about double their thickness. We have met with several hundreds of specimens in our explorations, but have been unable to preserve but few of them, some with figures. See fac-similes. Plate I, Figures 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 and 19. The similarity of barbarous or semi-barbarous people is much greater than would be supposed, without data or reflection upon the subject ; as the human mind in its natural condition seems to have been directed by the same impulses, and to have adopted the same means for the attainment of the same ends. Tor we find that what we term coal-money among the aborigines of America, is denominated the same by transatlantic antiquarians, and is found in the barrows or sepulchres of the ancient Britons. The Britons had also — found in the same localities — what was composed of the Kimmeridge clay of the coal formations, which was strongly impregnated with bitumen. These coins or money are circular in form, varying from one inch to three inches in diameter, and from an eighth to half an inch in thickness. They appear to have been wrought into form with much precision, and they exhibit devices of circles and angles turned with much exactness. It appears to be peculiar that the aborigines of America, and the ancient Egyptians and Britians should have selected the sepulchres of the dead for the absolute depository of representations of art, value, and instruction. Such is, nevertheless, the truth ; and hence it confirms our previously expressed opinion of the sameness of the human mind in its first efforts in the direction of civilization. The opinion entertained by Sir Richard Hoare was, that these pieces were used as the representatives of money ; that is, not for circulation, but as symbols of value, and that they were introduced into Briton by the Carthagenians and Phoenicians, who traded with the ancient Britons for lead, tin, copper, and other metallic substances. This theory does not appear to be reasonable to us, for the reason that the very materials of which it is composed are indigenous to Briton, and that the ancient Britons could have fashioned it themselves, seeing that they made tin and iron money • and why not money of coal and clay ? See fac-similes of the coal money of the ancient Britians which will show its resemblance to that of the aborigines of America and for which purpose we have introduced it into Plate I, Figures 13, 14 and 15. Plate II Figures 3, 9, and 14. Bone Monet. — Some of the specimens of this kind of money are in their composition strange indeed. They are about the size of an old cent, and were wrought out of the interior and exterior tables of the human skull, also of the bones of the thi°h the scapula and patella of human subjects — probably, relics of enemies slain in battle 40 ABORIGINAL COINS. or prisoners subsequently tortured at the stake, and symbols of revenge, the most exalted virtue among the aborigines. This money is also made from the tusks and ribs of the mastodon gigantium, the enamelled portion of the teeth of the alligator, and from the bones of the gar and cat-fish. Great quantities of the last two named, which must have been of the least valuable denomination of money, were found in the mounds ; in some instances, amounting in quantity to bushels — it being the custom of some of the aboriginal tribes to bury all the treasures of a deceased with him. As with other specimens, we found them around the necks of the occupants of the mounds, punctured and strung, and also in terra-cotta vases and cups. Mr. A. B. Tomlinson, in a letter describing the opening of the Grave Creek Mound, on the border of the Ohio river, below Wheeling, Va., says : " One of the skeletons was surrounded by six hundred and fifty ivory pieces, resembling button moles, and varying in diameter from three to five-eighths of an inch, and in thickness, from pasteboard to a fourth of an inch. In another mound, were found upwards of seventeen hundred ivory pieces, five hundred shells of the involute species, and five copper bracelets that were around the wrist-bones of the skeleton." Shell Monet. — The specimens of shell coins or currency, occur in large quantities in every aboriginal mound. They are made of shells, from the Unio or fresh-water clam up to the huge sea-conch. The pieces most common are from small spiral shells, taken from the fresh-water lakes or streams; their colors are various, and when manufactured, they make beautiful pieces. We found large quantities of the Venus species, formed of the pearly portion of the shells, very highly polished, and about the size of a twenty-five cent piece, with eccentric lines carved upon them, and in some cases figures. Some pieces we found were as large as two and a half inches in diameter. Nothing more rational than that an aborigine should give half a dozen or more of such pieces, as we have been describing, for a tomahawk, a terra-cotta cup, or anything else he might want or covet; nor is it strange that an aborigine's wealth should have been estimated by such accumulations as this money — the fruit of labor and tact with them, as is our money with us. Pearls are a fruitful subject. A passage in Suetonius reports Caasar's invasion of Britain, as incited by the hope of finding pearls. We think the ambition of conquest had much more to do with it. Pliny informs us that Cresar dedicated a breast-plate to Venus, ornamented with pearls, which he pretended to have found in Britain. Cleopatra fed Anthony upon pearls; yet with all this true or fabulous account of them, the number would sink into insignificance, compared with the immense quantities that riijAT'E, HI. L-N.ltitMaiUtfL. Lrtli PMiuli. ABORIGINAL COINS. 41 greeted the eyes of De Soto, when he first made his appearance among the aborigines in the Valley of the Mississippi. The quantities found in the temples and villages, as related by Spanish and Portuguese historians, almost exceeds belief. Among the sepulchral graves of the aborigines, the plow-share turns up human relics, and also brings to light large quantities of pearls ; and the broken vases at the same time disclose what were their depositories. The pearls found are rarely perfect; alas! time and exposure to the damps of the earth have rendered them very fragile, and hence they are easily peeled into lamina, sometimes, however, reaching a kernel by this process, which is sound and brilliant. We have a number in our possession, from which we scaled off the lamina, till they became perfect. Finding them as we have, carefully deposited in vases and mortars with the dead, we must conclude that they were among the things of value, which were exchanged or hoarded by the aborigines, as circumstances or choice dictated. Terra-Cotta. — This money is formed from clay and tempered with bone, and also ferruginous matter. Some of its varieties are of a beautiful red color, which, upon analysis, were found to be composed of, viz. : silex, 51, aluminum, 19, lime, 9, and iron, 21 parts. The devices upon these pieces are numerous, generally on one side, but occasionally upon both. They consist of the heart, the extended hand, leg, birds, frogs, snakes, and many curious figures formed of lines, dots, and circles. The extended hand, as we have illustrated it from the originals, frequently appears according to Stephens, upon the bricks and stones found in Central America, and upon the dressed skins forming the robes of the present Indians, thus establishing an affinity of ideas between the aborigines of the Isthmus, and those of the Valley of the Mississippi. It is not improbable that it was a symbol referring to a Supreme power, and designed to keep in constant remembrance Deity, to which the aborigines, equally with the Christians of more enlightened times, were disposed to defer ; and to whom their rude but natural, devotion was undoubtedly sincere, if not profound. See Plate III Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. It is a peculiarity also, that the extended hand was an emblem upon quadrans a coin, among the ancient Eomans, which was the fourth of an as or ces ; the value of which was estimated with reference to the denarius, which contained or was equal to ten asses ; and the as, four quadrans. Thus, as the denarius, in the time of our Saviour was equal to about seventeen cents of our money, the as was equal to three farthings English, and the quadran being the fourth of that sum, was a little less in value than 42 ABORIGINAL COINS. a half cent. The two mites, which the widow threw into the Temple treasury, were of the value of a quadran. Though, in both the Roman and aboriginal coins, the idea was undoubtedly distinct and original — there having been no communication between the Old and the New World — the extended hand, as an emblem, might have been designed to suggest open- heartedness, liberality, a disregard of money, or grasping selfishness. It might have been dictated as an emblem of confidence or affection ; or, as we have imagined, in the case of the aborigines, a deference to Deity, in connection with which, by the followers of the Saviour, the hand was symbolized as the " outstretched hand," " mighty to save," &c, or indicative of the power which invites love and confidence, and promises protection. Hence, whether of heathen or Christian application, it has much appro- priateness, and in such connection, is not devoid of ideal beauty. Stone Monet. — These specimens occur in great quantities in the aboriginal mounds. They are composed of jasper, quartz, agate, chalcedony, and, occasionally, cornelian. The more common specimens found are wrought from sand-stone and slate. Size of this kind of money, from eight inches in diameter down to half an inch; in many instances, very highly polished, and occasionally figured over with hieroglyphics and other devices. See Plate II, Figures 2 and 13. Plate IV, Figures 3, 4, 5, and 16. In opening the Grave Creek Mound, previously referred to, a small thin and flat piece of sand-stone was found. See fac-simile for form, size, and the hieroglyphic inscription, Plate II, Figure 15. Schoolcraft says : " The characters are in the ancient rock alphabet of sixteen right and acute angled single strokes, used by the Pelasgi and other Mediterranean nations, and which is the parent of the modern Punic as well as the Bardic." See fac-similes of stone hatchets, previously referred to, Plate II, Figures 8 and 10. Darts of chalcedony and jasper, Plate II, Figures 4, 5, 11, and 12. The Lilt Encrinite. — This fossil, belonging to the family Grinoxdea, is found in great numbers in the rocks of the Silurian system, upwards, and occurs plentifully in many of the aboriginal mounds. This animal petrifaction is formed of long jointed stems, composed of calcareous divisions or plates closely fitting each other. A single fossil of this species contains the enormous number of one hundred and fifty thousand pieces; they are generally found separated, and it is these divisions of the stems which are denominated entrochites and screw-stones; and, in the north of England, fairy-stones and St. Cuthbert's beads. In this wonderful result of nature, the aborigine had a coin or currency properly fashioned and beautifully ornamented, without the labor of design or workmanship, PfiATE IV. ABORIGINAL COINS. 43 and from the care with which it was preserved, he must have highly appreciated it. See Plate II, Figures 6, 7, 16, 17, 18, and 19. Gold Monet. — Specimens of this money are occasionally found in the form of small lumps or balls slightly flattened, and irregular on their edges. Several have been found in Louisiana and Mississippi. In the year 1845, in company with Doctors Fox and Benbrooks, we opened a mound at old Fort Rosalie, near Natchez, and the last named gentleman found one of these gold balls, slightly flattened, which weighed upwards of two pennyweights. A similar specimen of very fine gold was found in Ross county, Ohio, lying in the palm of the hand of a skeleton. Subsequently, this piece was presented to Peale's Museum. See fac-simile. Plate IV, Figure 1. Another specimen was found in Perry county, Ohio, which was in the possession of Mr. Charles Ayres, of Cincinnati, in 1846. The circle of this piece was irregular, and its greatest diameter was about three-fourths of an inch. The face of this piece bore two rude figures — a man and a bird, beside four foot-prints of the latter. Both faces of the piece were alike. See fac-simile, Plate IV, Figure 2. Two similar pieces of native gold, completely covered with curiously designed figures, were found at Grave Creek Mound. They were sent to the East, and perhaps at this very time adorn some private collection or cabinet. Silver Monet. — Similarly shaped pieces to the gold are found of native silver in the mounds. Generally not so large as the gold, but with similar devices. Galena Monet. — This is found in large quantities in and about the small mounds in the valley of the Mississippi. They are variously ornamented ; some, with dots and lines ; others, with curious hieroglyphic figures, while others are entirely plain. See fac-similes, Plate IV., Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. "We have derived from H. Morton, Esq., now publishing a work on the " Rosetta Stone," — the Key to the interpretation of the Hieroglyphics of Egypt — the following: " That the figure or symbol No. 11, Plate IV., is a sign of very frequent occurrence in the Egyptian sculptures, paintings, and inscriptions. When used as a hieroglyphic sign, it denotes life, as may be seen in the 5th, 6th, 10th and other lines of the Rosetta Stone, and, indeed, in almost every other hieroglyphic inscription. This is the only sign whose value has been transmitted to us by tradition. It is frequently represented in paintings and sculptures as being poured from, by two divinities, over the head of a king, and as held in the left hand by gods and goddesses in general. In the Coptic churches it was frequently substituted for the cross." This identity of the Egyptian with our own aborigines in originality and idea, opens a wide field for inquiry, occurring, as it does, upon distinct continents, which learned and popular opinion has totally disconnected from. the earliest periods of time. Con- 44 ABORIGINAL COINS. jecture, and the identity of the language of the northern Indian, in a measure, with that of the northern Asiatic tribes, which were supposed to have found their way to this continent by Behring's Straits, are, we believe, the nearest approximations that have yet been made to any affinity between the aborigines of America and the ancient Egyptians. Figure 15, Plate II., the characters of which are those used by the Pelasgi, and which are the parent of the modern Punic and Bardic, helps only to increase the mysterj^. That it is practicable for distinct peoples, never brought into contact with each other, to originate the same idea, is illustrated by the similarity of the money of the ancient Briton and the aborigines of this continent ; which see in Plate I., figures 1 to 19, and Plate II., figures 3, 9, and 14. We are aware that we are transcending the limits which the title of our work prescribes — the fruitful and fascinating subject of antiquities, as such, being hardly in place — and we desist. Copper Monet. — The aboriginal mounds also abound in copper money. "We found specimens in the Dorfeul Museum, in Cincinnati, and, through the politeness of the proprietor, were permitted to take copies. See fac-similes, Plate IV., Figures 12, 13, 14, 15, and 21. Upwards of sixty pieces of copper beads, or sections of a small copper tube, were exhumed from the Grave Creek Mound, and sent to Peale's Museum. For fac-similes of which, see Plate IV., Figures 17, 18, 19, and 20. Priest, in his "American Antiquities," speaks of plain copper coins found in quan- tities in some of the aboriginal mounds. In addition to what we have already presented as Indian money, rude copper brace- lets have been found, the rings of which resemble the open or unsoldered rings, which were used separately or put together as currency, by the ancient Britians, Irish, and Gauls. It is no great stretch of the imagination to conclude that the American aborigine — not much behind either of the peoples we have named in civilization at one time — should have made the same use of them. In presenting what we have denominated aboriginal coins or money, and which we believe to have been used by the aborigines as such, for measuring values and effecting exchanges, we have very slightly trespassed beyond the same, into the field of the antiquarian. We would inform our readers that, at some future time, we may undertake a work upon North American Aboriginal Antiquities, of which we have in our possession forty thousand specimens, the results of nearly ten years of research, and of the opening of ten hundred and thirty-three mounds. FTjATE v. / XA',jsi-nt/,:„' ' Ljth fbil.ii WAMPUM. 45 WAMPUM. The use of wampum as a currency, or subject of barter and exchange, among the aborigines upon the northern portion of this continent, extends back to a very remote period, the antiquity of which we shall not attempt to determine. It was, probably, the first idea of an arbitrary standard of values suggested to the mind of the Indian in the portion of country now occupied by the middle and Eastern States of this Union and the Canadas. In another part of this work, frequent allusion is made to the wampum ; and we there find that the first settlers in this part of the continent, for want of something better — which could hardly have been suggested at that time, if we decide from the results — soon accommodated themselves to the currency of the Indian. It soon found its way into the colonial exchequers, those of private institutions, and private hands — its arbitrary value being admitted and sustained for many years. The primitive wampum consisted of strings of small spiral fresh-water shells. As soon as the Dutch became fairly located in "Manhadoes" — New York — they caught the idea of wampum, and set about improving its manufacture by rendering it more convenient and beautiful. The beads, or constituents of wampum, were purple and white, about a quarter of an inch in length, and an eighth of an inch in diameter, and perforated lengthwise, so as to be conveniently strung. The white bead was manu- factured from the sea-conch, and the purple from the muscle-shell, though not confined to those shells. In the history of that portion of the Indians to which we have alluded, wampum became an "institution," being the medium of love, trade, religious ceremonies, diplomacy, and war. They were woven into belts, used in strings, and singly, and were arranged, by the disposition of colors, into figures, symbolizing objects, events, and acts. In fact, they were the chronicles of the Indian. So far as they were a currency, they enabled the Dutch settlers to pile up fortunes of peltry ; and, could we look into the past, we should, undoubtedly, see the foundation of many a Knickerbocker fortune which has been handed down to our own times. What the Dutch did at " Manhadoes," the English and others did farther east ; and their examples were not lost upon their descendants, for gew-gaws have followed the Indian in his retreat before civilization, thus giving him shadows of value in exchange for his substance — the result of the battle and the chase. "Alas ! the poor Indian." He is still the prey of the white man's cupidity; and it is, in all human probability, his destiny so to continue till the last of his race — a wanderer amidst the splendors of civilization — shall have paid the debt to nature. For wampum and its components, see Plate V. PART III. MASSACHUSETTS CUKKENCY. The Colony of Massachusetts, at the period of which we are writing, embraced what was subsequently the Territory, now the State of, Maine. Anterior to any permanent settlement upon the shores of Maine, there was an active commerce carried on with the Indians by the fleets which annually came from Europe for fish and peltry. The natives were ready, at all times, to barter large quantities of skins for beads, knives, hatchets, and blankets, but particularly for powder, shot, and strong water. As the trade increased, the question of providing a medium for currency undoubtedly exercised the minds of the traders; and Felt, in his "Massachusetts Currency," informs us that, in a voyage made by them to Manhadoes — New York — in 1628, they brought back with them the wampum, which subsequently became an important auxiliary for that purpose. Eoger Williams, in his description of the money or currency of the New 1628. England Indians, gives the following account : — "It is of two kinds — white, which they make of the stem or stock of the periwinkle, after all the shell is broken off. Of this kind, six of the small beads — which they make with holes to string upon their bracelets — are current, with the English, for a penny. The other kind is a black, inclining to a blue shade, which is made of the shell of a fish, which some of the English call hens-poqualiock ; and of this description, three are equal to an English penny. One fathom of this stringed money is worth five shillings." Corn, a generic term for all kinds of grain, including peas, with other productions and live stock, was received at the colonial treasury for taxes, and termed "country pay," which term has been handed down to the present times, being a common one in the rural districts of, our country, where it is invited for goods by advertisement, and for newspaper literature, original and selected, by editorial. About this time, the General Court passed a law, that musket-balls, of a full bore, should pass currently for (46) MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. 47 a farthing each, but that no man should be compelled to take more than twelve- pence of them at any one time. A colonial treasury, plethoric with corn, live-stock, and musket-balls induces ludicrous sensations in contrast with the modern contrivances which now prevail in connection with trade, currency, and revenue. The earliest metallic currency of the colonies was of the coins of the country by which it was settled. As the settlers were of a class which did not bring much money- wealth with it, and as the shipments of merchandize from the mother-country soon drained the colonies of their coins, the General Court was impressed with the necessity of enacting the following law : — " That, upon any execution for debt past, the officers of the law shall take land, houses, corn, cattle, fish, and other commodities" — meaning, undoubtedly, anything personal or real in the shape of property — " and shall deliver it in full satisfaction, to the creditor, at such prices as the same shall be valued at, by three understanding and indifferent men, to be chosen, the one by the creditor, another by the debtor, and the third by the marshal. And the creditor is at liberty to take his choice of what goods he will, and if these are not sufficient to discharge the debt, then he is to take houses and lands, as aforesaid." The reader will perceive the great difficulties that existed in regard to currency — the public treasury being a recipient of agricultural productions for taxes, and the General Court compelled to arbitrarily prescribe the same, with every other species of property, for the liquidation of debts. During this year, owing to the failure of the crops in the preceding one, the currency of agriculture became very scarce, and hence, together with 1640. waumpum, was much appreciated in value. The General Court therefore ordered, " That, while waumpumpeage should be current at four for a penny, and the black, two for a penny, no one being compelled to take more than twelvepence of them at a time, except the receiver is willing." This was deemed a necessary measure in aid of the colonists generally. To increase the facilities of exchange, and aid the cancelling of the public debts, the authorities farmed out the wampum as well as the fur trade to a 1641. company. For this privilege, the company were to pay into the Colonial Treasury one-twentieth of all their peltry, and were also to purchase whatever wampum was received by the college — Harvard — provided it did not exceed £25 at any one time. "Among the coins in good credit among the colonists were the Holland Ducatoon, which, being worth three guilders, shall be current at six shillings ; 1642. the Eix dollar, which, being equal to two and a half guilders, shall be current at five shillings, and the ryal of eight, which shall be current at five shillings, and be 48 MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. receivable at such rates, for all payments within the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Colony." Though this was the edict in relation to these coins, their very great scarcity prevented much practical benefit from it, for though heard of, they were rarely seen. During this year, there was a great scarcity of hard money and every other 1645. species of exchange ; and it was, consequently, productive of serious embarrass- ment — commerce and confidence being also very much obstructed by the contentions in the mother country, between Parliament and the Eoyalists. The effect in the colony was to unsettle the population, which led to continual changes or emigration — thus neutralizing both the industry and production of the country. We are thus reminded that financial crises and revulsions are not of modern origin ; but that our forefathers were subject to fluctuations and changes in their affairs, which can only be accounted for, in the past, by the lack of perfection and, hence, harmony in the aggregate of the human mind, and for which we can perceive no remedy. "We find the following law or order promulgated by the General Court : " It 1648. is ordered for trial till the next court, that all payable or passable peage — shell currency — henceforth shall be entire, without breaches — both the white and black without defacing spots, suitably strung in eight known parcels of the following denominations or value, viz. : Id., 2>d., \1d., and 5 shillings in white, and 2d., 6cZ., 2-6c?., and 10 shillings in black," The court also ordered, that waumpumpeage should pass current in the payment of debts, to the value of forty shillings — the white at eight for a penny, and the black at four, if they be entire, and without breaches and deforming spots, except in payment of "country rates" to the Treasurer — the Government evidently not desiring the accumulation of shells, beads, &c, as cash in the Treasury. It was evident, that while coin of any kind was very scarce, the " Indian money," in view of its lack of intrinsic value, and the danger of its accumulation in the colonial treasury, beyond any immediate or prospective reliance for its demand or absorption, was beginning to be felt as a burden by both the Government and the colonists ; seeing, as they did, that the time was not very remote, when it must be superseded by a currency bearing a more modern relation to their increasing trade and commerce ; and hence the wealth and importance which they must assume toward countries, the currency of which did not partake of the character of conchology. The period had now arrived when the colonial thought and experience began 1650. to be shaped to a somewhat more practically progressive form; as ideas in relation to what should constitute a currency, and the modus operandi for attaining it, were seriously entertained. Finding that their country was continually drained of its specie — a principal source MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. 49 of supply being the Dutch West India Islands — by the European merchants, and that, in their commerce with the West India Islands generally, they were subjected to the imposition of receiving considerable quantities of light Spanish coins, the colonists saw the necessity for establishing a mint of their own, for melting down the coin thus received, and stamping it according to its real weight and value. Governor Hutchinson, relative to their trade with the West Indies, states, " that part of the bullion, taken at this time, by the buccaneers and pirates from the Spaniards, began to find its way into the colonies," thus furnishing an additional necessity for a mint. The colonists were also emboldened in their determination to act for themselves, by its having been proposed in Parliament to substitute a new patent for that under which they were then living, thereby manifesting, from its character, a disposition to subject them more rigidly to its control; and feeling, as they did, justified in assuming that degree of independence of Cromwell that he had observed toward royalty. Hence, without inviting an open rupture with the Dictator, they virtually declined either committing themselves to his authority or policy, and therefore adopted such measures in relation to pecuniary matters, as comported with the interests of their own commonwealth — the unsettled condition of the mother country, and the uncertainty of the result being with them an apology for the treason with which they were charged after the fall of Cromwell. It is evident, however, from the manner in which the colonists subsequently defended themselves against the charge of exercising a right of the throne, by establishing a mint and coining money, that they appreciated their relation of dependence upon the mother country, and that the acts of which they had been guilty were really a violation of the superior power. Had mankind, in all ages, however, been strictly obedient to those who, whether under the forms of government or otherwise, have assumed to be their masters upon the basis of human prerogative, they would have made but limited progress, if any, from the despotism of political slavery, from which they have fully in our own, and measurably in other countries, extricated themselves, by gradually repudiating all authority not clearly delegated to man by the Supreme Governor of all. A mint once determined upon, the authorities appear to have been actively and vigorously engaged on the subjects of coinage and currency. We find, that in order that the adoption of any new system should not operate prejudiciously upon the interests of the people, that the then existing laws in regard to currency should be in force till September (1652) — "the money hereafter appointed and expressed shall then be the current money of this commonwealth and no other, unless English, except the receivers themselves consent." The court then enacted: "that all persons whatsoever shall have liberty to bring into the mint house, at Boston, all bullion, 7 50 MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. plate, and Spanish coin, there to be melted, and to be brought to the alloy of sterling silver, by John Hull, master of said mint, and his sworn officers ; and by him or them to be coined into twelve-penny, six-penny, and three-penny pieces, which shall be for form flat, and square on the sides, and stamped on the one side with N. E., and on the other, with the denominations Xlld., YId., and Hid., according to the value of each piece, together with a privy mark, which shall be appointed every three months by the Governor, and known only to him and the sworn officers of the mint. And, further, the said master of the mint is hereby required to coin all the said money of good silver, of the just alloy of new sterling English money, and for value, to stamp two-pence in a shilling of less value than the present English coin, and the lesser pieces proportionally. And all such coins, as aforesaid, shall be acknowledged to be the current coin of this commonwealth, and pass from man to man, in all payments, accordingly, within this jurisdiction only. And the mint master, for himself and officers, for the labor in melting, refining, and coining, is allowed to take one shilling out of every twenty shillings which he shall stamp. And it shall be in the liberty of any person who brings into the mint house any bullion, plate, or Spanish coin, to be present and see the same melted, refined, and alloyed, and then to take a receipt of the master of the mint for the weight of that which is good silver, alloyed as aforesaid, for which the mint master shall deliver to him the like weight in current money, viz. : every shilling to weigh 3 dwt. Troy weight, and lesser pieces proportionally — deducting allowances as before expressed." A committee of the General Court was appointed for carrying the foregoing 1652. order into effect, and, at a meeting of that committee, it was decided that there should be a mint house built, and the necessary tools procured at the cost of the commonwealth. Immediate action, on the part of the colonial authorities, followed this decision — the mint house was erected, and very soon thereafter, pattern pieces of coin were prepared. These pattern pieces, bearing upon the obverse a double ring enclosing a tree, with the inscription of Masathvsets around it, and on the reverse New England, with the year of our Lord, 1652, were rejected — the law having specified the design. The first emissions, therefore, accorded very nearly with the prescription of the law — the type being a plain irregular circle of silver, with no other inscription upon it than the letters N. E. on the obverse, and the numerals XII., VI., on the reverse. Shillings and sixpences were only coined at this time — the sizes being 8, 5 — see scale. It has been stated that three-penny pieces were also coined, but as we have never seen them, nor heard of them, otherwise, we may with propriety be permitted to question the truth of any such statement. It has also been stated, that what we are treating of, and recording as the first MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. 51 coinage of the Massachusetts mint, was struck off in Newcastle, England, or, as Leak lias it, in Newark. There can be no doubt, however, but that it was really of domestic manufacture, for beside the law we have given authorizing it, we have the direct testimony of the celebrated numisinatologist, Mr. Thornley, to that effect, and who also states that they were familiarly known as the North-Easters, and that the late Earl of Pembroke denominated them New England money in his collection. The first emissions of coin appear to have been too plain for the colonists, and we have no doubt but that they were generally denounced for their lack of art and beauty ; for, at the assembling of the next General Court in the month of October, 1652, it was decreed that the type should be altered, (which was easy, if the types of the pattern pieces we have previously described had been preserved,) and " that instead of N. E. on the obverse, there should be a double ring enclosing a tree, with the inscription of ' Masathvsets' around it, and on the reverse, ' New England,' with the year of our Lord, 1652, and the respective values, XII., VI., III., II., I. The three first denominations only were struck off at this time, and the two-penny pieces followed in 1662, ten years thereafter — the date of which they bear. It is exceedingly doubtful whether the one-penny pieces were ever coined, this being the opinion of numisma- tologists generally. The coins issued were of the fineness of sterling silver, as prescribed by the colonial mint law, two-pence less in weight and, hence, value, in the shilling than the English coin of the same denomination. The most perfect specimens extant at this day weigh from 64 to 67 grains, and by assay at our mint, have been proved to be 926-1000 fine — the value of which, therefore, is about seventeen cents. So much opposition was there in England to this colonial coinage, when it first made its appearance there, that it would only pass at a discount of one-fourth of its home value. The Court, as we learn, finally came to the conclusion, that the contract with John Hull, the mint master, was too lucrative, and an offer was made to him for the release of the same, which he refused. This Mr. Hull accumulated a large fortune from his connection with the mint ; and left at his death one of the largest estates in the colony. It is stated that Samuel Sewell, Esq., who married his daughter, received with her the snug sum at that day of 30,000 New England shillings ; that he was the son of a poor woman, to whom he was particularly dutiful and kind, and that in consequence, his minister, the Eev. Mr. Wilson, prophesied that God would bless him and that though then poor, he should acquire a large estate. This is a very natural incident of those peculiar times, when the mass of mankind in New England believed that God directed the minutest details of everything sublunary, in accordance with human merit. 52 MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. Although the Massachusetts mint continued to coin its peculiar currency for thirty- six years, up to January 16, 1686, no alteration of date, from the establishment of the mint, except upon the two-penny pieces issued in, and bearing the date of, A. d. 1662, occurred, and though there were, during that time, a great variety of dies, the dates of coinage cannot otherwise be determined. From a retrospective view of the colony of Massachusetts, we can perceive that her mint was an important institution, as it related to her prosperity; and also as a successful innovation upon kingly authority, which aided to sow the seeds of her future independence ; as an isolated and subject people never forget the slightest approximation to practical success in any position they may have assumed, or act undertaken — uniformly increasing, as it does, their self-importance and desire for self-government, against any and every authority not inherent in themselves. During Governor Andross' administration, endeavors were made to obtain leave from the mother country for the continuance, or, in other words, legalization, of the mint. The matter was submitted to the Master of the Mint in England, who opposed it upon the plea of "prudential considerations." Though the words "royal prero- gative" were not used, we have no doubt the answer involved thoughts unfavorable to the continuance of such an assumed privilege in the hands of the colonists. The following very interesting incident in the history of the colony is well 1662. authenticated. Sir Thomas Temple, the Governor of Nova Scotia, and a warm friend of the New England Colonies, while on a visit to London, was permitted an interview with his sovereign, Charles II., who, in conversing with him relative to affairs in the Colony of Massachusetts, evinced great warmth of feelin«- against the colonists. Among the matters referred to, in the interview, the kin°- said that they had invaded his right by coining money. Governor Temple is said to have replied that the colonists, in view of their isolated condition and necessities, had deemed it no crime to coin money for themselves ; and, in the course of conversation took from his pocket and presented to the king some of the coin. Upon observing the tree, he inquired what kind it was. The prompt and happy reply of the Governor was, that is the Royal Oak, 1 that saved your majesty's life. Such an answer restored 1 The defeat of the Scotch army at Worcester, England, by Cromwell — affording to him what he denomi- nated the crowning mercy — compelled Charles to seek safety in flight, attended by a few of his devoted friends. To provide for his safety more certainly, however, it was deemed best for him to separate from them, and without their knowledge. By the advice, therefore, of the Earl of Derby, he went to Boscobel, a lone house on the borders of Staffordshire, inhabited by one Penderell, a farmer. To this man Charles entrusted himself; and, though death was denounced against any one who concealed him, and a large reward was offered for his betrayal, Penderell's honor and loyalty were unshaken. Taking Charles, with his four brothers, having first clothed him in a garb like their own, they retired to the woods, where they were all MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. 53 the king to good humor, and induced him to listen to the pleas of Governor Temple in behalf of the colonists. The king expressed no further dissatisfaction, but, laughing heartily, called the coiners " honest dogs." The colonial government was called to account by the royal commissioners who had come hither respecting the mint. The commissioners declared the coining of money to be a royal prerogative, for the commission of which, the act of indemnity was the only salvo. They were so dictatorial, that the government refused any further con- ference with them, and made an appeal to the crown — the usual resort of a subject people to ward off immediate action. As a step toward softening the asperity of the king, who could ill digest the 1666. act of establishing a mint by the colonists, two very large masts were sent to London for his majesty's navy ; and, very soon thereafter, a ship-load of smaller sized spars followed. The mint-master was ordered, by the government, to stamp N. E. on all 1672. foreign coins, as evidence of the proper weight and value. Notwithstanding the continued opposition of the royal authority to the 1675. mint, it was ordered, that the masters of the mint, John Hull and Robert Saunderson, continue to mint what silver bullion shall come in for seven years, and that they shall receive 12d. of every twenty shillings, and 3cZ. for waste in every three ounces of sterling silver — 15c?. in every twenty shillings coined; and the mint- masters shall pay into the colonial treasury, during the said term of seven years, £20. A committee of the Legislature, in an interview with Captain Hull, of the mint, and others, relative to increasing the coinage at the mint, and to prevent 1677. the export of specie, decide that there is no other remedy but the raising the values of coin, or making the mint free. Still perceiving the finger of royal displeasure pointed at them, on account of their mint, the General Court sent another peace-offering to his majesty, in the form of ten barrels of cranberries, two hogsheads of special good samp, and three thousand codfish. This ought to have softened the heart of his majesty; but subsequent events prove it to have been as obdurate as ever. He had, however, a people to deal with as full of expedients as he was of prerogative, and who, having ultimately acquired strength enough for resistance to prerogative, used it manfully and successfully. employed in cutting fagots. Some nights, the king laid upon the straw; but subsequently, for better security, he climbed an oak, where he sheltered himself among the branches and leaves. From his hiding- place, he saw the soldiers who were in search of him, and heard their earnest expressions in relation to his seizure. Hence the tree that protected him was called the Royal Oak, and was regarded with great veneration by many in the neighborhood. — Hume. 54 MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. 1680. A free mint was the idea — bullion to be coined at it without charge — it being urged, that foreign coins came from the mint six and a quarter per cent, less in value than they entered it; that the stamp of the mint upon their money added nothing to its real value, a Spanish cross, in all other places, being as much esteemed as a New England pine. The agents of the government, bound to London, were instructed to be 1681. humble suitors to his majesty, for obtaining his royal grant for the remittance of all past errors or deviations from the rules of their charter ; and, also, to tender him an annual recognition of the same ; and, as an acknowledgment of their thankfulness for his majesty's clemency and forgiveness, twenty or thirty beaver-skins, or any thing the growth or product of the colony, which his majesty might please to demand, at Boston. To prevent the export of specie, the General Court raised the nominal 1682. value of a pillar, Mexican or Sevil piece of eight, from 6s. to 6s. Sd., if weighing one ounce of silver, Troy weight, and its parts in like proportion. 1685. The officers of the London Mint report to the commissioners of the Royal Exchequer, relative to the money of Massachusetts, that it was 22£ per cent. lighter than that of England, and that, in consequence, much of it was brought hither. They recommend that, if the king permit the continuance of the Boston Mint, he should order its emissions to be of equal value with his own specie. They add, that the Legislature of Massachusetts have pursued the unwarrantable act of coining money ever since the year 1652, without alteration of date. This was a premonitory symptom of the loss of their charter privileges, and this event they soon experienced. The long-established form of colonial government had departed, and its 1686. remains had been placed in the hands of a better-reputed royalty, to be modified and administered according to direct instructions from the crown. Still the mint survived, and coining was not at an end. It became the occasion, however, of another report, by the Earl of Rochester — Lord High Treasurer of Eng- land — in which he gave his reasons why the Mint of Massachusetts should be abolished ; which were, that a similar establishment had been refused to Ireland, after being granted in 1662, and, also, in Jamaica in 1679, and that it tended to injure the standard coins adopted by Parliament. This same year, the establishment of a bank, or paper currency, was agitated. "Country pay" was still permitted. The administration of Sir Edmund 1687. Andross was accommodating ; as the public demand on the town of Hingham was paid in milk pails, and which we believe are a lawful tender down to this MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. 5'> day. The coffers of the treasury were, as it appears, still kept open for the products of the field as well as the mine. January 1. — Treasury Eeport, viz. : 1688. £. s. d. Com remaining unsold 938 11 1 Money 1340 10 3 This year, a petition was sent to William and Mary for permission to renew their mint operations. It was received unfavorably, and coining, suspended by authority under the late administration, received its quietus. Thus fell an institution, around which the hopes and fears of the colonists had long clustered, and against which, expressions of rigid dissatisfaction had been often uttered. Though the mint was dead, its products were long current, and down to the Revolution, which resulted in our independence, they were often seen and passed currently with other coin. Having been forbidden to coin money, they resorted to paper, and empowered a committee to issue £7000 in bills, from 5 shillings to £5. Thus was began 1690. a system of furnishing a paper currency regulated by the Government, which continued down to 1750. Paper at this time abundant but irredeemable ; an emission having been made of £3000, in denominations of Id., 2d., khd., Qd., 9d., and lSd. 1750. Unceasing expedients and contests for maintaining the value of paper money, and legislating to effect it, by defining the value of coin. 1751. Governor Shirley congratulates the colony upon a return to a silver medium, in consequence of Parliament having reimbursed it for expenditures incurred 1753. in the reduction of Cape Breton — much of the embarrassment that had existed, having arisen from burdens imposed by the dictation of the mother country for belligerent aggression or defence. But little love between Parliament and the colonies. Governor Hutchinson, however, congratulates the province upon the good condition of its treasury, 1774. it being free from debt — the tax from last year, with the amount in the treasury, being equal to all of the securities due from the Government, and the current charges for the year. The lovers of liberty in the colony regarded this as but a " gilded pill," which was no antidote for the political diseases incident to either a restricted charter or personal rights ; and hence it was not acceptable to them. August 23d, the General Court, to supply the wants of the treasury, after several weeks of consideration, authorized an emission of £100,000 in paper. 1775. It was also ordered that there shall be on the back of each bill the figure of an American with a sword in his right hand, and the following inscription suspended 56 MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. therefrom, viz. : " Ense petit placidum sub libertate quietam." 1 He seeks with his sword for peace and liberty. The circumstances under which this currency was sent forth, were clothed with serious greatness. It embraced the oppressions, necessities, purposes, perils, hopes, and fears of a people breaking from long established relations, and setting themselves in array against a mighty empire. The most of the device composed the seal of Massachusetts, as very recently adopted by the General Court. It presented to the eye the royal armorials, which had so long been a part of its public documents, and which denoted subjection to the crown, deliberately repudiated, and others, exhibiting emblems of freedom, and the sentiment of the patriot, Sydney, adopted in their place. On each bill the names of three persons, designated to sign it, were to be written — one with red, another with black, and the third with blue ink. Massachusetts, with the other members of the Union, agrees to the articles 1777. of confederation, wherein power is delegated to Congress, to borrow money, issue bills on the responsibility of the States, and regulate the alloy and value of coins. 1784. Massachusetts Bank chartered. In this year the confederated government entered into a contract for the 1786. coinage of a copper coin. — (See "First United States Cent.") July 8th, the Governor is requested to inquire whether Massachusetts can be supplied with silver and copper coin struck at the United States Mint, when it shall have commenced operations. October 17th, being much in want of specie, and thinking the National Mint not reliable for it, the Assembly vote that a like establishment should be erected for the coinage of copper, silver, and gold. Of the first sort, they order seventy thousand dollars worth, in cents and half cents, to be coined as soon as practicable. Joshua Witherel is empowered to have the necessary buildings erected, and 1787. suitable machinery provided for the same. July 6th, it was decided that the copper coin bear the following devices — on one face the American eagle having in the right talon a bundle of arrows, and in the left an olive branch — the emblems of defence and peace ; also, upon its breast a shield inscribed with the word " Cent," being nearly encircled with the word " Massachusetts," and having at the 1 From the noted line and a half written by Algernon Sydney in the album of the University of Copenhagen. " Manus hoec, inimica tyrannes, Ense petit placidum sub libertate quietam." MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. 57 bottom the date of its emission, " 1787." On the other face, an Indian of full length, with his bow and arrow, a star, denoting this State, near his forehead, and a circumscription of the word "Commonwealth." September 28th, the Federal Constitution presented to Congress, expressly providing that no State shall coin money, emit bills o'f credit, or make anything but gold and silver coin a tender in payment of debts. The cent ordered from the Massachusetts Mint made its appearance. 1788. November 17th, in conformity with the National Constitution, the Assembly ordered that the copper on hand at the mint be manufactured as soon as possible into cents, and that then the workmen be discharged. Thus ended the second mint, nearly a century having elapsed since the termination of the first, which long withstood the storms of regal displeasure, while its successor was of short continuance. PART IY COLONIAL COINS, SOMEE, SUMMER, OR BERMUDA ISLANDS' COIN. Though the Bermuda Islands are not apart of our own country — the coins of which I am particularly describing — jet intimately related, as they were, in their early history to the " Old Dominion," I have deemed it of sufficient interest to present it, chronologically, as the first home of American coins. These islands are a small cluster in the Atlantic ocean, lying in latitude 32° 35 north, and longitude 63° 28' west, in the form of a shepherd's crook, and so formidably surrounded by rocks as to be almost inaccessible. They were discovered by Juan Bermudez, a Spaniard, but were not inhabited till the year 1609, when Sir George Soiners was cast away upon them ; since which time they have been included in the possessions of Great Britain. In 1612, efforts were successfully made to colonize them by the Virginia Company, headed for the purpose, by Mr. John More. He was succeeded in authority by Captain Daniel Tucker, under whom the endeavor was made to establish a currency, as we are informed by Captain John Smith, of established Virginian reputation, in the following words : " besides meat, and drink, and clothes, they had for a time a certain kind of brass money, with a hogge on one side, in memory of the abundance of hogges which were found at their first landing." Though this coin has never been submitted to our eyesight, nor is it to be found in any collection or cabinet of coins in the United States, we have given a fac-simile upon the authority and from the works of Suelling and Ruding — taken by them from the cabinet collection of the celebrated numismatologist, Mr. Hollis, of England, who, in his memoirs, calls it " a coin of the Summer Islands." ('5 s i COLONIAL COINS. 69 Device. — A wild boar, with the Roman numerals XII. over it. Legend.— SOWER ISLANDS. M. M., a mullet of five points. Reverse. — A ship under sail, firing a gun. (Plate VI., Figure 1.) New England Pattern Shilling. Device. — A pine-tree in the field, surrounded by a circle of dots. i^end._MASSACHVSETS, N. E. Reverse. — A circle of dots; in the area " 1650," and under it the numerals X 1 1. (Size 8. See Plate VI., Eigure 2.) This piece, as we describe it, is said to be in the possession of a Mr. Brown, of the city of Boston, and has been supposed to be one of the pattern pieces struck off at the Massachusetts Mint. It is unfortunate that the originator or artist should have blundered in the legend, which, upon the genuine, was " MASATHVSETS," for otherwise it might have attained to the credibility of being genuine. As it is, there is no doubt but it is counterfeit — induced by the same spirit which has characterized the manufacturers of " May Flower" furniture. We feel assured, from the fact of a genuine piece of this kind not yet having made its appearance, that they were all returned to the crucible in 1652 ; otherwise, they would have been dragged to the light by some enthusiastic virtuoso. New England Shilling. Obverse. — The letters N. E. near the outer edge of the field, enclosed by a line irregular in form, the edge forming part of the same. 1652. Reverse. — The numerals "XTT. similarly placed, and in the same manner. (Size 9.) New England Sixpence. Differing from the shilling only in size, and the numerals VI. (Size 5. See Plate VI., Figures 3 and 4.) These were the pioneer coins of the Massachusetts Mint, and, undoubtedly, of the American portion of the North American continent. In the portion of this work allotted to the " Massachusetts Currency," they have been fully and particularly noticed and we may add, they are entitled, among American numismatologists, to very marked distinction. As the fac-similes represent them, they were irregularly circular, but coined of e;ood sterling silver. There was but one type and three varieties of these coins. It is very difficult to find them unmutilated or not clipped. 60 COLONIAL COINS. Snelling denominates them plantation shillings and sixpences. They were well planted ; as around them clustered the will of the colonists, in regard to a coinage of their own, which they maintained against all opposing authority for upwards of thirty years, and its circulation till the adoption of the Constitution in 1787. THE TREE COINS. Pine Tree Shilling. 1652. Device. — The American pine tree in the field, surrounded by a circle of dots. Legend.— MASATHVSETS IN. Mint-mark, a rose of dots. Reverse. — A circle of dots ; in the area 1652, and under it the numerals XII. Legend.— NEW ENGLAND AN. DO. (Size 8.) Pine Tree Sixpence. Device. — The American pine tree in the field, surrounded by a circle of dots. Ze^end.— MASATHVSETS IN. Reverse. — A circle of dots ; in the area 1652, and under it the numerals VI. Legend.— NEW ENGLAND ANO. (Size 5.) Pine Tree Three-pence. Device. — The American pine tree in the field, surrounded by a circle of dots. Legend.— MASATHVSETS. Mint-mark, a rose of dots. Reverse. — A circle of dots ; in the area 1652, and under it the numerals IH. (Size 3. See Plate VI., Figures 5, 6, and 7.) Oak Tree Shilling. Device. — The oak tree in the field, surrounded by a circle of dots. Legend.— MASATHVSETS LN. Mint-mark, a rose of dots. Reverse. — A circle of dots ; in the area 1652, and under it the numerals XH. Legend.— NEW ENGLAND AN. DOM. (Size 8.) Oak Tree Sixpence. Device. — The oak tree in the field, surrounded by a circle of dots. Legend.— MASATHVSETS LN. Mint-mark, a rose of dots. Reverse. — A circle of dots ; in the area 1652, and under it the numerals VI. Legend.-NEW ENGLAND ANO. (Size 5.) COLONIAL COINS. 61 Oak Tree Three-pence. Device. — The oak tree in the field, surrounded hy a circle of dots. Z^encZ.— MASATHVSETS. Mint-mark, a rose of dots. Reverse. — A circle of dots; in the area 1652, and under it the numerals HI. Legend.— NEW ENGLAND. Oak Tree Two-pence. Device. — The oak tree in the field, surrounded by a circle of dots. Legend.— MASATHVSVTS. Mint-mark, a rose of dots. Reverse. — A circle of dots ; in the area 1662, and under it the numerals LL Legend.— NEW ENGLAND. (See Plate VI., Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11.) Of the tree coins, or those bearing upon their face a tree, there were two types and thirty-six varieties in circulation, so far as we have been able, by diligent search, to ascertain. Those bearing the pine tree, were undoubtedly the first type issued ; as the historical incidents, previously given in relation to the currency of Massachusetts, and the testimony derived from the coins themselves, we think, fully warrant the assertion. Of this type, we have examined eighteen distinct varieties — embracing five different kinds or representations of the pine tree ; the most remarkable of which bears the representation of a thickly branched oblong tree with an oval top, which occurs on the shillings, sixpences, and three-pences, but in no instance have we been able to find a two-penny coin with either variety of the pine-tree for an emblem. The oak tree coins we denominate the second type. Of this type, we have examined about the same number of varieties, which embrace six different forms of the oak. In two of the forms, the trees are in clusters of three, their branches intertwining with each other, as we frequently see in the species known as the scrub oak, and of which variety there were coins of all the denominations issued. The two-penny pieces all bear a representation of the oak tree, and they were only issued in accordance with the following law : — " The mint-master is enjoined to coin two-penny pieces of silver, of the first bullion that comes into his hands, in the just proportion and alloy of other 1662. monies which are allowed here, to answer the purposes of the country for exchange ; that is, £50 the first year for every £100 coined ; and, thereafter, £20 of the currency annually for every £100 that may be coined; and the law to continue in force for seven years." ' Colonial Records. 62 COLONIAL COINS. As this law apparently sought a supply of the lowest denomination of silver coins, proportioned to the other, viz. : 50 per cent, of the whole amount coined the first year, and, subsequently, only 20 per cent, during the existence of the law, it is only generous to infer that that was the full and fair extent of the motive for enacting it. If, however, as some have surmised, none of the oak-tree coins were issued till this enactment, and that they were then coined for the first time, with the peculiar emblem of the oak, from a motive of expediency, calculated, by its reference to an important circumstance in the life of Charles II., to appease him for an invasion of his prero- gative, we can see no ground for such a conjecture, except the practicability of such an act under the law — the two-penny pieces bearing date 1662, and all others of the oak- tree emissions being dated in 1652. That the oak-tree coins were, therefore, first issued under this law, except the two- penny pieces, or that the motive for the law was deception, is very far from being our impression ; for, though the colonists were at all times, in view of their position, con- ciliating in their policj', and often manifested it by special gifts to the king, still we should be very reluctant, from mere inference, to impute the coinage of the oak-tree currency to a collusion between them and the Governor of Nova Scotia, and for such a purpose as mere suspicion supplies — the bold and fearless act of the colonists in establishing a mint, or coining money at all, being ample refutation of any such assumption or charge against them. Their descendants certainly indicated that they had received no such training at the hands of their ancestors, as their open and manly defence of their natural rights against unjust authority clearly proves. It is clearly established that the oak-tree penny piece is without legal authority for its emission, it being of modern manufacture ; for, though a law was enacted for its coinage, it was never carried into execution by the mint. We have seen an entire series of the oak-tree coins, from the penny up to the shilling. They are made of sterling silver, are well calculated to deceive even good judges, and are as eagerly sought for as the genuine, for specimens. The pine-tree coins have, also, been counterfeited, having been cast in silver; the method of their manufacture being easily detected by the application of the lens. The legend, on the pine-tree shilling, differs in the abbreviation, and, also, in the mint-marks. We illustrate the former, viz. : AN : DO : , AN : DOM : , ANO : DOM : &c. In some specimens of the latter, the rose is composed of four, five, six, eight, and in one instance we have seen nine dots, which, composing the circles, are both round and oval. COLONIAL COINS.- 63 Good Samaritan Shilling. Device. — Group of the Good Samaritan ; over it, " fac-simile." 1652. Legend.— MASATHVSETS IN. Reverse. — Smooth. It is stated that there is a variety of this coin, having a reverse thus : in the field, "1652," numerals "XII.," and under it 0. Legend.— " o o o o o o ENGLAND AN." (See Plate VI., Figure 12.) This shilling, impressed with the group illustrating the " Good Samaritan," which is in the Pembroke collection in England, and engraved in Volume xiv. p. 4, of the Pembroke Museum, is noticed by both Snellmg and Ruding, who threw some doubts upon its authenticity, as ever having been issued by any legal authority, in its present form, as a coin or currency. From all the information we have been able to collect relative to it, we have concluded that it was a pine-tree shilling, the tree removed by scraping it down to a plain surface, and the " group" then engraved in the circle formerly surrounding the tree. It is not uncommon to find coins thus mutilated or changed, and hence bearing some curious device or legend. The reverse noticed above, taken from a drawing, is, as connected with this piece, inexplicable to us. We have given a description of this coin in all its details, because it has been the subject of so much attraction, and, also, because it occupies a place in a very celebrated collection. MARYLAND CURRENCY. Lord Baltimore Shilling. J) ev ice. — A profile bust of Lord Baltimore, facing to the left ; the head unadorned, and the neck uncovered. Mint-mark, a cross Patee. 1659. Legend.— CAECILIVS. DNS. TERR^-MARRE. &CT. Reverse. — Arms of the Palatinate, surmounted by a crown with XII. on the side of the face of the coin. Legend.— CRESCITE. ET. MVLTIPLICAMLNI. (Size 8. See Plate VI., Figure 13.) Lord Baltimore Sixpence. Device.— A profile bust of Lord Baltimore, facing to the left ; the head unadorned, and the neck uncovered. Mint-mark, a cross Patee. i^CTd.—CAECILIVS. DNS. TERR./E-MARLE. &CT. 64 COLONIAL COINS. Reverse. — Arms of the Palatinate, surmounted by a crown, with VI. on one side of the face of the coin. Legend.— CRESCITE. ET. MVLTLPLICAMINI. (Size 7. See Plate VI., Eigure 14.) Lord Baltimore Groat. Device. — A profile bust of Lord Baltimore, facing to the left ; the head unadorned, and the neck uncovered. Mint-mark, a cross Patee. Legend.— CAECLLIVS. DNS. TERRJE-MARLE. &CT. Reverse. — Arms of the Palatinate, surmounted by a crown, with IV. on one side of the face of the coin. Legend.— CEESCITE. ET. MVLTIPLICAMLNI. (Size 4. See Plate VI., Figure 15.) Cecil, Lord Baltimore Penny. Device. — A bust of Lord Baltimore, facing to the left. Mint-mark, the cross Patee on both sides. Legend.— CAECLLIVS. DNS. TERR^-MARLE. &CT. Reverse. — Two flags issuing out of a ducal coronet, the crest of Lord Baltimore. Legend.— DENARVM TERR^E-MARLE. (Size 5. See Plate VI., Figure 16.) The silver groat and copper penny we have described, are very rare. Those from which Mr. Ruding was permitted to take drawings, and we have copied them, are now in the cabinet of James Bindley, Esq., of England. We have herewith compiled, from sources to which we have given credit, some incidents in the history of the Maryland colony, which may prove to be interesting, and, at the same time, aid to fix the attention more particularly upon the main object, its currency. Among those who became interested in the London or Virginia Company, under its second charter in 1609, was Sir George Calvert, afterwards the founder of Maryland. He was early engaged in the schemes of colonization of those times, and, upon the dissolution of the Virginia Company, of which he had been a member, he was named by the king — James I. — one of the Royal Commissioners to whom the government of that colony was entrusted. 1 Hitherto, he had been a Protestant, 2 but in 1624 he renounced the Church of England, in which he had been bred, and embraced the faith of the Roman Catholic Church. His conscientious scruples determined him to hold no longer the office of 1 Bozan. s Burnet, Fuller, &c. PliATfi VI.. • • Lif.B.(.s«ifcal. Li* PhiW» COLONIAL COINS. 65 Secretary of State, which would place him in an unpleasant attitude to those whose faith he had adopted, and he tendered his resignation to the king, informing him at the same time, that he had become a Roman Catholic, and that he felt, in consequence of the discordance between the Established Church and the faith he had adopted, unwilling longer to discharge the duties of the office. 1 The king, pleased with his candor, accepted his resignation, but continued him as a member of his Privy Council for life, and soon after created him Lord Baltimore. Sectarian animosity at this time ran high, and as Sir George Calvert deprecated this state of things, and had no taste for being an active participant in it, he determined to leave England, and found a new State exempt from this feeling, and where every man could worship God according to his own conscience, and in perfect peace and security. 2 Accordingly, he embarked for Virginia, with the intention of settling within the limits of that colony, or more probably to explore the uninhabited country 1628. upon its borders, with a view to secure a grant of it from the king. Upon his arrival within the jurisdiction of the colony, the authorities tendered to him the oath of allegiance and supremacy, to which, with his religious views, he could not subscribe. Lord Baltimore framed an oath of allegiance, which he and his followers were willing to accept, but it was rejected. He set sail, and commenced the exploration of the Chesapeake. He was pleased with the beautiful and well-wooded country, which surrounded the noble inlets and indentations of the great bay, and determined there to found his State, being assured that he had found a territory possessing all the elements of future prosperity. He returned to England to obtain a grant from Charles I., who had succeeded his father upon the throne. Bemembering Lord Baltimore's relations to his father, and perhaps aided by the intercessions of Henrietta Maria, his Roman Catholic queen, Charles directed the patent to be issued. It was prepared by Lord Baltimore himself, but before it was finally executed, he died, and the patent was delivered to his son Cecelius, who succeeded to his designs as well as his titles and estates. The charter was issued on the 20th of June, 1632, and the new province was named in honor of the queen, Terra-Marise — Maryland. The charter was a solemn grant from the kin°- to Lord Baltimore, his heirs, and assigns, with extensive jurisdiction and powers of government over it. The king reserved to himself one-fifth of the gold and silver which might be found in the province, and the yearly tribute of two Indian arrows. With a noble territory, the rights and prosperity of his future State seconded by a 1 Fuller. * MoMahon. 66 COLONIAL COINS. liberal charter, Lord Baltimore prepared to establish his first permanent settlement in Maryland. He fitted out two vessels, which he named the "Ark" and the " Dove," and collected a body of two hundred emigrants, nearly all of them of his own faith, and gentlemen of fortune and respectability, who, like himself and his father, wished to rear up their altars with freedom in the wilderness. 1 The colonists were commanded by Lord Calvert, whom the Lord Proprietary, his brother, had appointed Governor of Maryland — the Lord Proprietary intending to remain in England for a time, to superintend in person the interests of the settlement, and to send out additional emigrants. November 22d, being St. Cecilia's day, the "Ark" and the " Dove" weighed 1633. anchor from Cowles in the Isle of Wight; and on the 24th day of February, they came in sight of Point Comfort in Virginia, and after spending eight or nine days in the colony of Virginia, again set sail on the 8th of March, steering for the mouth of the Potomac, to which they gave the name of St. Gregory. They had now arrived at the land of- their adoption, were delighted with the wide expanse of the noble bay, and the majestic river upon whose shores they were about to rear up a State, and they returned thanks to God for the beautiful land he had given them — for this was Maryland. An impression prevails that the colony of Maryland had the honor of a mint, and that the coins we have described were its products. The following, from a paper read before the Historical Society of Maryland by S. F. Streeter, Esq., sets the question at rest. "At a counsell held at Bushwood, Mr. Slye's howse in St. Mary's county, on Saturday, the 3d of March, 1659-60, " Present : the Gov. Josiah Fendall, Esq., Philip Calvert, Esq., Secretary, Thomas Gerrard, Esq., Coll. John Price, Robert Clarke, Esq., Col. Nathaniell Utye, Baker Brooke, Esq., Doct. Luke Barber. " Then was read his L'd'p's letter, directed to his Lieutenant and Counsell, dated 12th of October, and directed to the Secretary, touching the Mint, as followeth, viz. : "After my hearty commendations, &c. Having, with great pains 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 1 Burnap, Bowman, and McMahon. COLONIAL COINS. 67 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 Governour and Secretary ; or as neere it as you can procure from the Assembly, and to give me your advice next yeare touching what you think best to be further done in that matter touching coyne ; for if encouradgement 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 Philip Calvekt, Esq., at St. Mart's, in Maryland. " I sent a sample of the Maryland money, with the directions for procuring it to pass, because I understood, by letters this yeare from the Governour, 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 currant there, and an utter discouradgement for the future supply of any more, if there be not a certain establishment this yeare, and an assurance of its being vented and currant there, yet it must not be imposed upon the people, but by a Law there made by their consents in a General Assembly, which I pray faile not to signify to the Governour and Councell there together from me, by shewing them this letter from Your most affectionate Brother, C. Baltemore." London, 12 October, 1659. " Ten days after the reception of his Lordship's letter, 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 Baltimore, to concentrate all power in themselves. They were probably incited to 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 instructions, the coins were not to be forced upon the people ; on the contrary, he would not consent to their introduction until the people, G8 COLONIAL COINS. by their representatives, had not only expressed their assent, but had even invited their emission. " Philip Calvert received his commission to act as Governor in November, 1660, and complied as promptly as possible with the wishes and instructions of his brother. In April following, an Assembly was held at St. John's, and, at his instance, an act was drawn up and passed 'for setting up a mint within the province of Maryland.' ''After a preamble, setting forth the fact that the want of money is a great hindrance to the advancement of the colony in trade and prosperity, the Burgesses agree to the following enactments : I. " That his lordship be petitioned to set up a mint for the coinage of money within the province. II. " That the money coined therein be of as good silver as English sterling money. III. " That every shilling so coined weigh above nine-pence in such silver ; and other pieces in proportion. IV. " That the offences of clipping, scaling, counterfeiting, washing, or in any way diminishing said coin, be punishable with death, and forfeiture of lands, goods, &c, to the Lord Proprietary. V. " That his lordship receive said coins in payment for rents and all amounts due to him. "These proceedings were transmitted to the Proprietary in England; upon receipt of which, he prepared to send to the colony a sufficient quantity of coin to supply its wants. The main object was, at once, to throw a considerable amount into circulation, and to this end, the aid of the Assembly was again invoked. "At the session of April, 1662, an act was passed, requiring every householder and freeman ' to take up ten shillings per poll of the newly issued coin, for every taxable under their charge and custody, and pay for the same in good cashed tobacco, at two- pence per pound, to be paid upon tender of the said sums of money, proportionally for each respective family.' " 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 transactions ; and many of the public dues were still collected in tobacco, and not in coin. What COLONIAL COINS 69 was the amount of this new currency at any time after, we have no means of ascertaining; neither do we know when it began to be disused. Nearly ten years after, in 1671, Ogilby states there were in circulation in the colony, beside English and other foreign coins, some of his Lordship's own coins, as groats, sixpences, and shillings. " From the title of the act of Assembly of 1661, in Bacon's laws of Maryland, some have inferred that a mint was established, and that the coinage was actually done in Maryland ; but there can be no doubt that the coins were struck in England, under the supervision of the Lord Proprietary, and transmitted to the Governor, as circum- stances made it necessary or convenient." That the people of this colony, like those of every other of English origin on this continent, were restive under any other authority than their own, is evidenced by the attempt of Governor Fendall and his associates to revolutionize and rid the colony of its dependence upon the Lord Proprietary. We think it not improbable, had Fendall succeeded, the colony would have had a mint of its own, and many other advantages for which they were dependent upon Lord Baltimore. Lord Baltimore, in all his acts, manifested great kindness, consideration, and justice, toward the colonists; but the atmosphere in this continent — then, as now — appears to have been unsuited to any other relation, between men, than that of entire freedom, which was, and continues to be, apparently uncompromisable upon any conditions, or for any considerations whatever. Tin Piece. Device. — King James II. on horseback, with his name and titles. 1690. Reverse.— VAL. 24. PART. REAL. HISPAN". around four shields disposed as a cross, bearing the arms of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Prance. (See Plate VII., Figure 1.) This piece was issued by James II. for the American plantations, where the Spanish dollar chiefly circulated, with its parts, reals, and half-reals. In 1718, under George L, and, subsequently, under George II., a similar issue was made for British purposes in the East Indies. They were termed " Tutanique pice," were of tin and very light. The obverse bore a large crown, above which are the letters G. R, and below, BOMB. The legend, "Auspicio Regis et Senatus Anglise," with the date, " 1718," occupied the whole reverse. There were also half-pice, which have on one side, " 1739, $ P.," and on the other, E. I. Though we have British authorities to show that this currency was prepared for the American colonies, still it could not have been received with much favor ; as we 70 COLONIAL COINS. have no knowledge of the existence in this country of a single specimen which has not latterly been imported. The mines of Cornwall, furnishing, as they did, to the ancient Britons, who used tin as currency, an abundant supply of the raw material, the British government undoubtedly came to the conclusion, not only that the operation would be a profitable one, but that tin money was good enough for such " outside barbarians" as the American colonists and the natives of its East Indian possessions. Carolina Half-penny. 1694. Device. — An elephant standing, and facing the left. Reverse. — Cod preserve Carolina, and the Lord Proprietors. Exergue. — 1694. (Size 8. See Plate VII., Figure 2.) This coin made its appearance according to the date, 1694, during the reign of William and Mary, and has no claim to be of domestic manufacture. It was undoubtedly intended as a currency, which it became for the Carolina colonies, and which, at that time, had made some progress toward stability. It is composed of brass, and from its resemblance to the London half-penny, is presumed to be of the same origin — the latter having been engraved, as Snelling states, by the much celebrated Roctiers. The specimens — four in number — that have come under our observation are in an excellent state of preservation. The London half-penny, like many other coins, is mysterious in its inception, or the original purposes intended to be subserved by it, except we impute it both to necessity and speculation ; the former of which very naturally stimulated the latter with but little regard to either law or prerogative. The following description and history of the London half-penny may not prove to be uninteresting in this connection. Device. — An elephant standing, and facing the left. Reverse. — The shield with the Cross of St. George, and sword of St. Paul in the first quarter, as borne by the arms of the city of London. A star above and below the shield, and the name London divided, and placed on either side of the shield. This type is very rare, and it appears in a half-penny of Charles II. The reverse of another type has the same shield — the upper star wanting — the legend being London, God preserve. The elephant on the obverse is the same in all, and it has been suggested that it was the badge of the Royal African colony. Snelling thought they were struck for the West India colonies, but the arms of the city of COLONIAL COINS. 71 London on the reverse would raise a doubt relative to the correctness of any such thought or conclusion. Coins were struck for Bombay in 1678, and as the description of the same is unknown, it may help to solve the mystery of the elephant upon the half-penny, such symbol being peculiarly appropriate in connection with the British East India enterprises of that day. The Carolina half-penny, as we have described it, is the only light thrown upon a Carolina currency during the colonial administration, except that, on the 14th of July, 1748, Sir Alexander Cuming, Bart., presented a memorial to the Right Hon. Henry Pelham, &c, &c, in which he proposed, "in order to preserve the dependency of the British plantations in North America upon Great Britain, that the coins of Great Britain should be made the lawful current money of the said plantations, and also as the proper measure of value, not only there, but in all countries depending on the British crown and nation; and that £200,000 sterling should be coined at the Tower for that purpose, which sum was to be made the basis of a Provincial Bank for all the British plantations in America, in order that it may have the effect of abolishing the local currency of New England and Carolina, and also the clipped Spanish money in Jamaica and elsewhere." 1 Cuming's memorial failed, being considered visionary, and the author an enthusiast. This proposition, viewed from this point of time, was far from being visionary, while, at the same time, its author's national enthusiasm was not only sagacious, but commendable ; for we can now see, that if the colonies had been bound to the mother country by so admirably a constructed money power, their extrication from the political power of the mother country would have been more difficult ; as there is no " entangling alliance" so hard to sever, between man and man, as that of a pecuniary character, with the intimately selfish and friendly relations which it begets. We also find that, in 1753, a proposal was made to the mother country, by Arthur Dobbs, Esq., Governor of North Carolina, to coin copper money for the colony, which was to consist of half-penny, one penny, and two-penny pieces of its currency, which was in the proportion of its value to that of England, as four to three. The quantity to be determined by the Governor and Council, but not to exceed fifty tons. The colony to deliver the copper at the mint, to pay all expenses and fees attending the coinage, and to be permitted to have such a device as should be thought proper. The mother government, it appears, entertained the proposition, as it was sent by the Treasury to the officers of the mint for their consideration, who suggested that one- half of the amount coined should be in half-pence, of such a size as that sixty-one 1 Lyon's Environs of London, vol. iv. p. 21. 72 COLONIAL COINS. pieces should make one pound avoirdupois; that one-fourth should consist of two-penny pieces, and the other fourth of one penny pieces, of a proportional weight to the half- pence. The remedy to be one-forty-fifth part of a pound avoirdupois, and that, not by design, but accident. The coinage to be performed at the same price as those for Ireland, viz. : five pence per pound to the master of the mint, and twenty shillings per one hundred pounds to the comptroller. The proposition as expressed to be observed, as any increase of half-pence would increase the expense. One side of the different coins to have the king's effigies, with GEORGIVS II. REX.; on the reverse, the arms of North Carolina inscribed SEPT. CAROLINA, and under it the date of the year. 1 This proposition of the North Carolina Governor, though well matured, was never carried into execution. It was undoubtedly fortunate for the colonies that this, and similar schemes for apparently facilitating the internal industry and commerce of the country, failed to be readily and zealously seconded by the mother country ; as it had the effect to throw them more particularly upon their own resources, which gradually induced a spirit of self-dependence; subsequently, brought about a separation from the parent government, and, finally, confirmed them as an independent nation and people. New England Half-penny. 1694. Device. — An elephant facing to the left. Reverse. — God preserve New England. Exergue. — 1694. This coin made its appearance in the early part of the year 1694, in the reign of William and Mary. The object of its emission or the place of its coinage is not positively known; but it is supposed to have been got up in London as a private enterprise, originating — which, cannot be told — either in London or the colonies. The speculation must have been unsuccessful, as it cannot be found in any of the cabinets in this country, which would not have been the case if it had ever acquired the character of a currency. It was made of brass, and the obverse agreed precisely with the London half-penny. This coin is similar to that struck for Carolina, and which will be found recorded under its proper head. 1 Snelling's views of coins struck in the West India colonies, p. 40. COLONIAL COINS. 73 Louisiana Copper. Device. — <^> . L. L. crossed diagonally — probably denoting Louis and Louis- iana — surmounted by a crown. 1721-22. Legend.— -SIT ■ NOMEN • DOMINI • BENEDICTUM. i^erse.— COLONIES • FRANCOISES. Exergue.— 1721. H. (Size 7. See Plate VIL, Figure 3.) Of this coin there were four types and six varieties, three of which were issued in 1721, and one in 1722. This coin was struck in France, under Louis XV., for the colony of Louisiana, and was ordered to be paid to the king's troops, and also to be a legal tender at the " India Company's" stores. Though these and other coins were sent over in comparatively large quantities for the expenses of the colonial government, this means of remittance, from thence to the mother country — the agricultural products being limited — caused it to be either exported or hoarded, nearly as fast as received. The usual embarrassments flowing from such a state of affairs, were imposed upon the colonists, and they found themselves deprived, in a great measure, of a circulating medium. This state of affairs continued a number of years, when, by an edict of Louis XV., which bears date the 19th day of September, 1735, the depreciated paper money issued by the " India Company," and then in circulation, was called in, and an emission of " card money" — billet des cartes — to the amount of two hundred thousand livres, was substituted for it. This " card money" was ordered to be received at the king's warehouse for ammunition or anything else sold there ; or in exchange for drafts on the Treasury of the Marine in France, and it was also a lawful tender. Cards were issued, representing the denominational sums of twenty, fifteen, and five livres ; fifty, twenty-five, twelve and a half, and six and a quarter sous, thus assimilating and accommodating the currency to that of the British colonies, viz. : four, three, and two dollars, and one dollar ; halves, quarters, and eighths of a dollar. Any denomination of card money of fifty sous and upwards required the signatures of the Governor and Ordonateur of the province — the others, merely the parapJie or flourish of those officials. Nine years elapsed, and the royal promises to pay became as worthless as their more modest predecessors. The depreciation was so great, that three hundred livres of paper would command but one-third of that amount in coin. The result of paper money in Louisiana was the same as in all other provinces 10 74 COLONIAL COINS. colonies, States, or nations, under similar circumstances. A subject State or nation — so by force or voluntary policy — must necessarily sacrifice the fruits of its advantages, labor, and intellect, to the country or government to which it occupies such a relation. Hence, it must become involved in debt; as nothing can prevent it but the entire control over, and diversification of its labor, so that it may be independent in itself for everything which its means will not enable it to buy abroad. It is, and ever has been, the policy of parent States, towards their colonies, to render them entirely dependent upon them; and hence losing sight of a proper economy or mutual interest, they have driven them, as in the case of the British colonies in America, to a resistance which eventuated in their independence. All depreciations of paper money are based upon the fact, that the people issuing it have not provided for its redemption by limiting their expenses, whether national or individual, to their income. In such cases, however, they are only proper subjects of sympathy, where their condition, being such, is an involuntary one. On the 27th of April, the Council of State of the mother country declared that the condition of the finances of the province was prejudicial to the finances of the government; hence, the progress of commerce and the welfare of the colony. It therefore determined to call in the card money at the rate of one hundred livres for every two hundred and fifty of the same issued. This redemption or exchange was not through the medium of specie, but by drafts on the French treasury, subjecting the holder thereby to the loss of a discount upon the same for ready money. It was further provided, that all pasteboard money, not brought in for exchange or redemption within two months, subsequent to the promulgation of the edict, should be deemed to be irredeemable and void. In justification of this high-handed measure, it was urged by the government that it did not feel under obligations to redeem these notes at par, because they had been given in many instances to meet expenses and liquidate claims, which had been increased in proportion to the actual or anticipated depreciation of the currency in which they were paid. It is related of Charles Lamb, that upon his return to London, from a visit he had been making in Dublin, he was asked how he was pleased with it ? His reply was, very much ; as it had settled a question which had previously disturbed his mind, and that was, what the beggars of London did with their old clothes. Where Texas acquired the precedent, and the reasons for refusing to pay her debt in full, is now equally clear; as her statesmen must have been examining the cast off habiliments of the French monarchy, or poring over the dusty volumes of her Louisiana province's history, with the logic of which, and its practical application by Louis XV. to his colonial creditors, they must have been particularly impressed and well pleased. COLONIAL COINS. 75 ROSA AMERICANA. Penny Piece. Device. — A bust of George I. ; head laureated, and facing to the right; the neck uncovered. 1722. Legend.— GEORGIUS • D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET • HLB : REX Reverse. — A large full-blown rose in the centre of the field. Legend.— ROSA • AMERICANA • 1722. Exergue.— UTILE • DULCI ■ (Size 9. See Plate VII., Figure 4.) Half-penny. Device. — A bust of George I. ; head laureated, and facing to the right ; the neck uncovered. Z^end.— GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX. Reverse. — A large full-blown rose in the centre of the field. Legend.— ROSA ■ AMERICANA -..'; UTILE • DULCI • 1722. >; (Size 7. See Plate VII., Figure 5.) Farthing. Devioe. — A bust of George I. ; head laureated, and facing to the right; the neck uncovered. .Z^end.— GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX. Reverse. — A large full-blown rose in the centre of the field. Legend.— ROSA ■ AMERICANA • UTILE ■ DULCI • 1722. < : (Size 6. See Plate VII., Figure 6.) Penny Piece. Device. — A bust of George I. ; head laureated, and facing to the right ; neck uncovered. 1723 Legend.— GEORGIUS • D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET • HIB : REX. Reverse.— A large full-blown rose in the centre of the field, surmounted by the crown. Legend.— ROSA • AMERICANA • 1723. Exergue.— UTILE • DULCI • (Size 9. See Plate VLT., Figure 7.) Half-penny. Device.— A bust of George I. ; head laureated, and facing to the right; neck uncovered Legend.— GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX. Reverse.— A full-blown rose in the centre of the field, surmounted by the crown Legend.— ROSA ■ AMERICANA • 1723. Exergue.— UTILE • DULCI • (Size 7. See Plate VII., Figure 8. 76 COLONIAL COINS. Farthing. Device. — A bust of George I. ; head laureated, and facing to the right ; neck uncovered. Legend.— GEORGLUS ■ DEI ■ GRATIA • Reverse. — A large full-blown rose in the centre of the field, surmounted by the crown. Legend.— ROSA • AMERICANA • 1723. Exergue. -UTILE • DULCI ■ (Size 6. See Plate VII., Figure 9.) We would observe that there is a joenny which agrees in every particular with that of 1722, previously described, except that it is without a date. We must conclude, therefore, that it was an unfinished pattern piece or counterfeit, which some speculator- has had struck off; as we have heard of a number of such pieces in numismatical collections. Penny. 1733. Device. — A bust of George II. ; head laureated, and facing in a reverse position to the others — left; the neck uncovered. Legend.— GEORGIUS II • D ■ G ■ REX • Reverse.— ROSA ■ AMERICANA ■ 1733. Exergue.— UTILE • DULCI • (Size 9. See Plate VII., Figure 10.) ROSA AMERICANA. Legend. 1722. Penny. GEORGIUS • D : G : MAG : BRI : FRA : ET HIB : REX • .2 6 Half-penny. GEORGIUS • DEI • GRATIA • REX 2 4 Farthing. " " « " 3 7 1723. Penny. The same as above. ......... 2 4 Half-penny. a a a 2 5 Farthing. " " " 3 6 1733. Penny. GEORGIUS II. D- G REX. . ...... 1 1 Owing to the limited number of specimens of these coins which have been preserved in our cabinets, or are known and accessible, we can give only such information as an examination of them discloses. The above types and varieties, the only attempt at a classification of them we have seen, may or may not be full, as we have no precedent or other means for deciding. We think it probable the number of the same may be increased, and hope that more light may be thrown upon this interesting coin by others. COLONIAL COINS. 77 In one of the varieties of the Rosa Americana half-penny of 1722, in our possession, the letter V is used instead of the modern U, thus: VTILE DVLCI; and the punctuation after ROSA AMERICANA in this piece is a rose of six dots. The farthing we have described also varies from the ordinary pieces, of that denomination, of 1722 ; as, upon the latter, it reads on the obverse, GEORGIUS D : G., and on the reverse, ROSA- AMERL, thus making totally distinct types and varieties. We have lately seen a farthing of the date of 1723, with the full blown rose upon the reverse, without the crown, the legend on the same not being abbreviated as is common on the farthings of that year; also, a half-penny of 1724, whose legend is ROSA- AMERL These specimens are very rare. The rose appears to have been a favorite emblem in both ancient and modern times. It was the flower of Venus, and was consecrated by Cupid to Harpocrates, the god of silence, and hence became, mjthologically, his symbol. In English history, in the feuds between the rival houses of York and Lancaster, the white rose was the badge of the former, and the red rose, of the latter. During the reign of Henry VIII., a rose, surmounted by a crown, appeared upon the golden crown and the silver groat ; under the reign of Edward VI., it embellished sixpences and shillings, and in the reigns of Elizabeth and James, it occupied one face of the golden angel — a coin bearing on the other face the figure of an angel, 1 which coin had different values under different princes, but which now is an imaginary sum or money of account, implying ten shillings sterling. In the reigns of Charles I. and II., the rose was placed upon crowns, half-pence, and rupees — the latter an East Indian denomination of money — and upon the Irish black money ; in the reign of George I., the rose, separately, and surmounted by the crown, occupied the reverse upon the "Rosa Americana;" in that of George II., it was continued upon the " Rosa Americana," and also beautified the crown, half-crown, shilling, and sixpence ; in that of George IV., it held a place upon the crown and shilling, and it also now graces the beautiful crown piece of the present sovereign of Great Britain — Queen Victoria. Of the British tokens, issued during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, forty of them bear the emblem of the rose ; and the jottons or counters, issued at Nurembur°-h duriag the reign of Charles V., have the rose upon the obverse. The patent for the coining of the " Rosa Americana" was granted to one William Wood in 1722, who, in connection with Kingsnell Eyres, Esq., a Mr. Marsland a 1 Skinner says, the device was impressed upon it in allusion to an observation of Pope Gregory the Great ■who, seeing some beautiful English youths in the market at Home, asked who they were ; beinc told they were Angli — English — he replied, they might rather be called angeli — angels. 78 COLONIAL COINS. hardware dealer in Cornwall, and others, was engaged in the scheme for supplying the American colonies with a copper currency. Wood also had a patent for Ireland, for what were denominated the " Wood half-pence." An investigation of the patent, growing out of the extreme cupidity of Wood, who, by attempting to defraud the people of Ireland, by making thirteen shillings out of a pound of copper or brass, which caused the total rejection by them of his issues, developed the fact, that the profits arising from this patent were to have been shared with the Duchess of Kendall, one of the frail, but captivating beauties, who reflected their radiance upon the character of George I. This circumstance was too rich in material not to attract the particular attention of Dean Swift, who used it at the time to give point to some poetical effusions, and, consequently, to indulge in full his proclivity for satire. The dies for the " Rosa Americana" were engraved in London, and the coin was struck off at the French 'Change in Hog Lane, sign of the " Seven Dials," by an engine that elevated and precipitated a weight upon the metal planchets when in a heated state, thought to be at the time the best method for coining bath metal of which it was composed. Some of this coin was sent to New York, under the charge of a Mr. Winthrop, and though really very beautiful, it appears, as a speculation, to have been unsuccessful, for whatever may have been the fate of others in connection with it, it ruined Mr. Marsland, in whose cellar were found large quantities of it, which had not for a long time seen the light till thus exhumed. The letters patent for the " Rosa Americana" specified pennies, half-pennies, and farthings, of the value of the coins of Great Britain. We have only been able to discover five types. The first series were issued in the reign of George I., in 1722 ; in 1723 the type was altered, as the descriptions and fac-similes show, by surmounting the rose with a crown. It is stated that, in 1724, a full series of these coins were issued; but we have only been able to discover the farthing, rendering the emissions of the other denominations problematical. The penny without date, we have noticed, we consider as a pattern piece of 1722; but the penny piece of 1733, which we have described, is a rare specimen of that coin issued in the reign of George II. Of this penny, we have never learned of the existence of but four specimens, which were, until lately, in the cabinets of England. For a fac-simile of it we are indebted to Snelling and Ruding, who derived it from the cabinet of Thomas Hollis, Esq., whose collection was sold at auction in London, on May 18th, 1817, when this piece brought the sum of £6, 6s.; another specimen in COLONIAL COINS. 79 the collection of Marmaduke Trattle, Esq., commanded the sum of £3, Is., in 1832; the third is in the celebrated collection of the British Museum, and the fourth was purchased in England for the sum of £7, or thirty-five dollars, for Charles J. Bushnell, Esq., of New York city, unfortunately placed on board of the steamer Arctic, to be transmitted to him, on her last and fatal voyage, and its pigmy proportions are now added to the vast accumulations that lie imbedded in the sands of the Atlantic ocean. Geanby Copper. Device.— A deer standing in a circle, and facing to the left. 1737. Legend.— SS- WALUE . ME . AS . YOU . PLEASE ^ Exergue. — III. Reverse.— Three sledge-hammers, surmounted by a crown. Legend.-m- I ■ AM . GOOD . COPPER. : : : . -V. • : • : Exergue. — 1737. y (Size 8.) Device.— A deer standing in a circle, and facing to the left. Legend.- ®W CONNECTICUT. Exergue. — HI. Reverse. — Three sledge-hammers, surmounted by a crown. Legend.-m~ I . AM . GOOD . COPPER, i : : . .V. . : : : Exerque. — 1737. (Size 8.) Device. — A deer standing in a circle, and facing to the left. Legend.— YALUE . ME . AS . YOU . PLEASE 2*1 Exergue. — III. Reverse. — A broad-axe. Legend.— as* J . CUT . MY . WAY . THROUGH. Exerque. — 1737. (Size 8.) There is an issue precisely like the preceding, except that it is without a date. Device. — A deer standing in a circle, and facing to the left. 1739. Legend.— jf@= YALUE . ME . AS . YOU . PLEASE. Exergue. — III. 1 Spelt in this single type as represented. Subsequent examples show it must have been an oversight ; and that Connecticut, the home of Noah Webster, was not so defective in its orthography, as such a spelling would indicate, even before his appearance. 80 COLONIAL COINS. Reverse. — Three sledge-hammers, surmounted by a crown. Legend.— I . AM . GOOD . COPPEE. • : : . .V. . : ; : (See Plate VII., Figures 11 and 12.) Of this copper, there are five types, viz. : Device. Legend. Bate. Three sledge-hammers Value me as you please 1737. " " " Connecticut. " Broad-axe. Value me as you please " " " " " " " No date. Three sledge-hammers " " " " 1739. The similarity between these coppers is so great, that we denominate them without varieties. They were stamped upon planchets of the purest copper, and, in consequence, were in demand by goldsmiths for alloy. The trade of a blacksmith, ever since Vulcan was engaged in forging thunderbolts, has given to the world some very remarkable men ; and it affords us great pleasure, at this time, to be able to contribute toward immortalizing one of the craft, who not only devised, but manufactured a currency. We have seen it stated, that Mr. Highley, the author of these coppers, was an ingenious blacksmith, who resided in the town of Granby, Connecticut — hence the name, " Granby Copper" — and that with all the notions of utility, which he naturally derived from the anvil, he was also ambitious of making a little fame for himself beside. He has certainly left evidences of having been an artist, as well as a financier ; for the creations of his genius and skill were, for the times, well executed, and they also became a currency. Subsequently, we are informed, his cupidity led him into the hazardous experiment of illegally imitating other's issues, which, being discovered, we regret to say, deprived him of a portion of the laurels that had previously encircled his brow. These coppers bear the symbols of their origin, with a due regard to royalty on some of them — the sledge-hammers being surmounted by crowns — a something very apparent to the minds of the colonists, but which did not always command their sincere reverence. These coins, at this time, grace but few cabinets, having been so generally impaired by wear — from being stamped upon unalloyed copper — as to be rarely found sufficiently perfect. We were favored by lately finding in New York city an electrotype which was perfect, but we were not so fortunate as to be able to trace it to the original. Mi AT* VII. L N, Rosenthal Jj-th Ehflncl-J COLONIAL COINS. 81 Having given one version of the origin of the Granby copper, we must not omit to state that the " learned professions" have a claim that its honor lies with them. This plain Mr. Highley, blacksmith, as we have denominated him, being, by another authority, transformed into an M. D., who, if he were the originator and manufacturer of these coins, evidenced a much greater proclivity for edge-tools than for Materia Medica. Florida Piece. Device.— The bust of Charles HI. of Spain, facing to the right, the hair flowing in ringlets over the neck, and clothed in regal costume. 1760. Legend.— CARLOS. ILL D. G. HISPAN • EEX. Reverse. — A large full-blown rose with leaf and bud, in a stem. Legend.— JYAN • ESTEVAN • DE PENA ■ FLORIDA 1760. (Size 9. See Plate YIIL, Figure 1.) This very curious, as well as interesting piece, is in silver, and is now in the cabinet of Joseph J. Mickley, Esq., of Philadelphia, who received it in the way of business as a half dollar; that being intrinsically about its value. It has naturally attracted much attention from those numismatologists who have become cognizant of its existence, and they have taken a deep interest in the origin of, and authority for, its emission ; but the archives of Spain throw no light upon it. It may have been designed as a currency for Florida, though the most natural construction we can put upon it is, that it was struck off as a medium between the colonial Governor and the Indians, it being known that titles were conferred, or commissions granted to their chiefs. We have been informed that one of these commissions is now preserved in Florida, which was found carefully located in the pouch of an Indian chief who was shot. This commission denominated him the chief of the medal ; and it indicates pretty clearly that if this piece was not designed as the emblem of an order of distinction among the aborigines, the Spaniards so applied it, after they became acquainted with their natural vanity. We think a similar piece cannot be found in any other cabinet in our country. Pitt Piece. Device. — A bust intended for Pitt, in citizen's plain dress, and facing to the left ; the hair in a cue. 1766 Legend.— THE RESTORER OF COMMERCE. Exergue.— NO STAMPS. 1766. Reverse. — A ship under full sail, on the stem of which appears AMERICA. Legend.— THANKS • TO • THE • FRIENDS • OF - LIBERTY • AND • TRADE. (Size 8. See Plate VIIL, Figure 2 ) 11 * ; 82 COLONIAL COINS. The country was indebted to the ubiquitous patriotism of Colonel Paul Revere, of Boston, Massachusetts, for this medalet, who originated and designed it, the artist being, it is said, a Mr. Smithers, of Philadelphia. The "stamp act" was passed March 22d, 1765, and repealed March 18th, 1766, through the instrumentality of Mr. Pitt, who maintained, with all his great ability and eloquence, that taxation was no part of the governing or legislative power which Parliament had a right to exert over the colonies ; and concluded with a motion, " that the stamp act be repealed totally, absolutely, and immediately." The bill received the sanction of the king on the 18th day of March, the stamp act being upon the statute book a few days less than a year. The admiration felt for Mr. Pitt, for the noble stand he had taken in behalf of the just rights of the colonists, led to the emission of this medalet, which was about the size of a quarter of a dollar, evidently gotten up with much haste, and composed of an inferior quality of brass. As an emblem of gratitude to Mr. Pitt, and a manifestation of popular feeling in the colonies, it possessed all the value that the purest gold could have conferred upon it. The night after the passage of the " stamp act," Doctor Franklin, then in London, wrote to Charles Thompson : " The sun of liberty is set; you must light up the candles of industry and economy." Mr. Thompson replied : " Be assured we shall light up torches of quite another sort." Nothing occurred in the history of the colonies that excited such a deep feeling of dissatisfaction, and united and determined opposition to the mother country, as the stamp act; and which continued not only unabatedly, but progressively, till its repeal. Everything was undertaken that genius could devise, or human will accomplish against it, except a resort to arms. Virginia first, and, afterwards, all the rest of the colonies, declared against the right of Great Britain to tax America. It was this act that imbued Patrick Henry with the patriotic fire which gave rise to that memorable episode in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, in which he asserted that the king, in assenting to the act for taxing the colonies, had acted the part of a tyrant ; and alluding to the fate of other tyrants, he exclaimed : " Caesar had his Brutus, Charles I. his Cromwell, and George III." — he was interrupted by the cry of " treason" — pausing for a moment, he deliberately concluded — "may profit by their example; if this be treason, make the most of it." Non-importation agreements were entered into ; combinations formed against eating lamb, in order to increase the growth of wool, and among the ladies, renouncing every kind of luxury imported from Great Britain. This practical patriotism soon brought the mother country to its senses ; and we venture to suggest, though by some it may COLONIAL COINS. 83 be denominated " treason," that in the lack of Federal disposition to protect the industry of our country virtually against foreign taxation — similar measures, on the part of the people, would soon consolidate its industry, and restore it to real prosperity. Louisiana Copper. Device. — A laurel wreath surmounted by a crown. An oval ring of dots enclosing the letters R. F., in the centre of the field. 1767. Legend.— SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM + Exergue. — 1767. Reverse. — Two sceptered fleurs crossed. Legend.— COLONIES. FRANCOISES. Inscription. — L XV. (Size 8. See Plate Vm., Figure 3.) This coin was gotten up in France by the Government for a copper currency, to be circulated in its Louisiana colonies, where it appears to have been stamped by the officials with the letters " R. F." — undoubtedly denoting royal favor — and for which the poor colonists were constrainedly thankful ; having no means of ameliorating their condition but by apparent gratitude for every aid extended to them, and prompt submission to the royal authority. Of this coin there is but one type; that is composed of good copper, and well executed. It is a rare piece, and occupies a prominent place among the mementos of the past, in both France and Louisiana. Virginia Half-penny. Device. — Bust of George HI., neck uncovered, head laureated, facing to the right, and the hair in a cue behind. 1773 Legend.— GEORGIVS III. REX. Reverse.— Arms in an ornamented shield, surmounted by a crown: First, impalin°- Scotland ; second, France ; third, Ireland ; fourth, the Electoral Dominions. Legend.— VIRGINIA — divided by the shield. Exergue. — 1773 — divided by the crown. (Size 7. See Plate VILT., Figure 4.) Silver Hale-penny. 1774 The design the same. (Size 7. See Plate VILT., Figure 5.) Of the former, our information extends to six types, and of the latter, two. They are as follows : 2. a 3. a 4. u 5. u 6. a 74. 1. Legend. 2. .. 34 COLONIAL COINS. 17-73, Virginia Copper Half-penny. C Georgius III Rex 1. Legend.— j Georgius m Rex _ i arge p l an chet. Georgius III. Bex. Georgius III- Eex. Georgius. III. Eex. Georgius- III- Eex- Georgius • III • Eex . Silver Half-penny. -Georgius III Eex Georgius • III • Eex ■ These types are determined by the punctuation. That which has heretofore been denominated the Virginia penny, is nothing more than the type No. 1, struck upon a somewhat larger and thicker planchet, which occurs in no other type we have seen. The reverse being the same in all, there is no basis for varieties. These beautifully designed coins of copper and silver made their appearance according to date, were struck off in England, and designed for circulation in the Virginia colony. We can find no authority for their being of Governmental origin, and therefore incline to the opinion that, by the tacit consent of the authorities, they were the result of individual enterprise. The obverse is an exact copy of the gold coins of that period of time. The silver coins are very rare, but the copper are frequently met with among those now in circulation; their generally imperfect preservation, however, rendering them undesirable for cabinet collections. They were gotten up with an imperfect edge, and thicker in the centre, and hence have been the victims of serious abrasion. Some few years since, a quantity of these copper coins was dug up from the summit of the hill, on which the college now stands at Knoxville, Tennessee; and quite a number were exhumed from a locality near Easton, Pennsylvania, showing that they must have been extensively circulated, and have amply rewarded the projectors. From a paper read before the Historical Society of Maryland by S. F. Streeter, Esq., we learn, "that in November, 1645, the Governor, Council, and Burgesses, having maturely weighed and considered how advantageous a quoine current would be for the colony, and the great wants and miseries that do happen unto it by the sole dependency upon tobacco, resolved to take Spanish pieces of eight at six shillings, and other COLONIAL COINS. 85 Spanish coins in proportion ; and to introduce coins of copper from a colonial mint into circulation. " The people were, therefore, forbidden to use tobacco any longer as a circulating medium, and it was determined to coin pieces of the value of two, three, six, and nine-pence, for general use, to be redeemed by the public, in case it should become, from any cause, not current. On each coin there were to be two rings, one for a motto, and the other to receive an impression, which was to be changed every year. The appointment of a mint-master general, to superintend this formidable emission of copper, completed the grand financial measure of the day. " Whether it was ever carried into effect we are not informed ; but if it was, the conflicting legislation, the various expedients, and the depressed condition of the colony in after years, show that the new issue neither supplied the place of tobacco, nor met the wants of the community for purposes of convenience or traffic." This is not the only instance in the history of the colonies, in which necessity prompted a project for a currency which proved to be impracticable. Washington Piece. Device. — Thirteen oval dotted rings, in each of which is impressed one of the thirteen United States ; and in the centre of the field are the initials " G-. W." 1776. Legend.— LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT, in circular form around the " Gk W." Reverse. — Smooth. (Size 10. See Plate VIII., Figure 6.) This " piece" has been carefully preserved in a number of cabinets, and has been deemed rare. I have therefore described it, in order to dissipate the illusion that has heretofore existed in relation to it. It is simply a button manufactured in England, thus ornamented to flatter the pride of the Americans, and thereby assure large sales and a profitable speculation. On June 12th, 1855, a piece was sold in this city, denominated the Franklin penny, at a large price. On the obverse, it bore the bust of Franklin, cap on the head, and below the bust, " BALE," with a dog stamped in front of the bust. An old Revolutionary soldier lately informed us, that in his youth, large brass and copper buttons, bearing on their exterior surface the bust and name of distinguished men, were worn upon overcoats. The " Washington piece" was quite commonly in use, but was then what it was designed to be, a button. We regret exceedingly that we are compelled to deal thus summarily with what otherwise might have contributed much pleasure to those who are the possessors of what, at this time, may be deemed at least a very remarkable button. 86 COLONIAL COINS. It is thus established, that the love of gain overrides in many breasts every other sentiment; for foreign manufacturers and designers have not hesitated, at all times, to reflect upon themselves and their country, by placing upon their wares and merchandise any patriotic emblem or motto which they supposed would contribute to our pride or gratification, and, at the same time, fill their pockets. Continental Currency. 1776. Device. — The rising sun reflecting its rays upon a dial, with the word FUGIO at the left side. Legend.— M.IKD YOUR BUSINESS. Exergue.— CONTINENTAL CURRENCY, 1776, with a circle or ring around the edge. Reverse. — Thirteen small circles, connected like the links of a chain, in each of which is inscribed the name of one of the thirteen original States of the Union. Legend.— AMERICAN CONGRESS — in a ring — central to the thirteen — and in the centre of the same — WE ARE ONE. (Size 12. See Plate VIII., Figure 7.) There were two distinct types of this " continental currency," and five varieties. In one variety the letter R is added in the inner circle; on the reverse, AMER N CONGRESS instead of AMERICAN CONGRESS. By whomever designed, this coin or medal unburdened the patriotic genius of some one, and it was eminently worthy of the glorious period whose date it bears. It was in itself a treatise, in the then condition of our country, in behalf of liberty ; and contrasted now with the more artistic, but much less vigorous, designs upon the present coinage of our national mint, is worthy of imitation. Our forefathers neglected no opportunity which offered for stimulating the patriotism of the people ; for their coins and paper money bore emblems and mottoes calculated to inspire love of country and love of liberty in the every day relations of both business and pleasure, of which money was, as now, the medium. With all our admiration for this coin or medal, we have not been able to determine that it was designed for, or that it became to any great extent, a currency. As it made its appearance only in white metal, the idea is strengthened thereby that it was in reality a medal, struck off to commemorate the bold, fearless, and patriotic acts of the Congress that declared our country a free and independent nation. COLONIAL COINS. 87 Janus Copper. Device. — A head with, inverted faces. 1776. Legend.— STATE OF MASSA : J D. Reverse. — The Goddess of Liberty seated on the globe, holding in her right hand the liberty pole, and in the left the scales, emblematic of justice. Exergue. — 1776. (Size 6. See Plate VIIL, Figure 8.) Janus, the son of Apollo, went to Italy, where he planted a colony and founded a town, which he named Janiculum. He is represented, as is well known, with two faces, because, by the ancients, he was believed to be capable of relating all things of the past, and revealing everything in regard to the future. Hence, with the endowment of supernatural power, he was accepted by the Romans for a god, worshipped as such, and had a temple erected in his name, which was never closed except in a time of universal peace. History informs us, that it was closed but three times in a period of upwards of seven hundred years, during which time the Romans were engaged almost incessantly in war. This coin is in the collection of M. A. Stickney, Esq., of Salem, Massachusetts, to whom we are indebted for a fac-simile, and who informs us, that the die was gotten up and cut by the distinguished mechanic, patriot, and gentleman, Colonel Paul Revere, of Boston ; that he thinks it was designed for a currency, the value, half-pence, beino- impressed upon it, and that the head on the obverse was supposed to refer to the Whi°- and Tory parties of 1776. This is probably the only specimen of this coin to be found in our country, and it is consequently very rare and valuable. Janus upon an American coin invites speculation. As representing the Whi^ and Tory parties, it was truthful, for they looked different ways. Could the idea have been suggested, however, from the planting a colony and founding a town? The principles of liberty at this time — 1776 — were planted which resulted in the founding of an independent nation. That may have induced the idea, though we are inclined to think that its application was exclusively to the Tories ; as they looked one way, and thus attempted to disguise the fact that they were operating in a contrary direction ; so that with fair protestations in behalf of the liberty of the colonies, that sterling patriot, Colonel Revere, saw that Janus was their prototype, and hence his effigy was a fit emblem for a device illustrative of the fact and the Goddess of Liberty on the reverse, as the antidote or true symbol of devotion. 88 COLONIAL COINS. Massachusetts Coppers. 1776. Device. — The pine tree. Legend.— AMERICAN : LIBERTY : Reverse. — A harp. (Size 8. See Plate VIIL, Figure 9.) Device. — The American eagle, standing with extended wings — as if about to leave it — upon a crown. Around the margin thirteen stars. Reverse. — A large shield, surrounded by thirteen stars. (Size 7. See Plate VIIL, Figure 10.) We are indebted to M. A. Stickney, Esq., previously referred to, for fac-similes of the above described coins, who ventures the opinion, that they were .also designed and executed by Colonel Revere, of Boston. They are certainly novel to us, and aid much in developing the character and variety of the currency in circulation among, and the patriotic impulses that governed, the people of Massachusetts at that time. They were substantial indexes to the mother country of the determination of the colonists to set up for themselves — pine trees, eagles, &c, being no part of the insignia of royalty. Pine Tree Copper. 1776. Device. — A pine tree in the centre of the field. Legend.— MASSACHUSETTS STATE. Reverse. — A female seated on a globe, holding in her right hand an olive leaf, in her left, a. staff. Legend.— LIBERTY AND VIRTUE. JExergue.— 1776. (Size 9. See Plate VIIL, Figure 11.; By some, for want of particular history, such coins as this have been denominated medals. We think, however, in the absence of the needful currency, they were originated and prepared as a speculation — the captivating legends often rendering them acceptable for preservation ; and, in the matter of a copper, not much discrimina- tion or querulousness being manifested in regard to their reception as change." This coin, a description of which appeared in the tenth number of the " Historical Magazine and Notes and Queries," over the initials J. G., in whose collection it has a place, is otherwise unknown, so far as we have been able to learn, to numismatologists ; and, therefore, may be properly esteemed as both rare and valuable. It is of course made of copper, as its title indicates, and is nearly of the size of a half dollar. fJiATR. Villi. COLONIAL COINS. 89 U. S. A. Copper. Device. — Thirteen bars which run parallel to, and equidistant from, each other — typical of the thirteen United colonies or States. Reverse. — The letters U. S. A. (Size 7. See Plate VLTL, Figure 12.) One other emission, precisely the same. (Size 6.) Of the above coppers, there is but a single type and two varieties. They bear no date. It is asserted by some, they were issued in 1776 — favoring the idea, that the issue of a coinage at this time was intended as an endorsement of the Declaration of American Independence; by others, that they made their appearance in 1783 — the year of its recognition by Great Britain. They were, at any rate, merely a private enterprise, and we have learned, satisfactorily to ourselves, that they were really gotten up and struck off in Cherry street, in Philadelphia. As this location is the birthplace of the "Washington cent of 1791," it looks a little as if the Mr. Harper, therewith so prominently connected, might possibly have paid some attention to the art of coining, before the period when he became so famous. Non. Depen-dens. Status. Device. — A bust, facing to the right, hair plain and flowing, resembling an Indian chief. On the shoulder, in a small circle, is a flag and sword crossed, and 1778. in the angle, thus formed, are four fleur-de-lis — arms of France. On the breast is a small head with wings extending half-way up toward the shoulder. Legend.— ISO'S • DEPEN-DENS • STATUS • Reverse. — Full length figure of an Indian seated on a globe, around his loins an apron of feathers; in his right hand he holds a bunch of tobacco leaves, in the left a shield, on which is the American flag and a sword crossed, and in each angle, formed thereby, a fleur-de-lis, same as on the shoulder-knot on the obverse. Legend.— AMERICA.. Exergue.— VJH. (Size 8. See Plate VEIL, Figure 13.) An engraved piece, so elaborately designed as was this, we are sorry to say, is without a history. It certainly must have thoroughly taxed the powers of design of some one, to combine so many emblems, and, at the same time too, so suggestive of facts and ideas, upon a single copper. 12 90 COLONIAL COINS. In the absence, however, of authoritative emissions of a currency, nothing more natural than that the field of speculation for supplying it should have been occupied with every variety of an article which could meet the public taste, and thus open the way for a more important result, which, for many of these copper emissions, was fully realized. We found this specimen in the cabinet of Mr. Howard, of the city of New York, and it is the only one of the kind we have seen. Nova Constellatio. 1783. Device. — An eye, symbolical of Supreme power, reflecting its rays upon thirteen six-pointed stars, emblematic of the States of the confederacy ; and a single four-pointed star out of their circular line — the punctuation. Legend.— NOVA • CONSTELATIO * Reverse. — A laurel wreath, enclosing the letters U ■ S Legend.— -LLBERTAS <#> JUSTITIA • Exergue.— 11^. (Size 8. — Copper. See Plate IX., Figure 5.) Of the pieces issued in this year, we have found taree types and five varieties ; the former of which may be distinguished bv the punctuation of the legend on the obverse, as follows : Type 1.— * NOVA - CONSTELATIO " 2.— • NOVA - CONSTELLATIO « 3.— * NOVA • CONSTELLATIO In Type 1, the points of the rays terminate bluntly. 1783. Device. — An eye, symbolical of Supreme power, reflecting its rays upon thirteen sis-pointed stars, emblematic of the States of the confederacy. Legend.— NOVA CONSTELLATIO -1; Reverse. — A wreath, enclosing the letters U. S and 1000. Legend.— -LLBERTAS • JUSTITIA. Exergue. — 1783. (Size 8i— Silver. See Plate IX., Figure 2.) Another, same as the preceding, except that the mint-mark is a flower with three leaves, and 500 is enclosed in the wreath instead. Exergue. — 1783. (Size 7.— Silver. See Plate IX., Figure 3.) COLONIAL COINS. 91 Device.— An eye, symbolical of Supreme power, reflecting its rays upon thirteen six-pointed stars, emblematic of the States of the confederacy. 1785. Legend.— NOVA CONSTELLATIO Reverse.— The figure of Justice seated, supporting with her right hand a flag-staff, surmounted by the liberty cap— the flag drooping over the arm — and holding the scales in her left. Legend,— IMMUNE COLUMBIA • Exergue. — 1785. (Size 7.— Silver. See Plate IX., Figure 4.) Device.— An eye, symbolical of Supreme power, reflecting its rays upon thirteen six-pointed stars, emblematic of the States of the confederacy. 1785. Legend.— NOVA CONSTELLATIO Reverse.— The figure of Justice seated, supporting with her right hand a flag-staff, surmounted by the liberty cap — the flag drooping over the arm — and holding the scales in the left. Legend.— IMMUNE COLUMBIA. Exergue. — 1785. (Size 7.— Gold. See Plate IX., Figure 1.) The first of the pieces we have described, and represented by figure 5, in plate 9, is of copper ; those by the figures 2 and 3, same plate, were of silver, and formerly belonged to Charles Thomson 1 — a contemporary and particular friend of Benjamin Franklin — who was a very decided advocate of the just rights of the colonies, and distinguished himself greatly by his uniform patriotism. They were discovered, after the death of his son, which occurred, we are informed, some fifteen years ago, near Newark, Delaware, in the secret drawer of an old desk that formerly belonged to the father. They are now in the possession of a gentleman of this city, who values them very highly, not only as memorials of the past, but for their direct association with one of those noble men, whose visions were never obscured by anything that was, or could be, interposed between them and their country. 1 Mr. Thomson was born in Ireland, in 1729, and came to America when eleven years of age. He was chosen Secretary of the first Congress, assembled in Philadelphia, the duties of which he continued to discharge with great reputation to himself, and advantage to his country, until the close of the war. He assisted in the organization of the new government after the adoption of the Constitution, and was the person deputed to inform Washington of his nomination to the Presidency. Washington wished to retain him in the service of his country, but in his own words, " the suitable hour for his retirement had come." It is asserted, that he began the opposition to the " stamp act" in Pennsylvania. His death occurred in 1824. — Encyclopaedia Americana, vol. xii. 92 COLONIAL COINS. That represented by figure 4, plate 9, is also of silver ; it is in the cabinet of Joseph J. Mickley, Esq., of this city, and is very rare. The last described — to be found in Plate IX., figure 1 — is of gold, and is in the United States Mint of Philadelphia. These coins were also struck off in brass. Of the silver, there are specimens in different collections of coins in New York and Boston ; those of copper are common. They were undoubtedly gotten up in England, with special reference to being circulated in this country, and we have no doubt, relative to their being an American enterprise. The U. S., prominent upon the reverse, does not give them a claim to have been of home manufacture. They were a success, being extensively circulated throughout the country at that time ; but by whom issued, has ever remained a mystery. Mr. Felt, who possessed unusual facilities, and improved them, for investigating the currency of Massachusetts, where they first made their appearance, says : " I am unable to find any authority for their issue, though they are connected with the earliest remembrances and enjoyments of many now alive." This was about twenty years ago. We have examined several hundred specimens of the copper coins, but have found but three types and five varieties for this year. The types can be determined by the number of lines making a point in the rays of the meridian sun. In that, which we designate as the first type, there are seven lines, and in the second, but five. There does not appear to have been any issue of these coins in 1784. The gold and silver coinage presents but a single type and two varieties. Nova Constelatio. 1785. Device. — An eye, symbolical of Supreme power, reflecting its rays upon thirteen six-pointed stars, emblematic of the States of the confederacy. Legend.— NOVA CONSTELATIO Reverse. — A laurel wreath, enclosing the letters TJ. S. Legend.— -LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA- Exergue. — 1785. (Size 8. See Plate EX., Figure 6.) Of the copper coin issued in 1785, I have found three types and seven varieties. The types may be distinguished by the non-punctuation or punctuation of the legend on the obverse, thus : Type 1.— NOVA CONSTELATIO « 2.— NOVA. CONSTELLATIO * « 3.— NOVA * CONSTELLATIO. COLONIAL COINS. iKi Type 2 also differs from the others by the outer ends of the points or rays of the meridian sun terminating bluntly, while those that tend to the centre are pointed, thus changing the aspect of the blaze. Between each of the large points there are two smaller ones, making in all, thirty-nine points. The dates of these coins can be determined, when obliterated, by observing that the legend on the obverse of those of 1783, reads, LIBERTAS JUSTITIA, and on those of 1785, -LIBERTAS ET JUSTITIA- — the legend having but one L, thus: in CONSTELATIO. Georgijts Tkiumpho. Device.— A bust, the head laureated, and facing to the right. 1783. Legend.— GEORGIVS TRIUMPHO . Reverse,— -The Goddess of Liberty erect, facing to the left — holding a laurel branch in the right hand, and supporting the liberty pole with the left. In front of the figure, a frame, with fleur-de-lis at each corner, and on the field of the same, thirteen stripes, emblematic of the thirteen United States. Legend.— VOCE POPOLI Exerque. — 1783. (Size 8. See Plate IX., Figure 7.) Of this copper, known as the " Tory penny." we have found only one type and three varieties. It has a history. From the head of the bust, being an effigy of George III., and the legend, GEORGIVS TRIUMPHO, much hostility was manifested toward it at the time of its appearance ; the lingering evidences of which still prevail among those who possess or see it, the legend being supposed to refer to the triumph of George, the king, instead of George, the patriot. There being, at the time of its issue, no victory for his British majesty, but, on the contrary, the greatest triumph that has ever been achieved by man for his race, the acknowledgement of our national independence, no basis exists for prejudice against this harmless copper, not purely constructive. Gotten up in England, it is said to have made its first appearance in this country in Georgia, though we have found no evidence to show that it was designed for exclusive circulation in that State; which we are informed, unfortunately contained an undue proportion of the partizans of the British monarchy and its king — a circumstance calculated to excite and strengthen the impression that it was designed at least to reflect upon the triumph of the Revolutionary cause. We are informed, the feeling ran so high in Virginia and elsewhere against it, that many of them were mutilated and destroyed. We must, however, relieve the Tories 94 COLONIAL COINS. of Georgia, of that day, of any connection or complicity with either its origin or circulation. It is related of this unhappy class, that, about this time, it emigrated in a body to the Island of Jamaica, since which, those composing it have incurred by their sins — moral and physical — a condition of degeneracy which must ultimately result in their total extinction. A portion, perhaps the entire remnant of them, finally found a home at Key West, where they are known by the name of " conchs" — mere wreckers and fishermen, picking up a precarious living, and. who, by isolation and close intermarriage, are as distinguished for very moderate physical power and mental ability, as the lowest of the human species anywhere. In regard to the effigy upon this coin, it is not the only instance in the colonial currency, as this work discloses, where either carelessness, ignorance, or the want of something more appropriate, has given us a fac-siniile of the head of George III., as represented upon British coins; but, in our opinion, not designed to have any intended connection with the then living original, the numerals being left out, and thereby rendering the head as applicable in intention to George Washington as George De Este or Guelph. Further, the Goddess of Liberty with the pole, and the thirteen stripes — emblematic, clearly, at that date, of the States of the Union — were too distinctive of a fact that could not be ignored, to suppose that royalty or Torjdsm would adopt as emblems such distasteful evidences of their own humiliation. We trust then we have established the claim of the Georgitjs Teiuhpho to equal favor with its associate colonial coins. MARYLAND. Anapolis Shilling. 1783. Device. — A wreath enclosing two hands clasped. Legend.— J. CHALMERS . ANAPOLIS. Reverse. — In the field the figures of two birds, with a bough in their beaks. Legend.— ONE SHILLING-. Exergue. — 1783. (Size 5. See Plate IX., Figure 8.) Anapolis Sixpence. Device. — A wreath enclosing two hands clasped. Legend.— J CHALMERS ANAPOLIS. Reverse. — In the field the figures of two birds, with a bough in their beaks. Legend.— SIX PENCE. Exergue. — 1783. (Size 4. See Plate IX., Figure 9.) COLONIAL COINS. 95 Anapolis Three-pence. Device. — A wreath enclosing two hands clasped. Legend.— J CHALMERS ANAPOLIS. Reverse. — In the field the figures of two birds, with a bough in their beaks. Legend— THREE-PENCE. Exergue.— 1783. (Size 2. See Plate IX., Figure 10.) The above described coins were very well executed in sterling silver, and were issued by J. Chalmers, Annapolis, Maryland, as an individual speculation. From being seldom met with in cabinet collections, it is inferred their circulation was not very extensive. They, however, show to what difficulties the people were driven for a currency, and the creditable enterprise that sought to relieve them. Washington Cent. Device. — The bust of Washington in military costume, a star upon the epaulet, head laureated, and facing to the left, and the hair formed into a cue behind. 1783. Ze^end.— WASHES'GTOtf AND LNDIPENDENCE. Exergue. — 1783. The edge grained. Reverse. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, holding in the right hand the olive branch, and in the left the liberty pole, surmounted by the cap. Exergue. — " T. W. I." in small capitals on the left, and E. S. on the right hand side. (Size 8. See Plate Xn., Figure 2.) Device. — The bust of Washington in military costume, plain epaulet and buttons on the coat, head laureated, and facing to the left, and the hair formed into a cue behind. Legend.— WASHINGTON. Exergue. — An oblong star of eight points. Reverse. — Same as the obverse — bust of Washington, &c. Legend.— ONE CENT. Exergue. — An oblong star of eight points. (Size 7. See Plate XHL, Figure 2.) Of these coins we have found but the single types as described, and no varieties. The latter is without date, but as it appeared at the same time with the former, it is assumed to have been issued in the same year. The former, from the letters " T. W. I." and K. S. upon it, not only indicates a private enterprise, but a copartnership, so that the latter conforms in appearance more to a design for a regular currency. 96 COLONIAL COINS. Their origin is undoubtedly distinct, and though we have presented them under one head, " Washington cents," which name collectors and others seem disposed to give them, their claim to the same rests exclusively upon the adoption of the bust of Washington as a device. The fair inference is, that these cents or tokens were gotten up by American speculators in England, who, aware of the want of a currency, looked to the successful introduction of this at a large profit. This was undoubtedly realized, for there was such a scarcity of small change, that everything of that character was available. This state of affairs continued; as three years later, 1786, we find Massachusetts establishing her second mint, because she finds she cannot rely upon Congress for an adequate coinage. It appears that previous to 1783, there had been a lull both in the importation and manufacture of money, owing to some of the States having resorted to legislation for its suppression, in consequence of quantities of base coins making their appearance in circulation among the people, upon whom the loss must ultimately fall, they being issued without any known or avowed responsibility. The following action in Pennsylvania upon this subject will illustrate it : " Whereas divers ill-disposed persons have manufactured or imported into the States, quantities of base metals, in the semblance of British half-pence and other coins, but much inferior in value and weight to the genuine, to the great depreciation of those coin, therebj- oppressing the community in general and the poor in particular — such practices having a natural tendency to raise the necessaries of life, and introduce new confusions into the currency of the country, " We have, therefore, thought proper to prohibit, and do, hereby, strictly enjoin on all officers, employed in the receipt of taxes or other public dues, not to receive such base coins in any payment whatsoever, and to earnestly recommend to all faithful inhabitants of this State, to refuse it in payment, and by all other lawful means and ways discourage the currency thereof; and we do, in a special manner, direct any, and all Magistrates, Sheriffs and other officers within this State, to make enquiry after offenders in the premises, that they may be brought to a speedy and condign punishment. " Given by order of the Counsil, under my hand, and the less seal of the State of Pennsylvania, the 14th day of July in the year of our Lord 1781. Joseph Eeed, President. Albert Y. Matlack, Sect. COLONIAL QOINS. 97 Washington Token. Device. — The bust of Washington, with the head laureated, and facing to the left. 1783. Z^ewd.— WASHINGTON AND INDEPENDENCE. Exergue. — 1783. Reverse. — A wreath of laurel enclosing the words " ONE CENT." Legend.— UNITY STATES OP AMERICA. Exergue. — T ^ (Size 8. See Plate Nil., Figure 1.) This coin is known among some by the name of the " Unity cent" — called so foi the purpose of distinguishing it from others, bearing the bust of Washington, of the same date. Like all others whose origin is unknown, it has been the subject of much speculation, it being the pleasure of numismatologists to have a coin accompanied with a truthful history. Eelative to this piece then, we can offer nothing not purely conjectural, or of a very uncertain tradition. By some it is thought to have been designed and gotten up by Benjamin Franklin while in France, for circulation in America. It is stated too, with more probability, that it was gotten up and struck off by one John Kean, a dealer in coins, in Philadelphia, and that some, if not the whole of them, were moulded in fine sand, instead of being stamped. We incline decidedly to the latter opinion, because Philadelphia was at one time the parent of much unauthorized coin. We have never seen this coin in anything but brass. Device. — The bust of Washington in the Roman toga, head laureated, and facing to the left. 1783. Legend.— WASHINGTON & INDIPENDENCE. Exergue. — 1783. Reverse. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, holding in her right hand the olive branch, and supporting by her left the liberty pole, surmounted by the cap. Legend.— UNITED STATES (Size 8. See Plate XIIL, Figure 1.) This coin occurs frequently in copper, and in the cabinet of Joseph J. Mickley, Esq., of Philadelphia, we have found it in silver. 13 98 COLONIAL CO IX S. COXFEDERATIO COPPER. 1785. Device. — Thirteen radiating points, in the centre of which there are thirteen small stars. Legend.— COXFEDERATIO. Reverse. — An Indian chief, holding in his left hand a bow, in the right an arrow, and from the back depends a quiver. Standing at the right hand is an altar. Legend.— XMrniCXS A DOMIC A TYRAX~S. Exergue. — 1785. (Size 8. See Plate IX., Figure 11.) This copper is not only interesting in itself, but because it is very rare ; the specimen of which, in the cabinet of Charles J. Bushnell, Esq., of New York city, is probably the only one in America. It is well executed; and its peculiar rarity has induced us to conclude that it was a pattern piece, gotten up at the same time with the '" Nova Constellatio" in England. This, however, is mere conjecture, as it may possibly have been as extensively circulated as some others, but not as highly favored in regard to its general preservation. Our opinion is, that all these coins subserved a very useful purpose in their day, and though not a legally established, were still a tolerated currency. VERMONT. Yermoxts. Ees. Publica. 1785. Device. — An eye, symbolical of Supreme power, reflecting its rays upon thnteen six-pointed stars, emblematic of the States of the confederacy. Legend.— QUARTA • DECLMA ■ STELLA • Reverse. — The sun rising from behind the mountains ; in the foreground a plow. Legend.— YERMOXTS ■ EES • PUBLICA ■ Exergue. — 1785. (Size 8. See Plate IX., Figure 12.) Yermontensium. Res. Publica. 1786. Device. — An eye, symbolical of Supreme power, reflecting its rays upon thirteen six-pointed stars, emblematic of the States of the confederacy. Legend.— QUARTA • DECIMA ■ STELLA ■ Reverse. — The sun rising from behind the mountains ; in the foreground a plow. Legend.— VEEMOXTENSIUM • RES • PUBLICA • Exergue. — 1786. (Size 8. See Plate IX., Figure 13.) COLONIAL COINS. 99 Nothing could be more beautifully expressive than the device upon these coins. A supreme overruling power had truly cast the rays of approval upon the thirteen infant States of the American confederacy, in their contest for liberty and the just rights of humanity, against the then, as now, leading power of the world. The rays of Omnipotence protected them, and finally led them from vassalage to victory. The reverse upon these coins is equally appropriate ; the sun, emblematic of rising liberty, even beyond the distant mountains, and that implement of husbandry and emblem of peace — the plow — in the field beneath. Of the " Vermonts. Ees. Publica," 1785, there were two types and six varieties, the reflected rays on the obverse being in one pointed, and in the other obtuse ; the device the same. The " Vermontensium. Res. Publica," but one type and no variety. This currency bears the unmistakable impress of an American mind : it was well executed upon good copper, and also in an inferior metal. They are now quite valuable, because it is difficult to procure perfect specimens. In 1785, the legislature of Vermont granted to Reuben Harmon, Jr., the right to coin the copper money, we have been describing, for the period of two years. The mint for this operation was established in the town of Rupert. In 1786, the legislature extended Harmon's right to coin these coppers for eight years, from July, 1787. Harmon's association under the original grant, consisting of three others beside himself, added to it, under the extension, some half a dozen others. Thus organized, they agreed upon two mints or places for the manufacture of their coins ; one at Rupert, above named, in Bennington county, and the other, near " the great pond" in the county of Ulster. The subsequent emission of 1788 undoubtedly wound up the coining operations of this association. Vermon. Auctori. Device. — A bust in a coat of mail, head laureated. 1787. Legend.— VERMON AUCTOEI- Reverse. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, holding in her right hand the liberty pole, and in her left, the olive branch. Legend.— LNDE ET LIB. Lxergue. — 1787. (Size 7 and 8. See Plate IX., Figure 15.) Of the emission of this coin, we have only been able to discover three types and five varieties, which indicate that they made their appearance so late in this year, as to be superseded in a measure by the large coinage of 1788. In this way we account for their scarcity. The types and varieties were as follows : 100 COLONIAL COINS. Types. Position. Decoration. Varieties. 1. VEEMON AUCTORI Left Laureated 3 2. VERMON. AUCTORI Right " 1 3. VERMON AUCTORI ■ " 1 Tory Copper. 1785. Device. — The bust of George III., head laureated, and facing to the right. Z^end.— GEORGIVS ILL REX. Reverse. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, holding in her right hand the liberty pole, surmounted by the cap, from which droops over the right shoulder the flag, and in the left the scales of justice. Legend.— IMMUNE . COLUMBIA- Exergue. — 1785. (Size 8. See Plate X., Figure 1.) Two years after the acknowledgment of our independence by Great Britain, this coin — from the date — was thrust in some way upon republican America. It is peculiar that there should have been such persistence in doing what, at that time, could not have been agreeable to the mass of the people; and, then, in the designs — assuming a connection between George III. and the Goddess of Liberty — is an act difficult to be either comprehended or accommodated. There may have been, as undoubtedly there were, partizans of the British monarchy then living — in fact, we have heard of such specimens of mankind — with whom it was a difficult task to appreciate the blessings of self-government ; but the feelings or designs of such would hardly have exhibited themselves by the effigy of George III., on the obverse of a coin, and the Goddess of Liberty, with the liberty pole, cap, and scales of justice, on the reverse. Certain it is, that, at that day, there was much less connection between the British monarchy and liberty than now, when such emblems as the latter would not be tolerated. Hence, we are at a loss to comprehend the origin or motive for the coinage or issue of this piece. There, in the plate, however, is the fac-simile, speaking for itself, awakening associations and inviting speculations of the past. When we contemplate our condition as a nation and a people now, with what it was at the date of this coin — 1785 — and previously, under the old confederated govern- ment — involved in debt ; with the discontent that preceded the disbanding of the army, when it became necessary for Washington to preface his answer to its clamors by — after first wiping his spectacles — uttering the talismanic words : " My eyes have grown dim in the service of my country, but I never doubted her justice;" and the great dissatisfaction for want of immediate or undeveloped resources of every kind, which begat, and subsequently, openly showed itself in portions of New England — we r]L,ATK,, tt. K H..M>i,ihal.l,ii; COLONIAL COINS. 101 have much to be thankful for; and also, that instead of a currency — symbolical of monarchal power on one side, and the liberty and justice on the other, which is weighed in such scales, we have our free native eagle and other insignia of true liberty and independence. Vermon Auctori. 1788. Device. — A bust in a coat of mail, bead laureated. Legend.— VmMOTS ATJOTOEI Reverse.— The Goddess of Liberty seated, holding in her right band the liberty pole, and in her left, tbe olive branch. Legend.— INDE * ET LIB * Exergue.— -1788. (Size 7 and 8. See Plate IX., Figure 15.) From the following described types and varieties, it is evident that the coining association, we have previously referred to, was equally emulous, with similar organizations in other States, in supplying the people with a copper currency; as this emission, though limited to the single year it bears date, consisted of two sizes, thirteen types, and twenty-six varieties. 1788. TYPES. VARIETIES. E GREES OF UUTY. DECORATION. 1 VERMON AUCTORI 3 Laureated. 2 VERMON AUCTORI 2 1 • Fillet-Festooned. 3 VERMON . AUCTORI 2 • • tt a 4 VERMON . AUCTORI 3 • • Laureated. 5 VERMON . AUCTORI . 1 • " 6 VERMON . AUCTORI . 2 I • Fillet-Festooned. 7 .VERMON. AUCTORI . 4 ► • • tt tt 8 .VERMON. AUCTORI . 1 • Laureated. 9 VERMON : AUCTORI 2 • • tc 10 VERMON . AUCTORI * 2 Fillet-Festooned. 11 VERMON * AUCTORI * 1 > • • Laureated. 12 VERMON + AUCTORI + 2 » 13 + VERMON + AUCTORI + 1 • /-Bust of G-eorge III. Legend. VERMON AUCTORI 1 • • < — G-eorgius III. Reverse. — A (.figure of Brittannia. 1 * Scarce. • ' Rare. * * * Very rare. 102 COLONIAL COINS. The last noted, not formally included in the types, is said to have been issued at the time when leading men in Vermont were tampered with by partizans of the British crown. "We think it furnished a bust for the domestic article. The varieties of the types are determined by the punctuation of the legend, facing of the bust, or decking of the head. In some of the varieties there are peculiarities, viz: in Type 2, one variety has no legend on the reverse; in Type 4, one variety has INDE ET placed on the left hand side of the field; and in Type 7, the legend reads, LIB ET INDE. Five years after this famous issue of copper, New York relinquished its claims to jurisdiction over Vermont, which was admitted into the Union in 1793. CONNECTICUT. Atjctori Connec. Device. — A bust in coat of mail, head laureated. and facing to the right. 1785. Legend.— ATI C'Y0~B1 CONNEC Reverse. — The Goddess of Liberty seated on the globe, facing to the left, the liberty pole, surmounted by the cap, in the left hand, and the olive branch in the right. Legend.— INDE : ET LIB. Exergue. — 1785. (Size 8. See Plate X., Figures 4 to 10.) Connecticut in 1785 granted exclusive permission to Samuel Bishop, Joseph Hopkins, James Hillhouse, and John Goodrich, to establish a mint, and coin money for the State. The grantees subsequently formed a copartnership with Pierpont Edwards, Jonathan Ingersoll, Abel Buel, and Elias Shipman, for coining coppers. Six pennyweights was the required amount of copper in each of the pieces as defined by statute, which also designated a device. A Board for the inspection and approval of these coppers was appointed by the General Assembly, composed of Roger Sherman, James Wadsworth, David Austin, Ebenezer Chittendon, and Isaac Beers. The amount inspected, during the three years the mint was in operation, was twenty-eight thousand, nine hundred and forty-four pounds, of coined copper. In 1786, Edwards, Shipman, and Ingersoll, sold their interest to James Jarvis, who took their places in the company. In the same year, the mint-works were leased to Mark Leavenworth for six weeks, at the expiration of which, Leavenworth became a purchaser and stockholder in the company. With frequent changes made in the division of shares up to this period, the company continued to coin coppers till June, 1787, when operations were brought to a close. COLONIAL COINS. 103 In 1788, Major Eli Leavensworth prepared blank coppers, which were stamped in New York, with various impressions. The affairs of this company were investigated by James Wadsworth and Daniel Holbrook, by authority of an act of Assembly in 1789. The report was honorable to the parties concerned. The date, 1785, determines the first appearance of these coins, and our investigations have resulted in establishing for them seven distinct types, consisting of twenty-eight varieties. In five of these varieties, the bust faces to the right, and in the other two, to the left. The head is unusually large, the face full and round, and the features manly — the anatomical lineaments being better proportioned in fact than the generality of effigies of that period; the bust in most specimens, represented in armor, and the workmanship decidedly better than the issues of similar coins in succeeding years. They are very irregular, however, in size and weight, varying in the latter, by tests made at the United States Mint, from 94 to 144 grains. These coins must have been a necessity, and a great convenience to the people of Connecticut at that time. There may be a few, still living in the commonwealth of their origin, whose memories are cognizant of much that would be interesting in relation to them, beside the statutes that gave them existence. Certain it is, that they are the representatives and memorials of an epoch in American State coinage, when subjective relations had been succeeded by those of entire independence, and the Goddess of Liberty, adopted on the reverse of the coins, could be symbolized and worshipped without reproach or fear. The prominent genius and actor in this coinage appears to have been Mr. Abel Buel, who was also the master-spirit in the construction of the machinery, which was so efficient as to turn out one hundred and twenty pieces of the coin in a minute. With us this coinage had, without any authority for it, become associated with Simsbury mines. We have not, however, been able to learn that any of the copper used in it came from that locality. All we can learn is, " that the mines were first wrought in 1707, and at that time, and subsequently, up to the breaking out of the ^Revolutionary War, and that at some period the ore must have been smelted as appears from tradition and the remains of old furnaces." 1 From about the period of the adoption of the Constitution, till 1827, they were famous as the penal locality of Connecticut, furnishing an industrial home for a class who will not appreciate honest labor, nor be contented with the moral restrictions of true freedom. The types of this coin are as follows : Jeffrey 0. Phelps, Simsbury, Connecticut. 104 COLONIAL COINS. | DEGREES 1785. TYPES. VARIETIES. OF POSITION. DECORATION. RARITY. 1 AUCTORI CONNEC 1 • • • Facing right. Laureated. 2 AUGTOKI . CONNEC 3 • • • tl u 3 . AUCTORI . CONNEC . 4 • • " left. 4 AUCTOEI . CONNEC : 3 • " right. 5 . AUCTORI : CONNEC . 6 o u u 6 AUCTORI : CONNEC : 8 a " left. 7 AUCTORI : CONNEC : 3 • • " right. 8 AUCTORI : CONNEC : 1 • • a (i Fillet-Festooned. This classification furnishes, by the punctuation and the direction of the face, an index by which the type can be determined. Either the figure, legend, punctuation, or the olive branch, in the left hand of the Goddess of Liberty, on the reverse, determines the variety. In some of the types there are peculiarities, which may not at first attract the attention of the numismatic student. In No. 1, the head of the bust is entirely different from the others, the neck being unusually short and thick, giving it a peculiar appearance; No. 2, the neck long; No. 3, the head large, neck short and thick, and the bust robed in a Eoman tunic, looped upon the shoulder; No. 4, head singular, and the face so distorted as to be anything but handsome. Our attention has also been directed to what I believe to be an imperfect specimen of Type No. 1, which appears to have been impressed upon another copper, and the letters of the two coming in contact in such a manner as to cause the legend to read Acti, instead of Auctori. AUCTORI CONNEC. The coinage in this year was increased in the number of the types, and more care was observed in milling the copper into the required thickness, before 1786. subjecting it to the dies ; thereby avoiding injury to the edge of the coins, which is so perceptible in the emissions of the preceding year. Of the issues of this year, we have found eleven types, consisting of twenty-seven varieties — four of the types facing to the right, and the other seven to the left. But two of the types fillet- festooned, all the others laureated ; in some, the edges of the leaves are serrated. The types are as follows : COLONIAL COINS. 105 1786. TYPES. VARIETIES. DEGREES OF RARITY. POSITION. DECORATION. 1 AUCTOKI CONNEC 2 • • Facing right. Laureated. 2 AUCTOKI CONNEC 1 " left. a 3 AUCTORI . CONNEC 1 • tt a a 4 AUCTOKI . CONNEC . 1 • • " right. a 5 AUCTORI: CONNEC 1 • a a tt 6 AUCTORI . CONNEC : 3 t • a a tt 7 AUCTORI . CONNEC : 1 " left. Fillet. 8 AUCTORI : CONNEC . 7 a a Laureated. 9 AUCTORI . CONNEC . 1 tt it tt 10 AUCTORI : CONNEC : 4 1 • • it a Fillet. 11 AUCTORI : CONNEC : 5 a it Laureated. In Type 1, the head of the bust differs from the others in the arrangement about the neck, which is much shorter ; No. 2, the face is not prepossessing ; No. 3, the neck is unusually long, the bust in a coat of mail; No. 5, the head very large, the neck very short and thick. AUCTOKI CONNEC. 1787. Device. — A bust in coat of mail, head laureated, and facing to the left. Legend.— AUCTORI CONNEC Reverse.— -The Goddess of Liberty seated on the globe, facing to the left, the liberty pole, surmounted by the cap, in the left hand, and the olive branch in the right. Legend.— LND ET LIB Exergue. — 1787. (Size 8. See Plate X., Figures 4 to 10.) The issue this year must have been very large, and have circulated in our country very extensively ; for, at this time, they can be occasionally found in circulation in every State of the Union, where a copper currency is tolerated. The number of types and varieties struck off is uncertain; but, from an extensive examination, we have been enabled to distinguish seventy-four distinct types, consisting of one hundred and sixty-four varieties — sufficient changes to ring upon a copper coin, even if it does not embrace a description of every such coin issued. The blanks upon which these coppers were struck were generally very rou^h but of excellent material, and many of the dies were very poorly executed. The apparent haste with which these pieces were gotten up, and the larce number coined and put 14 106 COLONIAL COINS. in circulation, evinced an energy of purpose allied closely, undoubtedly, to gain, which, taking into consideration the varying weight of from 94 to 144 grains — the latter being required by the statute authorizing their coinage — must have been amply gratified. It is believed and expressed by some, that the bust upon these coins was originally intended to represent George III. As we would not question the patriotism of those interested in this coinage, we must conclude that the art of design was at so low a standard at that time, as to compel the copying of some bust of their late sovereign, which was probably the case, as we have heard of a type of these coins absolutely bearing the name of George III. We must suppose, however, for the honor of the State of Connecticut and its enterprising merchant coiners, that the artist of this type had not heard of the recognition of our national independence. The great variety of punctuation found upon the preceding and succeeding emissions of the Connecticut coinage, suggests the idea that mere fancy would hardly have been indulged in to such an extent without some purpose of utility in connection with it. Our conclusion, therefore, is, that it may have been adopted to designate the various interests of the parties concerned — who may have been sub-lessees under the original grantees — or to distinguish the issues made to purchasers; which would, if either of our positions is correct, account satisfactorily for the very numerous distinctive designs and marks which the tables disclose. These humble coppers were the heralds of that genius for invention which has since so strongly marked the people of Connecticut ; and its results have been distributed in all sorts of manufactures all over our country — a particular article of which has even been sent abroad, to enable our trans-atlantic friends to measure time by republican pendulums. Whatever has emanated from this State, we may say, without designing to make any invidious comparison with her sister States, has, partaking of the character of her people, been of utility; whether it has been the small currency we have described in these pages, or the cotton-gin — an invention for which the world was waiting, and absolutely essential to its advancement — inaugurating, as it did, an industrial movement which is still onward, and to be onward, beyond the ken of human prescience or calculation . COLONIAL COINS. 107 CONNECTICUT TYPES AND VARIETIES 1787. LEGENDS. W H a ° W ft K POSITION. DECOEATIOlS. m > 1 AUCTORI CONNEC • • • Left Laureated. 1 2 AUCTORI CONNBC • o e Right " 2 3 AUCTOBI CONNEC . .. Left Eillet-Festooned. 2 4 AUCTORI CONNEC . « e Right Laureated. 3 5 AUCTORI . CONNEC . o o e Left Fillet-Festooned. 3 6 AUCTORI . CONNEC . • • • Right " 1 7 . AUCTORI. CONNEC . • Left Laureated. 1 8 . AUCTORI. CONNEC . Right Fillet-Festooned. 1 9 AUCTORI CONNEC : Left Laureated. 1 10 . AUCTORI . . CONNEC. " a 2 11 . AUCTORI.. CONNEC . Right a 1 12 AUCTORI . CONNEC : Left u 2 13 AUCTORI . CONNEC : • • • Right Fillet-Festooned. 1 14 AUCTORI . . CONNEC Left Laureated. 2 15 AUCTORI . . CONNEC • • • Right Fillet-Festooned. 1 16 AUCTORI : CONNEC Left Laureated. 2 17 AUCTORI : CONNEC • • • Right Fillet-Festooned. 1 18 AUCTORI : CONNEC Left Laureated. 3 19 AUCTORI : CONNEC • • • Right Fillet-Festooned. 1 20 AUCIORI : + CONNEC • • • Left Laureated. 2 21 AUCTORI: + - CONNEC < a 2 22 AUCTORI: H- CONNEC + • • • t a 2 23 + AUCTORI : + CONNEC • e • c a 3 24 + AUCTORI : + CONNEC + • • • c a 1 25 AUCTORI: + + CONNEC • • • I u 1 26 AUCTORI : + + CONNEC t u 1 27 + AUCTORI : + + CONNEC i a 3 28 AUCTORI: + + CONNEC + • O t a 1 29 -f AUCTORI : + + CONNEC + • • • I a 1 30 + AUCTORI + + CONNEC + i a 1 31 + AUCTORI + + CONNEC + • o a Right Fillet-Festooned. 2 32 + AUCTORI : + + CONNEC : o • Left Laureated. 3 33 + AUCTORI : + + CONNEC : • • • Right Fillet-Festooned. 2 34 + AUCTORI + + + CONNEC + • • Left u 2 108 COLONIAL COINS. TYPES AND VARIETIES — Continued. 17S7. LEGENDS. 35 + AUCTORI + + + 36 AUCTORI • 37 AUCTORI : + 38 AUCTOPI : * 39 AUCTORI : + 40 AUCTORI • 41 AUCTORI: • • 42 AUCTORI : *• 43 * AUCTORI : * 44 * AUCTORI : * 45 * AUCTORI • *■ 46 * AUCTORI *•• 47 + AUCTORI * + 48 * AUCTOBI * + 49 *■ AUCTORI. ** 50 * AUCTORI • * 51 * AUCTORI ** 52 + AUCTORI ** 53 * AUCTORI • •• 54 * AUCTORI *•• 55 * AUCTORI • •• 56 * AUCTORI • •• i 57 AUCTURI *• • i 58 AUCTORI *■ 59 AUCTORI *■ 60 AUCTORI *■ * 61 AUCTORI * * 62 * AUCTORI * * 63 * AUCTORI * * 64 * AUCTORI * * * 65 * AUCTORI * * * 66 AUCTORI ««--*» 67 AUCTORI. «s--s» 68 AUCTORI «*--*• 69 AUCTOBI «*--> 70 AUCTORI «*--*» 71 -> AUCTORI «s--s> 72 -^ AUCTORI «*-^»«s- 73 -> AUCTORI e=--s»e- * CONNEC + . CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC . CONNEC : CONNEC * CONNEC : CONNEC : • CONNEC : • CONNEC : • CONNEC • CONNEC CONNEC. CONNEC. CONNEC. CONNEC : CONNEC : • CONNEC : • CONNEC • CONNEC •* CONNEC • • CONNECT* * CONNEC • * CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC. CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC CONNEC : <- CONNEC : «*- CONNEC. «*■ CONNEC : «*• Left Right Left Right Left Right Left Right Left a Right Left Right Left u Right Left DECORATION. Fillet-Festooned. Laureated. Fillet-Festooned. Laureated. Fillet-Festooned. Laureated. Right Fillet-Festooned. Laureated. Fillet-Festooned. it Laureated Fillet^Festooned. Laureated. 1 3 -2 1 2 1 1 4 3 1 1 3 36 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 o 2 1 1 1 1 Fillet-Festooned. COLONIAL COINS. 100 AUCTORI CONNEC. Types. — Though the preceding table clearly designates each and every type 1787. it has been our good fortune to discover, by the different punctuations of the legends, we have deemed it relevant to notice more particularly a few of the specimens of this coin which are peculiar, or considered to be extremely rare. No. 1. The head is large, and the fillet extends down to the legend, which, on the left hand side of the goddess, on the reverse, reads, " INDE ET," and on the right hand, LIB. No. 2. The head is unusually small, faces to the right, and the ends of the fillet are quite short. The legend on the reverse, on the left hand side of the goddess, reads, " LIB ET," and on the right hand, " INDE." This type is considered extremely rare, and is found but in few cabinets. No. 5. Not peculiar, but extremely rare. We have, in all our researches, seen but two specimens of this type. No. 6. The head small and nearly round, and the neck and bust short. Reverse legend reads, " ET LIB INDE." Extremely rare ; but one specimen has come under our notice. No. 8. The head small and round, facing to the left, and the hair a series of continuous small lines. The fillet terminates in a bow, in the centre of which there is a circular ring. This type is quite thin, the lightest, we believe, coined in this year. It is known as the " laughing effigy piece ;"the legend thus, " INDE : * * *. ET • LIB :" Nos. 9 and 10. Both of these types are extremely rare, the latter the most so, being familiarly known as the "Africanus, or negro head." Nos. 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19, we notice on account of the variation in the punctuation, and their extreme rarity. No. 20. This type is peculiar on account of an error in the legend — I occupying the place of T, thus : "AUCIORI," instead of "AUCTORI." It is considered to be extremely rai-e. No. 22. This type is much more rare than any of those punctuated with the cross, that precede it. Nos. 23, 24, 25, 29, 31, and 35, are rarely met with, and are found but in few cabinets. No. 39. The legend on the obverse reads, "AUCTOPI," and the letters are unusually large. We have seen it in two specimens, and it is extremly rare. Nos. 41, 42, 44, 46, and 48. All extremely rare. No. 49. The legend, on the obverse of this type, reads, "AUCTOBE." We have seen two specimens of the same." 110 COLONIAL COINS. No 53. This type is in our cabinet. We Lave neither seen nor heard of a similar piece, and it is considered by all who have seen it, as unique. Nos. 54, 55, and 56, are seldom met with, and extremely rare. No. 57. The legend in this type ends with the letter T, thus : " AUCTORI CONNECT,'' and, from the number of stars with which it is punctuated, it has been denominated one of the " seven sleepers," from having slept so long undiscovered. There is a peculiar coincidence in the design or arrangement of this coin : there are seven letters in each of the words which form the legend, which is punctuated with seven stars ; the fillet is ornamented with seven balls ; there are seven divisions of the coat of mail on the shoulder ; and the goddess, on the reverse, holds a branch with seven divisions or leaves. We have seen but four specimens of this type, two of which are in our cabinet. s Nos. 58, 59, and 60. The legends upon these types are punctuated with six-pointed stars ; considered extremely rare. No. 62. Small head and bust, and the punctuation commences with a small cross or quatre-foil, and terminates with six-pointed stars. On the reverse, the punctuation is reversed. This type is exceedingly rare. Nos. 65 and 67. Fleur-de-lis punctuation; seldom found in any cabinet. No. 68. This is the most extraordinary combination of errors in lettering that we have met with in any type. The legend, on the obverse, reads, "AUCTOBI," and on the reverse, " INDE ET LIB,." We have seen but a single specimen, which is in our cabinet. Nos. 72 and 73. Types which are extremely rare. AUCTORI CONNEC. According to our researches and classification which follow, there were, of 1788. the issue of this year, twenty-five types and thirty-four varieties; and if the number of the latter is an index of the amount of circulation, the business of the year could not have been large. The inference that the circulation of this year was limited, is sustained by the fact, that specimens of this emission are scarce, and consequently, rare. We may certainly conclude that this was the final emission of these coins, the Federal Constitution — adopted the previous year — having assumed entire control over the coinage of the country. It will be found, previously stated — derived from the records of the State of Connecticut — that the company, to whom the coining of these coppers was granted, closed its operations in June, 1787; that Major Leavenworth prepared blank coppers, which were struck off in New York; also, that the Board for inspection and approval of these coppers, exercised that authority for three years. A few blanks may have COLONIAL COINS. Ill been impressed in New York, but the question arises, was the emission of this year struck off in New York or Connecticut ? The former would have involved the removal of dies and machinery, or the constructing and putting up of new ; and we are, therefore, inclined to think that it was struck off in Connecticut, as the affairs of the company were not finally investigated till 1789. AUCTORI CONNEC. 1788. 1 TYPES. 2 t O OS POSITION. DECORATION. AUCTORI CONNEC • • • Facin g left. Fillet-Festooned. 2 AUCTORI . CONNEC 1 • • • a it a 3 AUCTORI . CONNEC . 2 it a tt a 4 .AUCTORI . CONNEC . 1 • • • it it a a 5 AUCTORI . CONNEC: -:- 1 • • • it it Laureated. 6 AUCTORI: + CONNEC : + 1 • • • a right. 7 AUCTORI CONNEC * 2 a " 8 AUCTORI . CONNEC * 2 " left. 9 AUCTORI:* CONNEC 1 u a 10 • AUCTORI CONNEC * 1 e • • a a 11 AUCTORI * + CONNEC . 1 a right. Fillet-Festooned. 12 AUCTORI +* CONNEC * 3 a a a a 13 • AUCTORI 4-f CONNEC 2 a left. Laureated. 14 AUCTORI . + CONNEC o* 2 a right. 15 • AUCTORI ** CONNEC * 1 a left. 16 • AUCTORI . * * CONNEC + 2 a it 17 • AUCTORI . * * CONNEC. * a a 18 • AUCTORI *** CONNEC 4 a « 19 • AUCTORI * * • * CONNECT 4 * 2 a it Fillet-Festooned. 20 AUCTORI . * CONNEC a right. Laureated. 21 AUCTORI * * CONNEC * a left. Fillet-Festooned. 22 -K AUCTORI c&> CONNEC <%> it right. Laureated. 23 AUCTORI * * CONNEC * it left. a 24 * AUCTORI * CONNEC * it a Fillet-Festooned. 25 * AUCTORI * * CONNEC * a a a a In addition to the preceding, our attention has been arrested by a specimen, which by some, is supposed to be another distinct type — the device being struck, as we think crosswise of a " Franklin copper," and the two thus so blended together as to render neither intelligible. The head on this piece is unusually small, and faces to the ri"ht 112 COLONIAL COINS. the features of the face very regular, the hair folds under, a band crosses to the back part of the head, and the ends of the same protrude behind. The legend is not decipherable; and if it is a type, which we are inclined to doubt, it is entirely new to us. Of the types. No. 8, an unusually small head, very regular features, and considered to be very rare. No. 10, head and neck immoderately large, and quite rare. No. 14, the punctuation of which terminates with the amulet and a five-pointed star, is extremely rare, and perhaps unique, as we have never seen but one specimen. No. 19, like No. 57, in the issues of 1787, reads as in that specimen, AUCTOPJ CONNECT, and like that, is punctuated by seven five-pointed stars. Auctori Plebis. 1787. Device. — An unusually large bust, the head laureated, and facing to the left. Legend.— <%> AUCTORI : <%> PLEBIS. Reverse. — The Goddess of Liberty seated on a bale, the right hand resting on the globe. On her left a large anchor, on which she is reclining, while her foot rests upon a lion. Legend.— IXDE ET LIBER., with amulets. Exergue. — 1787. (Size 8. See Plate X., Figure 2.) Some authors have stated that this coin was struck off in England, and sent to Connecticut for circulation. We have been unable to find any authority to sustain this statement. On the contrary, its resemblance to the "Auctori Connec," indicates that it was coined in Connecticut, though for reasons which are not apparent, the emission must have been very limited. Of this coin, we have met with but one type, consisting of three varieties. They are in an unusually fine state of preservation, having been manufactured of good copper, properly tempered and milled. It is considered to be particularly rare, and can be found in but few cabinets. NEW JERSEY. New Jersey Coppers. Device. — A shield, in the shape of a heart, with stripes thereon, running longitudinally. 1786. Legend.— E . PLURLBUS . UNUM. Reverse. — A plough, surmounted by a horse's head. Legend.— NOVA C^ESAREA. Exergue. — 1786. (Size 8. See Plate X., Figures 11 to 21.) COLONIAL COINS. 113 The earliest record, relative to a copper circulation in the State of New Jersey, was in the year 1682, which State was then called Nova Csesarea. It appears that the Assembly of that year passed a resolution, " that for the more convenient payment of small sums of money, Mark Newby's coppers — called 'Patrick half-pence' — should pass as half-pence, current pay; provided he give security to the Speaker of the Assembly that he, his executors, and administrators will redeem them on demand ; it being further provided, that no one should be obliged to take more than five shillings of them in any one payment." These Newby coppers, or Patrick half-pence, were really Irish half-pence, which Mark Newby had purchased and brought over with him from England, and which, with other coins of a similar character subsequently introduced, constituted the copper circulation of what is now New Jersey for upwards of a century. " During the year 1786, a proposal was made to the Legislature of the State of New Jersey, then in session, by Walter Mould, Thomas Goadsby, and Albion Cox, for authority to coin a certain sum in copper. The proposal was referred to a committee, of whom Abraham Clark was chairman, who, after having had a conference with the petitioners upon the subject, made a report favorable to the object of the petition. Accordingly, on the first day of June following, an act was passed by the Legislature, authorizing the parties to strike copper coins to the amount in value of £10,000, at the rate of fifteen coppers to the shilling, each coin to be of the weight of six pennyweight and six grains, to be manufactured in the State, and to have such marks and inscriptions as shall be directed by the Justice of the Supreme Court, or any one of them. " The contractors, before proceeding upon the business of coining, were, moreover, to enter into bonds to the Governor, to the use of the State, in the sum of £10,000, with at least two sufficient securities, that they would, within two years from the publication of the act, coin the full sum of £10,000 in copper, and faithfully and honestly perform their contract. They were also to deliver to the Treasurer of the State, for the use of the State, one-tenth part of the full sum so struck by them, which amount was to be paid quarterly, and they were likewise required to account to the Legislature for the faithful execution of the trust reposed in them. " On the 22d day of November in the same year, a supplemental act was passed, in the preamble to which, after setting forth that the good intentions of the people of the State were likely to be defeated by the circumstance of the parties being jointly bound to execute the contract, Thomas Goadsby and Albion Cox were authorized to coin two-thirds of the amount of £10,000, and Walter Mould the remainder, and in case of any neglect or refusal on the part of Mr. Mould to comply with the conditions, and 15 114 • COLONIAL COINS. enter upon the performance of his part of the coining, within two months from the date of the passage of the act, then the whole amount of the coinage was to be carried on by the other parties ; any neglect on the part of either party to give the required bond, rendering him liable to forfeit and pay the sum, to be recovered in the same manner that other persons were made liable to pay, for striking or coining copper by the previous act. " The Legislature desirous to protect the contractors in their operations as far as possible, it was still further enacted on the 4th day of June, 1789, that a penalty of ten times the nominal value of the sum or sums so offered in payment, should be imposed on any person or persons who offered to pass in payment or exchange any coppers others than those coined under and by the authority of the acts subsequently passed by the Legislature of the State, or any which might be issued under the authority of the government of the United States. "Albion Cox and Walter Mould, two of the before named contractors, were merchants of standing and responsibility in the city of New York — the former carrying on business at No. 240 Queen st., and the latter at No. 23 William st." ] Thus we have the origin of, and authority for, the " Nova Caesarea," numerous varieties of which were issued in 1786, '87, and '88. Of one hundred specimens, taken indiscriminately, we find that they vary in size from 7 to 9, and in weight, from 123 to 156 grains — showing that but little system existed in their coinage. In the following description of the coins, we have been compelled to depart from the generally established rule of numismatologists, of giving the obverse, because it would be impossible to type them in that way, for the reason that the punctuation is nearly the same, and the shields, except in a few cases, without sufficient variation to establish a proper distinction. On the reverse, however, there is ample material, in the form of the plow and its appendages, the horse's head and the legend, to designate satisfactorily and clearly each and every type of these coins, that diligent and extensive research has brought to our notice. 1 Bushnell. COLONIAL COINS. 115 TYPES AND VARIETIES OP THE NOVA C^SAREA. 1786. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 LEGENDS. NOVA CiESAREA NOVA CiESAREA NOVA CIESAREA NOVA CiESAREA NOVA CIESAREA NOVA CiESAREA NOVA CIESAREA NOVA CiESAREA NOVA CiESAREA NOVA CiESAREA NOVA CIESAREA NOVA CIESAREA Eh III 3 a o < + + + + + + + + + + + + H S < a o H H PS W O la EH ■«! S H EH MS) sa pp ss H «! B a EH HO no so + g y- ^ 52 || + + + + + + o '/u H •*! H EH 36 zq + + + + + + + + + CS la H ■< S H HEH PS no <£ + + En o < PS Eh OQ B + + + + K H 1 H Sri oa 5-h go + + + a o m EH < n si t» PS p o sri S^ B» B + + + + + OS a EH P o o W Eh + + + + + + + + + + EH P O EH P O EH + K N EH IS ►J M H + + + + + + + + + "T + *T" I H M 5 hH i> 3 •1 4 3 2 2 1 2 o 3 2 2 • t • • e • t • • » • + + + + + + + + + + + Nova Cjesarea. The types and varieties of this coin, issued in this year, were of the former, twelve, and of the latter, thirty. We have deemed it assisting to the student 1786. to particularize some of the types, and describe the most prominent features of the same, in order to facilitate the use of the table. Types. — No. 1 may be determined by the long, straight beam in the plow, which is nearly on a line with the upper part of the handles. The shield is of the medium size. We have met with but three varieties of this type, and consider it rare. No. 2. This differs from the preceding in the size of the horse's head, which is much smaller ; the single-tree is placed further back from the end of the beam ; the space between the handles is somewhat wider, and the beginning of the legend is double the distance from the handles. No. 3. The handles in this type are much shorter, and converge toward the ends till they meet; the legend, in both its beginning and ending, closely approaches the plow. This type is getting to be scarce. 116 COLONIAL COINS. No. 4. The handles of the plow in this tj'pe terminate with round ends, and being the only one of the kind we have found, this feature of itself will be sufficient to distinguish it. The shield is small in all the varieties of this type, which is rare. No. 5. In this type, the handles of the plow are very long, and the beam is straight, with a short curve at the end ; the shield is badly proportioned. It is found but in few cabinets, and is quite rare. No. 6. The horse's head is small, and placed up high above the plow, the mane is thin, and the die was slightly broken near the figure six. The shield is among the largest ; and this type is very rare, we having never seen but one variety of it. No. 7. In this type, the handles of the plow are closed, the beam curves very much upwards; the mould-board is twice the ordinary length; the lettering of the legend is very roughly executed, and irregularly arranged, and the shield is long and narrow. As a whole, it is a very rude effort at die-sinking. No. 8. The handles of the plow are unusually long and slight, with the legend very near to them ; the beam is placed much lower than any of the others, and the shield is among the largest. We have found but one variety of this type, which is quite rare. No. 10 may be distinguished by the figure six in the exergue, not extending beyond the termination of the curve of the handles of the plow. This peculiarity, we believe, does not occur in any other type. The shield is narrow and long. No. 11. The handles are widely apart in the centre; the beam is very thick; the horse's head placed up high above the plow, and the shield is small and long. There are but two varieties of this type, which is extremely rare. No. 12. In this type, the handles of the plow are much wider apart than any previously described ; the beam is quite short, and curved at both ends, and the single- tree touches the coulter and runs parallel with it. The shield is one of the largest. This type affords but two varieties, and though it is considered the most common among those having the large shield, yet it is by no means numerous. n COLONIAL COINS 117 / TYPES AND VAEIETIES OF THE NOVA CiESAREA. a a y. o a a 85 2 z y- ■< ~ H (« & H h^ r* -^ ■A & & ■< < <-j tJ m H ^ 3 z 'y. £z -< ^ H E-' "< £ O «3 6 « d H D H 1787. LEGENDS. H Hi « D y O o a 'J pi Q « tq W y. o K Eh *J O o H H ^3 P Hi CO 5 a -: O H r/j £ tea M-< M as y. ? - 1- as 55 J a s w U Q m E= ^d H a Qp S3 B3 B Q a,1 o o z5 ZO 2-. a y. 85 Z H A 1788. LEGENDS. gj o S a z R « ■< K o s! W « N NOVA <%> EBORAC <$ Reverse. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, and facing to the right; holding a sprig of laurel in her right, and a pole surmounted by the Liberty-cap in her left hand ; at her side a shield bearing the arms of the State. The figure, which was intended for the Goddess of Liberty, resembles very much that used as the emblem of Brittania on the old English coins. Legend.— <%> VLRT ET-LLB Q Exergue.— 1787. (Size 8. See Plate XL, Figure 4.) 124 COLONIAL COINS. This is of British origin — the emblem of Brittania, on the reverse, for want of some- thing more original — though intended for republican use — plajing the part of the Goddess of Liberty for the occasion. There were of this copper, two types and six varieties. The types can be determined thus : No. 1. Nova Eborac, facing right, three varieties. No. 2. " " " left, " " The varieties are disclosed by the Goddess of Liberty, on the reverse, facing either to the right or the left, the arrangement of the legend on each side of the effigy, and the differences of punctuation of the legend VIE ET LIB • Large quantities of this coin were sent to America, and it is stated that a single shipment of eight tons, instead of safely arriving to delight the New Yorkers, went to the bottom of the ocean within a few days' sail of its destination ; and it is as true that they were the subject of a quarrel among the mermaids for counters and head ornaments, as it is that that species of half woman and half fish have a veritable existence. The coins were composed of good copper, but poorly struck off; proper care not having been taken to place the planchet truly upon the face of the die. "We have seen specimens of this coin in brass, but they are very rare. Liber Natus Libertatem Defendo. 1787. Device. — An Indian chief standing, with a raised tomahawk in his right hand, in the left a bow, and from his back depend the quiver and arrows. Legend.— LEBER NATUS LIBERTATEM DEFEND * Reverse. — Crest of the State Arms ; an Eagle, proper — standing upon a half globe with wings expanded. Legend.— NEO EBORACTJS EXCELSIOR. Exergue. — 1787. (Size 8. See Plate XI., Figure 5.) This was, also, of English manufacture, and it possesses no history apart from its competitors. It had four types, was composed of the best of copper, and somewhat less than a cent in weight. COLONIAL COINS. 125 Liber Natus Libertatem Defendo. Device. — An Indian chief standing, a raised tomahawk in the right hand, a how in the left, from his back depend the quiver and arrows, and the head 1787. is surmounted by the feathers. Legend.— USER NATUS LEBEETATEM DEFENDO * Reverse. — The arms of the State — the figures representing Justice and Liberty on each side of a shield, standing — surmounted by an Eagle. Legend.— EXCELSIOE. Exergue.— 1787. (Size 8. See Plate XI., Figure 6.) The obverse of this coin is the same as that immediately preceding ; it differs on the reverse, and is, therefore, a distinct variety. This bears the arms of the State com- plete ; the other only the crest of the arms. There are three other types, making in all five varieties, so far as we have been able to discover. There may be more types and varieties, but if so they have not found their way into the best cabinet collections. We have thoroughly examined the Colonial records, the laws of the State of New York, and the works of its historians, but could find no other authority for these coppers than is disclosed by themselves. M. Vatimar, while sojourning in this country, endeavored to form a cabinet of our Colonial coins, and obtain a history of their mintage. He failed, however, to obtain anything authentic relative to the coinage of the " New York coppers." They possess the merit, at least, of being quite rare, and, as relics of the past, are held in high estimation by those whose cabinets they adorn. We are satisfied that no gold, silver, or copper coins were minted by the authority of the province or State of New York. Though Massachusests previously, and some of the other States subsequently to the Eevolution, established mint-houses and coined money, no demonstration of the kind was made by New York. We may attribute this to her superior regard to law, during Colonial servitude, and, after the Eevolution, to the anticipation of the establishment of some general authority over the whole subject. It is clear to us that these coppers were a currency, and, subserving as they did a useful purpose, they encountered no opposition from the local authorities. 126 COLONIAL COINS. First United States Cent. 1787. Device. — A dial with the hours expressed upon the face, with "Fugio" on the left, and 1787 on the right ; a meridian sun above the dial, and below it the — Legend.— MWD TOUR BUSINESS. Reverse. — Thirteen circles linked together, forming a large circle ; in the centre of the same, a small circle with "UNITED STATES" around it, and in the centre," "WE ARE ONE." (Size 8. See Plate XL, Figure 7.) An ordinance for establishing a Mint of the United States, and for regulating the value and alloy of the coin thereof, was passed by Congress, October 16th, 1786. On July 6th, 1787, the government ordered that its copper coin — for the minting of which it had already entered into a contract — should bear the device, &c, as above described. This cent being the first legally authorized coin of the government of " THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," possesses, we think, more than ordinary interest ; it is a very creditable relic of the Confederated government, and the devices, to our view, were very appropriate. As a work of taste and interest it throws into the shade the very uninteresting emissions of the same denomination which succeeded it, and which constitute, in part, our present currency. This cent has borne the name, with some, of the " FRANKLIN PENNY," an appellation to which it has no claim, it being but a fanciful application, because the legend was one of those sententious utterances imputed to Franklin, and for which he was so justly distinguished. There are two types and four varieties of this cent, viz. : No. 1. Thirteen circles with a plain field, 4 varieties. No. 2. " " each containing the name of one of the States, 1 The latter type has, also, a blaze radiating from the circles. "Kentucky Copper." 1791. Device.— A. hand holding a scroll, on which is inscribed OUR CAUSE IS JUST. Legend.— UNANIMITY IS STRENGTH OF SOCIETY. Reverse — Fifteen stars in the form of a triangle ; each star bearing the initial of one of the States of the Union — Kentucky leading. Around the edge, "Payable in Lancaster, London, or Bristol." (Size 8. See Plate XL, Figure 8.) This coin, it is said, was struck off in Lancaster, England, in 1791, evidently as a speculation for circulation in America. Because Kentucky leads in the triangle on the reverse, it has been denominated the "Kentucky Cent." PLATE XI. V'VF.asai-.a! uiuPh'laa COLONIAL COINS. 127 As a speculation, however, whether for English or American account, it could not have been very successful, as it made its appearance at a time when the General and State governments had commenced a war of repudiation upon all foreign or Colonial wares of this kind. They are yet quite plenty among coin dealers in England, and are known among her collectors as the " Kentucky Token." We have seen but two types. Massachusetts Cent. Device. — An Indian chief with his bow and arrow, and a star on the left side near his forehead. 1787 Legend.— COMMONWEALTH. Reverse. — The American eagle holding in its right talon a bundle of arrows, and in the left an olive branch ; on its breast a shield, in which is the word CENT. i^end— MASSACHUSETTS. Exergue. — 1787. (Size 8. See Plate XI., Figure 9.) Massachusetts Half-Cent. Device. — An Indian chief with his bow and arrow, and a star on the left side near the forehead. 1787. Legend.— COMMONWEALTH Reverse. — The American Eagle holding in its right talon a bundle of arrows, and in the left an olive branch ; on its breast a shield, in which is the words HALF-CENT. ie^wd— MASSACHUSETTS. Exergue. — 1787. Size 6. See Plate XL, Figure 10.) A precisely similar cent and half-cent were issued in 1788. The act authorizing this currency, and the proceedings under it, are noticed in the "Massachusetts Currency." It was passed October 17th, 1786, immediately subse- quent to the act for establishing the second Massachusetts Mint. The coinage under it did not take place until 1787, and, from the date of the second issue of these cents 1788, it must have ceased in view of the Federal authority over this subject, early in the latter year. The device upon these coins was that which was upon the first seal of the colony though at the period of its adoption it had a new seal; for we find in February 1781 the authorities of Massachusetts paid Col. Paul Revere, of Boston, £8 in silver £15 of the new emission of State paper money, and £600 of the old emission for en°ravin<> the same. 128 COLONIAL COINS. Of the first emission of these cents in 1787, there was but one type, consisting of thirteen varieties, and of the second, in 1788, there was also but one type and nineteen varieties ; tbat is, so far as we have been able to learn from the examination of numerous specimens. The obverse of these coins differs in the length and curve of the bow, and in the length of the arrow ; but the slight difference in the die, we do not deem sufficient to form or constitute a different type. Any change, however, in the varieties would be important, as the slightest difference of arrangement on the reverse becomes noticeable. We are unable to determine anything in relation to either the number of types or varieties of the half-cents, in consequence of their great scarcity. No. 1. Washington Cent. 1791. Device. — The bust of "Washington, facing to the left, with the hair in a cue, and in continental uniform. Legend.— WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. Exergue. — 1791. Edge.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Reverse. — The American Eagle with wings expanded, bearing on the breast a heart- shaped shield with six parallel stripes. In the right talon a laurel branch, in the left a number of arrows, and a scroll held in the centre of the beak, upon which is inscribed, "UNUM E PLTJRLBUS." Legend.— ONE CENT. (Size 8. See Plate XII., Figure 4A No. 2. Device. — The bust of Washington, facing to the left, with the hair in a cue, and in continental uniform. Legend.— WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. Reverse. — The Eagle with upraised wings ; eight stars below a circle of clouds ; in the right talon of the Eagle a branch of olive, in the left a number of arrows. Legend.— ONE CENT. Exergue. — 1791. Edge.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Size 8. See Plate XH., Figure 3.) COLONIAL COINS. 129 No. 3. Device. — The bust of Washington, facing to the left, with a cue, and in continental uniform. 1791. Legend.— WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. Reverse. — The Eagle with upraised wings, six stars below a circle of clouds ; in the right talon of the Eagle a branch of olive, in the left a number of arrows. Legend.— ONE CENT. Exergue. — 1791. Edge.— UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. (Size 8. See Plate XU., Figure 5.) These Washington cents of 1791, as described, are the real "Simon Pures," which were gotten up as pattern pieces by authority of the General Government, and which, we think, we can establish to be such, beyond controversy. The two last differ only in the number of stars on the reverse. October 16th, 1786, the Congress of the confederated United States passed a resolu- tion establishing a Mint, and the "first United States cent" — noticed fully under that head — was authorized to be coined by contract, and made its appearance in 1787. This, then, appears to have been the only legal coinage of copper coins until 1793, except of the pattern pieces at the head of this article — the present Mint having been established by a law of Congress, in 1791. Thus the act of coinage by our general government, except as experimental, remained in abeyance from 1786 to 1792, when Washington in his message, refers to the coining of ha\£-dismes. To sustain this reasoning Washington says, in his third annual message to the House of Representatives, October 25th, 1791. "The disorders in the existing currency, and especially small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the resolution already entered into concerning the establishment of a Mint. Measures have been taken pursuant to the resolution for procuring some of the necessary artists, together with the requisite apparatus." From this statement of the President it is clear that the subject of the coinage had been considered, and that the incipient measures had been taken by the Committee of Congress and the Secretary of the Treasury, for carrying into execution the resolution in relation thereto, by inviting designs, procuring dies, and getting up pattern pieces to be submitted to Congress. This preparation embraced the services of both foreign and American artists. 17 130 COLONIAL COINS. In confirmation of this we find in Washington's fourth annual message to the House of Representatives, November 6th, 1792, the following — " 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 they are now being put in 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." Among the American artists referred to by Washington, in 1791, a Mr. John Harper, a manufacturer of saws, corner of Sixth and Cherry streets, Philadelphia, bore a con- spicuous part : the cents at the head of this article having been designed and struck off by him, and upon his premises. The device upon these coins — the effigy of Washington, then President, in imitation of royal emissions, which bear the bust of the sovereign, under whom they are minted, and which are emblematic of royal authority — met with Washington's decided disap- probation ; and though it could not, in his case, if it had been adopted, have conflicted with the popular confidence in, and regard for, that confirmed patriot, yet, at Washing- ton's suggestion, the device was rejected, and the dies were subsequently broken. We must think that though the effigy of a living President of the United States upon our coins would partake too much of the character of royalty, or man-worship — of the daily evidences of which, in the social and political relations of our country, there is abundant cause for mortification and humility with that portion of our countrymen, imbued with a due sense of the natural dignity of freemen, and a con- scientious and intelligent regard for our social and national welfare and safety — still we can see no objection to transferring the portraits of Washington or his successors to our coins, seeing that all doubts of his or their patriotism have been removed by a thoroughly tried and accepted devotion, while living, to not only the political equality and liberty of their own countrymen, but to mankind everywhere. The Rev. Dr. Boardman contended before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania — the subject inducing it being the device for the " new cent" — very eloquently for the effigy of Christopher Columbus on one of our national coins. In pursuance of the Doctor's retrospective and prospective ideas on this subject, we regret much that we are unable to describe some piece of either our Colonial or National coin bearing the portrait of Christopher Columbus, who, in proportion to the services which he rendered to discovery and hence the world, met with more ingratitude while living, and less honor dead, than any man that ever lived. COLONIAL COINS. 131 ""Washington Cent." Device. — A bust of Washington in continental uniform, facing to the left, and the hair in a cue. 1792. Legend.— G . WASHINGTON PRESIDENT I. Exergue.— 1792. Reverse. — An Eagle with the wings partially expanded and turned upward ; between the tips of the same are fifteen six-pointed stars ; on the breast is a heart-shaped shield, containing seven bars of three stripes each ; in the right talon an olive- branch, and in the left a number of barbed arrows. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. (Size 10. See Plate XII., Figure 6.) This is a pattern-piece, known to collectors of coins, and designated by every authority we have seen, as the "Washington Cent of 1792." The die for this piece was designed and cut by Peter Getz, of Lancaster, Pa., for a pattern-piece, at the invitation of the General Government, for designs for coins ; brought by him to Philadelphia, and, in the presence of several gentlemen, among whom was Adam Eckfeldt, Esq., subsequently chief coiner of the Mint, struck off upon copper planchets ; the number of which could not have been large, as they are now very rare, and even then, must have been novel and valuable enough to have commanded careful preservation. The scene of this coining operation was in an old coach shop in Sixth street, above Chestnut, upon a press erected by John Harper, under the superintendence of Adam Eckfeldt. Subsequently a number of half-crown pieces were prepared, and struck off on this die, some of which are still treasured up by collectors of coins, and are known as the " Washington Half-Dollar." From this circumstance we think we are excusable in conjecturing that in getting up this die, Mr. Getz may have had a more exalted idea for it than that of a cent, as its merit was subsequently acknowledged by the close resemblance of the reverse on the half-dollar of 1806, and others; the bust of the Goddess of Liberty being substituted on the obverse for the effigy of Washington. Burdened as this piece was with the bust of Washington, and the legend, " WASH- INGTON PEESIDENT I."— though the numeral upon it could not have been tortured into a reference to anything but a popular succession in the office of President of the United States — it was calculated to arouse prejudices against it, which were summarily deprived of their basis by Washington's own action, which repudiated its adoption — an evidence among the many that preceded and succeeded it, of his personal 132 COLONIAL COINS. disinterestedness relative to everything connected with the administration or welfare of the infant republic. We have been favored with the following leading facts in the life of Mr. Peter Getz, by J. Franklin Reigart, of Lancaster, Pa. They illustrate the force of native talent and energy which unassisted are often assisted most. " Mr. Adam Getz was born in Lancaster, Pa. ; his occupation was that of a silver- smith ; but he was, otherwise, a very skilful mechanic and remarkable for his ingenuity. He excelled as a seal-engraver, and an engraver on steel, and was the inventor of a very ingenious hand-vice. He built the three first fire-engines for his native town, the 'Active,' ' Sun,' and another, which is still in existence in the county, and invented an improved printing press — noticed in the 'Lancaster Journal,' January 8th, 1810 — worked by rollers instead of the screw, which, bv winters, was couriered a great improvement. " In 1792 he was a candidate for the position of chief coiner or engraver of the Mint, and at that time sustained his peculiar superiority as a self-taught mechanic, by exhibiting to Dr. Rittenhouse, the director, a small pair of scales — such as are called gold scales — which were of exquisite workmanship and great exactness. The Doctor, in those days of conscientious economy, could not think of taxing the government with anything so elaborate and costly. This decision induced Mr. Getz to solicit the Doctor's acceptance of them, which he courteously declined ; subsequently receiving them, how- ever, upon the condition of being permitted to pay twenty dollars for them, which was accepted — thus harmonizing the admiration of the Doctor with the skill of the artist. Soon after, Mr. Getz made very complete scales for the Bank of the United States. "Compelled as he was to manufacture his own tools — no other facilities than his own brain and hands existing at that time — his triumphs rank him among the most ingenious of his countrymen. " Mr. Getz died, December 29th, 1809, at 47 years of age, leaving a large family, a number of the descendants of which are living to cherish his memory. "Mr. Getz was personally complimented by Washington for his artistic skill in pro- ducing the die for what is called the 'Washington Cent,' and it was also officially recognized by the Government. This letter was often exhibited by Major John Getz, a son of the artist, during his lifetime. Memory must, however, supply the place of this documentary proof, as it cannot now be found." COLONIAL COINS. 133 Washington Cent. Device. — A bust of Washington, facing to the right — across the head a band, and in front of the same, a continuation of small curls. 1792. Legend.— WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. Exergue.— 1792. Reverse. — The American eagle with its wings partially expanded, and turning upward, and on each side of the neck three stars — six in all. The breast bears a heart-shaped shield with six parallel stripes ; in the right talon is grasped a bundle of arrows, and in the left, a branch of laurel. Legend.— CENT. ^e.— UNITED STATES OE AMERICA • x • x • x • x • (Size 8. See Plate XH., Eigure 7.) We do not think this coin has been previously described, as we have never met with but two specimens. The artist, in the features, had evidently made the harsh expression of the emperors upon Roman coins a study ; for it really bears more resemblance to a North American Indian than to the father of his country. It has been supposed that this coin was gotten up in our own country ; but it is now conceded that it was struck off in England, among the artizans of which, as illustrated by their designs, theoretic patriotism admits of no superiors. The date, the circumstances then existing, and the piece itself, are all in favor of its having been gotten up for a currency. In regard to that, however, conjecture can supply only what history has failed to preserve or perpetuate. It may, therefore, have been gotten up as a pattern piece, to be submitted to a committee of Congress having the subject in charge. It is now quite valuable and rare. Washington Half-Dollak. Device. — The bust of Washington in continental uniform, facing to the left, with the hair in a cue. 1792. Legend.— G. WASHINGTON PRESIDENT I. Exergue.— 1792. Reverse.— An eagle with the wings partially expanded; on the breast, a harp-shaped shield ; in the right talon an olive branch, and in the left, a number of arrows. Legend.— UNITED STATES OE AMERICA. (Size 10. See Plate XII., Eigure 8.) This piece bears a very close resemblance to the Washington cent of 1792," and our theory relative to it is, that Mr. Getz, in getting up the latter, did not arrive at a satisfactory experiment by a single effort ; and that hence the former was struck off 134 COLONIAL COINS. upon one of his rejected dies, upon which he had expressed the seal of his condemnation, by putting a mark upon it, as if cut across by a mallet and chisel. It is a very rare and valuable piece notwithstanding its mutilation, and descended, in good company, from a period of time of which it is a memorial ; and, though of doubtful paternity, it is held in much esteem by those who look to it for instruction, without reference to its origin or popularity. "Washington Cent. 1792. Device. — A bust of Washington in military costume, facing to the left, and the hair in a cue. Legend.— WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. Exergue. — 1792. Reverse. — An eagle with the wings partially expanded, holding in its beak a scroll, upon which is E. PLURLBUS UNUM; over the head of the same, a star, and above that, twelve others in circular form ; in the right talon the olive branch, and in the left, a bundle of arrows. (Size 8. See Plate XH., Figure 9.) This is a well executed piece, of which we have seen one type and three varieties. Like the cents of 1791, previously described, it was undoubtedly gotten up for the same purpose ; that is, under the invitation to foreign and native artists, as a pattern piece or specimen for a currency to be submitted to Congress. It may, therefore, be esteemed equally as valuable and rare, and entitled to the same history and importance. New York Cent. 1794. Device. — A ship under full sail. Legend.— TALBOT, ALLUM & LEE, NEW TORE. Exergue.— ONE CENT- Reverse. — A full length figure of Liberty, a bale of merchandise at her feet, holding in her right hand a pole, surmounted by the liberty cap, while she supports a rudder in her left. Legend.— LIBERTY & COMMERCE. Exergue. — 1794. Edge.— PAYABLE AT THE STORE OF -i- (Size 8. See Plate XI., Figure 11.) The die for this piece was gotten up in England in 1794. It is simply a card or token of the firm whose name it bears, and which, it is said, was largely engaged in the shipping business in the city of New York. Similar emissions have been made of late years, but much less elaborate in design. COLONIAL COINS. 135 This, at the time, seemed to take the public fancy, and hence it obtained an active circulation, which was succeeded by another issue in 1795. We have met with two distinct types and seven varieties of the emission of 1794, and one type of that of 1795, all well executed as to workmanship, but composed of very brittle, and consequently, inferior metal. Kentucky Copper. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty standing, and facing to the left; the right hand is extended toward two naked children, who are urged toward the Goddess 1796. by a female figure at their backs ; with the left arm the Goddess supports the liberty pole, surmounted by the cap. On one side of her is a cornucopia, on the other a fruit tree, and in the back-ground of the figure, on the left, is an anchor. Legend.— BRITISH SETTLEMENT, KENTUCKY. Exergue. — 1796. Reverse. — Britannia seated, the left arm resting upon a broken shield, bearing the British cross ; in her right rests a spear, point downward ; her head drooping, as if surveying the broken sword, scales, &c., which lie at her feet. Legend.— PAYABLE BY P. P. P. MYDDELTON. (Size 8. See Plate XI., Figure 12.) The above devices are rich in the budding sentiments that began to find a place wherever the mind had become enlightened in regard to the principles that had been planted, and taken root on this western continent. A figure on the obverse, which we may denominate the hand-maid of the Goddess of Liberty, is urging forward, to the goddess' protection, the poor and down-trodden children of despotism ; exhibiting to view, as does the goddess by her extended hand, the protecting aegis in the liberty pole and cap, with the emblems of plenty in the cornucopia and fruit tree on either side; and also in the back-ground, the anchor — the emblem of security and hope. On the reverse, Britannia rests upon a broken shield, bearing the British cross illustrative of defeat, with the reversed spear, indicative of fallen power, and o-azino- at the broken sword, scales, &c, at her feet — the paraphernalia of departed authority. This piece was, as the legend — " Payable by P. P. P. Myddelton" — proves, a private enterprise, undoubtedly gotten up by a leader in a " British settlement," designed for if it did not actually take place in, Kentucky. It is valuable as an exponent of the feelings of many of our early settlers, full as they were of the spirit of liberty, and which their descendants still enthusiastically cherish. 136 COLONIAL COINS. Castorlaud Half-Dollae. 1796. Device. — A bust with a laurel wreath, surmounted by a mural crown, and facing to the left. Z^h^.—FRANCO-AMERJCANA COLONIA. Exergue.— CASTOR-LAND. 1796. Reverse. — A figure of Ceres standing, facing to the right, holding in her right hand a cornucopia, and in her left, a carpenter's brace; at her feet a sheaf of wheat ; near her is a maple tree, from which the sap is running into a tub. Legend.— SALVE MAGNA PARENS FRUGT7M. Exergue. — A beaver lying down. (Size 9. See Plate XI., Figure 13.) The design of this piece embraces such emblems as would naturally cluster around the thoughts of an agricultural community, seeking a home in the New World ; and they are peculiarly appropriate. It was said to have been struck off in Paris by Duvivier, as a pattern piece for a currency for the French settlement, whose history follows. Composed, as that settlement appears to have been, of persons of wealth and intelligence, and probably but little acquainted with our mint laws and consequent facilities, we are not surprised that it made some provision for a currency. "We gather from Hough's history of Jefferson county, New York, that, "on the 31st of August. 1792, William Constable, one of the three owners of Macomb's great purchase, sold to Peter Chassauis. of Paris, a large tract of land in the present counties of Lewis and Jefferson, east and north of Black river, and intended to contain 640,000 acres, but which, upon subsequent survej', was found to fall short several hundred thousand acres. Chassanis organized a company, which he sent over under the direction of Rudolp Tillier as agent, about the year 1791. These settlers made the first road north from Steuben to the Black river, and began a settlement in the present town of Greig, adjacent to the High Falls. '•A small beginning was made at the head of navigation on Beaver river, named Castorville, and at the present village of Carthage in Jefferson county. '•' The French Revolution drove into exile manj' families of rank and wealth, some of whom settled on this tract, but most of them after a few years returned to France, and the settlements were ultimately abandoned." ,AW LXRosenll»HitkPliiUt« COLONIAL COINS. 137 Washington Tokens, Coppers, and Medalets. Under this head the following are described. They are part and parcel of collections held in much regard by those who possess them, and in a work designed, as far as practicable, to embrace everything of the kind, whether possessing any particular history or not, we have judged they might, as indexes of the past, prove to be interesting. No. 1. "Washington Coppers." Device. — A bust of Washington, facing to the left, in military costume ; the hair in a cue. Legend.— GEORGE WASHINGTON. Reverse. — A harp surmounted by a crown. Legend.— NORTH WALES. (Size 6. See Plate XIII., Figure 3.) No. 2. Device. — A finely executed bust of Washington, facing to the left, in continental uniform ; the hair in a cue. Legend.— GEORGE WASHINGTON. Reverse. — The American Eagle, with wings expanded, holding in the right talon the olive branch, and in the left barbed arrows — over a heart-shaped shield, fifteen stare and stripes. Legend.— LIBERTY AND SECURITY. Edge.— AS ASYLUM FOR THE OPPRESSED OF ALL NATIONS. (Size 10. See Plate XH., Figure 10.) Washington Medalet. Device. — The bust of Washington in military uniform, and the hair in a cue, facing to the left. 1790. Legend.— GEO. WASHINGTON BORN VIRGINIA. Exergue.— Feb. 11, 1732. Reverse. — GENERAL OF THE AMERICAN ARMIES 1775. RESIGNED 1783. PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1789. Exergue.— J . MANLY &0. 1790. (Size 14.) 18 138 COLONIAL COINS. "Washington Half-Penny. 1791. Device. — The bust of "Washington, facing to the left, in military costume, and the hair in a cue. Legend.— WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. JExergue. — 1791. Reverse. — A ship under full sail. Legend.— HALF PENNY. Edge.— PAYABLE LN ANGLESY, LONDON OK LIVERPOOL. (Size 8. See Plate XHI., Figure 4.) The same as the above, bearing date 1793 ; and also an issue varying thus — under the ship are two laurel branches crossed. "Liverpool Half-Penny." 1791. Device. — The bust of "Washington. Legend— WASHINGTON PRESIDENT. Exergue. — 1791. Reverse. — A ship under full sail. Legend.— LIVERPOOL HALF PENNY. (Size 8. See Plate XH., Figure 6.) "Washington Token. 1795. Device. — The bust of Washington. Legend.— GEORGE WASHINGTON. Reverse. — A spread Eagle over the American shield, on which is emblazoned the stars and stripes. Legend.— LIBERTY AND SECURITY. Exergue. — 1795. (Size 8.) "Washington Coppers." 1795. Device. — The bust of Washington, facing to the left, in military uniform, and the hair in a cue. Legend.— GEORGE WASHINGTON Reverse. — A harp-shaped shield, surmounted by an Eagle with expanded wings, grasping in the right talon three arrows, and in the left, a laurel branch. The shield equally divided — the left portion containing fifteen stars, and the right, the same. Legend.— LIBERTY AND SECURITY. Exergue. — 1795. (Size 10. Similar to Figure 10., Plate XH.) Another precisely the same except size, which is 8. COLONIAL COINS. 139 Device. — The bust of Washington, facing to the right, in continental uniform, and hair in a cue. 1795. Legend.- G. WASHINGTON THE FIRM FRIEND OF PEACE & HUMANITY * Reverse. — A coal-grate elaborately ornamented in front. Legend.— PAYABLE BY CLARK & HARRIS 13 WORMWOOD ST BISHOPS-GATE. Exergue.— LONDON 1795. (Size 9. Edge grained.) Of this, there were four varieties — determined by the arrangement and ornamenta- tion of the grate, by a variation in the pillars — ornamented or plain, and the grate without ornament. These pieces evidently found their way into the hands of coin- dealers, instead of subserving the purpose for which they were gotten up — that of a card — and have been deemed worthy of preservation by the curious. They were made of good copper, and the workmanship is superior. Washington Medalet. Device. — A bust of Washington. 1796. Legend.— GEORGE WASHINGTON. Exergue. — 1796. Reverse. — Military trophies, on a banner of which is inscribed REPUB : AMER : Legend.— GEN'L OF THE AMERICAN ARMIES, 1775. RESIGN'D THE COMM'D, 1783. ELEC'D PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, 1789. RE- SIGNED THE PRESIDENCY, 1796. (Size 12.) Washington Medalet. Device. — The bust of Washington, in citizen's dress, hair in a cue, and facing right. 1799. Legend.— GEORGE WASHINGTON ESQ? LATE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Reverse. — A festooned wreath, divided by thirteen five-pointed stars, surmounted by thirteen barbed arrows bound together in the centre. Inscription.— WITH COURAGE AND FIDELITY HE DEFENDED THE RIGHTS OF A FREE PEOPLE. DEED DEC? 14. 1799. AGED 69. Legend.— MADE COMMANDER OF THE AMERICAN FORCES THE 15 JUNE 1775. (Size 12.) 140 COLONIAL COINS. Washington Medalets. Device. — The bust of Washington, facing to the right. Legend. — G E WASHINGTON B? GENERAL OF THE CONTEND ARMY IN AMERICA. Reverse. — A group of warlike implements — viz., a cannon, mortar, balls, and drum in the foreground, and in the background flags, trumpets, &c. Legend.— RE UNIT PAR EN RARE ASSEMBLAGE LES TALENS DU GUERRIER ET LES VERTUS DE SAGE. (Size 12.) Device. — In the foreground, the bust of Washington in a medallion of oval form, suspended from the beak of an Eagle, who is in the act of flying; in the background a blaze festooned with drapery, in the centre of which is the Legend.— P ATRIA PATER. Reverse.— STRUCK & DISTRIBUTED LN CIVIC PROCESSION FEB5? 22™ 1832., THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BLRTH-DAY OF WASH- INGTON BY THE GOLD & SILVER ARTIFICERS OF PHILAD. (Size 9.) This collection, with similar single specimens we have described, shows that, at the periods of time they were issued, the name and fame of Washington were inseparable from the daily thoughts of mankind in a state of civilization, inscribed as is his name or bust upon every piece. Perhaps no man that ever lived has been the subject of so much honest adulation — that flowing directly from the heart — as Washington; and it is universally admitted that no one more justly merited it. The feeling, manifested by inscriptions upon gold, silver, brass, arid copper coins, tokens, medalets, &c, &c, still exists ; for, since the times when they were issued, monuments have arisen, and are still rising to his memory ; his name has been given to cities, towns, counties, lakes, mountains, &c, &c, and an embryo commonwealth will soon be added to the galaxy of sovereign States of the Union, still further attesting the love and admiration with which his name is remembered. Potentates, by the authority of force or their own laws, have impressed their names and effigies upon coins ; and superstition, bigotry, love of splendor, courtier adulation, and demagoguism have originated medals, statues, monuments, &c, to living and departed greatness. But all these, unlike the voluntary tributes of freemen to Washington, have no connection with the great humanitarian work by which he sought to enlighten and elevate mankind, and which has immortalized him. COLONIAL COINS. 141 Whatever, then, relates to Washington in the past, is not only an index of the by-gone, but an earnest of the future for his memory, which will be as imperishable as the planet upon which we live. Though our present form of government may ultimately fail, and the people of this now glorious Union sink into subjective degradation — the consequence only of the neglect of the principles he left them as a legacy for their guidance — his name will survive for the just and humane part which he personated in the great drama of universal human rights. Washington Medalet. Device. — A bust of Washington, in military uniform, the hair in a cue, and facing 1799. to the left, surrounded hy a wreath of laurel. Legend.— HE, IS IN GLOEY , THE WORLD IN TEARS. Reverse. — A large Urn with the initials G. W. in the side. Legend— B. F. 11, 1732. G. A. ARM. '75. , R. '83, P. U. S. A. '89, R. '96. G. ARM. U. S. '98. , OB. D. 14, 1799. (Size 8. See PlateXHL, Figure 5.) Deeming them interesting, we have described a number of these medalets in our pages. This one made its appearance at the time of the death of Washington, in type-metal, copper, silver, and gold. The dates, though not so noted, are 0. S. which prevailed at the time of the birth of Washington. The artist, so far as we have been able to discover, is unknown. Like other medalets of Washington, it undoubtedly had its basis in the love and esteem in which he was held by his countrymen ; and also to commemorate the birth, public employment and death of that distinguished civilian and soldier. It can excite no surprise that every species of emblem that ingenuity could devise and art execute, should have been produced to enliven and perpetuate his memory ; seeing as we do, that they are now treasured up with a regard and an affection as fresh and as durable as they were half a century ago. Time can make no mutations upon Washington's peerless escutcheon, nor can it diminish the admiration with which •his memory will ever be held by the civilized world. 142 COLONIAL COINS. Washington Medalbts. Device. — A bust of Washington, face front, and in citizen's dress. Legend.— GENERAL WASHINGTON. Reverse. — The American eagle, facing front, with expanded wings, on the breast our national shield with stripes, and holding in its talons the arrows and olive branch. Legend.— IN UNITATE FORTITUDO. Exergue. — SPIEL-MUNZB. (Size 5.) Device. — The bust of Washington, face front, and in citizen's dress. Legend.— GENERAL WASHINGTON. Reverse. — The bust of the Goddess of Liberty, facing to the left, around the head the word LIBERTY, and under the bust ten six-pointed stars. Legend.— COMPOS . SPEIL MUNZE. (Size 7.) These pieces were gotten up in Germany, but from what motive or for what purpose we are unable positively to state. Probably, however, for counters — the civilized world, at the time of their manufacture, being so full of the name and fame of Washington, that it was quite natural that his effigy, in the absence of the original, should be made a household god in some form. They were of two sizes, and the portrait of Washington upon them is so good, that it not only confers credit upon the artist, but would render it a fitting adornment for any similar production. Of the former, we have seen seven varieties. Though like some others we have introduced into this work, not important in themselves, we have described them, in order that their proper relation and value may be established in our general purpose. These medalets are composed of brass, and the largest of the two we have seen heavily gilded with gold, making it a very pretty cabinet ornament Washington Medalet. Device. — The bust of Washington, facing to the right, in military costume, a military cloak thrown negligently over the shoulders, and the hair in a cue. Exergue. — Conradt No. 170. N. Fourth street. Reverse. — A wreath, composed of the oak and laurel, with acorns and laurel blossoms, connected at each end by a five-pointed star. Legend.— THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY. Exergue.— Feb. 22, 1832. Philadelphia. rSize 9.) COLONIAL COINS. 143 This medalet is of modern origin, and was gotten up by Mr. Conradt, an ingenious mechanic of Philadelphia. Its execution shows that he possessed very considerable natural ability as a die-sinker — the bust of "Washington on the same being excellent, and falling but little below the standard of the best we have seen. The motive for getting it up may have been a test of skill, laudable admiration for the character of the " Father of his Country," that fills every heart, and is fain to exhibit itself in every form and upon every practicable occasion, or, united with this, perhaps as a card. Columbia Copper. Device. — A head in the field. Legend.— COLUMBIA. Reverse. — A female figure seated, holding a balance. This coin is about the size of our dime, is without a date, and is familiarly known among collectors as the Columbia token. We notice it because it has had the reputation, from various public sources, of being a North American coin. This coin and its history is well known in Birmingham, England, where it was struck off in 1830, and designed for circulation in Columbia, South America. There are four types ; we have seen them in both copper and mixed metals, but most generally in brass. Db Dansk. Americ. Device. — A figure formed of inverted C's and 6's, surmounted by a crown. 1740. Legend.— NORY • VAN • G • D • G • REX • DAN. Reverse.— • II • SHILLING • DANSKE ■ 1740 • • C • W • Legend.— ETLAND • EA3B ■ MTNT • DE • DANSK • AMERIC ■ (Size 8. See Plate XI., Figure 15.) This coin was issued for the Danish West India Islands, as the date shows, in 1740 during the reign of Christian VI., king of Norway and Denmark, and duke of Holstein. It is known among collectors as we have designated it; and though it has no connection with the Anglo-American colonies, we have given it a place in this work on account of its antiquity ; but chiefly, because it is found in many cabinets and is highly esteemed by its possessors. This is the only piece of the kind we have seen, that occupies so early a relation to the history of money in this hemisphere. Looking back to the period of its emission- one hundred and eighteen years ago — we are reminded of the feeble condition and undeveloped power of a continent, which, in its rapid advancement, threatens soon to 144 COLONIAL COINS. become the seat of empire for the world — at least for the dissemination of the principles of self-government, without which no nation can avail itself fully of either its intellectual or physical resources — as man thought for is a mere machine, falsifying the great purposes of his creation and destiny. Nokth American Token. 1781. Device. — A female figure seated, and supporting with her left hand a harp. Legend.— NORTH AMERICAN TOKEN. Exergue. — 1781. Reverse. — A brig under full sail. Legend.— COMMERCE. (Size 7J. See Plate XI., Figure 14.) This piece, among the numerous experiments of the kind, was undoubtedly originally intended for a currency. It had the recommendation of a figure of a female, who, from the accompaniment of a harp, must have been somewhat musical; and for a legend, commerce, exemplified by the figure of a brig, the design and proportions of which would carry one back to an early period in naval architecture. Of this piece there were two types. PLATE XIII PART V. UNITED STATES, COINS OP THE UNITED STATES MINT. These have been so fully and ably described, and treated of, by Messrs. Eckfeldt and Du Bois, the very able Assayers of the Mint, in their " Manual" of 1842, and Supplement to the same, of 1851, that, to the latter date, we find the field of knowledge not only harvested, but gleaned. The extracts from their works will be credited by the usual quotation marks. "On the 22d of April, 1792, a code of laws was enacted for the regulation of the Mint, under which, with slight changes, the coinage was executed for forty-two years. " The denominations of coins, with their rates, were as follows, viz : "Gold. — The eagle or ten dollars, to weigh 270 grains; the half and quarter eagle in proportion; all of the fineness of 22 carats or 917-1000ths. "Silver. — The dollar, of one hundred cents, to weigh 416 grains; the half, quarter, dime (one-tenth), and half-dime (one-twentieth), in proportion. "Copper. — The cent, by the act of 1792, to weigh 264 grains, the half-cent in proportion. Since that act, the following alterations of the standard have been made. On the 14th of January, 1793, the weight of the cent was reduced to 208 grains, and the half-cent in proportion. January 26th, 1796, President Washington issued a proclamation, as he had been empowered to do by law, that ' on account of the increase of the price of copper and the expense of coinage, the cent would be reduced to 7 dwts. or 168 grains, and the half-cent in proportion.' The copper coins have since remained at this standard. "June 28th, 1834, an act was passed changing the weight and fineness of the gold coins, and the relative value of gold to silver. It was found that the estimate of gold, 19 (145) 146 UNITED STATES. upon the original basis of being worth fifteen times as much as silver, was too low for the market value, which, though always fluctuating, was nearer sixteen to one upon a general average. The effect of our legal proportions was to reduce the coinage of gold, and to restrain its circulation. Being always at a premium, the coin was immediately exported to Europe in the course of trade, and then quickly wrought into other shapes. " To provide a remedy for this evil, engaged the attention of some of our most eminent statesmen for a term of fifteen years. 1 At length, in June, 1834, the weight of the eagle was reduced by law to 258 grains — the parts in proportion — of which 232 grains must be of fine gold, making the fineness 21 carats 21! car. grains, or 899t 2 o 2 o 5 u. This was an increase of 6t%Vh per cent, on the former value of gold. The silver coinage was unchanged. " The disadvantage of the complex standards of fineness, both in gold and silver, which were difficult to be expressed or remembered, and very inconvenient in regard to the frequent calculations which were based upon them, early determined the Director to endeavor to effect an improvement. The standard of nine-tenths fine, as adopted in Prance and some other countries, was obviously the most simple, and, upon any consideration, the most suitable. " To bring our silver coins to that proportion, without changing the amount of fine silver in them, it was only necessary to put less copper by three and a half grains in the dollar, reducing its weight to 412J grains. The weight of the gold was not to be changed, but the fineness increased about three-fourths of one-thousandth, a difference much within the scope of the legal allowance, and of course hardly appreciable. These proportions were incorporated in a carefully digested and consolidated code of mint laws, which was enacted by Congress in January, 1837. By that act, the eagle is to be 900 thousandths fine, and to weigh 258 grains, the half and quarter in proportion ; and the dollar, at the same fineness, to weigh 412J grains, the parts in proportion : the relative value, therefore, of silver to gold is 15.9884 to 1. The 1 Eminent statesmen engaged for a term of fifteen years, to provide a remedy for the exportation of gold I An expressive commentary upon the economical perceptions and practical reasoning of American statesmen ! Surely, the theoretical knowledge acquired at college or in a law office, relative to political economy, is of but little practical use. Could not that little matter of a balance of trade against the country, and which unceasingly drained it of its gold, have been obviated by the necessary protection to American labor; thereby making the exports, independent of gold, equal to the imports ? If that had been done — practicable at any moment — urged as it was by the most patriotic statesmen ever devoted to any country's service and welfare, experience shows that it would have been unnecessary to have legislated up the value of gold to have prevented its exportation. Subsequently, our trans-atlantic friends sought our silver, which was the subject of active export. UNITED STATES. 147 allowed deviations in fineness for gold, is from 898 to 902, for silver, 897 to 903 — the practical limits here are, for gold, 899 to 901, silver, 898 to 902. " Until the year 1835 there was but one mint, which was located in Philadelphia. In that year three branches were created by act of Congress ; two of these were for the coinage of gold only, and were to be situated at the towns of Charlotte, in North Carolina, and Dahlonega, Georgia — central points in the gold mining region. The third branch was for both gold and silver, and located at New Orleans." By act of Congress of July 3, 1852, the Branch Mint at San Francisco, California, was established. By act of March 4, 1853, an assay office was established in New York, for the melting, refining, parting, and assaying of gold and silver bullion and foreign coins, and for casting the same into bars, ingots or disks, either of pure metal or standard fineness, as the owner might prefer — provided that no ingot, bar, or disk, shall be cast of less weight than five ounces, unless the same be of standard fineness, and of either one, two, or three ounces in weight. And all gold or silver bullion, and foreign coin, intended by the depositor to be converted into the coins of the United States, shall, as soon as assayed and its net value is certified, be transferred to the Mint of the United States, under such directions as shall be made by the Secretary of the Treasury, and at the expense of the contingent fund of the Mint, and shall there be coined. " These institutions are respectively managed by superintendents, who are under the control of the director of the parent Mint. " The whole Mint establishment is thus constituted, in itself, a bureau or branch of the Treasury Department of the General Government, and is under the supervision of the Secretary of the Treasury. Its operations are annually reported through the President to Congress, and are laid open to the public through that body. " By the act of March 3d, 1849, two new gold coins, the double-eagle and the dollar, were added to the list, the former weighing 516 grains, or 21J pennyweights, the latter 25A grains. =s /jfr*^ -~?rr^ "The new Postage law of March 3d, 1851, provided for the coinage of a three-cent piece, composed of three-fourths silver and one-fourth copper, and weighing 121 grains;" and by the act of Congress of March 3d, 1853, this three-cent coin was altered from 121 grains, to weigh the three-fiftieths of the weight of the half-dollar — reduced under the same law from 206i grains to 192 — or 11 §8 grains. Of this coin, "pattern-pieces" were gotten up, which we have described under that head, the very diminutive size of which on their first appearance, suggested, outside of the Mint, the form of a flat ring on the score of safety — a pattern for a gold dollar, subsequently, having been gotten up in that form. As issued, however, it is a very useful coin, and custom has rendered it not onlv 148 UNITED STATES. very convenient, but a safe size. By the act of March 3d, 1853, it was also enacted that the weight of the half-dollar or piece of fifty cents should be 192 grains, and the quarter, dime, and half-dime respectively, one-half, one-fifth, and one-tenth the weight of said half-dollar. Thus it appears that the dollar was reduced in weight, by the act of January 18th, 1837, from 416 to 412i grains, and the parts in proportion; which reduced the half-dollar II grains in weight, and by the act of March 3d, 1853, the half-dollar was reduced from 206i grains to 192 — 14i grains — and the quarter, dime, and half-dime in proportion — the silver dollar under this act being untouched, and remaining as under the act of January 18th, 1837, at 412J grains. Under the act of March 3d, 1853, the three-dollar gold pieces were authorized to be struck and coined, conformably to the standard of gold coins established by law, which made them 771 grains in weight. The following are the various standards of the gold and silver coins. BATE. GOLD EAGLE. SILVER DOLLAR. HALT DOLLAR. QUARTER. DIME. HALF DIME. SILVER. Weight. Grs. Fineness. Thous. Weight. Grs. Weight. Grs. Weight. Grs. Weight. Grs. Weight. Grs. Fineness. Thous. Act of April 2,1792 " June 28, 1834 ' January 18, 1837 " March 3, 1853 270. 258. 258. 258. 916.7 899.2 900. 900. 416. 416. 412.5 412.5 192. 96. 38| 19i 892.4 892.4 900. 900. By act of February 21st, 1857, Sec. 4, it was enacted that the standard weight of the cent coined at the Mint should be 72 grains, or three-twentieths of one ounce Troy, with no greater deviation than four grains in each piece ; and said coin shall be com- posed of eighty-eight per centum of copper and twelve per centum of nickel, of such shape and device as may be fixed by the director of the Mint, with the approbation of the Secretary of the Treasury ; and the coinage of the half-cent shall cease. " Sec. 6. That it shall be lawful to pay out the said cent at the Mint in exchange for any of the gold and silver coins of the United States, and also in exchange for the copper coins issued. And it shall also be lawful for the space of two years from the passage of this act, and no longer, to pay out at the Mint the cents aforesaid, for the pieces commonly known as the quarter, eighth, and sixteenth of the Spanish pillar- dollar, and of the Mexican dollar." Under this act, successful inducements are presented for retiring the old copper cents which had been an "institution," under the Federal government, from 1793 to 1857, or about sixty-four years. And, previous to the establishment of the present Mint, UNITED STATES. 149 the "copper, with a multitude of devices — royal and republican — had, for more than one hundred and fifty years, been the daily companion of millions of people, and the convenient facility for the exchange of millions of value. We could mourn over the final banishment of these ancient coins and their more modern successors, were it not that their fac-similes will be preserved, and that, hence, we will still be able to con- template their interesting faces, and gather wisdom from the many philosophic and patriotic impressions, sayings and inscriptions, which they present for our gratification and enlightenment. "A BEIEF ACCOUNT OF THE PROCESSES EMPLOYED IN THE ASSAY OF GOLD AND SILVER COINS AT THE MINT OF THE UNITED STATES, PREPARED FOR THE USE OF THE COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL ASSAYS. " Peinciples of Operation. "According to law the standard of the gold of the United States is so constituted, that in 1000 parts by weight, 900 shall be of pure gold, and 100 of an alloy composed of copper and silver, " The process of assay requires that the copper and silver be both entirely removed from the gold ; and to effect this, two separate operations are necessary. " The first is for the removal of the copper, and this is done by a method called cupellation, which is conducted in an assay furnace, in a cupel composed of calcined bones. To the other metals, lead is added ; this metal possesses the properties of oxidizing and vitrifying under the action of heat, of promoting at the same time the oxidation of the copper and other base metals, and of drawing with it into the pores of the cupel the whole of those metals, so as to separate entirely this part of the alloy, and to leave behind the gold and silver only. " The separation of the silver from the gold is effected by a process founded on the property possessed by nitric acid of dissolving silver without acting upon gold. But that the gold may not protect the silver from this action, sufficient silver must first be added to make it at least two-thirds of the mass. The process to be described is based upon the rule of quartation, in which the proportion of silver is three-fourths. "Process of Assay. " The reserved gold coins are placed in a black lead crucible, and covered with borax, to assist the fluxing and to prevent the oxidation of the copper alloy. They are thus 150 UNITED STATES. melted down and stirred; by which a complete mixture is effected, so that an assay piece may be taken from any part of the bar cast out. The piece taken for this pur- pose is rolled out for convenience of cutting. It is then taken to an assay balance (sensible to the ten-thousandth of a half gramme or less), and from it is weighed a half gramme, which is the normal assay weight for gold, being about 7.7 grains Troy. This weight is stamped 1000, and all the lesser weights (afterwards brought into requisition) are decimal divisions of the weight, down to one ten-thousandth part. " Silver is next weighed out for the quartation, and as the assay piece, if standard, should contain 900-thousandth of gold, there must be three times this weight, or 2700-thousandths of silver, and this is accordingly the quantity used. It is true that there is already some silver in the alloy, but a little excess over the quantity required for the quartation does no injury to the process. " The lead used for the cupellation is kept prepared in thin sheets cut into square pieces, which should each weigh about ten times as much as the gold under assays. " The lead is now rolled into the form of a hollow cone, and into this are introduced the assay gold and the quartation silver, when the lead is closed round them, and pressed into a ball. " The furnace having been properly heated, and the cupels placed in it, and brought to the same temperature, the leaden ball, with its contents, is put into one of the cupels, the furnace closed, and the operation allowed to proceed until all agitation is ceased to be observed in the melted metal, and its surface has become bright. " This is an indication that the whole of the base metals have been converted into oxides and absorbed by the cupel. " The cupellation being thus finished, the metal is allowed to cool slowly, and the disc or button which it forms is detached from the cupel. " The button is then flattened by a hammer ; is annealed by bringing it to a red heat; is laminated bypassing it between rollers; is again annealed; and is rolled loosely into a spiral or coil called a cornet. It is now ready for the process of quartation. "For this purpose it is introduced into a matrass containing about li ounces of nitric acid, at 22° of Baume's hydrometer ; and in this acid it is boiled for ten minutes, as indicated by a sand-glass. " The acid is then poured off, and three-fourths of an ounce of stronger acid, at 32°, is substituted for it, in which the gold is boiled for ten minutes. " This second acid is then also poured off, and another equal charge of acid of the game strength is introduced, in which the gold is kept for ten minutes longer. " It is then presumed that the whole of the silver has been removed, and the gold UNITED STATES. 151 is taken out, washed in pure water, and exposed in a crucible to a red heat, for the purpose of drying, strengthening, and annealing it. " Lastly, the cornet of fine gold thus formed is placed in the assay balance, and the number of thousandths which it weighs expresses the fineness of the gold assayed, m thousandths. " Test Assay. " To test the accuracy of this process the following method is employed : "A roll of gold of absolute purity, which has been kept under the seal of the chair- man of the assay commissioners, is opened in their presence, and from it is taken the weight of 900 parts. To this are added 75 of copper, and 25 of silver; so as to form, with the gold, a weight of 1000 parts, of the exact legal standard. " This is passed through the same process of assay as the other gold, and at the same time. After the assay is finished it is evident that the pure gold remaining ought to weigh exactly 900. If, however, from any cause, it be found to differ from this weight, and therefore to require a correction, it is assumed that the same correction must be made in the other assays, and this is done accordingly." "ASSAY OF SILVER COINS. " Principles of the Operation. "The standard silver of the United States is so constituted that of a 1000 parts by weight, 900 shall be of pure silver, and 100 of copper. " The process of assay requires that the exact proportion of silver in a given weight of the compound be ascertained, and this is done by a method called the humid assay, which may be explained as follows : " The silver and copper may both be entirely dissolved in nitric acid ; and if to a solution thus made another of common salt in water be added, the silver will be pre- cipitated in the form of a white powder, which is an insoluble chloride, while the copper will remain unaffected. " Now it has been ascertained that 100 parts by weight of pure salt will convert into chloride of silver just 184.25 parts of pure silver. Consequently the quantity of salt necessary to convert into chloride 1000 parts of silver is 542.74, as found by the proportion — 184.25 : 100 : : 1000 : 542.74. 152 - UNITED STATES. "A standard solution of salt is accordingly so prepared as that a given measure (the French decilitre) shall contain 542.74 thousandths of a gramme of salt. The normal weight employed for silver assays is the gramme (equal to about 15.4 Troy grains), ■which is marked 1000, and has its subdivisions, in practical weighings, to the half or quarter thousandth. " Besides this standard solution, which effects the main precipitation of chloride of silver, there is a decimal solution of one-tenth the proportion of salt, which it is expe- dient to use for the lesser and final precipitations. " In the mode of assay under consideration, it is necessary that the portion of alloyed silver used shall contain as nearly as may be, 1000 parts of pure silver. The rigid standard requires that of 1000 parts by weight, 900 shall be of pure silver; but the law allows a variation from this ratio, provided that it do not exceed three-thou- sandths. The fineness may, therefore, be as low as 897, and as high as 903. In the practice of the assay, it is found most convenient to assume the lower extreme. Now, the weight of metal, of the fineness 897, which would contain 1000 parts of silver, is 1114.83; as found by the proportion — 897 : 1000 : : 1000 : 1114.83. " The nearest integer to this number is employed, and the weight of metal taken for the assay is 1115. "Process op Assay. " The reserved silver coins are melted together in a black lead crucible, with the addition of fine charcoal within the pot, to prevent oxidation, and to allow of dipping out. After stirring, a small portion of the fluid metal is poured quickly into Avater, producing a granulation ; from which the portion for assay is taken. As this differs from the mode pursued with gold, it must be specially noted, that in the case of silver alloyed with copper, there is a separation, to a greater or less degree, between the two metals in the act of gradual solidification. Thus an ingot cooled in a mould, or any single coin cut out of such ingot, though really 900 thousandths fine on the average, will show such variations, according to the place of cutting, as might even exceed the limits allowed by law. This fact has been established by many experiments, both in this Mint and the Mint of Paris, since the enactment of our Mint law; and it possesses the stubborness of a law of chemistry. But the sudden chill produced by throwing the liquid metal into water, yields a granulation of entirely homogeneous mixture, and it can be proved that the same fineness results, whether by assaying a single granule, or part of one, or a number together. UNITED STATES. 153 "From this sample the weight of 1115 thousandths is taken, which is dissolved in a glass bottle with nitric acid. "Into this solution the large pipette-full of standard solution of salt is introduced, and it produces immediately a white precipitate, which is chloride of silver, and which contains, of the metallic silver, 1000 parts. " To make this chloride subside to the bottom of the vessel and leave the liquid clear, it is necessary that it be violently shaken in the bottle ; and this is accordingly done, by a mechanical arrangement, for the necessary time. " Unless the coins have chanced to be below the allowable limit of standard, tlie liquid will still contain silver in solution, and accordingly a portion of the decimal solution is introduced from the small pipette, capable of precipitating a thousandth of silver, and a white cloud of chloride will show itself. More doses are added if the indications require it. "The liquid is again shaken and cleared, and the process is thus repeated, until the addition of the salt water shows only a faint trace of chloride below the upper surface of the liquid. " Let us suppose, for the sake of example, that tnree measures of the decimal solution have been used with effect. This will show that the 1115 parts of the coin contained 1003 of pure silver; and thus the proportion of pure silver in the whole alloyed metal is ascertained. "Test Assay. " For the foregoing process to be exact, it is necessary that the saline solution be of the true standard strength, or be such that the quantity of it, measured in the large pipette, shall be just sufficient to precipitate 1000 parts of silver. This cannot be assumed without proof, and a test assay is accordingly made as follows : "A roll of silver, known to be of absolute purity, is kept from year to year in an envelope, under the seal of the Chairman of the Assay Commissioners. This being opened in their presence, a portion of the silver is taken, and 1004 parts carefully weighed off, and submitted to the process of assay described above. If the salt water used be of the exact standard, it is evident that as the solution in the larger pipette will precipitate 1000 parts of silver, four measures of the decimal solution will be required to precipitate the remaining four parts. But as the normal or standard solution is affected, from day to day, by changes of temperature or other influences, the finishing decimal doses maybe more or fewer- and the other assays are to be corrected by the proof-piece accordingly. 20 154 UNITED STATES. Calculation op Fineness. "By the assay, thus corrected, the number of parts of silver contained in 1115 of the metal under trial, is ascertained ; and the fineness, in thousandths, is then found by the proportion : As 1115 is to the number of parts of fine silver, so is 1000 to the fineness of the alloyed silver, in thousandths. " Thus, if the assay show the presence of 1005J parts of fine silver, the fineness of the alloyed silver will be 901.8 thousandths, as found by the proportion, — 1115 : 1005.5 : : 1000 : 901.79. '■' It is on this principle that the following table is constructed. The numbers at the top and the fractions at the side correspond to the measures of the decimal solution used, corrected by the test assay. The numbers in the body of the table show the corresponding fineness of the assay-piece, of which the weight was 1115 parts. 1 2 3 4 5 6 896.9 897.7 898.6 899.6 900.4 901.3 902.2 L 1 897.1 898.0 898.9 899.8 900.7 901.6 902.5 i 897.3 898.2 899.1 900.0 900.9 901.8 902.7 a. 4 897.5 898.4 899.3 900.2 901.1 902.0 902.9 " In the testing of single pieces, it is to be expected that any gold coin, or a cut from any part thereof, will conform faithfully to the bounds prescribed by law. But the silver coins, in addition to the source of error already pointed out (the manner of taking assay samples), are somewhat liable to show too high a result, from several causes. At certain grades of alloy, and especially the standard of 900, the gradual cooling of ingots will draw the better metal to the interior, and the worst towards the exterior and the edges. Hence the fineness of pieces cut off the central part of the ingot is higher than the average fineness of the ingot. Again, in casting ingots from a melting pot, the exposure of the metal to the air during all the time of dipping out, and at the same time, the increase of heat toward the bottom of the pot, unavoidably produces a progressive refining, so that the lower ingot is of a higher quality than the average of the whole melt ; and, of course, a coin cut from it will be higher still. Yet with the precautions observed, our silver coins should very rarely exceed the superior limit assigned by law ; and there is no good reason why they should fall below the legal limit, unless it be the taking of au unfair sample for assay." UNITED STATES. 155 GOLD COINAGE. The data relative to our gold coinage, owing to the want of proper Mint records, and the great scarcity of the earlier emissions, is so limited, as to render impracticable a particular detail of the types and varieties. We must, therefore, content ourselves with giving the different types and such varieties as have come under our observation. The early gold coinage of our government has become very scarce, and hence is exceedingly rare, being found more frequently in the southern than in the northern part of our Union. The first coinage of gold occurred in June, 1795, in the form of eagles and half- eagles, and the fineness was 916.7 thousandths. Eagle. Device. — A female head — the Goddess of Liberty — wearing the liberty-cap, and the hair flowing loosely. Around the edge of the field are fifteen six- 1795. pointed stars — five on the right, and ten on the left of the same. Legend.— LIBERTY. Exergue. — 1795. Reverse. — The American Eagle with expanded wings, holding in its beak a laurel chaplet, and in the talons a palm-branch. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Size 9. See Plate XIV., Figure 1.) Of this emission we have met with but one type and three varieties ; number coined was 2795, and the weight 270 grains. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, weight 135 grains. Of this coin there were one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 8707. They are scarcer and 1795. rarer than the eagles. (Size 6L See Plate XIV., Figure 2.) Eagle. The designs the same as the preceding with the addition of another star, emblematic of the admission of Tennessee into the Union. This system of the 1796. adornment of our coinage was commenced — as will be subsequently noted not only upon the gold, but the silver and copper, but afterwards abandoned. We think the adding of such a symbol, upon the admission of a State, as an expressive 156 UNITED STATES. and beautiful idea ; and we cannot but regret that it was not continued. Of this emission there were one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 6934. They are extremely rare. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties ; and the number 1796. coined was 6196. Equally rare with the preceding. One of the varieties bears the effigy of a well-formed and very pretty face, which has been denomi- nated the Martha Washington. It has been stated that she sat to the artist for this portrait. Whether true or not, the declaration has been sufficient to impress its credi- bility upon the imagination of some one, for the piece — based upon this idea — has been lately sold for the sum of ten dollers. If there is any foundation for this statement, we must conclude that the artist's admiration of the lady's beauty overcame all scruples relative to the propriety of the act; and if he had but chronicled the fact, he might himself have been included in the charmed circle of the immortalized. Quarter-Eagle. This denomination made its first appearance this year. There were two types 1796. and three varieties, and the number coined was 963. The designs the same as the preceding denominations, in what we designate as the first type ; but in the second the stars are left off the obverse, and the eagle on the reverse is entirely changed, the wings being partially expanded ; on the breast a heart-shaped shield ; in its beak a scroll with the motto E. PLURIBUS UNUM ; over the head of the Eagle, clouds and sixteen six-pointed stars, in one talon a bundle of barbed arrows, and in the other a laurel branch. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. Of the first type very few were issued, and the number of the second being small, they may both be said to be extremely rare. (Size 5. See Plate XIV., Figure 5.) Eagle. The device the same as this denomination of the preceding year, the number 1797. of stars on the obverse being sixteen, ten on the left hand, and six on the right of the effigy. Reverse. — The Eagle changed — the wings partially expanded ; on the breast a heart-shaped shield; in its beak a scroll with the motto E. PLUPJBUS UNUM; over the head of the Eagle, clouds and thirteen six-pointed stars; one talon grasps a bundle of barbed arrows, and the other a laurel branch. Legend.— UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. (Size 7. See Plate XIV., Figure 4.) UNITED STATES. 157 Of this emission we have met with but one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 8323. They are more numerous than any of the previous issues of this denomination, but cannot be said to be easily obtained. It has been stated that there was an issue of this year with but fifteen stars on the obverse ; we can only say, that in our extensive researches we have not been fortunate enough to meet with it, and hence we cannot accede to the correctness of the statement. Half-Eagle. The designs the same as this denomination in the preceding year. There were of this issue one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 3609. 1797. They are now quite rare. Quaeter-Eagle. The designs the same as the preceding, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 855. They are seldom met with, except in cabinet 1797. collections, and hence are extremely rare. Eagle. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, except that the number of stars is reduced from sixteen to thirteen on the obverse — seven on 1798. the left, and six at the right of the effigy. Of this issue there were one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 7974. They are quite scarce. (Size 7. See Plate XIV., Figure 3.) Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 24,867. Notwithstanding the comparatively large number coined 1798. they are scarce. Quaeter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 614. They are, of course, extremely rare. ]7gg Eagle. The designs the same, with the exception of the arrangement of the stars on the obverse— eight on the left, and five on the right of the effigy. There were 1799 of this issue one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 17 483 One variety has fourteen stars on the reverse, evidently an error. This' emission is 158 UNITED STATES. more plenty than any of the same denomination for previous years, and yet they may be considered scarce. Half-Eagle. 1799. The designs the same as the preceding, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 7451. They are not numerous at this time. Qoakter-Eagle. The Mint report gives a coinage of this denomination, in this year, of 480 1799. pieces. Never having seen one of them, or heard of any one who had, it is out of our power to furnish either the designs, types or varieties of the same. Eagle. 1800. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 25,965. They are scarce. Half-Eagle. 1800. The designs the same as the preceding, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 7451. They are considered as rare. Eagle, 1801. The designs the same as the preceding, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 29,254. They may be considered as scarce. Half-Eagle. Here we have to record another instance, in the history of our coinage, in 1801. which the comparatively large number of 26,006 pieces was coined, as per report of the United Slates Mint, and yet every piece has escaped the eagle eyes of numismatologists ; not a single piece having been seen by them, or other collectors of coins of whom we have heard. There is a mystery connected with it wholly inexplicable to us. Could " John Bull" have gotten that whole hatch, and con- signed it to the melting-pot ? If so, we shall never hear of it more. Eagle. And still another instance in which the number of pieces is given, as coined 1802. by the Mint, 15,090, and not a solitary piece to be seen or heard of. This destruction of links in our metallic chain is anything- but agreeable. UNITED STATES. 159 Half-Eagle. The designs the same as upon the preceding coin of this denomination, with one type and a single variety, and the number coined was 53,176. They are 1802. more easily procured than any of the others of this denomination. Eagle. The designs the same as the last of this denomination described, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 8979. They are con- 1803. sidered as rare. Half-Eagle. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 33,506. They are not con- 1803. sidered as scarce. Quarter-Eagle. A fourth instance in which the Mint report gives us, as coined, the number of 423 pieces, not a solitary one of which, so far as we have been able to learn, 1803. has a place in any cabinet in our country — not so much to be wondered at, however, as the coinage was so small. Eagle. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, with one type and two varieties, and the number of pieces coined was 9795. They are 1804. indeed rare. This was the last of the emission of the old-fashioned Eagle, whose diameter is so remarkable, contrasted with the same denomination since coined at our Mint. We look upon it with somewhat of a feeling of reverence, it being the pioneer of that description of currency in our country, and characterized by an appearance that partakes much of the times when our forefathers had the same quaint resemblance, but not the less allied to those solid and substantial qualities so essential in laying the foundations of a government, which for enlightened and perfect workmanship, has ever since been the model and admiration of the thinking portion of the human family. Half-Eagle. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, with one type and three varieties, and the number of pieces coined was 30,475. They are 1804. not plenty, but on the contrary show indications of scarcity. 160 UNITED STATES. Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, with one type 1804. and two varieties, and the number coined was 3327. May be said to be merely scarce. Half-Eagle. 1805. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 33,183. They are scarce. Quarter-Eagle. 1805. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 1781. This emission is rare. Half-Eagle. The designs the same as the preceding of this denomination, with one type 1806. and two varieties, and the number coined was 6493. It is not difficult to procure specimens of this issue. Half-Eagle. The designs the same with the preceding, except a change in the arrange- 1807. ment of the stars — seven on the left, and six on the right of the effigy, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 8493. This emission is not scarce. Quarter-Eagle. 1807. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number of pieces coined was 6812. They are scarce. Half-Eagle. 1808. Device. — A female head, with a band around the same, bearing the word LIBERTY. Around the edges of the field thirteen stars. Exergue.— 1808. Reverse. — The Eagle with the heart-shaped shield, &c, as on previous emissions ; a scroll with E. PLTJRLBUS UNTJM inscribed upon it, being substituted for the clouds and stars over the head of the same. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Size 6. See Plate XIV., Figure 13.) UNITED STATES. 181 Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same as the above, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 2710. They are scarce. 1808. (Size 4. See Plate XIV., Figure 8.) Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 33,875. They are scarce. 1809. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 100,207. Not scarce. 1810. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 99,581. Plenty. 1811. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 58,087. Becoming scarce. 1812. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 95,428. Plenty. 1813. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 15,454. They are rare. 1814. Half-Eagle. The mint report gives a coinage of 635 pieces for this year. We have never met with one of them — the designs of this emission were undoubtedly 1815. the same. Half-Eagle. The designs the same — two years having elapsed without any gold coinage with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 48,588. This 1818. issue is scarce. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 51,723. They can be easily procured. 1819. 21 162 UNITED STATES. Halt-Eagle. 1820. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 263,806. This emission is quite plenty Half-Eagle. 1821. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the amount coined was 34,641. They are scarce. Quarter-Eagle. 1821. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 6448. They are rare. Half-Eagle. 1822. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 17,340. They are rare. Half-Eagle. 1823. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 14,485. Rare. Half-Eagle. 1824. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 1734. They are rare. Quarter-Eagle. 1824. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 2600. Eare. Half-Eagle. 1825. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 29,060. Plenty. Quarter-Eagle. 1825. The designs the same, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 4434. They are scarce. Half-Eagle. 1826. The designs the same, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 18,069. Scarce. UNITED STATES. 163 Quartek-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 760. Very rare. 1826. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 24,913. Scarce. 1827. Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 2800. Rare. 1827. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 28,029. Rare. 1828. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 57,442. Rare. 1829. Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 3403. Scarce. 1829. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 126,351. Plenty. 1830. Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 4540. Merely scarce. 1830. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 140,594. This issue has become scarce, notwithstanding the large 1831. number coined. Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 4520. Rare. 1831. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 157,487. Scarce. 1832 164 UNITED STATES. Quarter-Eagle. 1832. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 4400. Merely scarce. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and one variety, and the number 1833. coined was 193,630. Not plenty. This was the last issue bearing the favoi'ite motto, "E. PLURIBUS UNUM," which was given up with much regret, it having been for many years upon our coins, and daily reminding the people of their own unity, as well as the unity of the States. Quarter-Eagle. 1833. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 4160. Only scarce. I Half-Eagle. Device the same as on the obverse of this denomination of the preceding 1834. year; the scroll with the motto, "E. PLURIBUS UNUM," on the reverse, removed. Of this issue there were two types and five varieties, and the number coined was 732,169. Notwithstanding this large coinage, they are scarce, the first type being extremely rare. (Size 51. See Plate XIV., Figure 9.) Quarter-Eagle, -y. 1834. The designs the same as the half-eagle, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 117,370. Rare. Half-Eagle. 1835. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 371,534. Scarce. Quarter-Eagle. 1835. The designs the same, with one~type and two varieties, and the number coined was 131,402. Rare. UNITED STATES. 165 Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 553,147. Scarce. 1836. Quarter-Eagle. ... The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 547,986. Scarce. 1836. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number of pieces coined was 207,121. Scarce. 1837. Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 45,080. Eare. 1837. Eagle. Device. — A female head — Goddess of Liberty — facing to the left, the hair done up behind, and bound by a fillet, upon which is inscribed the word 1838. LIBERTY, curls falling down on the neck. Around the edge of the field thirteen stars. Exergue. — 1838. Reverse. — The eagle proportionally reduced in size, otherwise the same in design as on the half-eagle of 1834. Legend.— TimTED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue.— TEN" D. (Size 7. See Plate XIV., Figure 10.) Of this issue there were one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 7200. Bare. Of this denomination there had been none coined since 1804, a period of thirty-four years. Half-Eagle. The designs the same as upon the eagle, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 286,588; notwithstanding which, they are scarce. 1838. (Size 5. See Plate XIV., Figure 11.) Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 47,030. Plenty. (Size 4. See Plate XIV., Figure 12.) 1838. Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 38,248. Scarce. 1839 166 UNITED STATES. Half-Eagle. 1839. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 118,143. Scarce. Quarter-Eagle. 1839. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 27,021. Scarce. Eagle. 1840. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 47,338. Scarce. Half-Eagle. 1840. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 137,382. Scarce. Quarter-Eagle. 1840. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 18,859. Scarce. Eagle. 1841. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 63,031. Scarce. Half-Eagle. 1841. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 15,838. Scarce. Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with the exception of the letter C on the reverse, 1841. which addition, as we are informed, referred to California^ this emission being a private enterprise designed for that country. There was one type and one variety, but the Mint report does not furnish the number coined. Eagle. 1842. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 81,507. Scarce. UNITED STATES. 167 Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 27,578. Eare. 1842. Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 2823. This issue is extremely rare. 1842. Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 250,624. Not scarce. 1843. Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 855,085. Not scarce. 1843» Quarter-Eagle. ■-.- The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 530,853. Not scarce. 1843. Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 125,061. Scarce. 1844 Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 817,583. Scarce, though the emission was large. 1844 Quarter-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 35,738. They are rare. 1844 Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 73,653. Scarce. 1845 Half-Eagle. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 548,728. They are plenty. l Quarter-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 121,394. They are becoming scarce. 180o. Dime. - The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 120,780. Not scarce. 180-5. Half-Dime. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 15,000. They are considered to be very rare. 1805. Half-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 839,576. One of the varieties is a Mint alteration of the die of 1806. 1805. Not scarce. Quarter-Dollar . The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 206,124. They are scarce. 1806. Half-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 1,051,576. In these coins, for the first time, the punctuation was 1807. left off the edges, leaving plain FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR. They are not scarce, but still command a small premium. Quarter-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 220,643. They are plenty. 1807 184 UNITED STATES. Half-Dollar. 1808. Device. — A female bust — Goddess of Liberty — the head dressed with a turban — the fashion of the time — around which is a fillet, on which is inscribed the word LIBERTY ; the hair flowing in ringlets below the bust ; thirteen stars — seven on the right, and six on the left of the effigy. Exergue. — 1808. Reverse.- — An eagle, new in design, over the head of which, removed for the first time from the beak of the same, is a scroll inscribed " E. PL EREBUS UXUM ;" a shield on the breast; in the right talon three barbed arrows, and in the left, a laurel brancb. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue. — 50 c. (Size 9. See Plate XV., Figure 6) Of this emission, we have found one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 1,368,600. Good specimens can be procured at this time. HALF-DOLLAR. In this series of years — the designs the same as on the preceding — 1809-1814. there was but one type of each, and the variations on the reverse are so slight, that we do not deem it essential to designate varieties. The number coined in these years was, in the aggregate, 7.794,767. The emissions of the years 1811 and 1814 are scarce; of the other years specified, they are easily procured, in a fine state of preservation, at the ordinary commercial premium. Dimes. Were the same in the designs as the half-dollar above. The emission 1809-1814 of 1809 had one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 44,710. They are scarce. Of 1810, there were one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 6355. Very scarce. Of 1811, one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 65,180. They have become, notwithstanding the respectable number, extremely scarce. Of 1814, one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 421,500, and though the emission was unusually large, they are becoming scarce. (Size 5. See Plate XVI., Figure 5.) Half-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties. The Mint report 1815. does not acknowledge the coinage of this year, hence we are unable to give the number coined. Most cabinets of note contain them. The amount may have UNITED STATES. 185 been small, but we have cited proof of their emission. Thej are rare, and command a good premium. Quarter-Dollar. The designs the same as upon the preceding denomination, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 69,232 — there having been 1815. no emission of this denomination of coin since 1807. They are easily obtained. (Size 7. See Plate XVI, Figure 4.) Half-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 1,215,567. This was the only coinage of silver in this year. Rare. 1817. Half-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 1,960,322. Scarce. 1818. Quarter-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 361,174. No coinage but halves and quarters this year. Scarce. 1818. Half-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 2,208,000. They are quite plenty. 1819. Quarter-Dollar, The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 144,000. They are scarce. ■„ The silver coinage confined to halves 1819. and quarters in this year. . Half-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 751,122. They are scarce. 1820 Quarter-Dollar. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 127,444. They are plenty. 1820 24 186 UNITED STATES. Dime. 1820. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 942 587. Notwithstanding the large coinage, they are quite scarce. Half-Dollar. 1821. The designs the same, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,305,797. Not scarce. Quarter-Dollar. 1821. The designs the same, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 216,851. Not scarce. 7 ( Dime. 1821. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 1,186,512. This issue is quite plenty. Half-Dollar. 1822. The designs the same, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 559,573. They are plenty. Quarter-Dollar. 1822. The designs unaltered, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 64,080. Scarce. Dime. 1822. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 100,000. Rare Half-Dollar. 1823. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,694,200. Not scarce. Quarter-Dollar. 1823. The designs unchanged, with one type and. two varieties, and the number coined was 17,800. They are extremely rare. PLATE XV. L.XKf.NHitUxml.ljkkPhilacU. UNITED STATES. 187 Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 440,000. Scarce. 1823. Half-Dollae. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 3,504,954. According to the Mint report, this was the only silver 1824. coinage minted in this year; which is clearly an error, as we have in our collection two other denominations — the quarter of a dollar and dime — which follow. Quarter-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, the number coined of which we are, for the reasons previously stated, unable to give. They 1824. are rare. Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined, as with the preceding denomination, and for the same reasons, is 1824. unknown. Scarce. Half-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 2,943,166. Not scarce. 1825. Quarter-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 168,000. Scarce. 1825. Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 510,000. Not scarce. 1825. Half-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 4,004,180. This was the only denomination of silver minted in 1826. this year, and it is plenty. Half-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 5,493,400. Plenty. 1827 188 UNITED STATES. Quarter-Dollar. 1827. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 4,000. They are extremely rare. Dime. 1827. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,215,000. Plenty. Half-Dollar. 1828. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 3,075,200. Plenty. Quarter-Dollar . 1828. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 102,000. Not scarce. Dime. 1828. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 125,000. Plenty. Half-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number 1829. coined was 3,712,156. Plenty. There were no quarters of a dollar minted in this year. Dime. 1829. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 770,000. Not scarce. Half-Dime. 1829. The designs the same of the above, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,230,000. Plenty. Half-Dollar. 1830. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 4,764,800. Plenty. UNITED STATES. 'l«9 Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 510,000. Scarce. 1830. Half-Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,240,000. Plenty. 1830. Half-Dollar. The -designs unchanged, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 5,873,660. Scarce. Here, for the first time, a milling of parallel 1831. lines was executed between the letters of the legend on the edge of the coin. Quarter-Dollar. The obverse the same as on the previous denominations of this coin since 1808. 1831. Exergue. — 1831. Reverse.— The eagle reduced in size, and the motto, E. PLURIBUS UKUM, left off. Legend.— JmiT'ED STATES OP AMEEICA. Exergue.— QUAE. DOL. (Size 6. See Plate XVL, Figure 7.) Of this emission, there were one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 398,000. Scarce. Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 771,350. Plenty. 1831. Half-Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,242,700. Not scarce. 1831. Half-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 797,000. Not scarce. 1832. Quarter-Dollar. The designs the same as on this denomination of the previous year, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 320,000. They are rare. 1832. 190 UNITED STATES. Dime. 1832. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 522,500. Half-Dlme. 1832. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 965,000. Scarce. Half-Dollar. 1833. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 5,206,000. Plenty. Quarter-Dollar . 1833. The designs unchanged, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 156,000. Scarce. Dime. 1833. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 485,000. Not scarce. Half-Dime. 1833. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1.370,000. Plenty. Half-Dollar. 1834. The designs unchanged, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 6,412,004. Plenty. Quarter-Dollar. 1834. The designs unaltered, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 286,000. Plenty. Dime. 1834. The designs unaltered, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 635,000. Plenty. UNITED STATES. l&l Half-Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,480,000. Plenty. 1834. Half-Dollar. The designs unaltered, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 5,352,006. Not scarce. 1835. Quarter-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 1,952,000. Not scarce. lb 35. Dime. -J-- The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,410,000. Plenty. 1835. Dollar. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, supporting with her right hand a heart- shaped shield, on which, in a scroll, is the motto LIBERTY ; and with the 1836. left the liberty-pole, surmounted by the cap. Exergue. — 1836. Reverse. — An eagle, volant, in the centre of the field, over which is twenty-six large and small six-pointed stars. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue.— ONE DOLLAR. (Size 12. See Plate XVI., Figure 19.) This piece was gotten up by Mr. Christian Gobrecht, a native Pennsylvanian, who was at that time chief engraver of the Mint. It was not, however, adopted, and hence may be considered a pattern-piece, of which one thousand were struck off. They are extremely rare and command a large premium. We observe twenty-six stars on the reverse, which, as emblems or ornaments, are unmeaning — Arkansas beino- admitted into the Union this year, and making but twenty-five States. In the succeediiio- year 1837* Michigan came in, which would have completed the galaxy of the artist. Per- haps the error may have been fatal to its approval. 192 UNITED STATES. Half-Dollar. 1836. The designs unchanged, -with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 6,546,200. Not scarce. Quarter-Dollar. 1836. The designs unchanged, with one type and one variety, and the number coined was 472,000. Scarce. VDlue. 1836. The designs unchanged, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 1,190,000. Plenty. Half-Dime. 1836. The designs unchanged, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 1,900,000. Plenty. Half-Dollar. The change made upon the quarter of a dollar in 1831, was adopted this 1837. year upon this denomination — the effigy upon the obverse being slightly reduced in size; the stars decreased in magnitude one-third — and six of the thirteen placed on the left hand of the effigy instead of seven, as in the former type ; the legend disappears entirely from the edge, which is substituted by graining. On the reverse the eagle of diminished size, and the scroll with E. PLURIBUS UXUM dispensed with. (Size 9. See Plate XV., Figure 8.) Quarter-Dollar. 1837. The designs unchanged, with one type and four varieties, and the number coined was 252,400. Scarce. Dime. 1837. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, supporting with her right hand a heart- shaped shield, on which in a scroll is the motto, LIBERTY, and with the left, the liberty pole, surmounted by the cap. Exergue. — 1837. Reverse. — OXE DIME, surrounded by a wreath. Legend.- TJXITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Size 4. See Plate XVI., Figure 8.) UNITED STATES. 193 Of this coinage there were two types and six varieties, and the number coined was 1,042,000. Both types are plenty; and it is said the Branch at New Orleans had the honor of their first mintage. Half-Dime. The designs the same of the previous denomination, with two types and five varieties, and the number coined was 2,276,000. Plenty. 1837. (Size 3. See Plate XVI., Figure 12.) Dollar. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, supporting with her right hand the shield, on which is a scroll with the motto, LIBERTY, and with the left the 1838. liberty pole, surmounted by the cap. Around the edge of the upper portion of the field thirteen six-pointed stars. Exergue. — 1838. Reverse. — The eagle, volant, in the centre of the field. Legend.— {mYTED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue.— ONE DOL. (Size 12.) The Mint report does not notice this coinage. Only eighteen were struck off, and hence they are peculiarly rare. Half-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 3,546,000. Plenty. 1838. Quarter-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 832,000. Plenty. 1838. Dime. ■ The designs the same as on this denomination of the preceding year, with the exception of the addition of thirteen six-pointed stars around the upper 1838. part of the -obverse, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,992,500. Scarce. (Size 4. See Plate XVI., Figure 11.) Half-Dime. The designs the same as upon the denomination preceding, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 2,255,000. Scarce. 1838 25 104 UNITED STATES. Dollar. The designs the same as on this denomination of the preceding year, with 1839. one type and one variety, and the number coined was 300. They are extremely rare. HALF-DOLLAR. 1839. The designs unaltered, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 3,334,561. Plenty. Quarter-Dollar. 1839. The designs unaltered, with three types and four varieties, and the number coined was 491,146. Scarce; the first type being very rare. , Dime. 1839. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,053,115. Rare. Half-Dime. 1839. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,069,150. Plenty. Dollar. 1840. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, supporting a shield with the right hand, and with the left the pole, surmounted by the liberty cap. Around the upper portion of the field thirteen six-pointed stars. Exergue. — 1840. Reverse. — The eagle with expanded wings, holding in its talons the arrows and laurel branch. Legend— UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. Exergue.— ONE DOL. (Size 12. See Plate XV., Figure 7.) Of this emission there was one type and a single variety, and the number coined was 61,005. Scarce. UNITED STATES. 195 Half-Dollar. The designs the same as upon the dollar of this year, the exergue being HALF DOL., with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1840. 1,435,008. Plenty. (Size 9. See Plate XV., Figure 9.) Quarter-Dollar. The designs the same as upon the half-dollar of this year, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 188,137. Scarce. 1840. \ Dime. i The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,358,580. Plenty. 1840. Half-Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,344,085. Plenty. 1840. Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 173,000. Plenty. 1841. Half-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 310,000. Eare. 1841. Quarter-Dollar. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 120,000. Rare. 1841. Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and three varieties, and the number coined was 1,622,500. Plenty. 1841 Half-Dime. The designs unchanged, with one type and two varieties, and the number coined was 1,150,000. Plenty. 1841. 196 UNITED STATES. i DATE. 1 DESIGNS. DENOMINATION. TYPES. COINAGE. REMARKS. 1 1842 Unaltered. Dollar. A 184,618 Plenty. a a Half-Dollar. o 2,012,764 a a a Quarter-Dollar. 4 88,000 Kare. " a Dime. 2 1,887,500 Plenty. a a Half- Dime. 1 815,000 Scarce. 1843 a Dollar. 1 165,000 Plenty. « (C Half-Dollar. 1 6,112,000 tt it a Quarter-Dollar. 2 1,613,600 tt it a Dime. 1 1,520,000 a a a Half-Dime. 1 1,165,000 a 1844 a Dollar. 1 20,000 Rare. a tc Half-Dollar. 1 3,771,000 a a a Quarter-Dollar. 2 1,161,200 Scarce. a tt Dime. 4 72,500 a a a Half-Dime. 3 650,000 Plenty. 1845 a Dollar. 1 24,500 Scarce. li a Half-Dollar. 1 2,683,000 tt " cc Quarter-Dollar. 1 922,000 a u a Dime. 2 1,985,000 Plenty. it ic Half-Dime. 3 1,565,000 a 1846 « Dollar. 1 169,600 Scarce. « a Half-Dollar. 2 4,514,000 Plenty. It u Quarter-Dollar. 1 510,000 Rare. a a Dime. 1 31,300 a tt tt Half-Dime. 1 27,000 tt 1847 tt Dollar. 1 140,750 Plenty. " a Half-Dollar. 1 3,740,000 a a tc Quarter-Dollar. 1 1,102,000 Scarce. li a Dime. o 245,000 a it " Half-Dime. 2 1,270,000 Plenty. 1848 it Dollar. 1 15,000 Scarce. a a Half-Dollar. 2 580,000 Plenty. n it Quarter-Dollar. 3 146,000 Rare. a it Dime. 2 451,000 Scarce. it a Half-Dime. 2 668,000 tt 1849 ti Dollar. 1 62,600 tt tt a Half-Dollar. 1 1,252,000 Plenty. a tt Quarter-Dollar. 2 340,000 Scarce. a tt Dime. 3 839,000 Plenty. a it Half-Dime. 4 i 1,309,000 it UNITED STATES. 197 DATE. DESIGNS. DENOMINATION. TYPES. < > COINAGE. REMARKS. 1850 Unaltered. Dollar. 1 7500 Scarce. a a Half-Dollar. 1 227,000 a tt a Quarter-Dollar. 2 190,800 a a u Dime. 1 1 1,931,500 Plenty. a " Half- Dime. 3 955,000 tt 1851 a Dollar 2 1300 Extremely rare. a a Half-Dollar. 1 2 200,750 Scarce. it tt Quarter-Dollar. 3 160,000 a a tt Dime. 2 1,026,500 Plenty. a it Half-Dime. 2 78,100 tt Three-Cent Piece. Device. — A six-pointed star, in the centre of which is a shield. 1851. Legend.— UmTED STATES OF AMEEICA. Exergue. — 1851. Reverse. — An ornamented C, in the centre of which are the numerals TTT . ; above is the olive branch, and beneath are the arrows ; and around the edge of the field are thirteen sis-pointed stars. (Size 3. See Plate XVI., Figure 17.) Much odium was visited upon this little coin when it first made its appearance. It has, however, survived it, and is now a great favorite. There were one type and two varieties of this coin, and the number coined was 5,447,400. Plenty. DATE. DESIGNS. DENOMINATION. TYPES. 2 > COINAGE REMARKS. 1852 Unaltered. Dollar. 1 1100 Rare. tt a Half-Dollar. 2 77,130 Scarce. tt it Quarter-Dollar. 3 177,060 a tt tt Dime. 3 12,173,010 Plenty. tt tt Half-Dime. 2 13,345,020 a tt tt Three-Cent. 2 11,400,000 tt 1853 tt Dollar. 1 1 46,000 Scarce. 198 UNITED STATES. Half-Dollar. The designs unchanged, except by the addition of a barbed arrow on each 1853. side of the exergue, on the obverse, and the rays in the background of the eagle — covering the entire field on the reverse. There were of this emission two types and three varieties, and the number coined was 2,892,000. They are plenty. DATE. DESIGNS. DENOMINATION. TYPES. < > COINAGE. REMARKS. 1853 Unaltered. Quarter-Dollar. 3 15,254,200 Plenty. it it Dime. 3 12,173,010 tt U tt Half-Dime. 2 13,345,020 ti U it Three-Cent. 2 11,400,000 a 1854 a Dollar. 1 33,140 Rare. C The rays of the pre- it a Half-Dollar. 3 2,982 000 < vious issue aban- (. doned. Plenty. tt tt Quarter-Dollar. 2 2,380,000 Plenty. it a Dime 3 4,470,000 a tt it Half-Dime. 3 5,740,000 ti it tt Three-Cent. 2 671,000 a 1855 it Dollar. 1 26,000 Scarce. " " Half-Dollar. 2 759,500 Plenty. (t tt Quarter-Dollar. 2 2,857,000 a a ti Dime. 3 2,075,000 tt a it Half-Dime. 3 1,750,000 a a it Three-Cent. 2 139,000 Rare. 1856 it Dollar. 2 63,500 Scarce. r The arrows removed u it Half-Dollar. 2 938,000 ■I from the sides of the v. exergue. Plenty. a it Quarter-Dollar. 2 7,264,000 Plenty. a a Dime. 4 5,780,000 tt it it Half-Dime. 2 4,880,000 ti tt a Three-Cent. 1 1,458,000 a 1857 * a Dollar. 1 94,000 n it a Half-Dollar. 1 142,000 a tt tt Dime. 2 4,890,000 a a tt Half-Dime. 2 3,940,000 tt To June 30th. PLATEXVI L.NRiisi-inJi.ilLiih PlnUdu UNITED STATES. 199 COPPER COINAGE. Following will be found the types and varieties of this currency, with such history and incidents in relation thereto as we have been able to gather. Though a despised coin — too often, we fear, the consequence of affectation — it has been, and continues to be a very useful one ; enabling him who affects to disregard trifles, to gratify to the utmost the natural cupidity, which, in pecuniary transactions, is often enchanted with the advantage of a penny. For our own part, we deem it an important medium, between man and man, which not only subserves the purposes of a fractional currency, but sometimes quiets the fractional ideas which otherwise might result in differences that a larger denomination of coin could not heal. Chain Cent. Device. — Goddess of Liberty, the hair streaming backward, freely and unbound. 1793. Legend.— LIBERTY. Exergue. — 1793. Reverse. — A circle composed of fifteen links, forming a chain. Inscription.— ONE CENT -^ ie^end.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Edge. — Stars and stripes. (Size 7. See Plate XVII, Figures 1 and 2.) Of the above described coin, we have found in circulation but four types and six varieties, which may be distinguished by the punctuation of the legend on the obverse, and termination of the base line of the bust, as follows : Types. Varieties. 1. LIBERTY Base Curved Line 1. 2. LIBERTY " 2. 3. LIBERTY Point 1. 4. LIBERTY « 2 . The varieties may be determined by the variation of the legends on the reverse • the edges plain or figured ; the inscriptions, and the configuration of the chain. In one type the legend on the reverse reads AMERI instead of AMERICA ; of this there are two varieties. In one variety the edge is plain, and in others, there is a variation in the size of the chain. We have noticed other peculiarities on the reverse, but we have not deemed them of sufficient importance to extend the number of the varieties. 200 UNITED STATES. In type No. 1, neither the legend nor exergue is punctuated, and the base line of the bust connects with the hair without forming a point ; in No. 2 the legend and exergue are punctuated, and the base line joins the hair in the same manner; in No. 3 there is no punctuation of the legend, and at the point where the base line joins the hair, the angles form a figure resembling the letter W, and No. 4 differs from No. 3 only in being punctuated. The impressions from the die, in types No. 1 and 2, were imparted very faintly, hence it is very rare to find good specimens of these types ; in No. 3 and 4 they were much better, and consequently they are found well preserved. In no instance have we found the palm leaves on either of the types bearing the chain. We are disposed to assume, although we have no positive evidence to that effect, that the type bearing the abbreviated legend, was the first struck off after the adoption of the Constitution. Wreath Cent. 1793. Device. — Goddess of Liberty, the hair flowing loosely back, and beneath the bust, three leaves. Legend.— LIBERTY. Exergue. — 1793. Reverse. — A wreath enclosing the words ONE CENT. Legend.— WSHTED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue.— ^ Edge. — Stripes and stars. (Size 7. See Plate XVTL, Figures 3 and 4.) Of this cent we have found in cabinet collections and circulation, two types and twenty-one varieties, as follows : Type. Varieties. Head, small 17. " large 4. The varieties are distinguished either by the arrangement of the hair, form of the head, or size and form of the palm leaves, &c. The palm leaves aid very materially in establishing the varieties, and may be particularized as follows : Large Palm Leaves 7 varieties. Medium " 5 " Small " 3 Double Stem Palm Leaves 4 " Single Stem " 2 " UNITED STATES. 201 The varieties may be determined, as far as our classification of them extends, by comparing them with these divisions. They were probably issued in the order described. Though the number of dies, at so early a period in our coinage, may excite some sur- prise, yet we believe that further research would increase it. Half-Cent. Device. — A bust of the Goddess of Liberty, the hair flowing loosely back, facing left, and supporting, from the shoulder, the liberty-pole surmounted by 1793. the cap. Legend.— LIBERTY. Exergue. — 1793. Reverse. — A laurel wreath surrounding the words HALF CENT. Exergue. — - 2 ^ Edge.— -TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR. (Size 51. See Plate XVTL, Figure 17.) Though it has very frequently been asserted that this denomination of coin was issued, bearing the chain, to correspond with the cent with that device, still we have never been able to find any reliable authority for it. This emission of the half-cent, therefore, may be considered as the first coined by our government. It possesses, we think, on that account, a peculiar interest. We have found one type and six varieties. They are rare, as it is difficult to find them in a good state of preservation. Liberty-Cap Cent. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty, facing to the right, the hair flowing loosely back, and supporting the pole surmounted by the liberty-cap. 1793. Legend.— LIBERTY. Exergue. — 1793. Reverse. — A wreath inclosing the words ONE CENT. Legend.— UKLTEB STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue. — T -Jf> Edge.— ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR (Size 8. See Plate XVII. , Figure 5.) Of this cent we have seen but few, owing to their scarcity. In our researches we have discovered but one type and four varieties. We think the coins of this type were designed and struck off in the latter part of this year as trial pieces, for the Mint authorities adopted them, as described, for the emission of cents and half-cents of the succeeding three years. 26 202 UNITED STATES. The varieties can be distinguished by the variations in the effigy, wreath, and spaces between the figures of the date. In one of the varieties there must have been a flaw in the die, which disfigured the effigy by a raised line through it lengthwise. The copper planchets used for this cent were of such pure material that they suffered from the slightest abrasion ; and, therefore, perfect specimens are both rare and valuable. Cent. 1794. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty, facing to the right, the hair flowing loosely back, and supporting the pole surmounted by the liberty-cap. Legend.— LIBERTY. Exergue.— VIM. Reverse. — A wreath inclosing the words ONE CENT. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue. — xcu Edge.— OWE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR. (Size 8. See Plate XVII. , Figure 6.) Of this emission we have discovered but one type; of which twenty-six varieties have come under our notice, which may be determined mainly by reference to the variations of those of 1793. These cents were somewhat thicker than those that preceded them, the weight of each being increased about seventeen grains ; the hair of the goddess, also, does not recede so much from the forehead. The planchets from which they were struck were of good copper, and the milling of the edges being more prominent has protected them from the effect of abrasion, and hence they are frequently found in a fine state of preservation. They are quite plenty, the number issued by the Mint amounted, according to the official statement, to 12,513,300 ; and the number of dies in a single year, excites surprise, the preparation of each die involving much expense. Half-Cent. The same as the cent in design, except in the denomination, which is ex- 1794. pressed sis. We have found but one type and five varieties ; they are in a fine state of preservation and are not rare. (Size 5i. See Plate XVII., Figure 18.) UNITED STATES. 203 Cent. The design the same as those coined in the latter part of the year 1794, which have a small curved line above the date. Of these cents there were 1795. two types and eight varieties. (Size 8. See Plate XVII., Figure 7.) The pieces coined in the early part of this year, which we denominate as the first type, were the same in weight and thickness as those of 1794, being about 208 grains in weight. They bear on their edge ONE HUNDEED FOR A DOLLAR; but in the type which we designate as No. 2, subsequently coined, we find, by weighing them, that there was a reduction in weight of from 38 to 40 grains in each cent, and that the edge was so narrow as to exclude the legend which occurs in type No. 1. The President issued a proclamation, January 29, 1796, based upon an Act of Con- gress of the 3d of March, 1795, in which, for the reasons therein urged, of "the increased price of copper and the expense of coinage," he had ordered the cent to be reduced in weight, one pennyweight and sixteen grains, and the half-cent in like pro- portion, from the 27th day of December, 1795, which weight was continued down to the last issue of the old whole and half-cents. Half-Cents. The design the same as the cents, and like them of two types. Of the first type we have seen but a single specimen, consequently we can convey no 1795. information relative to varieties. Being so scarce, they are necessarily very rare. Of the second type there are four varieties. The effigy was altered in this type by reducing the size, which was probably suggested by the diminution of the weight, corresponding to that of the cent, of some twenty grains. The change of the size of the effigy, according to our taste, rendered it much less artistic and interesting. (Size 51. See Plate XVII., Figure 19.) Cent. The design of the first issue of this year was the same as of the cent of the reduced weight that followed the proclamation. But in the latter portion of 1796. this year the type was wholly changed ; for, instead of the naked bust and liberty-cap, the hair was formed into a cue on the back of the head, and around the lower part of the same it was supplied with ringlets. The bust was also much enlarged, and republican modesty, for the first time, substituted drapery for nudity. 204 UNITED STATES. This change gave for this year two types and fourteen varieties, six of the first, and sight of the second type. The number coined 974,700. (Size 8. See Plate XVIL, Figures 8 and 9.) Half-Cent. The design the same as of the cent last issued and described. In our very 1796. extensive researches, though there were 115,480 pieces of this design and denomination issued in this year, we have only been able to find ten pieces in the whole ; and our investigations have resulted in but one type and two varieties. There may be more, but we have not been able to discover them. Taking into view the number coined, it is difficult to account for this scarcity. But, probably being defective, from the imperfect tempering of the dies, as the greater number of the very few pieces we have found indicate, they may have been deemed unworthy of care or preservation. But three cabinets in Philadelphia contain a specimen of this coin ; they are consequently both rare and valuable. Cent. The design is the same as the preceding, or of the second type of the cent, 1797. bearing the cue in the last named year. Of this issue there are but one type and eleven varieties, and though the number (897,510) coined was compara- tively small, they are not considered scarce. Half-Cent. The design corresponds with the reduced liberty-cap head of the cent of 1797. 1796. There are but one type and four varieties of this coin. The impressions on them are rather faint, which render good specimens very difficult to be procured. They are neither scarce nor rare; number coined, 107,048. (Size 51. See Plate XVIL, Figure 20.) Cent. The design the same as of the cent of 1797, with but one type and seventeen 1798. varieties; the latter of which may be distinguished by examining the legend, bust, wreath, date, &c. The die of one of these varieties was altered from that of 1797 — the first Mint alteration, we believe, that occurred in the copper coinage. The number of cents issued this year was 979,700, most of which must have been kept UNITED STATES. 205 in circulation from the great number of them about but a short time since. They are mostly in a good state of preservation, the material of which they were composed having been a happy combination for resistance to abrasion. Cent. The design the same with one type and four varieties. This cent is deemed by Numismatologists as being very rare and valuable; fine specimens of which 1799. will command a greater premium than those of the cent of 1793 of the same condition of preservation, to which, from their extreme scarcity, much value is attached. The number of this coin issued amounted to 904,585 — no insignificant sum. Their scarcity, however, is attributed to a shipment to the coast of Africa, by a Salem, Mass., firm, of several hundred thousand on an order from that country, where, being punched with holes, they were bartered away, probably to the chiefs — certainly not for negroes — and subsequently used as ornaments by the natives, being depended from the neck by a string, and showing to what good account so slightly valuable a thing as a copper cent may be applied by the sagacity of our countrymen. Of the few of these cents to be found, it is very difficult to procure perfect speci- mens. The copper of which they were composed was rendered very inferior by too much alloy, which gave them a very rough and uneven surface — perhaps the result of the copper being burnt in smelting. The great value of these cents among numismatologists, has led to an attempt at counterfeiting them, by altering those issued in 1798 by means of acid or the graver — the former being the most successful. Both are readily exposed by the use of the lens. Half-Cent. The Mint report gives the issue of this coin for the year at 12,167 — a very inconsiderable number truly; and which, if there were any issue at all, may 1799. account in a measure, but not conclusively, for their non-existence now, so far as we have been able to discover. We have discovered errors in other instances, and this also may be one. In 1815, the Mint statistics give no coinage of half-dollars; andalso, in 1841, no quarter-eagle, although specimens of these pieces are in the hands of collectors, they having been coined in those years, if the date is any proof of the same. In the case of the half-cent of this year, we must conclude there was no coinage or the peculiarity exists of their total disappearance. 206 UNITED STATES. Cent. The design the same as the preceding year, with one type and twelve 1800. varieties, two of the latter of which were struck off upon the dies of 1799, altered at the Mint to 1800. Some collectors have, in consequence of seeing the circle of the upper part of the nine very distinctly in the naught, placed this cent in their cabinets as belonging to the former year. The number coined this year was larger than any preceding one. They are plenty, very much worn from the copper being too soft, and it is difficult to find perfect specimens. Half-Cent. In this year, the liberty-cap on the half-cents was superseded by the new 1800. design which has prevailed upon the cent from the latter portion of the year 1796. Of these coins there were one type and three varieties; they are easily obtained and are found in a good state of preservation. Issue 211,530. (Size 5 J. See Plate XVII., Figure 21.) Cent. No change in design of the cent, except for the first time, we notice a dot 1801. thus C ° E ^ T There were one type and fifteen varieties, of the latter of which we give the following peculiarities : say, first, with 055, and a raised line, from a defect in the die, extending across the piece ; second, the legend thus, UNITED STATES OP AMERICA — the die otherwise defective in this piece, than in the first letter in the legend, there being a line from a crack running diagonally across the II, and also but a single end to the ribbon where the wreath is tied together; third, o £ Thou. a D. C. M. VALUE PEE DWT. C. IT. VARIATIONS IN FINENESS. Thous. VARIATIONS IN VALUE. S5 < < a Five dollar piece, before 1834. Five dollar piece, since 1834. "1 "North Carolina gold." J Five dollar piece. " Carolina 1 gold." J Five dollar piece. " Georgia "1 gold." J Two and a half. " N. C. gold.'' Two and a half. " Georgia "1 gold." J One dollar. " N. C. gold." 150 140 134 128 70 64 28 20 20 21 22 20 22 20 833 833 875 917 833 917 833 148 139.8 134.4 127.6 70 63.6 27.6 833 815 S45 SS2 819 872 810 5.34 4.90.7 4.89 4.84.6 2.47 2.39 96.2 86.6 84.2 87.3 91.2 84.6 90.1 83.7 829 to 846 813 to 819 833 to S52 856 to 899 804 to 816 $5.28 to S5.39 §4.89 to S4.93 $4.82 to $4.93 $4.70 to $4.84 951 to 97 cts. " There is not much variation in the weight, but the fineness, as shown above, is exceedingly irregular and inferior, causing an average loss of 2} per cent, on the nominal value. A safe estimate of five dollar pieces as they come would be $4.S4. " The North Carolina Mint, formerly conducted by C. Bechtler, passed into the hands of A. Bechtler subsequent to 1842, and there is a marked difference of value between the C and A. The five dollar pieces of the former were deficient from 1 to 6 per cent, upon the alleged value, averaging three per cent., or $4.85; the one dollar pieces were worth from 95i to 97 cents. The five dollar pieces of the latter vary from the alleged value to a deficit of 1J per cent. There are no dates on the coins however, to enable us to mark the difference, but the pieces assayed in 1843 were better than those assayed in 1849. The last and newest lot gave $4.94 to the five dollar piece. As Bechtler' s pieces are alloyed with silver, they will produce about a half of one per cent, more, if offered in sufficient quantities. The dollars, so far as tried, are two per cent, below their nominal value." (See Plate XVIII., Figures 15, 16, and 17.) PLATE XVIII. l Nn..-.-i,thM i.nii rinii.ti 1 UNITED STATES. 223 CALIFORNIA COINS. Soon after the discovery of gold in California, the great difficulty, risk, and frequent losses, consequent upon its retention or transportation, and the schemes devised, and often successful, for cheating the miner, relative to the weight or fineness of the product of his labor, inaugurated the necessity for assaying and coining there. Thus grew up numerous private mints, whose coinage was characterized by skill, honor, and remark- able enterprize. Messrs. Eckfeldt and Du Bois, in their supplemental work of 1851, to their Manual of 1842, say : " The number of private mints in California, as indicated by specimens here, is fourteen. Some of them have issued but a single denomination of coin, others two, and the Mormons four. Besides these, there are the stamped ingots of Moffatt & Co., and F. D. Kohler, State Assayer; and, lastly, the coin of Augustus Humbert, an United States assayer under a legal provision of 1850. " 1. The coin of ' N. G. & N.' — half-eagle — claims to be full weight, and it is proved by a number of trials, that the variation does not exceed one grain in any case ; but the legend on the reverse, CALIFORNIA GOLD WITHOUT ALLOY, allows a pretty wide range. As far as our assays go, the truth of this stamp is proved ; there is no alloy, other than that already introduced by the hand of nature, and which is generally more than sufficient. Three pieces severally, the fineness of 870, 880, and 892 thou- sandths, were within the scope of ' California gold.' They, consequently, are worth $4.83, $4.89, and $4.95i respectively, without the silver; and including that, 2i cents more. " The coin is neatly executed, and, besides the two legends above quoted, bears an eagle, a circle of stars, the date 1849, and the name SAN FRANCISCO. " (See Plate No. XVIII., Fac Simile No. 7.) " 2. The mint of the " Oregon Exchange Company' issued two denominations, ten and five dollars. They respectively profess 260 and 130 grains' weight of ' native gold.' One five-dollar piece was found to weigh 127J- grains, was 878 thousandths fine, and contained only the natural alloy : resulting value, $4.82; with the silver — in sufficiently large lots — 2 \ cents more. " These coins are not well struck, but are pleasantly distinguished by the picture of a beaver, a good emblem of mining industry and of Western life. " (See Plate No. XVIII., Fac Similes Nos. 1 and 8.) 224 UNITED STATES. " 3. The mintage of the ' Miners' Bank of San Francisco,' a ten-dollar piece of plain appearance. The average weight is 263 J grains, the fineness about 865 thousandths; part of the alloy being copper. Average value $9.87, with a risk of having it as low as $9.75. " (See Plate No. XIX., Fac Simile No. 12.) "4. Coinage of Moffat t & Co., 1849, 1850; pieces of ten and five dollars, in imita- tion of the national coinage. Several of the coining establishments adopted the same device, but evidently without evil intent, as most of the coins were worth what they professed to be, and some even more. The fineness, however, is in every case inferior to the standard of the Mint. A large promiscuous lot of both kinds of Moffatt & Co.'s coins, dates 1849, 1850, showed an average of 897; average weight to the ten-dollar piece, 258i grains; average value, $9.97.7. The S. M. V. on these coins is said to mean ' Standard Mint Value.' " (See Plate No. XVIIL, Fac Similes Nos. 2 and 12.) " 5. Ten-dollar piece of 'J. S. 0.' — said to be Dr. Ormsby, of Pennsylvania; one piece assayed gave 842 fine; weight, 258i grains; value, $9.37. " (See Plate No. XIX., Fac Simile No. 10.) " 6. Twenty-five and ten-dollar pieces of Templeton Reed, whose name appears as assayer upon the emissions of ' Georgia Gold,' in North Carolina, in 1830 ; weights, respectively, 649 and 260 grains. These, being the only two specimens received are still in the Mint, were not cut for assay, but appear to be of California gold without artificial alloy. Assuming this, the value would be about $24.50 for the first, and $9.75 for the second. " (See Plate No. XIX., Fac Similes Nos. 2 and 7.) '• 7. Ten and five-dollar pieces of the ' Cincinnati Mining and Trading Company,' 1849. These have, also, not been cut, on account of their rarity, but appear to be of native gold, and at the weights of 258 and 132 grains, may be rated at $9.70 and $4.95, respectively. " (See Plates Nos. XVIIL and XIX., Fac Similes Nos. 4 and 4.) "8. Ten and five-dollar pieces of the 'Pacific Company,' 1849; very irregular in weight, and debased in fineness ; a ten-dollar piece weighed 229 grains, a five-dollar piece 130 ; assay of a third, 797 thousandths. At those rates, the larger piece would be worth $7.86, the smaller, $4.48 ; but the valuation is altogether uncertain. " (See Plates Nos. XVIIL and XIX., Fac Similes Nos. 3 and 6.) UNITED STATES. 225 "9. Five-dollar piece of the 'Massachusetts and California Company,' 1849; a very pretty coin, but apparently debased with copper; only one specimen; it weighed 1154 grains ; has not been assayed. " (See Plate No. XVIII., Fac Simile No. 6.) "10. Coins of Baldwin & Co., four varieties: 1. a ten-dollar piece, 1850, distin- guished by a horse and his rider, with a lasso ; 2. twenty-dollar piece ; 3. ten-dollar piece, 1851; 4. five-dollar piece, 1850; the last two in imitation of United States coinage. Of the first, one piece tried weighed 263 grains; fineness, 880; value $9.96. Of the second, four pieces tried varied from 861 to 871; average fineness, 8684 ; average value $19.33. Of the third, ten pieces averaged 2594 grains; average fineness, 870; average value, 972. Of the fourth, average value, $4.92. These coins contain some copper — about twenty-thousandths. " (See Plates Nos. XVIII. and XIX., Fac Similes Nos. 10, 8, 3, and 13.) "11. Ten and five-dollar pieces of Dubosq& Co., 1850 ; also in imitation of the National coinage. The larger piece averages 262 grains, and three specimens gave the fineness of 8994, which is a mere shade below standard; consequent value $10.15. A single five-dollar piece yielded $4.92; but a mixed parcel, counting a thousand dollars, gave the fineness of 887, and the close value of $1000.20. Consequently the pieces may be averaged at par. " (See Plates XVIII. and XIX., Fac Similes Nos. 9 and 11.) "12. Five-dollar pieces of Shultz & Co., 1851. Average weight 1281 grains; fine- ness of three pieces, 879 ; value, $4.97.4. The devices in imitation of United States coin. " (See Plate No. XVIII., Fac Simile No. 11.) "13. The Mormon coinage, although executed in the Territory of Utah, is classed among the California coins, being in the neighborhood, and the source whence the material is derived. The denominations are twenty, ten, five, and two and a half dollar pieces. Although there is much irregularity of weight and fineness, the denomi- nations are tolerably in proportion to each other. A parcel made up of all sizes, and counting $562.50, yielded at the Mint, 479.20; say $8.52 to the ten-dollar piece. The fineness was 886. " (See Plates Nos. XVIII. and XIX., Fac Similes Nos. 5, 14, 5, and 9.) " 14. Five-dollar piece of Dunbar & Co., in imitation of the United States coin, lot of 111 pieces averages 131 grains weight; 883 fineness; value $4.98, " (See Plate No. XVIIL, Fac Simile No. 13.) 226 UNITED STATES. " 15. Fifty-dollar piece of the United States Assay Office at San Francisco, estab- lished bj" act of Congress of 1S50. It first appeared here in 1851. The coin was prepared and issued by Messrs. Moffatt & Co., as contractors, and bears the stamp of Augustus Humbert, assayer. The two professed rates of fineness. SSO and SS7 thou- sandths, are found upon assay here to be fully maintained, whether in single pieces or large quantities. But some irregularity in the weight of so heavy a piece, alloyed with silver only, and offering eight corners to wear, is to be expected. When presented in quantities sufficient to allow for parting tbe silver, say seventy ounces, the average Mint value is about $50.10; in less quantities, the silver not being allowed for, the average value is about 849.90. But even without the silver they occasionally come up to the full value. This coinage is understood to have put a stop to all private issues in California. ••• (See Plates No. XVIII. and XIX., Fac Similes No. IS and 1.) '■' IXGOTS. "1. The ingots of Moffatt & Co., of various sizes, from about $9.00 to $260.00. It may be stated, in general, that some were found to be rated too high, and others too low. The $16.00 ingot jields about $15.75, but is irregular. " (See Plate No. XVIII., Fac Similes No. 20 and 21.) " Bars. " 2. The issue of bars by F. D. Kobler, assayer of the State of California, commenced in May, 1850. They are of various sizes, from about $40 to $150. "We found a slight undervaluation in his basis of calculation, and generally an error of assay in the same direction ; so that on an average his bars were worth at the Mint one per cent., perhaps one and a half per cent., more than the value stamped upon them. '■■ (See Plate No. XVIII., Fac Simile No. 19.)" Dollar. This coin is of octagon shape, with the bust of the Goddess of Liberty for a device, around which are eight stars. On the reverse is a wreath, in which are the denomina- tion ms ^ LA ^ , and the date, 1S53. Legend.— CALIFORNIA GOLD DERI. Half-Dollar. This piece is round, with the same device of the previous denomination, and surrounded by thirteen stars. A wreath on the reverse, within which is the date, 1S52. Legend.— HALF-DOLLAR. CALIFORNIA GOLD. UNITED STATES. 227 Quarter-Dollar. The device on this is the same as that upon the half-dollar, with a wreath on the reverse enclosing the denomination '-j A „ . (See Plate XIV., Figures 14, 15, and 16.) These pieces conclude our task of describing, and presenting representatives of the private coining enterprize of California ; and the contrast of bars and ingots with these tiny denominations, covers the whole ground of local enterprise, necessity or conve- nience — indicating the powers of invention of the race, which has given tone and character to every industrial or utilizing feature of the American Union, and exhibiting an adaptability of the American mind to any condition or circumstances in which the subject of it, either designedly or unpremeditatedly, may happen to be placed. By Act of Congress of July 3, 1852, a Branch Mint was established at San Francisco, California, and it was provided therein, that, as soon as said Mint went into operation, " so much of the act making appropriations for the civil and diplomatic expenses of the government for the year ending 30th June, 1851, and for other purposes, as provides for the appointment of an United States Assayer, and the contracting for the assaying and fixing the value of gold in grains or lumps, and for forming the same into bars, be, and the whole of the clause, containing such provisions, shall be hereby repealed." Thus the much longer continuance of the temporary expedients of the government or private enterprize, in aid of, or to facilitate the operations of the laborers in this vineyard of gold, was rendered unnecessary, by being superseded by a new law, which promised, what has since been accomplished — a pleasing and profitable subjection to order. We have attempted to present fac-similes, in an acceptable style, of the coinage of California, as in a few years it will be a matter of history ; for although specimens of the same may be found in the National Mint, which is open to all, still we must remember that it is convenient of access but to a few of the many millions who com- prise our population, and feel an interest in whatever there has been that is either rare or curious. "We leave the reader to travel in imagination to where the gold is found ; to thus participate in the processes to which it is subjected — from the washing of the dirt, or the grinding of the quartz that contains it, to its vigilant transportation, in chamois skins, through the valleys and over the mountains, till it is deposited with the United States Assayer, or in the hands of those who, in days past, converted it into "eagles" and " half-eagles." 228 UNITED STATES. From the immense discoveries of gold within the last ten years, that period of time, in the history of the world, may properly be denominated the era of gold ; and from the first discovery of the auriferous particles, down to the present day, the energy of man, in whatever quarter of the world the intelligence relative to the same had penetrated, has been directed and stimulated to general physical discovery; the effect of which, in the future, opens a wide field for thought and calculation. Our wonder at the discoveries of gold has hardly been lulled into repose by the extraordinary reality of the past, when rumors from new localities, which promise additional and inexhaustible supplies, are thrust upon us, to stimulate still more the enterprise and cupidity of man for gold — more gold. That there is to be — out of the general order of knowledge and reasoning in regard to the future — an effect of all this, upon the industrial energies of mankind and the progress of the world, we think is foreshadowed — a mighty impetus to be given to everything under the sun, till material development — the hobby of mankind, as mankind is now shaped and directed — shall equal in magnitude the results of phj^sical discovery and science. We leave to the casuist and Christian philosopher the task of calculating and foretelling the progress of the human mind — in contradistinction to worldly gain — in its connection with the foreshadowed events of the future. That the laborer in this vocation must be early at his post, and vigilant in arranging and leading on his forces, in order to combat successfully with " Mammon" in the human affections, and also to secure some of the laurels with which he is proposing to crown his followers, requires no index but a knowledge of the past. PLATE XIX. L.X.Riwfjilliiil l.ith Phil" UNITED STATES. 229 "PATTERN-PIECES." Following, we have described and presented fac-similes of the various "pattern- pieces" gotten up by, or under the authority of our government and rejected ; and, also, some which evidence a commendable zeal and marked progress in art and beauty, and which have been adopted, or are to make their appearance as part of our currency. Comparing our coins, however, with those of Prance, England, and other European governments, we must conclude that there is still room for emulation and improvement. To the naked eye, but particularly under the lens — to illustrate — the wreath upon the pieces, issued by Napoleon III., is presented with all the perfection and beauty of nature; while the wreath on our three-dollar pieces — the most artistic of our whole series of coins — appears, in comparison, like a composition stuck on the same, instead of being the result of the graver. Occupying, as a nation, equal prominence with any other in the world for contigu- ously geographical extent, mineral wealth, agricultural resources, commerce, and — as soon as we can harmonize upon the policy necessary to establish and protect them — manufactures and the mechanic arts ; with no slight claims to science, and the vitality that gives force to intellectual and physical power ; it is our duty, as it should be our laudable ambition, to permit no nation to surpass ours in works either of utility or art — nor in anything else, that can justly be made to redound to our intelligence, taste, skill, energy, enterprise, or prosperity. In the establishment of the Mint, President Washington took so deep an interest as to be almost a daily visitor to it. On one occasion he brought with him one hundred dollars in bullion, with the request that it might be coined into half-dismes ; and, from the various patterns gotten up for the inspection and decision of the government, the following was selected for the purpose. Device. — A portrait of the Goddess of Liberty, hair flowing naturally, and facing to the left; and said to have been intended for Mrs. Martha Washington. 1792. Legend.— LIB. PAR. OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY. Exergue.— 1792. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue. — HALF DISME. Beneath which is a five-pointed star. (Size 4. See Plate XVI., Figure 3.) 230 UNITED STATES. This coinage was not intended for general circulation, but was a private enterprise of "Washington's, and distributed by him among his friends in this country and Europe. It is now particularly rare, commands a large price, and is to be found in but four cabinets in our country. Disme. 1792. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty, facing to the left, with the hair flowing loosely. Legend.— LIBERTY PARENT OE SCIENCE & INDUS. Exergue.— 1792. Reverse. — Eagle volant, — in the centre of the field. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue.— DISME. (Size 6. See Plate XILL, Figure 9.) Cent. 1792. Device. — A bust of the Goddess of Liberty, with loosely flowing hair, and facing to the right. Z^e^.— LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY. Exergue. — 1792. Reverse. — A wreath inclosing a ring, in which is the inscription ONE CENT. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue. — T fo (Size 10. See Plate XIII., Figure 7.) Nothing but the modesty of our fathers could, it seems to us, have prevented the adoption of this coin ; they, perhaps, thinking it was too early a period in the history of the Republic, to proclaim upon their currency, what has since been exemplified, that liberty is the parent of science and industry. For if science does not particularly flourish under a free government, the freedom of thought is at least essential to its progress, and liberty is the very breath of industry. Cent. 1792. The same as that previously described, with the exception of the legend — LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & LNDUST: (Size 5. See Plate XIH., Figure 10.) 1792. Another, same as the preceding, except that a round piece of silver is inserted in the centre of the field — the letter N in CENT, being stamped on the silver — C °^ K T (Size the same. See Plate XIII., Figure 11.) UNITED STATES. 231 These pieces being about the size of the half-cent, the insertion of the small piece of silver was probably to give it the standard value of that coin. Cent. Device. — A bust, whether masculine or feminine, it would be difficult to determine, facing right. 1792. Legend.— LIBERTY. Exergue. — 1792. Reverse. — An eagle with partially expanded wings, standing upon, apparently, the upper portion of the globe. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Size 8. See Plate UK, Figure 13.) We have denominated this as a pattern-piece for a cent, in the absence of positive information in relation to the purpose for which it was gotten up. It may have been designed for some other denomination, however, as the eagle never appeared upon the authorized cent of the Federal government, till it made its appearance in nickel. Pieces. Device. — An eagle with wings closed, perched upon the upper portion of the globe, apparently in meditation, and surveying, at the same time, the scene from 1792. thence. (Size 7. See Plate Xffl, Figure 12.) Another: the device being an eagle with expanded wings, as if in the act of alighting upon a shield presented sideways. (Size 7. See Plate XIII., Figure 15.) Neither of the above have a reverse. Dollar. There were one type and two varieties of this pattern or trial-piece, subse- quently adopted, for which 1836. (See Plate XVI., Figure 19.) There was, also, a pattern piece as follows : Gold Dollar. Device. — The liberty-cap, with its motto LIBERTY, in the centre of a blaze covering the whole field. 1836. Reverse. — A palm wreath enclosing the numeral I., under which is D. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue. — 1836. (Size 3. See Plate XTV., Figure 20.) 232 UNITED STATES. Dollar. 1838. The device the same as of this denomination of 1836. The thirteen stars placed around the edge of the field. This piece is extremely rare and valuable — sixteen only having been struck off. Also, in this year, a half-dollar with four varieties. In this year there were two types and four varieties struck off — one with an eagle 1838. volant, and the other with the wings extended. They are both very rare and valuable, and to be found but in few cabinets. Dollar and* Half-Dollar. 1839. Device. — The eagle with expanded wings, &c, adopted in 1840. (See Plate XV., Figures 7 and 9.) Double-Eagle. 1849. See regular description, 1850. (See Plate XIV., Figure 6. Three-Cent Pieces. 1849. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, &c, as upon half-dimes. Exergue. — 1849. Reverse. — The figure 3 in the centre of the field. (Size 3. See Plate XIII., Figure 22.) 1849. Device. — The same as the preceding. Exergue. — 1849. Reverse. — The numerals III. (Size 3. See Plate XIE, Figure 24.) 1850. Device. — The liberty-cap with its motto LIBERTY in the centre of a blaze covering the whole field. Reverse. — A palm wreath enclosing the numerals III. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue. — 1850. (Size 3. See Plate XIII., Figure 23.) UNITED STATES. 233 Ring-Cent. Device. — On the upper part of the piece the inscription CENT ; midway, each side of the ring, a star. 1850. Exergue. — 1850. Reverse. — On the upper part of the piece U. S. A. Legend.— OWE TENTH SILVER. (Size 4. See Plate XIII., Figure 21.) This piece is a flat ring, the centre being open, and as the legend shows a composition. Cent. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty seated, &c, as in the present silver currency. 1851. Exergue. — 1851. Reverse. — An oak wreath inclosing the numeral I., and the word CENT under it. (Size 5. See Plate XIII., Figure 20.) This coin was also a composition. Gold-Ring-Dollar. Device. — A wreath crossing at the lower ends and extending upward. On the upper part of the flat circle DOLLAR. 1852. Reverse. — A serpentine line around the inner edge of the circle — the centre being open. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue. — 1852. (Size 4. See Plate XIV., Figure 17.) Another type with a wreath around the inner circle, and outside of that the legend UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 1852. (Size 4.) A Gold Ring Half-dollar. — Same as the above. (Size 3. See Plate XIV., Figure 18.) Silver Ring-Dollar. Device. — A series of seven laurel branches around the circle, each of which bears two berries. 1852. Reverse. — U. S. A., on the upper portion of the circle. Exergue. — 1852. (Size 4. See Plate XTV., Figure 19.) In silver, but intended as a pattern for a gold dollar. 30 234 UNITED STATES. Cent. 1853. Device. — The Ooddess of Liberty, with a fillet around the head bearing the motto LIBERTY — with thirteen stars around the field. Exergue. — 1853. Reverse. — A laurel wreath enclosing the words ONE CENT. (Size 4. See Plate XIIL, Figure 17.) Cent. 1854. The designs the same as the last emission of the copper cents, except that the thirteen stars surrounding the first are omitted. Exergue. — 1854. (Size 7. See Plate XIIL, Figure 16.) This pattern-cent is about two-thirds the size of the ordinary cent, and exceedingly well executed. Cent. 1855. Device. — The eagle, volant, with thirteen stars around the edge of the field. Exergue. — 1855. Reverse. — The same as on the last emission of the copper cents. (Size 7. See Plate XIIL, Figure 8). This cent is composed of copper and nickel in such proportions as to give it a brassy appearance. Cents. 1856. The nickel — since adopted. Another : the designs the same as upon the latest copper cents, and struck off from the die of the half-cent — the size 6. This piece was a composition of copper and nickel, in such proportions as to give it nearly the tint of gold. Half-Dollar. 1858. Device. — The Goddess of Liberty, &c, as upon that denomination of coin. Reverse. — An eagle with expanded wings ; upon its breast a shield, and falling over the same, from the beak of the eagle is a scroll bearing the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. In its talons the laurel branch and arrows. Legend.— [ISITISD STATES OF AMERICA. Exergue.— HALF DOLLAR. (Size 9. See Plate XIIL, Figure 14.) UNITED STATES. 235 After a long suspension — broken only by its adoption upon the double-eagle — the motto " E PLURIBUS UNUM," is revived upon this beautiful piece by Hon. James Ross Snowden, the present Director of the Mint. Its adoption will be hailed with gratification by the people, who yielded reluctantly to the change that gave them a symbol without it. Cent. Device. — The head of an Indian princess. 1858. Legend.— UNITED STATES OF AMEEICA. Exergue. — 1858. Reverse. — An oak wreath, meeting at the top a shield surrounded by a scroll, and enclosing the denomination ONE CENT. (Size 4. See Plate XHL, Figure 18.) For this decided improvement of design and workmanship upon the cent, we are also indebted to the present Director of the Mint, who in this piece, and the dollar and three-dollar pieces of 1854, has already departed from the track so long trodden by his predecessors ; — thus affording evidences of a spirit of progress which cannot but redound to his own reputation and the honor of the government. Steam-Coinage. Device. — The liberty-cap with its motto LIBERTY, in the centre of a blaze covering the whole field. 1836. Reverse.— A circle containing the inscription — FIRST STEAM-COINAGE MARCH 23. Legend.— UNITED STATES MINT. Exergue. — 1836. This piece was issued in copper, to commemorate the application of steam-power to coining. " Feuchtw anger Cent." Device. — An eagle strangling with its talons, a serpent. 1837. Exergue. — 1837. Reverse. — A wreath enclosing the denomination ONE CENT. Legend.— FEUCHTWANGERS COMPOSITION. ; (Size 5. See Plate XHL, Figure 19.) This was gotten up as a specimen of a composition ; submitted to the government for its consideration, and rejected. If in a coin of so small value as a cent, it were desirable to consult cleanliness and durability, this composition would have subserved 236 UNITED STATES. the purpose, as it will neither corrode nor wear; the piece from which we take the foregoing description being as bright and perfect as on the day it was issued. The distinguished metallurgist and chemist whose name it bears, may console himself for its rejection, with the reflection that his effort to serve the government was a creditable, if not a successful one. Having completed the task of presenting to the public whatever there has been that is antiquated or rare, as well as that which now exists in the metallic money of our country, and with as much diversity and adornment of description as the subject- matter would permit, we submit this work with the hope that charity will cover up the short-comings and defects which, in all probability, exist in this our effort. In our thoughts and deductions we have felt nationally, and in that spirit — according to our comprehension — have expressed them; but with no purpose to excite emotions incompatible with that entire freedom of opinion we have exercised for ourselves. UNITED STATES. 237 INDEX OF DATES, DEGREES OP RARITY, &c, OP THE GOLD, SILVER, AND COPPER COINAGE. GOLD. 1793 1794 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799 1800 180] 1802 1803 1804 180S 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1825 1826 1827 1828 182'.) 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 184s 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 + + e o + . + . + . < + ., + ., + . + . + . + + . + + + + + . + +. + T. , + .. + .« + + . + . + . + . + . t:. + + e ft + • • • -f- ft c + + . SILVER. + . . + + + . 90- + . . * • -HO T o. .'. + *: +• \ • o • 4"- • • • + . + .. + . + . + . + . + . + »v • + .•. » + . + . + . < + . + . + + + . + + -i- . + ., * + . + + .. ■i- » + t: +. + + + + + - -i + .. + .. + . T ft ft + . + . "i" ft ft ft COPPER. + .. + . + + . + • o • + . + 0. . + o. . + o. . + o.. + o.. + o. . + o.. + o.. + o.. t + + + + • + • -f- Coined. • Scarce. %. Coinage • • Rare. eported by Mint — none in cabinet collections. O Trial pieces. • • • Very rare. 238 UNITED STATES. TYPES. AND VAKIETIES OF THE CENTS. Ed ■4 a g a u EH -t B a fin o E-< H W i a En H FAOINO EH i Eh 3 -a W EH -s a E-" W ►J fa FACING S 1793 Do. Right. 4 6 1824 Do. Left. 7 » Do. 2 21 1825 Do. 9 a Do. 3 1826 Do. 10 1794 Do. 26 1827 Do. 11 1795 Do. • 7 1828 Do. 10 1796 Do. 8 1829 Do. 7 « Do. 9 1830 Do. 9 1797 Do. <• 14 1831 Do. 8 1798 Do. 20 1832 Do. 7 1799 Do. 4 1833 Do. 5 1800 Do. 12 1834 Do. 9 1801 Do. 14 1835 Do. 5 1802 Do. 21 1836 Do. 3 1803 Do. 14 1837 Do. 2 8 1804 Do. 6 1838 Do. 2 4 1805 Do. 5 1839 Do. 4 7 1806 Do. 4 1840 Do. 5 1807 Do. 9 1841 Do. 2 1808 Do. 1 1842 Do. 4 a Do. Left. 4 1843 Do. 3 1809 Do. 4 1844 Do. 3 1810 Do. 7 1845 Do. 4 1811 Do. 2 6 1846 Do. 8 1812 Do. 9 1847 Do. 5 1813 Do. 5 1848 Do. 5 1814 Do. 6 1849 Do. 6 1816 Do. 11 1850 Do. 6 5 1817 Do. 22 1851 Do. 6 1818 Do. 10 1852 Do. 6 1819 Do. 9 1853 Do. 9 1820 Do. 14 1854 Do. 10 1821 Do. 5 1855 Do. 9 1822 Do. 9 1856 Do. 7 1823 Do. 3 1857 Do. 2 3 UNITED STATES. 239 TYPES AND VARIETIES OF THE HALF-CENTS. < O •< FACING s Eh £ FACJKG H Eh B* a H K PS .J a K «l < ■X A £-i Eh > B Ph EH k 1793 Do. Left. 6 1840 Do. Left. 1794 Do. Eight. *' 5 1841 Do. a 1795 Do. a 4 1842 Do. a 1796 Do. a 2 1843 Do. tt 1797 Do. tt 4 1844 Do. tt 1800 Do. a 2 1845 Do. a 1802 Do. tt 2 1846 Do. a 1803 Do. a 2 1847 Do. tt 1804 Do. a 5 1848 Do. tt 1805 Do. a 4 1849 Do. tt 3 1806 Do. it 2 1850 Do. a 2 1807 Do. a 4 1851 Do. a 3 1808 Do. a 3 1852 Do. tt 1 1809 Do. Left. 8 1853 Do. a 2 1810 Do. tt 4 1854 Do. tt 2 1811 Do. a 2 1855 Do. a 2 1825 Do. ti 3 1856 Do. it 1 1826 Do. a 4 1857 Do. tt 2 1828 Do. n 5 1829 Do. a 3 1831 Do. it 1 1832 Do. a 4 1833 Do. tt 2 1834 Do. it 3 1835 Do. tt 4 1836 Do. it 1 2 240 UNITED STATES. DIRECTORS OF THE MINT. 1. David Rittenhouse (the eminent Philosopher), July, 1792, to July, 1795. 2. Henry "William De Saussere (viae Mr. Rittenhouse, resigned), July 11th, to October 28th, 1795 (afterwards, and for many years, Chancellor of South Carolina). 3. Ellas Boudinot (in place of Judge De Saussere, resigned), October, 1795, to July, 1805 (previously President of Congress under the Confederation). 4. Robert Patterson (on the resignation of Dr. Boudinot), July, 1805, to July, 1824 (Vice- Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, and President of American Philosophical Society). 5. Dr. Samuel Moore (in place of Mr. Patterson, deceased), July, 1824, to July, 1835 (member of Congress from Bucks County, Pa.). 6. Dr. Robert M. Patterson (on the resignation of Dr. Moore), July, 1835, to July, 1851 (Professor of Natural Philosophy in University of Virginia, and President of American Philosophical Society). 7. Dr. George N. Eckert (vice Dr. Patterson, resigned), July, 1851, to April, 1853 (member of Congress from Lebanon County, Pa.). 8. Thomas M. Pettit (in place of Dr. Eckert, resigned), April to June, 1853 (Judge of District Court, Philadelphia). 9. The present incumbent, James Ross Snowden (previously Speaker of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, Treasurer of Pennsylvania, and Treasurer of the Mint), was appointed in June, 1853, in the place of Judge Pettit, who died on the 31st of May in that year, having held the office of Director but a few weeks. UNITED STATES. 241 TABULAR STATEMENT OF THE AMOUNT OF COINAGE AT THE MINT OF THE UNITED STATES SINCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF ITS OPERATIONS. GOLD COINAGE. DOUBLE EAGLE PIECES. EAGLE PIECES. HALE EAGLE PIECES. THREE DOLLAR PIECES. QUARTER EAGLE PIECES. DOLLAR PIECES. 1793 1794 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799 1800 1801 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 1816 1817 1818 2,795 6,934 8,323 7,974 17,483 25,965 29,254 15,090 8,979 9,795 8,707 6,196 3,609 24,867 7,451 11,622 26,006 53,176 33,506 30,475 33,183 64,093 84,093 55,578 33,875 100,287 99,581 58,087 95,428 15,454 635 48,588 963 859 614 480 2,612 423 3,327 1,781 1,616 6,812 2,710 31 242 UNITED STATES. GOLD COINAGE — Continued. DOUBLE EAGLE PIECES. EAGLE PIECES. HALF EAGLE PIECES. THREE DOLLAR PIECES. QUARTER EAGLE PIECES. DOLLAR PIECES. 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1825 1826 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1 1,170,261 2,087,155 2,053,026 1,261,326 757,899 364,666 329,878 98,315 7,200 38,248 47,338 63,131 81,507 250,624 125,061 73,653 101,875 1,433,764 145,484 653,618 291,451 176,328 263,106 201,253 54,250 121,701 60,490 2,916 51,723 263,806 34,641 17,796 14,485 17,340 29,060 18,069 24,913 28,029 57,442 126,351 140,594 157,487 193,630 732,169 371,534 553,147 207,121 286,588 118,143 137,382 15,833 27,578 855,085 817,583 548,728 547,231 1,080,337 267,775 133,070 64,491 377,505 573,901 305,770 160,675 117,098 197,990 69,115 138,618 50,555 26,010 7,832 6,488 2,600 4,434 760 2,800 3,403 4,540 4,520 4,400 4,160 117,370 131,402 547,986 45,080 47,030 27,021 18,859 2,823 530,853 35,738 110,511 110,709 192,824 8,886 23,294 252,923 1,372,748 1,159,681 1,404,668 596,258 235,480 384,240 106,722 688,567 481,953 3,317,671 2,045,351 4,076,051 1,639,445 758,269 1,762,936 578,356 To June 30th. UNITED STATES. 243 SILVER COINAGE. DOLLARS. PlE0i:!S. 1793 1794 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799 1800 1801 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1608 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813 1814 1815 1816 1817 1818 1819 1820 1821 1822 1823 1824 1825 1826 204,791 72,920 7,776 327,536 423,515 220,920 54,454 41,650 66,064 19,570 321 HALF-DOLLARS. PIECES. 323,144 3,918 30,289 29,890 31,715 156,519 211,722 839,576 1,051,576 1,368,600 1,405,810 1,276,276 1,203,644 1,628,059 1,241,903 1,039,075 47,150 1,215,567 1,960,322 2,208,000 751,122 1,305,797 1,559,573 1,694,200 3,504,954 2,943,166 4,004,180 QUARTER-DOLL'S PIECES. 5,894 252 6,738 121,394 206,124 220,643 69,232 20,003 361,174 144,000 127,444 216,851 64,080 17,800 168,000 DIMES. PIECES. 22,135 25,261 27,550 21,760 34,640 10,975 33,040 8,265 120,780 165,000 44,710 6,355 65,180 421,500 942,587 1,186,512 100,000 440,000 510,000 HALF-DIMES. PIECES. THREE CENTS. PIECES. 86,416 10,230 44,527 24,000 33,910 13,010 37,850 15,600 244 UNITED STATES. SILVER COINAGE — Continued. DOLLARS. PIECES. 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1 1,000 16 300 61,005 173,000 184,618 165,100 20,000 24,500 169,600 140,750 15,000 62,600 7,500 1,300 1,100 46,110 33,140 26,000 63,500 94,000 HALF-DOLLARS. PIECES. 5,493,400 3,075,200 3,712,156 4,764,800 5,873,660 4,797,000 5,206,000 6,412,004 5,352,006 6,546,200 3,629,820 3,546,000 3,334,561 1,435,008 310,000 2,012,764 6,112,000 3,771,000 2,683,000 4,514,000 3,740,000 580,000 1,252,000 227,000 200,750 77,130 3,532,708 2,982,000 759,500 938,000 142,000 QUARTER-DOLL'S. PIECES. 4,000 102,000 398,000 320,000 156,000 286,000 1,952,000 472,000 252,400 832,000 491,146 188,127 120,000 88,000 1,613,600 1,161,200 922,000 510,000 1,102,000 146,000 340,000 190,800 160,000 177,060 15,254,220 12,380,000 2,857,000 7,264,000 2,304,000 DIMES. PIECES. 1,215,000 125,000 770,000 510,000 771,350 522,500 485,000 035,000 1,410,000 1,190,000 1,042,000 1,992,500 1,053,115 1,358,580 1,622,500 1,887,500 1,520,000 72,500 1,985,000 31,000 245,000 451,500 839,000 1,931,500 1,026,500 1,535,500 12,173,010 4,470,000 2,075,000 5,780,000 4,890,000 HALF-DIMES. PIECES. THREE CENTS. PIECES. 1,230,000 1,240,000 1,242,700 965,000 1,370,000 1,480,000 2,760,000 1,900,000 2,276,000 2,255,000 1,069,150 1,344,085 1,150,000 815,000 1,165,000 650,000 1,565,000 27,000 1,274,000 668,000 1,309,000 955,000 781,000 1,000,500 13,345,020 5,740,000 1,750,000 4,880,000 3,940,000 5,447,400 18,663,500 11,400,000 671,000 139,000 1,458,000 To June 30th. UNITED STATES. 245 COPPER COINAGE. RECAPITULATION. WHOLE COINAGE IN WHOLE COINAGE IN BATE. CENT PIECES. HALF CENT PIECES. PIECES. VALUE. 1793 1,066,033 1794 142 534 1,834,420 $453,541.80 1795 J 1796 974,700 115,480 1,219,370 192,129.40 1797 897,510 107,048 1,095,165 125,524.29 1798 979,700 1,368,241 1,365,681 545,698.00 645,906.68 1799 904,585 12,167 1800 2,822,175 211,530 3,337,972 571,335.40 1801 1,362,837 1,571,390 3,615,869 510,956.37 516,075.83 1802 3,435,100 14,366 1803 2,471,353 97,900 2,780,830 370,698.53 1804 756,838 1,055,312 2,046,839 371,827.94 1805 941,116 814,464 2,260,361 333,239.48 1806 348,000 356,000 1,815,409 801,084 00 1807 727,221 476,000 2,731,345 1,044,595.96 1808 1,109,000 400,000 2,935,888 982,055.00 1809 222,867 1,544,572 2,861,834 884,752.53 1810 1,458,500 215,000 3,056,418 1,155,868.50 1811 218,025 63,140 1,649,570 1,108,740.95 1812 1,075,500 2,761,646 1,755,331 1,833,859 69,867 2,888,135 5,163,967 5,537,084 5 074 723 1,115,219.50 1,102,271.50 642 .535 80 1813 418,000 1814 357,830 1815 20,483.00 56,785.57 647,267.50 1,345,064.50 1,425,325.00 1,864,786.20 1816 2,820,982 1817 3,948,400 1818 3,167,000 1819 2,671,000 1820 4,407,550 6,492,509 1821 389,000 3 139 249 1,018,977.45 915,50989 1822 2,072,339 3,813,788 2,166,485 1823 12,250 967,975.00 246 UNITED STATES. COPPER COINAGE — Continued. RECAPITULATION. PERIOD. CENT PIECES. HALE CENT PIECES. WHOLE COINAGE IN PIECES. WHOLE CURRENCY IN VALUE. 1824 1825 1826 1827 1828 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1S57 1 1,262,000 1,461,100 1,517,425 2,357,732 2,260,624 1,414,500 1,711,500 3,359,260 2,362,000 2,739,000 1,855,100 3,878,400 2,111,000 5,558,300 6,370,200 3,128,661 2,462,700 1,597,367 2,383,390 2,428,320 2,398,752 3,894,804 4,120,800 6,183,669 6,415,799 4,178,500 4,426,844 9,889,707 5,063,094 6,641,131 4,236,156 1,574,829 2,690,463 6,333,456 4,786,894 5,178,760 5,774,434 9,097,845 6,196,853 7,674,501 8,357,191 11,792,284 9,128,387 10,307,790 11,637,643 15,996,342 13,719,333 13,010,721 15,336,311 9,260,345 10,558,240 8,811,968 11,743,153 14,640,582 9,051,834 11,806,196 10,138,515 15,392,344 8,691,444 9,519,513 10,039,535 24,985,736 32,612,949 69,775,537 33,919,921 10,885,619 25,876,288 18,602,020 1,858,297.00 1,735,894.00 2,110,679.25 3,024,342.32 1,741,381.24 2,306,875.50 3,155,620.00 3,923,473.60 3,401,055.00 3,765,710.00 7,388,423.00 5,668,667.00 7,764,900.00 3,299,898.00 4,206,540.00 8,576,467.61 3,426,632.50 2,240,321.17 4,190,754.40 11,967,830.70 7,687,767.52 5,668,595.54 6,633,965.50 22,657,671.69 3,265,137.99 8,913,266.32 28,210,513.00 52,689,878.43 52,403,679.44 60,111,249.72 43,108,977.93 12,045,952.93 14,346,762.99 4,737,691.60 63,000 234,000 606,000 487,000 2,200 154,000 120,000 141,000 398,000 39,864 39,812 147,672 129,694 55,358 56,500 40,430 35,180 1 To June 30th. UNITED STATES. 247 COINAGE THE UNITED F STATES MINT. The annexed Table sJwws the Coinage of the Mint of the United States (and the Branches, from the commencement of their operation in 1838), from 1793 to the close o/1857. GOLD. SILVER. COPPER. WHOLE COINAGE. DATE. VALUE. VALUE. VALUE. NO. OF PIECES. TOTAL VALUE. 1793 ) 1794 > $71,485.00 $370,683.80 $11,373.00 1,834,420 $453,541.80 1795 J 1796 102,727.50 79,077.50 10,324.40 1,219,370 192,129.40 1797 103,422.50 12,591.45 9,510.34 1,095,165 125,524.29 1798 205,610.00 330,291.00 9,797.00 1,368,241 545,698.00 1799 213,285.00 423,515.00 9,106.68 1,365,681 645,906.68 1800 317,760.00 224,296.00 29,279.40 3,337,972 571,335.40 1801 422,570.00 74,758.00 13,628.37 1,571,390 510,956.37 1802 423,310.00 58,343.00 34,422.83 3,615,869 516,075.83 1803 258,377.50 87,118.00 25,203.03 2,780,830 370,698.53 1804 258,642.50 100,340.50 12,844.94 2,046,839 371,827.94 1805 170,365.50 149,388.50 13,483.48 2,260,361 333,239.48 1806 324,505.00 471,319.00 5,260.00 1,815,409 801,084.00 1807 437,495.00 597,448.75 9,65221 2,731,345 1,044,595.96 1608 284,665.00 684,300.00 13,090.00 2,935,888 982,055.00 1809 169,375.00 707,376.00 8,001.53 2,861,834 884,752.53 1810 501,435.00 638,773.50 15,660.00 3,056,418 1,155,868.50 1811 497,905.00 608,340.00 2,495.95 1,649,570 1,108,740.95 1812 290,435.00 814,029.50 10,755.00 2,761,646 1,115,219.50 1813 477,140.00 620,951.50 4,180.00 1,755,331 1,102,271.50 1814 77,270.00 561,687.50 3,578.30 1,833,859 642,535.80 1815 3,175.00 * 17,308.00 69,867 20,483.00 1816 28,575.75 28,209.82 2,888,135 56,785.57 1817 607,783.50 39,484.00 5,163,967 647,276.50 1818 242,940.00 1,070,454.50 31,670.00 5,537,084 1,345,064.50 1819 258,615.00 1,140,000.00 26,710.00 5,074,723 1,425,325.00 1820 1,319,030.00 501,680.70 44,075.50 6,492,509 1,864,786.20 1821 189,325.00 825,762.45 3,890.00 3,139,249 1,018,977.45 1822 88,980.00 805,806.50 20,723.39 3,813,788 915,509.89 1823 72,425.00 895,550.00 2,166,485 967,975.00 1824 93,200.00 1,752,477.00 12,620.00 4,786,894 1,858,297.00 2-48 UNITED STATES, COINAGE OF THE UNITED STATES MINT — Continued. GOLD. DATE. 1825 1826 1827 182S 1829 1830 1831 1832 1833 1834 1835 1836 1837 1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1S54 1855 1856 1857 to June 30th 1858 §156,385.00 92,245.00 131,565.00 140,145.00 295,717.50 643,105.00 714,270.00 798,435.00 978,550.00 3,954,270.00 2,186,175.00 4,135,700.00 1,148,305.00 1,809,595.00 1,355,885.00 1,675,302.50 1,091,597.50 1,834,170.50 8,108,797.50 5,427,870.00 3,756,447.50 4,034,177.00 20,221,385.00 3,775,512.50 9,038,414.50 31,981,918.50 62,614,492.50 56,846,187.50 55,213,906.94 49,206,656.29 32,353,643.57 39,947,318.46 16,140,474.68 SILVER. 1429,684,090.94 81,564,583.00 2,002,090.00 2,869,200.00 1,575,600.00 1,994,578.00 2,495,400.00 3,175,600.00 2,579,000.00 2,759,000.00 3,415,002.00 3,443,003.00 3,606,100.00 2,096,010.00 2,333,243.00 2,189,296.00 1,726,703.00 1,132,750.00 2,332,750.00 3,834,750.00 2,235,550.00 1,873,200.00 2,558,580.00 2,374,450.00 2,040,050.00 2,114,950.00 1,866,100.00 774,397.00 999,410.00 9,077,571.00 8,619,270.00 3,501,245.00 5,189,877.54 3,222,327.46 COPPER. $108,731,662.90 $14,926.00 16,344.25 23,577.32 25,636.24 16,580.00 17,115.00 33,606.60 23,620.00 28,160.00 19,151.00 39,489.00 23,100.00 55,583.00 63,702.00 31,286.61 24,627.00 15,973.67 23,833.90 24,283.20 23,977.52 38,948.04 41,208.00 61,836.69 64,157.99 41,984.32 44,467.50 99,635.43 50,630.94 67,059.78 42,638.35 16,030.79 27,106.78 63,510.46 WHOLE COINAGE. NO. OP PIECES. 5,178,760 5,774,434 9,097,S45 6,196,853 7,674,501 8,357,191 11,792,2S4 9,128,387 10,307,790 11,637,643 15,996,342 13,719,333 13,010,721 15,780,311 11,811,594 10,558,240 8,811,968 11,743,153 4,640,582 9,051,834 1,806,196 10,133,515 15,392,344 12,649,790 12,666,659 14,5*8,220 28,701,958 34,224,619 76,484,062 44,644,189 16,991,595 33,866,187 19,437,767 TOTAL VALUE. $1,735,894.00 2,110,679.25 3,024,342.32 1,741,381.24 2,306,875.50 3,155,620.00 3,923,473.60 3,401,055.00 3,765,710.00 7,388,423.00 5,668,667.00 7,764,900.00 3,299,898.00 4,206,540.00 3,576,467.61 3,426,632.50 2,240,321.17 4,190,754.40 11,967,830.70 7,687,397.52 5,668,595.54 6,633,965.00 22,657,671.69 5,879,720.49 11,195,348.82 33,892,486.00 63,488,524.93 57,896,228.44 65,358,537.72 57,868,564.64 35,870,919.36 45,164,302.78 19,426,312.60 ,762,916.55 604,887,016 Assay Offioe, New York, $540,078,670.39 52,191,443.33 $592,270,113.72 TRANSLATIONS LEGENDS APPEARING UPON COINS &c, IN THIS WORK. 1 CEECITE ET MVLTIPLICAMINI. Increase and be multiplied. — Plate VI., Figure 13. DENAEIUM TEBEiE MABLE. Maryland Penny. — Plate VI., Figure 16. SIT NOMEN DOMINI BENEDICTUM. Blessed be the name of the Lord. — Plate YE, Figure 3. NON DEPENDENS STATUS. Independent of position. — Plate VIII., Figure 13. NOVA CONSTELLATIO. New Constellation — assemblage or group of fixed stars, emblematic of the American States. — Plate IX., Figure 5. IMMUNE COLUMBIA. Free America. — Plate IX., Figure 5. VOCE POPOLI. Voice of the people. — Plate IX., Figure 7. AMEBIC A INIMICA TYBANS. America hostile to Tyrants. — Plate IX., Figure 11. QUABTO. DECIMA. STELLA. The fourteenth star— referring to Vermont in the American constellation. Plate IX., Figure 12. VEEMONTS BES PUBLICA. The Bepuhlic of Vermont. — Plate IX., Figure 13. VEBMON. AUCTOBI. By authority of Vermont. — Plate EX., Figure 15. AUCTOBI. CONNEC. By authority of Connecticut. — Plate X., Figure 4. INDE ET LIB. Liberty and Independence. — Plate X., Figure 4. AUCTOBI. PLEBIS. By authority of the people. — Plate X., Figure 2. NOVA CvESAEEA. Now New Jersey. — Plate X., Figures 11 to 21. 1 We give the legends as they appear upon the coins, without reference to their critical correctness, and with such translations as will approximate nearest to a comprehension of their meaning. (249) 250 TRANSLATIONS OF LEGENDS. NON YBTETUTE YICE. Virtue without vice. —Plate XL, Figure 1. NEO. EBORACENSIS. New York. —Plate XI., Figure 1. NEO. EBORACA. Columbia. Excelsior. — Plate XI., Figure 2. NEW YORK. Columbia, paramount or greatest. NOVA EBORAC. New York. — Plate XI., Figure 4. VERT ET LIB. Virtue and Liberty. — Plate XI., Figure 4. LEBER NATUS LIBERT ATEM DEFENDO. Born free I defend liberty.— Plate XI., Figure 5. EXCELSIOR. More lofty, higher, more elevated. — Plate XL, Figure 6. SALVE MAGNA PARENS FRUGUM. Hail, mighty mother of production ! — Plate XI., Figure 16. REUNIT PAR UN RARE ASSEMBLAGE LES TALIEXS DU GURRIER ET LES VERTUS LE SAGE. He united in himself the rare combination of a talent for war and the virtues of the sage. — Folio 140. IN UNLTATE FORTLTUDO. In union there is strength. — Folio 142. ' Manus hseo, inimioa tyrannes, Ense petit placidem sub libertate quietem." This hand is hostile to tyrants, And seeks with the sword for peace under liberty. SYNOPSIS INTRODUCTION AND MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. INTRODUCTION. A Coin an index to a people and their state of civilization Page 11 Lost history revealed through the agency of coins. Earliest money transactions on record 12 Positive coins imputed to the Greeks 13 Romans issued a silver coinage 281 B. O, gold 207 B. C 15 Gauls used for money gold and iron rings 15 Coins issued by the British prince Cvmobeline 15 Emperor Claudius subjugated Britain in the 42 d year of the era of Britain, and the Roman coinage soon after gained the ascendant 15 Saxons succeed the Romans in Britain, with money totally different 16 Saxon Heptarchy — kings of Kent from the accession of Ethelbert, A. D. 568 16 Coins of the kings of Northumberland , 17 Dignitaries of the Church strike money and enjoy the profits of mintage 17 Coins of the Saxon and Danish sole monarchs of England 17 Anglo-Norman kings. No improvement in coinage 18 COINS OE THE ENGLISH SOVEREIGNS. Henry VII., A. D. 1485 to 1509 19 Henry VIII, A.D. 1509 to 1547 19 Edward VI, A.D. 1547 to 1553 20 Mary, A.D. 1553 to 1558 20 Elizabeth, A.D. 1558 to 1602 20 COINAGE OF SCOTLAND BEFORE THE UNION. Earliest coins attributed to William the Lion, A. D. 1165 ; to the princes of the Hebrides, Donald VIII., A.D. 1093; Alexander I. 1107 20 Alexander II. and III., Baliol and Bruce 20 Mary, A.D. 1542 to 1587 21 James VI., A.D. 1587 to 1625 21 Scotland merged in the United Kingdom, &o 21 Coinage of James I., A.D. 1602 to 1625 21 Charles L, A.D. 1625 to 1649 22 Coining down the plate of the colleges 23 (251) 252 SYNOPSIS OF INTRODUCTION, ETC. Siege pieces, 1644 and 1645 23 First Scottish coinage in this reign by Briot 24 Irish money ordered to be abolished 24 Commonwealth, A. D. 1648 to 1660 24 Pierre Blondeau perfected the stamping of coin by the mill and screw, and was invited to England 24 Charles n., A. D. 1660 to 1684 25 First milled coinage, 1663 25 Coinage of William and Mary, and William m., A.D. 1688 to 1702 26 Anne, A.D. 1702 to 1714 27 George I., A.D. 1714 to 1727 27 George II., A. D. 1729 to 1760 27 George HI., A.D. 1760 to 1820 28 Bank-Tokens sanctioned 28 MASSACHUSETTS CURRENCY. Roger Williams' description of the money of the New England Indians, 1628 46 A Mint decided upon, and the court enacted laws for its government, 1652 49 First emission of coin, 1652 50 The court concludes that John Hull, the Min1>Master, has too lucrative a position, and desires his resigna- tion. His daughter's marriage, dower, &c 51 The Mint an important institution. Endeavors made under the administration of Governor Andross to have the Mother country legalize it 52 Interesting incident — in relation to the oak-tree coins — of Sir Thomas Temple, Governor of Nova Scotia, and Charles n., 1662 52 The Colonial government called to an account relative to the Mint 53 A diplomatic operation to soothe the wounded prerogative of the king, 1666 53 The Mint continued its operations 53 More diplomacy, aimed at the gastronomic proclivities of his maj esty, 1677 53 Free-Mint suggested, 1680 54 Still more diplomacy contemplated through agents of the colony bound to London, 1681 54 Officers of the London Mint opposed to the Boston Mint, 1685 54 Long-established form of the Colonial government departed — the Mint survives, and another attack is made upon it by the Lord High-Treasurer of England, 1686 54 Country-pay still permitted, 1687 54 Report of the condition of the Treasury, 1688 56 Petition to William and Mary for permission to renew Mint operations 56 The colonists resort to paper-issues, 1690 56 Governor Hutchinson's congratulations relative to the condition of the Treasury, 1774 56 An emission of paper authorized, 1775 56 Massachusetts agrees to the articles of Confederation, 1777 56 Massachusetts Bank chartered, 1784 56 The Confederated government of the United States enter into a contract for the coinage of copper, 1786. See "First United States Cent." 56 The erection of buildings for the second Massachsetts Mint authorized, coin described, &c 56 The second Mint ended in 1788 56 INDEX MATTERS CONTAINED IN PARTS I. TO V. Aboriginal Coins or Money Page 36 Anapolis Shilling, 1783 , 94 " Six-pence, 1783 94 " Three-pence, 1783 95 Auctori Connee, 1785 102 " " 1786 104 " " 1787 105 " " types and varieties of 107—110 « " 1788 110 " " types and varieties of Ill " Plebis, 1787 112 Baldwin & Co., California, coinage of 225 Bars, F. D. Kohler, California 226 Bermuda Islands 58 Bone money 39 Boulton, Mr., of France, machine for coining in- vented by 35 California Coins 223 Carolina Half-Penny, 1694 70 Casting, Monsieur, his invention for milling 35 Castorland Half-Dollar, 1796 136 Cent, 1794 202 " 1795 203 " 1796 2Cdt « 1808 209 « 1816,1817 211 " 1839 216 " Feuchtwanger, 1837 235 " First United States, 1787 126 » Liberty-cap, 1793 201 " Massachusetts, 1787 127 » New York, 1796 134 « Nickel, 1858 220 Cent, (Pattern) 1851 233 " (Patterns) 1853, 1854, 1855, 1856 234 " (Pattern) 1858 235 " (Patterns) 1792 230-231 " King-, (Pattern) 1850 233 " Wreath-, 1793 200 Chain-Cent, 1793 199 Cincinnati Mining and Trading Co., California, coinage of the 224 Coal and Lignite 37 " specimens of money of 38, 39 Coinage 33 " steam-, 1836 235 Coins 32 " of the United States 145 Columbia Copper 143 Confederatio Copper, 1785 98 Connecticut Coins 102 " " types and varieties of .... 107, 108 Continental Currency, 1776 86 Copper coinage of the U. S. Mint 244, 245 " money 44 Cuneator 33 De Dansk Americ, 1740 143 Degrees of Rarity of Coins of the United States.. 237 Dime, 1797 178 " 1837 192 " 1833 193 " (Pattern) 1792 230 Dollar, Gold, 1849 170 " 1854 173 " Gold, (Pattern) 1836 231 " Gold-Ring (Pattern) 1852 233 " and Half-Dollar (Pattern) 1839 232 (253) 254 INDEX. Dollar, (Pattern) 1836 231 « ' " 1838 232 " Piece, North Carolina 222 " " California 226 " Silver, 1794 175 " " 1795 176 « " 1798 179 » " 1836 191 « " 1838 193 « " 1840 194 " Silver-ring (Pattern) 1852 233 Double-Eagle, 1849 169 « " (Pattern) 1849 232 Dubosq & Co., California, coinage of. 225 Dunbar & Co., " " ." 225 Eagle, 1795 155 " 1797 156 « 1798 157 " 1838 165 Encrinite Lily 42 Extended hand an emblem, &e 41 Feuchtwanger Cent, (Pattern) 1837 Fifty-Dollar Pieces, Moffatt & Co., California First United States Cent, 1787 Five-Dollar Piece, North Carolina, 1787 " Pieces, Baldwin & Co., California.... " " Cin. Min'g & Trad'g Co., Cal. " " Dubosq & Co., California .... « " Dunbar & Co., " « " Mass. & Cal. Co. " » " Moffatt & Co. " » " Mormon, Utah « " N. G. & N., California " " Oregon Exchange Co., Cal... » " Pacific Co., California » " Shultz&Co., " Florida Piece, 1760. 235 226 ■ J 6 ~-2 225 224 225 225 225 224 225 223 22:i 224 225 81 GrALENA Money (Aboriginal) 43 Georgius Triumpho, 1783 93 Gold Coinage of the United States 155 » « " Mint... 240, 241 « Dollar, (Pattern) 1836 231 " Money (Aboriginal) 43 " King Dollar, (Pattern) 1852 233 « « Half-Dollar, (Pattern) 1852 233 Good Samaritan Shilling, 1652 63 Granby Coppers, 1737, 1739 79 Groat, Lord Baltimore, 1659 64 Half-Cent, Massachusetts, 1788 127 1794 1795 1797 1800 1809 1828 1840 202 203 204 200 209 213 216 " Dime, 1794 176 " " 1797 178 " Dollar, 1794 176 " " 1801 180 " " 1808 184 " " 1837 192 " " 1840 195 " " Castorland, 1796 136 " " and Dollar, (Pattern) 1839 232 " " Gold, California 226 " " Gold-King, (Pattern) 1852 233 " " (Pattern) 1858 234 " " Washington, 1792 133 " Eagle, 1795 155 " " 1798 157 " " 1808 160 " " 1834 164 " " 1838 165 « Penny, Carolina, 1694 70 " " Liverpool, 1791 138 " " New England, 1694 72 Immtjnis Columbia, 1787 121, 123 Index of Dates, Degrees of Rarity, &c, of the Gold, Silver, and Copper Coinage of the U. S.. 237 Ingots, U. S. Assay, Moffatt, & Co., California... 226 Janus Coppeb, 1776 87 J. S. O., California, coinage of 224 Kentucky Copper, 1791 126 " " 1796 135 Liber Natus Libertatem Defendo, 1787 124 " " " 1787 125 Liberty-Cap Cent 201 Lignite and Coal pieces 37 " coin-like mass of. 38 INDEX. 255 Lignite coin 38 Liverpool Half-Penny, 1791 138 London Half-Penny 70 Lord Baltimore Groat, 1659 64 " " Shilling, 1659 63 " " Six-pence, 1659 63 " " Penny 64 Louisiana Copper, 1721, 1722 73 " " 1767 83 Maryland Currency 63 Massachusetts and California Co., Cal., coinage of 225 " Cent, 1787 127 " Coppers, 1776 88 " Currency 46 " Half-Cent, 1788 127 Measure 30 Miners' Bank of San Francisco, coinage of 224 Moffatt & Co., California, coinage of 224 Moneyer 33 Mormon coinage, Utah 225 Neo Eboracensis, 1786 122 New England Half-Penny, 1694 72 « Pattern Shilling, 1650 59 Shilling, 1652 59 ' Six-pence, 1652 59 New Jersey 112 Coppers, 1786, 1788 112 New York 122 " Cent, 1794 134 " Coppers 123 " Gold Coin, 1787 122 N. G. & N., California, Half-Eagle 223 Nickel Cent, 1857 216 « « 1858 220 Non Dependens Status, 1778 89 North American Token, 1781 144 North Carolina Five-Dollar Pieces 222 « " Gold Coins 220 « " One Dollar Piece 222 " « Two-and-a-half Dollar Pieces 222 Nova Csesarea, 1786 112 " " types and varieties 115, 117, 121 Nova Constellatio, 1783 90 « « 1785 91,92 Nova Eborac, 1787 123 Oak-Tree Shilling, 1652.. " Six-pence, " .. 60 60 Oak-Tree Three-pence, 1652 61 " Two-pence, 1652 61 O. J. S. — Ormsby — California, coinage of. 224 One-Dollar Piece, California 226 " " North Carolina 222 Oregon Exchange Co., California, coinage of. 223 Pacific Co., California, coinage of. 224 Pearls 40 Penny, Lord Baltimore, 1659 64 Pieces, Pattern 231 Pine-Tree Copper, 1766 88 " Shilling, 1652 60 " Six-pence, 1652 60 " Three-pence, 1652 60 Pitt Piece, 1766 81 Processes of Assay of Gold and Silver Coins — U. S. Mint 149 Quarter Dollar, 1831 189 " " 1853 198 " " Gold, California 227 " Eagle, 1796 156 " " 1808 161 " " 1838 165 Reed, Templeton, California, coinage of 224 Ring-Cent, 1850, (Pattern) 233 Rosa- Americana Farthing, 1722 75 " 1723 76 Half-Penny, 1722 75 " 1723 75 Penny, 1722 75 " 1723 75 " 1733 76 types and varieties 76 Scale of Sizes, or Measure of Medals and Coins, 30 Shell Money 40 Shilling, Anapolis, 1783 94 " Good Samaritan, 1652 63 " Lord Baltimore, 1659 63 " New England, 1650, (Pattern) 59 " " 1652 59 " Oak-Tree, 1652 60 " Pine-Tree, 1652 60 Shultz & Co., California, coinage of. 225 Sign — an Egyptian hieroglyphic 43 Silver Coinage of the U. S. Mint 242, 243 " Money 43 256 INDEX. Silver-King Dollar, 1852, (Pattern) 233 Six-pence, Anapolis, 1783 94 " Lord Baltimore, 1659 63 " New England, 1652 59 " Oak-Tree, 1652 60 " Pine-tree, 1652 60 Somer, Summer or Bermuda Islands' Coin 58 Standard 31 Steam-Coinage, 1836, (Pattern) 235 Sterling 32 Stone Money 42 Tabulae Statement of Coinage of the U. S. Mint, 240 Terra-Cotta Money 40 Ten-Dollar Pieces, Baldwin & Co., California .... 225 " " Cincinnati Mining and Tra- ding Co., California 224 " " Dubosq & Co., California 224 " " J. S. 0., California 224 " " Miners' Bank, of San Fran- cisco, California 224 " " MofFatt & Co., California 224 " " Mormon, Utah 225 " " Oregon Exchange Co., Cal.... 223 " " Pacific Mining Co., Cal 224 « " Templeton Reed, California.. 224 Three-Cent Pieces, 1851 197 « " (Pattern) 232 " Dollar Pieces, 1854 172 Three-pence, Anapolis, 1783 95 " Oak-Tree, 1652 61 " Pine-Tree, 1652 60 Tin-piece, 1690 69 Tory Copper, 1785 100 Total Coinage of the U. S. Mint 246, 247 Tree-Coins 60 Twenty-Dollar Pieces, Baldwin & Co. Cal 225 « " Mormon, Utah 225 Twenty-five Dollar Pieces, Templeton Reed, Cal. 224 Two-and-a-half Dollar Pieces, Mormon, Utah ... 225 " « " North Carolina.... 222 Two-pence, Oak-Tree, 1652 61 Types and varieties of Auctori Connec, 1785 104 " " " 1786 105 " " " 1787,107,108 " " Cents 238 " " Half-Cents 239 " « Nova Caesarea, 1786.. 115, 116 " " " 1787.. 117-120 " " " 1788 121 " " Vermon Auctori, 1788.... 101 United States 145 " Gold Coinage 155 U. S. A. Copper, 1783 89 Vase, Aboriginal 38 Vermon Auctori, 1787 99 " " 1788 101 Vermont 98 Vermontensium Res Publica, 1786 98 Vermonts Res Publica, 1785 98 Virginia Half-Penny, (Copper) 1773 83 " " (Silver) 1774 83 Wampum 45 Washington Cent, 1792 131 " " 1792 134 " Cents, 1783 95 " " 1791 128, 129 " " 1792 131, 133 " Coppers, 1792 ; 137 " " 1795 138 " Half-Dollar, 1792 133 " Half-Penny, 1791 138 " Medalet, 1790 137 " Medalets 140 " " 1795,1796,1799 139,140 " " 1799 141,142 « Piece, 1776 85 " Token, 1795 138 " Tokens, 1783 95 " . " Coppers, Medalets, &c 137 Weight 31 Wreath Cent 200 THE END. WMNHI