Chapter IV: Part 4

Obverse: Device—A hog, standing, facing left, above which are displayed the Roman numerals “XII.,” the whole surrounded by a beaded circle. Legend: “SOMMER ISLANDS” around which is a beaded circle like that enclosing the device.

Reverse: Device—A full-rigged ship under sail to the left, a flag flying from each of her four masts—enclosed in a beaded circle, the beads larger than on the obverse. Copper; size, 19; weight, 177 grains.

NEW JERSEY IMMUNIS.

Obverse: Goddess of Liberty, seated upon a globe, facing right; in her extended left hand the scales of justice; right hand staff of liberty bearing a flag and crowned with a cap. Legend: “IMMUNIS COLUMBIA.” Exergue: “1786.” Border, serrated; edge, plain; size, 18; weight, 160 grains.

Reverse: A shield argent, six pales gules, a chief azure. Legend: “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Border, serrated; edge, plain; size, 18; weight, 160 grains.

CONFEDERATIO AND INIMICA TYRANNIS.

Obverse: A circular central field, size 6, covered with a cluster of thirteen small stars; around this device a glory of fine rays, presenting a corrugated outline of sixteen points. Legend: “CONFEDERATIO 1785.” Border, serrated.

Reverse: An Indian, standing beside an altar or pedestal, his right foot upon a crown, an arrow in his right hand, a bow in his left; at his back a quiver full of arrows. Legend: “INIMICA TYRANNIS AMERICA.” Border, serrated; edge, plain; size, 18; weight, 112 grains.

CONNECTICUT CENT, 1788.

Obverse: Identical with one of 1787.

Reverse: The same as one of the coins of Vermont. Another Connecticut coin of this year, has the same reverse as the “GEORGIVS III REX” issue of Machin & Co., from the mint established by them in the State of New York.

NOTE.—The obverse and reverse dies of the Connecticut cents are too numerous to mention, there being no less than one hundred and sixty-four of the first, and eighty-four of the latter.

NEW ENGLAND TOKEN.

Obverse: Same as that of the common type of the Carolina Token of 1694, and from the same die as that and the “London Halfpenny.”

Reverse: An inscription, in five lines, occupying the whole field, “GOD PRESERVE NEW ENGLAND 1694.” Borders, milled; edge, plain; copper; size, 18½; weight, 133 and 236 grains.

GOOD SAMARITAN SHILLINGS.

The same general type and variety as the Pine Tree Shilling, but bearing upon the obverse a well-executed device, illustrating the parable of the Good Samaritan; but two or three specimens of this coin have been known, two of which are in existence and of unique varieties; they are supposed to have been pattern pieces, struck at the origin of the Mint of Massachusetts Colony.

LARGE PATTERN CENT. NOT ISSUED.

BAR CENT. VERY RARE.

FUGIO. “MIND YOUR BUSINESS.” FIRST.

INIMICA TYRANNIS AMERICANA.

FUGIO. “MIND YOUR BUSINESS.” SECOND.

See description.]

HALF CENT. 1836.

CONFEDERATE C. S. A. HALF DOLLAR.

HALF CENT. 1840.

HALF CENT. 1845.

“JEFFERSON HEAD” CENT.

HALF CENT. 1846.

See description.]

MASSACHUSETTS HALF CENT, 1787.

Obverse: Same general description as the Cent of 1787.

Reverse: Same in general as the Cent of 1787, except that the shield upon some specimens, bears only “HALF CENT.” Borders, milled; edge plain; size, 15 to 15½; weight, 75 to 83 grains.

The “Cent,” 1788. Twelve Types. Thirteen Varieties.

MASSACHUSETTS CENT, 1788.

Obverse: A clothed Indian, standing, facing left, in his right hand a bow, in his left an arrow. Legend: “COMMONWEALTH.”

Reverse: A spread eagle, a broad shield upon his breast, six pales gules (upright), a chief azure (open or plain). Upon the chief, or upper part of the shield, the word “CENT,” in bold Roman lettering. In exergue, beneath a heavy horizontal bar, the date 1787. Borders, milled; edge, plain; size, 16½ to 19; weight, 146 to 165 grains.

FUGIOS OR FRANKLIN CENTS.

The Fugios or Franklin Cents are the earliest coins issued by authority of the United States. They being all dated 1787, and made in conformity with resolution of Congress, dated July 6, 1787:

“_Resolved_, That the Board of Treasury direct the contractor for the copper coinage to stamp on one side of each piece the following devices, viz.: Thirteen circles linked together, a small circle in the middle, with the words ‘UNITED STATES’ round it, and in the centre the words, ‘WE ARE ONE’; on the other side of the same piece the following device, viz.: a dial with the hours expressed on the face of it; a meridian sun above, on one side of which is to be the word ‘FUGIO,’ and on the other the year in figures ‘1787’; below the dial the words ‘MIND YOUR BUSINESS.’”

THE BAR CENT, OR U S A COPPER.

This coin, presumed to have belonged to the same issue as the Nova Constellatio Coppers, was probably made in Birmingham, England, by Thomas Wyon, for circulation in America. The “U S A” Copper was first passed as money in the City of New York, in November, 1785. The device was taken from an old Continental button, to which fact and the light weight of the piece, has been attributed the disfavor shown the coinage and the limited circulation given the same.

Obverse: Large Roman “U S A” in a monogram, on a plain field.

Reverse: Thirteen horizontal bars. Border, serrated; Edge, plain; size, 15½; weight, 85 grains. Two pairs of dies.

MARYLAND PENNY.

The Maryland Penny. One Type. One Variety. Unique.

Obverse: Similar to that of the sixpence.

Reverse: A Ducal Coronet, upon which are erected two masts, each bearing a flying pennant. Legend: “DENARIVM TERRE-MARIÆ.” Copper; size, 13.

The only specimen of this piece extant was imported into America from England, at a cost of £75, and was sold for $370 with the collection of J. J. Mickley, Esq., of Philadelphia.

ROSA AMERICANA HALF-PENNY, 1722.

Obverse: Laureated head of King George I, facing right. Legend: “GEORGIUS DEI GRATIA REX.”

Reverse: A full double rose; from this project five barbed points. Legend: “ROSA AMERICANA UTILE DULCI 1722” which encircles the piece. Border, beaded; edge, plain; “Bath Metal;” size, 16 to 18; weight, 139 grains.

Devices: Same as those of the Penny of this coinage. Legends: Same import as those upon the Penny, but varied by abbreviations and in punctuation. Border, beaded; edge, plain; “Bath Metal;” size, 13 to 14; weight, 75 grains.

LIBER NATUS LIBERTATEM DEFENDO—_First_.

Reverse: Arms of the State of New York. Upon an oval shield at the center is shown the sun rising from behind a range of hills, the sea in the foreground; left of the shield, Justice, with sword and scales; right, Liberty, with staff and cap. Upon a hemisphere, above the shield, stands an eagle, wings outspread, facing right. Exergue: 1787; beneath this, next the border, “EXCELSIOR.” Border, serrated; edge, plain; size, 17; weight, 157 grains.

MARYLAND PENNY.

HALF CENT. 1847.

ROSA AMERICANA HALF PENNY. 1722.

LIBER NATUS LIBERNATUM DEFENDO. FIRST.

GRANBY OR HIGLEY TOKEN. 1737.

LIBER NATUS LIBERNATUM DEFENDO. SECOND.

See description.]

WASHINGTON CENT. 1783.

WASHINGTON LIVERPOOL HALF PENNY. 1793.

“NAKED BUST.” WASHINGTON CENT. 1792.

NON DEPENDENS STATUS.

HALF CENT. 1842.

PATTERN CENT. 1792.

See description.]

LIBER NATUS LIBERTATEM DEFENDO.—_Second._

Obverse: An Indian, standing, crowned with feathers, and facing left; in his right hand he wields a tomahawk, his left supports a bow, the end of which rests on the ground near his feet; over his right shoulder appears the top of a quiver of arrows, which is borne upon his back. Legend: “LIBER NATUS LIBERATEM DEFENDO.”

Reverse: A hemisphere of the globe, marked by longitudinal and meridianal lines; upon this stands a large heavy-bodied eagle, wings spread, somewhat drooping, beak toward the right. Legend: “NEO-EBORACUS 1787 EXCELSIOR.” Border, serrated; edge, plain; size, 17; weight, 153 grains.

GRANBY OR HIGLEY TOKEN, 1737.

Obverse: A deer, standing, facing left, occupying the whole field. Legend: “VALVE ME AS YOU PLEASE.” Exergue: The Roman numerals III upon a small scroll; a little crescent is shown below.

Reverse: Three hammers, each bearing a crown upon the head. Legend: “I AM GOOD COPPER 1737.”

WASHINGTON CENT, 1783.

Obverse: Large laureated bust of Washington, draped, facing left. Legend: “WASHINGTON & INDEPENDENCE 1783.”

Reverse: A figure of a female, facing left, seated upon a rock; right hand holds an olive branch; left, staff of liberty, with cap. Legend: “UNITED STATES.” Exergue: T. W. I. E. S. Border, beaded; edge, plain; size, 17½; weight, 120 grains. Two obverse and three reverse dies.

WASHINGTON LIVERPOOL HALF-PENNY.

Obverse: Bust of Washington, in uniform, facing left, hair in a queue. Legend: “WASHINGTON PRESIDENT.”

Reverse: A ship, under sail, to the right: Legend: “HALFPENNY” under the ship, waves, and in the foreground, on a panel, the date 1793. Border, milled; edge, lettered: “PAYABLE IN ANGLESEY LONDON OR LIVERPOOL.” Size, 19; weight, 163 grains.

WASHINGTON NAKED BUST CENT, 1792.

Obverse: A classical bust of Washington, undraped, facing right; the head is encircled by a fillet, confining the hair, which is cut short and is curly; the fillet is tied at the back of the head by a bow knot with long pendent ends. Legend: “WASHINGTON PRESIDENT 1792.”

Reverse: A small eagle, displayed, wings upraised; on his breast a shield argent, six pales gules; right talon, an olive branch, fourteen leaves, six berries; left talon, thirteen arrows; about the head of the eagle are six mullets, and above is the word “CENT.” Border, milled; edge, plain, or inscribed: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Size, 19; weight, 198 grains. Some six or eight specimens only are known.

NON DEPENDENS STATUS.

Obverse: A full bust, facing right; flowing hair to the shoulders. Upon the drapery of the bust a small oval shield as an epaulet, emblazoned with a staff bearing a flag; across the staff, saltierwise, rests a naked sword. In each angle of this device is displayed a fleur de lis. Upon the breast of the bust is a head with spreading wings. Legend: “NON-DEPENDENS STATUS.”

Reverse: An Indian, seated upon a globe, facing left; nude, except a cap or bandeau upon his head, and a feather tunic around the lower part of the body. In his extended right hand he holds a bunch of tobacco; the left reaches behind him and rests upon a shield, bearing the same emblems displayed upon the epaulets upon the bust on the obverse. Legend: “AMER ICA,” divided by the figure of the Indian. Exergue: 1778. Border, plain; edge plain; size, 19.

Some coin dealers advertise the Non Dependens Status as “a rare copper, worth $100.”

PATTERN CENT, 1792.

Obverse: A bust of Liberty, facing to right, the hair confined by a fillet. Above is inscribed the word “LIBERTY,” and beneath the date “1792.”

Reverse: A portion of a globe, on which stands an eagle, with raised wings. Legend: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” This cent has a grained edge, like the cents of 1793. Some numismatists give it the preference as the first cent.

GEORGE CLINTON COPPER, 1787.

The George Clinton Copper has the bust of Governor Clinton facing right, with legend “GEORGE CLINTON.”

Reverse: The State arms of New York, and in the exergue, “1787 EXCELSIOR.” This last reverse is found also combined with the Liber Natus, which has an Indian standing, facing left, with tomahawk in the right hand and bow in the left, a bundle of arrows also at his back. Legend: “LIBER NATUS LIBERTATEM DEFENDO.” This latter obverse is also found combined with another reverse, as follows: An eagle stands upon a section of the globe. Legend: “NEO EBORACUS 1787 EXCELSIOR.”

GEORGE CLINTON COPPER. 1787.

KENTUCKY TOKEN.

IMMUNIS COLUMBIA. 1787.

MASSACHUSETTS PINE TREE SHILLING. 1652.

CHAIN CENT. 1793.

MYDDELTON TOKEN.

See description.]

GREEK EGYPTIAN COIN. PTOLEMÆUS SOTER. 285-300 B. C.

ROMAN COIN. FAUSTINA, DAUGHTER OF ANTONINUS PIUS, WIFE OF MARCUS AURELIUS. DIED, 175 A. D.

MACEDONIAN SILVER COIN. ALEXANDER THE GREAT. 300 YEARS B. C.

SILVER SHEKEL OF JUDEA. SIMON MACCABEES. 145 B. C.

PERSIAN SILVER COIN. VOLOGESES III. 148-190 A. D.

JUDEAN COPPER COIN. SIMON MACCABEES. 145 B. C.

See description.]

KENTUCKY TOKEN OR CENT

Has a hand holding a scroll inscribed “Our Cause is Just.” Legend: “UNANIMITY IS THE STRENGTH OF SOCIETY.” Reverse: A radiant pyramid, triangular in shape, of fifteen stars united by rings, each star having placed in it the initial of a State, Kentucky being at the top. Legend: “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

SHEKEL (SIMON MACCABEES).

The Shekel was originally a weight. The first form in which money was used by the Jews, and by all other nations of which we have any knowledge, was the pieces without any regular shape or any marks or devices upon them. Precious metals passed by weight. Thus it is said of the purchase made by Abraham of the cave and field of Machpelah, “And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current with the merchant.” Gen. xxiii. 16.

The weight of a shekel was a little less than one-half an ounce troy. The term “current with the merchant,” probably refers to the purity of the silver, which was about ninety-five per cent. fine, and the value in our money was fifty-eight cents. It first appeared as a coin in the time of the Maccabees, who lived about 140 B. C. The amount of silver in the coin is the same as was contained in the piece of silver denominated a shekel. It will be seen that on one side is the golden cup that had manna (see Exod. xvi. 33, and Heb. ix. 4), with the inscription in old Hebrew character, “SHEKEL OF ISRAEL;” on the other side appears Aaron’s rod that budded with the legend in the same character, “JERUSALEM THE HOLY.” This specimen is in the Mint cabinet; one of the most rare and interesting coins in the collection.

IMMUNIS COLUMBIA, 1787.

Obverse: The Goddess of Liberty, seated upon a globe, facing right; in her fully extended left hand she balances the scales of justice; the right hand supports a liberty staff, bearing a flag and crowned with a cap. Legend: “IMMUNIS COLUMBIA.” Exergue: 1787.

Reverse: An eagle, displayed; right talon, an olive branch, thirteen leaves; left talon, thirteen arrows. Legend: “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Borders, serrated; edge, plain; size, 16½; weight, 135 grains.

MASSACHUSETTS PINE TREE SHILLING.

“John Hull and Robert Saunderson were equal officers in the ‘gainful business’ of the Mint. How much they coined in all for the colony, or the exact amount of their profits under the contract they carried out, cannot be determined.” The coinage was certainly large in amount, and they, as was well understood, became men of wealth and substance. When the daughter of John Hull was married to Judge Samuel Sewall, the founder of the town of Newbury, Mass., the prosperous mint-master gave the bride a dowery of her weight in silver. At the conclusion of the wedding ceremony, a large steel-yard was brought into the room, and the blushing bride placed upon one of the platforms of the same, while into a tub upon the other side were poured the Pine Tree Shillings, until the steel-yard balanced.

CHAIN CENTS.

These have a bust with flowing hair, looking right, with the date below and word “LIBERTY” above it; on the reverse side, in the centre, is “ONE CENT,” with “⅟₁₀₀” below it, enclosed in an endless chain of fifteen links, typifying the number of States then in the Union. The legend is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” in all excepting one die, which reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERI,” the engraver evidently not having room to complete the word.

THE MYDDELTON TOKENS.

Obverse: A figure, representing Hope, beside an anchor; she presents two children to a female, the last extending her right hand in reception of the charge; the left hand supports a liberty staff, which is crowned with a cap; in front of the figure with the staff is an olive branch and a wreath, to the rear a cornucopia. Legend: “BRITISH SETTLEMENT KENTUCKY.”

Reverse: Britannia, seated disconsolate amid the down-cast emblems of her power, and facing left; her head is bowed; she holds in her right hand an inverted spear, the head of which penetrates the ground; at her right side a bundle of fasces or lictors’ rods have fallen near the cap of Liberty; upon the ground, before the figure, are the scales of justice, upon which Britannia has set her left foot and the sword of justice, with broken blade; the left arm of the figure rests upon a large shield, bearing the cross of the British ensigns. Legend: “PAYABLE BY P. P. P. MYDDELTON.”

HALF CENT. 1802.

WREATH CENT. 1793.

HALF CENT. 1794.

WASHINGTON MEDAL. 1789.

HALF CENT. 1847.

NEW YORK CENT.

See description.]

GREEK EGYPTIAN COIN. PTOLEMY.

WIDOW’S MITE. COPPER COIN.

ROMAN BRONZE COIN. TRAJAN AUGUSTUS. 98-117 A. D.

ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES.

COUNTERFEIT JUDEAN SHEKEL. DATING ABOUT THE TIME OF CHRIST.

MACEDONIAN COIN. PHILIP III. 317-324 B. C.

See description.]

THE SMALL PATTERN CENT.

Obverse: A head, facing right, hair unconfined, floating backward in flowing locks. Legend: “LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUST.” Exergue: Beneath the head the date 1792.

Reverse: A wreath, two olive branches crossed at the lower ends and tied with a ribbon; within the wreath a field bearing an inscription “ONE CENT” in two lines. Legend: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Exergue: “⅟₁₀₀.” Border, milled; edge, reeded; size, 14; weight, 65 grains. Extremely rare.

THE DOUBLE HEAD WASHINGTON.

A small head on both obverse and reverse. The former has the legend, “WASHINGTON;” the latter the legend “ONE CENT.” No date.

NEW YORK WASHINGTON CENT.

Bust of Washington with a wig, and with military draping, face right. Legend: “NON VI VIRTUTE VICI.”

Reverse: The Goddess of Liberty, seated, with liberty pole and scales of justice. Legend: “NEO EBORACENSIS.” Date, 1786.

CAROLINA ELEPHANT (TOKEN.)

A token much prized by collectors is known as the Carolina Elephant. The obverse is from a rather common English token known now as the London Elephant. The animal is standing with his head down. There is no legend.

Reverse: “GOD PRESERVE CAROLINA AND THE LORDS PROPRIETERS 1694.”

COPPER HALF-CENT OF 1794.

In 1794 and 1795 similar device to that of 1793; but face Liberty facing to the right. Weight, 104 grains.

CENT, 1799.

The liberty cap is omitted, as is the lettering on the edge, not to reappear on the American cent. Liberty Cap Cents are very rare.

In the year 1798 a slight change was made in the obverse of the cent, giving some of the curls a different termination from those of 1796, 1797, and the early part of 1798. The latter device was continued each year, until and including 1807. The reverse remained unchanged during the same time, excepting some slight variations, probably unintentional, if not positive mistakes. For instance, in 1797 and 1802 we find some without stems to the wreaths, and in one case only one stem. In 1801 and 1802 some have ⅟₀₀₀ instead of the fraction ⅟₁₀₀. In addition to this error, a variety of the cent of 1802 has “Iinited,” instead of “United.” In 1796 we have in one instance “Liherty,” instead of “Liberty.”

LIBERTY CENT, 1809.

In 1809 an obverse head of Liberty; forehead encircled by a band, “LIBERTY” inscribed upon it, surrounded by thirteen stars. Exergue: “1809.”

Reverse: Wreath in a circular garland inclosing the words “ONE CENT.” No change took place during the issues of 1808 to 1814, inclusive.

HALF-CENT OF 1793.

The first half-cent was issued in 1793, having on obverse: Bust of Liberty, facing to the left; staff surmounted by liberty-cap over right shoulder. Legend: “LIBERTY.” Exergue: “1793.”

Reverse; Inscription, “HALF CENT,” surrounded by a wreath, tied with a ribbon. Weight, 132 grains.

WREATH CENT.

Obverse: Bust of Liberty, hair flowing. Legend: “LIBERTY.” Exergue: “1793.”

Reverse: A wreath with berries, the stems of wreath tied in a bow with a ribbon. Inscription: “ONE CENT.” Legend: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Exergue: “⅟₁₀₀.”

Third. Known as the “Liberty Cap Cent.”

LIBERTY AND SECURITY WASHINGTON COIN.

Obverse: A bust of Washington, in uniform, facing right, hair in a queue. Legend: “GEORGE WASHINGTON.”

Reverse: A shield with sixteen argent and gules impaling argent, fifteen mullets; above the shield an eagle, left talon, an olive branch, right talon, six arrows. Legend: “LIBERTY AND SECURITY.” Exergue: “17 95,” divided by the point of the shield. Border: A plain circle, and outside of the same, milled edge, lettered “AN ASYLUM FOR ALL NATIONS.” Size, 20½; weight, 310 grains. This piece is extremely rare.

VIRGINIA HALF-PENNY.

The well-known Virginia half-pennies seem to have been very plentiful. A number of different dies were used. A laureated bust of George the Third is surrounded, as on the English half-penny, with his title, “GEORGIVS III. REX.” The reverse has an ornamental and crowned shield, emblazoned quarterly: 1, England empaling Scotland; 2, France; 3, Ireland; 4, the electoral dominions. Legend: “VIRGINIA.”

CENT. 1809.

HALF CENT. 1793.

CHAIN CENT. 1793.

PATTERN “TWO CENT” PIECE.

CENT. 1799.

SMALL PATTERN CENT. 1792.

See description.]

DOUBLE HEAD WASHINGTON.

LIBERTY AND SECURITY WASHINGTON MEDAL. 1795.

GRANBY OR HIGLEY COPPER TOKEN.

N. Y. COLONIAL CENT. 1787.

CAROLINA ELEPHANT TOKEN. 1694.

VIRGINIA HALF CENT.

See description.]

MEDAL OF 1776, COMMEMORATIVE OF THE NATION’S INDEPENDENCE.

“KITTANNING MEDAL,” ONE OF THE EARLIEST MEDALS EXECUTED IN AMERICA.]

1795 SILVER DOLLAR. OBVERSE AND REVERSE.

1798 SILVER DOLLAR. OBVERSE AND REVERSE.]

ROSA AMERICANA.

MASSACHUSETTS HALF CENT.

RHODE ISLAND MEDAL.

PITT MEDAL.

IMMUNIS COLUMBIA.

NEW YORK TOKEN.

See description.]

PATTERN HALF DOLLAR. 1859.

PATTERN CENT. 1854.

LIBERTY CENT. 1793.

LIBERTY HALF CENT. 1795.

PATTERN CENT, COPPER AND SILVER. 1850.

PATTERN CENT. 1855.]

RARE COLONIAL CENT, OF NEW JERSEY.[18]

WASHINGTON HALF DOLLAR. 1792.

WASHINGTON CENT. 1783.

WASHINGTON CENT. 1783.

WASHINGTON CENT. VERY RARE. 1792.

WASHINGTON CENT. 1791.]

TRIBUTE MONEY.

CONSTANTINE THE GREAT.

COUNTERFEIT SHEKEL, OF EUROPEAN MANUFACTURE.

JEWISH. LEPTON, B. C.

JEWISH. LEPTON, A. D.

SYRIAN.

GRECIAN.

MAXIMUS PHILLIPUS.]

DOUBLE EAGLE, 1849. “Unique,” beyond price.

GOLD DOLLAR, 1849.

DOUBLE EAGLE. 1885.

HALF EAGLE, 1849.

TEN DOLLAR EAGLE, 1795.

HALF EAGLE, 1885.

EAGLE, 1849.

HALF EAGLE, 1795.

EAGLE, 1885.

THREE DOLLARS. Gold Piece, 1885.

QUARTER EAGLE, 1847.

QUARTER EAGLE, 1885.

GOLD DOLLAR, 1885.]

RHODES.

ANTIOCHUS VII.

SYBARIS.

GREEK COIN. ALEXANDER THE GREAT. 300 B.C.

ATHENS.

HEROCLEA.]

1804 DOLLAR, “The King among Rarities.”

PATTERN DOLLAR, None issued.

PATTERN DOLLAR OF 1871, Rejected.

PATTERN PIECE KNOWN AS THE BARBER DOLLAR, Rejected.]

SILVER DOLLAR, 1849.

STANDARD DOLLAR, 1885.

HALF DOLLAR, 1849.

DIME, 1849.

HALF DOLLAR, 1885.

HALF DOLLAR, 1794.

QUARTER DOLLAR, 1885.

QUARTER DOLLAR, 1849.

HALF DIME, 1849.

DIME, 1885.

HALF DIME, 1794.

DIME, 1796.]

LIBERTY CAP CENT, 1793.

CHAIN CENT, 1793. First issue.

CHAIN CENT, 1793. Second issue.

PATTERN TWENTY CENT PIECE, Rejected.

HALF CENT, 1793.

CENT, 1849.

CENT, 1885.

THREE CENT NICKEL, 1885.

HALF CENT, 1849.

THREE CENT PIECE, 1885.]

ANTIOCHUS VII.

ADDERA.

PRUSIAS.

ANTIOCHUS VIII. EPIPHANES.

PANORMUS.

ALEXANDER THE GREAT.

Grecian Coins about 300 years B.C.]

COINS ISSUED AT THE UNITED STATES MINT AT PHILADELPHIA, FROM ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1792 TO 1888.

GOLD.

_Double Eagle._

Authorized to be coined, Act of March 3, 1849. Weight, 516 grains; fineness, 900; size, 21.

1850 to 1865, inclusive. No. 1. Obverse: Liberty head, facing left, hair tied behind, a coronet on the forehead inscribed “LIBERTY,” thirteen stars and date.

Reverse: An eagle with shield upon its breast, and an olive branch and three arrows in its talons; in its beak, an elaborate scroll, inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Above, a circle of thirteen stars and a curved line of rays extending from wing to wing. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” “TWENTY D.”

1866 to 1876, inclusive. No. 2, same, with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscribed within the circle of stars on the reverse.

1877. No. 3. Same, with “TWENTY DOLLARS” for “TWENTY D.”

_Eagle._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 270 grains; fineness, 916⅔. Weight changed, Act of June 28, 1834, to 258 grains. Fineness changed, Act of June 28, 1834, to 899.225. Fineness changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 900.

1795. Obverse: Liberty head, wearing a cap, facing right. Fifteen stars. Above, “LIBERTY;” beneath, “1795;” size, 21.

Reverse: An eagle with displayed wings, standing on a palm branch; in beak, a laurel wreath. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

1796. Same, with sixteen stars.

1797. No. 1. Same, with sixteen stars.

1797. No. 2. Obverse: Same, with sixteen stars.

Reverse: An eagle with the United States shield upon its breast, a bundle of arrows in the right talon, and an olive branch in the left; in its beak, a scroll inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Around the head are sixteen stars; above, is a curved line of clouds extending from wing to wing. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

1798 to 1801, inclusive. Same, with thirteen stars on the obverse. Of 1798, two varieties with four stars facing.

1802. None issued.

1803 and 1804. Same as No. 2 of 1797. Thirteen stars.

1805 to 1837, inclusive. None issued.

1838 to 1865, inclusive. Obverse: Liberty head facing left, hair tied behind, a coronet on the forehead inscribed “LIBERTY,” thirteen stars, and date.

Reverse: An eagle with the United States shield upon its breast, and an olive branch and three arrows in the talons. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Size, 17.

1866. Same, with a scroll above the eagle inscribed “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

_Half Eagle._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 135 grains; fineness, 916⅔. Weight changed, Act of June 28, 1834, to 129 grains. Fineness changed, Act of June 28, 1834, to 899.225. Fineness changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 900.

1795. No. 1. Same type as the Eagle; size, 16.

1795. No. 2. Obverse: Same.

Reverse: An eagle, wings extended upwards, with the United States shield upon its breast, a bundle of thirteen arrows in the right talon, and an olive branch in the left. In its beak, a scroll inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Around the head are sixteen stars, and above is a curved line of clouds extending from wing to wing. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

1796. Same as No. 1 of 1795; fifteen stars on obverse.

1797. No. 1. Same as No. 1 of 1795.

1797. No. 2. Same, with sixteen stars on obverse.

1797. No. 3. Obverse: Same, with fifteen stars.

Reverse: Same as No. 2 of 1795, sixteen stars around the eagle.

1798. No. 1. Same as No. 1 of 1795, with thirteen stars.

1798. No. 2. Obverse: Same.

Reverse: Same as No. 2 of 1795, thirteen stars.

1799 and 1800. Same as No. 2 of 1795, with thirteen stars on the obverse.

1801. None issued.

1802 to 1806, inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1795, with thirteen stars on the obverse.

1807. No. 1. Obverse: Same as No. 1, 1795, with thirteen stars.

Reverse: Same as No. 2, 1795.

1807. No. 2. Obverse: Liberty head, facing left; bust, draped, wearing a kind of turban with a band in front inscribed “LIBERTY,” thirteen stars, and date.

Reverse: An eagle, with the United States shield upon its breast, an olive branch and three arrows in the talons. Above, a scroll, inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” United States of America “5. D.”

1808 to 1812 inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1807.

1813 to 1815, inclusive. Obverse: Liberty head, facing left, wearing a kind of turban, a band in front inscribed “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars and date. No shoulders.

Reverse: Same as No. 2 of 1807.

1816 and 1817, inclusive. None issued.

1818 to 1828, inclusive. Same as 1813.

1829. No. 1. Same as 1813; size, 16.

1829. No. 2. Same, but smaller; size, 15.

1830 to 1833, inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1829.

1834. No. 1. Same as No. 2 of 1829.

1834. No. 2. Obverse: Liberty head, facing left, hair confined by a band inscribed “LIBERTY.”

Reverse: Same as No. 2 of 1807, without the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” omitted; size, 14.

1835 to 1838, inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1834.

1839 to 1865, inclusive. Same type as the Eagle of 1838.

1866. Same type as Eagle of same date.

_Three-Dollar Piece._

Authorized to be coined, Act of February 21, 1853. Weight, 77.4 grains; fineness, 900.

1854. Obverse: An Indian head, wearing a crown of eagle feathers, on band of which is inscribed “LIBERTY”—“UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Reverse: “3 dollars 1854” within a wreath of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco. Size, 13.

_Quarter-Eagle._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 67.5 grains; fineness, 916⅔. Weight changed, Act of June 28, 1834, to 64.5 grains. Fineness changed, Act of June 28, 1834, to 899.225. Fineness changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 900.

1796. No. 1. Obverse: Liberty head, facing right, above “LIBERTY”—sixteen stars.

Reverse: Same type as No. 2 half-eagle of 1795, size 13.

No. 2. Same, with no stars on obverse.

1797-1798. Same as No. 1 of 1796, with thirteen stars.

1799-1801, inclusive. None issued.

1802. Same as 1798.

1803. None issued.

1804 to 1807, inclusive. Same as 1798.

1808. Same type as No. 2 half-eagle of 1807, with “2½ D.”

1809 to 1820, inclusive. None issued.

1821. Obverse: Same type as the half-eagle of 1813, size 12.

Reverse: Same type as No. 2 half-eagle of 1807.

1822 and 1823. None issued.

1824-1827, inclusive. Same as 1821.

1828. None issued.

1829 to 1833, inclusive. Same as 1821.

1834. No. 1. Same as 1821. No. 2. Same type as No. 2 half-eagle of 1834, size 11.

1835 to 1839, inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1834.

1840 to 1865. Same type as the eagle of 1834.

1866. Same type as eagle of 1866.

_Dollar._

Authorized to be coined, Act of March 3, 1849. Weight, 25.8 grains; fineness, 900.

1849 to 1853, inclusive. Obverse: Same type as the eagle, without date.

Reverse: “1 DOLLAR 1849” within a laurel wreath, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Size 8.

1854. No. 1, Same. No. 2. Same type as the three-dollar piece, size 9.

SILVER.

_Dollar._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 416 grains; fineness, 892.4. Weight changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 412½ grains. Fineness changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 900. Coinage discontinued, Act of February 12, 1873. Coinage reauthorized, Act of February 28, 1878.

1794. Obverse: Liberty head, facing right, flowing hair, fifteen stars; above, “LIBERTY;” beneath, “1794.”

Reverse: An eagle with raised wings, encircled by branches of laurel crossed; “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” On the edge, “HUNDRED CENTS, ONE DOLLAR OR UNIT.” Size, 24.

1795. No. 1. Same.

1795. No. 2. Bust of Liberty, facing right, hair bound by a ribbon, shoulders draped, fifteen stars.

Reverse: An eagle with expanded wings, standing upon clouds, within a wreath of palm and laurel, which is crossed and tied. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

1796. Same as No. 2, of 1795.

1797. No. 1. Same as No. 2 of 1795, with sixteen stars, six of which are facing.

1797. No. 2. Same, with seven stars facing.

1798. No. 1. Same as No. 2 of 1795, with fifteen stars.

1798. No. 2. Same, with thirteen stars.

1798. No. 3. Obverse: Same, with thirteen stars.

Reverse: An eagle with raised wings, bearing the United States shield upon its breast, in beak, a scroll inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” A bundle of thirteen arrows in the right talon, and an olive branch in the left. Above, are clouds, and thirteen stars. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Size, 25.

1799 to 1804, inclusive. Same as No. 3, of 1798.

1805 to 1839, inclusive. None issued.

1840 to 1865, inclusive. Obverse: Liberty seated upon a rock, supporting with her right hand the United States shield, across which floats a scroll inscribed “LIBERTY,” and with her left the staff and liberty cap; beneath, the date.

Reverse: An eagle with expanded wings, bearing the United States shield upon its breast, and an olive branch and three arrows in its talons. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” “ONE DOLL.” Reeded edge; size, 24.

1866 to 1873, inclusive. Same, with a scroll above the eagle, inscribed, “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

1874 to 1877, inclusive. None issued.

1878. Obverse: Liberty head facing left, upon which is a cap, a wheat and cotton wreath, and a band inscribed “LIBERTY;” above, “E PLURIBUS UNUM;” beneath, the date. Thirteen stars.

Reverse: An eagle with expanded wings pointing upwards; in right talon an olive branch with nine leaves; in the left, three arrows. In the field above, “IN GOD WE TRUST;” beneath, a semi-wreath, tied and crossed, reaching upwards to the wings; “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Some pieces of the above date (1878) were coined with eight feathers in the tail during the year, but seven have been adopted.

_Trade Dollar._

Authorized to be coined, Act of February 12, 1873. Weight, 420 grains; fineness, 900.

1873. Obverse: Liberty seated upon a cotton bale, facing left; in her extended right hand an olive branch; in her left a scroll inscribed “LIBERTY;” behind her a sheaf of wheat; beneath, a scroll inscribed “IN GOD WE TRUST;” thirteen stars; “1873.”

Reverse: An eagle with expanded wings; in talons three arrows and an olive branch; above, a scroll inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM;” beneath, on field, “420 grains;” “900 fine.” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Size, 24.

_Half Dollar._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 208 grains; fineness, 892.4. Weight changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 206¼ grains. Fineness changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 900. Weight changed, Act of February 21, 1853, to 192 grains. Weight changed, Act of February 12, 1873, to 12½ grammes, or 192.9 grains.

1794 and 1795. Same type as the dollar of 1794. On the edge, “FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR.” Size, 21.

1796. No. 1. Same type as No. 2, dollar of 1795, with the denomination, “½,” inscribed on the base of the reverse. No. 2. Same, with sixteen stars on the obverse.

1797. Same as No. 2, of 1796.

1798 to 1800, inclusive. None issued.

1801 to 1803, inclusive. Same type as No. 3, dollar of 1798.

1804. None issued.

1805 and 1806. Same as No. 3, dollar of 1798.

1807. No. 1. Same.

No. 2. Obverse: Liberty head facing left, wearing a kind of turban, with “LIBERTY” inscribed upon the band. Thirteen stars and date.

Reverse: An eagle with expanded wings pointing downwards, bearing upon its breast, the U. S. Shield, an olive branch and three arrows in its talons; above, in the field, a scroll inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM;” beneath 50 C. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

1808 to 1835 inclusive, same as No. 2 of 1807.

1836. No. 1. Same as No. 2 of 1807.

No. 2. Obverse: Same.

Reverse: An eagle with expanded wings pointing downwards, the U. S. shield upon its breast, an olive branch and three arrows in its talons, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” reeded edge.

1837. Same as No. 2 of 1836.

1838. Obverse: Same as No. 2 of 1836.

Reverse: Same; “HALF DOL.” for “50 C.”

1839. No. 1. Same as 1838.

No. 2. Same type as dollar of 1840.

1840 to 1852 inclusive, same.

1853. Obverse: Same with an arrow head on each side of the date.

Reverse: Same, with a halo of rays around the edge.

1854. Same, without the rays.

1855. Same.

1856 to 1865 inclusive, same, without the arrow heads.

1866 to 1872 inclusive, same, with scroll above the eagle inscribed “IN GOD WE TRUST.” (Some have been occasionally met with, which have been issued by the San Francisco Mint, _without_ this legend in 1866.)

1873. No. 1. Same.

No. 2. Same, with arrow heads on each side of the date.

1874. Same.

1875. Same, without the arrow heads.

_Quarter Dollar._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 104 grains; fineness, 892.4. Weight changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 103½ grains. Fineness changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 900. Weight changed, Act of February 21, 1853, to 96 grains. Weight changed, Act of February 12, 1873, to 6¼ grammes, or 96.45 grains.

1796. Same type as No. 2 dollar of 1795, with reeded edge; size, 18; fifteen stars.

1797 to 1803. None issued.

1804 to 1807, inclusive. Same type as No. 3 dollar of 1798, beneath, “25c.”

1808 to 1814, inclusive. None issued.

1815. Same type as No. 2 half dollar of 1807.

1816 and 1817. None issued.

1818 to 1825, inclusive. Same type as No. 2 half dollar of 1807, size 17.

1826. None issued.

1827 and 1828. Same type as No. 2 half dollar of 1807.

1829 and 1830. None issued.

1831 to 1837, inclusive. Same type as half dollar of 1807, with the diameter reduced from size 17 to size 15, and a corresponding increase in thickness and decrease of the size of devices, and the omission of the scroll, inscribed “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”

1838. No. 1. Same as 1837. No. 2. Same type as the dollar of 1840, with “QUAR. DOL.” for “ONE DOLL.”

1839 to 1852, inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1838.

1853. No. 1. Same. No. 2. Same, with arrow heads on each side of date, and a halo of rays around the edge.

1854 and 1855. Same, without the rays.

1856 to 1865. Same, without the arrow heads.

1866 to 1872, inclusive. Same, with the scroll above the eagle, inscribed “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

1873. No. 1. Same. No. 2. Same, with an arrow head on each side of the date.

1874. Same.

1875. Same, without the arrow head.

_Twenty-Cent Piece._

Authorized to be coined, Act of March 3, 1875. Weight, 5 grammes, or 77.16 grains; fineness, 900. Coinage discontinued, Act of May 2, 1878.

1875 to 1878, inclusive. Obverse: Same type as the dollar of 1840.

Reverse: An eagle with displayed wings, three arrows, and an olive branch, two of the leaves of which nearest the stem, together with those drooping from the centre, overlap; the terminating leaves on the end of the branch, however, do not. On each side a star. Plain edge. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” “TWENTY CENTS.” Size, 14.

_Dime._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 41.6 grains; fineness, 892.4. Weight changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 41¼ grains. Fineness changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 900. Weight changed, Act of February 21, 1853, to 38.4 grains. Weight changed, Act of February 12, 1873, to 2½ grammes, or 38.58 grains.

1796. Same type as the No. 2 dollar of 1795; size 13; fifteen stars.

1797. No. 1. Same, with sixteen stars on the obverse. No. 2. Same, with thirteen stars on the obverse.

1798. No. 1. Same type as No. 3 dollar of 1798, with sixteen stars. No. 2. With thirteen stars on the obverse.

1799. None issued.

1800 to 1805, inclusive. Same as No. 3 of 1798.

1806. None issued.

1807. Same as No. 2 of 1798.

1808. None issued.

1809. Same type as No. 2 half-dollar of 1807; size, 12.

1810. None issued.

1811. Same as 1809.

1812 to 1813, inclusive. None issued.

1814. Same as 1809.

1815 to 1819, inclusive. None issued.

1820 to 1825, inclusive. Same as 1809.

1826. None issued.

1827 to 1836, inclusive. Same as 1809.

1837. No. 1. Same as 1809. No. 2. Obverse: Liberty seated. No stars.

Reverse: “ONE DIME” within a wreath of laurel. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Size, 11.

1838. No. 1. Same as No. 2 of 1837. No. 2. Same, with thirteen stars.

1839 to 1852, inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1838.

1853. No. 1. Same. No. 2. Same, with an arrow head on each side of the date.

1854 and 1855. Same as No. 2 of 1853.

1856 to 1859, inclusive. Same, without arrow heads.

1860 to 1872, inclusive. Obverse: Same, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” instead of stars.

Reverse: “ONE DIME” within a wreath of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco.

1873. No. 1. Same. No. 2. Same, with an arrow head on each side of the date.

1874. Same as No. 2 of 1873.

1875. Same, without arrow heads.

_Half Dime._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 20.8 grains; fineness, 892.4. Weight changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 20⅝ grains. Fineness changed, Act of January 18, 1837, to 900. Weight changed, Act of February 21, 1853, to 19.2 grains. Coinage discontinued, Act of February 12, 1873.

1794 and 1795. Same type as the half dollar; size, 10.

1796. Same type as No. 2 dollar of 1795; fifteen stars.

1797. No. 1. Same, with fifteen stars. No. 2. Same, with sixteen stars. No. 3. Same, with thirteen stars.

1798 and 1799. None issued.

1800 to 1803, inclusive. Same type as No. 3 dollar of 1798.

1804. None issued.

1805. Same as 1800.

1806 to 1828, inclusive. None issued.

1829 to 1873. See dime.

_Three Cent Piece._

Authorized to be coined, Act of March 3, 1851. Weight, 12⅜ grains; fineness, 750. Weight changed, Act of March 3, 1853, to 11.52 grains. Fineness changed, Act of March 3, 1853, to 900. Coinage discontinued, Act of February 12, 1873.

1851 to 1853, inclusive. Obverse: A star bearing the United States shield. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Reverse: An ornamented “C,” within which is the denomination “III,” around the border, thirteen stars; size, 9.

1854 to 1858. Obverse: Same, with two lines around the star.

Reverse: An olive branch above the “III,” and three arrows below, all within the “C.”

1858 to 1873, inclusive. Same, with one line around the star.

MINOR COINS.

_Five cent piece. (Nickle.)_

Authorized to be coined, Act of May 16, 1866. Weight, 77.16 grains; composed of 75 per cent. copper, and 25 per cent. nickle.

1866. Obverse: A United States shield surmounted by a cross, an olive branch pendent at each side, back of the base of the shield are two arrows, the heads and feathers are only visible; beneath, “1866;” above, in the field, “IN GOD WE TRUST.”

Reverse: “5” within a circle of thirteen stars, and rays, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Size, 13.

1867. Same. No. 2. Same, without the rays.

1868. Same as No. 2 of 1867.

1869 to 1882. Same as No. 2 of 1867.

1883. No. 1. Same. No. 2. Obverse: Liberty head wearing a coronet which is inscribed “LIBERTY,” thirteen stars, and date, “1883.”

Reverse: A “V” within a wreath of corn and cotton. Legend, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Exergue, “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” No. 3, Obverse: Same as No. 2.

Reverse: Same, with “CENTS” as the exergue, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above the wreath.

1884. Same as No. 3 of the preceding.

_Three cent piece. (Nickle.)_

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 3, 1865. Weight, 30 grains; composed of 75 per cent. copper, and 25 per cent. nickle.

1865. Obverse: Liberty head, facing left, hair bound by a ribbon, on the forehead a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY;” beneath, the date, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Reverse: “III” within a laurel wreath.

_Two Cent Piece (bronze)._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 22, 1864. Weight, 96 grains, composed of ninety-five per cent. copper and five per cent. of tin and zinc. Coinage discontinued, Act of February 12, 1873.

1864 to 1873, inclusive. Obverse: The United States shield, behind which are two arrows, crossed, on each side a branch of laurel; above, a scroll inscribed “IN GOD WE TRUST”; beneath, the date.

Reverse: “2 CENTS” within a wreath of wheat. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Size, 14.

_Cent (copper)._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 22, 1792. Weight, 264 grains. Weight changed, Act of January 14, 1793, to 208 grains. Weight changed by proclamation of the President, January 26, 1796, in conformity with an Act of March 3, 1795, to 168 grains. Coinage discontinued, Act of February 21, 1857.

1793. No. 1. Obverse: Liberty head, facing right, flowing hair. Above, “LIBERTY”: beneath, “1793.”

Reverse: A chain of fifteen links, within which is inscribed “ONE CENT” and the fraction “⅟₁₀₀.” United States of America; reeded edge; size, 17.

No. 2. Same, with the abbreviation “AMERI.” in the Legend.

No. 3. Obverse: Same as No. 1, with a sprig beneath.

Reverse: “ONE CENT” within a wreath of laurel. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Reeded edge.

No. 4. Obverse: A bust of Liberty, facing right, with pole and liberty cap. Above, “LIBERTY”; beneath, “1793.”

Reverse: Same as No. 3; on the edge, “ONE HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR.” Size, 18.

1794 and 1795. Same as No. 4 of 1793.

1796. No. 1. Same. No. 2. Same, with hair bound by a ribbon, and without pole and liberty cap on the obverse. Plain edge.

1797 to 1807 inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1796.

1808 to 1814, inclusive. Obverse: Liberty head, facing left, hair confined by a band, inscribed “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars and date.

Reverse: “ONE CENT,” within a laurel wreath. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The fraction “⅟₁₀₀” is omitted.

1815. None issued.

1816. Obverse: Liberty head, facing left, the hair is confined by a roll, and tied by a cord, while the forehead is bedecked with a tiara, inscribed “LIBERTY.”

Reverse: Same as 1808.

1817. No. 1. Same. No. 2. Same, with fifteen stars.

1818 to 1836. Same as No. 1 of 1817.

1837. No. 1. Same. No. 2. Same, with the hair tied by a string of beads instead of a cord.

1838 to 1857, inclusive. Same as No. 2 of 1837.

_Cent (Nickle)._

Authorized to be coined, Act of February 21, 1857. Weight 72 grains; composed of 88 per cent. copper and 12 per cent. nickle. Coinage discontinued, Act of April 22, 1864.

1857 and 1858, Obverse: An eagle flying to the left. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

Reverse: “ONE CENT,” within a wreath of corn, wheat, cotton, and tobacco. Size, 11.

1859. Obverse: An Indian-head, facing left, bedecked with eagle plumes, confined. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” Beneath, the date.

Reverse: “ONE CENT.” within a wreath of laurel.

1860 to 1864, inclusive. Obverse: Same.

Reverse: “ONE CENT,” within an oak wreath and shield.

_Cent (Bronze)._

Coinage authorized, Act of April 22, 1857. Weight, 48 grains; composed of 95 per cent. copper and 5 per cent. of tin and zinc.

1864. Same type as nickle cent of 1860. Size, 12.

_Half Cent (Copper)._

Authorized to be coined, Act of April 2, 1792. Weight, 132 grains. Weight changed, Act of January 14, 1793, to 104 grains. Weight changed by proclamation of the President, January 26, 1796, in conformity with Act of March 3, 1795, to 84 grains. Coinage discontinued, Act of February 21, 1857.

1793. Same type as cent No. 4, 1793, with head facing left. On the edge, “TWO HUNDRED FOR A DOLLAR.” Size, 14.

1794. Same type as the cent of 1794.

1795 to 1797, inclusive. Same, with plain edge.

1798 and 1799. None issued.

1800. Same type as No. 2 cent of 1796, with the fraction “⅟₂₀₀” on the base of the reverse.

1801. None issued.

1802 to 1808, inclusive. Same as 1800. From 1808, the fraction “⅟₂₀₀” omitted.

1809 to 1811, inclusive. Same type as cent of 1808.

1812 to 1824, inclusive. None issued.

1825 and 1826. Same type as cent of 1808.

1827. None issued.

1828. No. 1. Same type as cent 1808, with thirteen stars. No. 2. Same, with twelve stars.

1829. Same, with thirteen stars.

1830. None issued.

1831 to 1836, inclusive. Same type as cent of 1808.

1837 to 1839, inclusive. None issued.

1840 to 1857, inclusive. Same type as No. 2 cent of 1837; size, 14.

THOMAS JEFFERSON,

an eminent American Statesman, and third President of the United States, was born April 2, 1743, at Shadwell, Virginia, near the spot which afterwards became his residence, with the name of Monticello. He was the oldest son in a family of eight children. His father, Peter Jefferson, was a man of great force of character and of extraordinary physical strength. His mother, Jane Randolph, of Goochland, was descended from an English family of great note and respectability. Young Jefferson began his classical studies at the age of nine, and at seventeen he entered an advance class at William and Mary College; on his way thither, he formed the acquaintance of Patrick Henry, who was then a bankrupt merchant, but who afterwards became the great orator of the Revolution. At college, Jefferson was distinguished by his close application, and devoted, it is said, from twelve to fifteen hours per day to study, and we are told became well versed in Latin, Greek, Italian, French, and Spanish, at the same time proficient in his mathematical studies. After a few years course of law under Judge Wythe, he was admitted to the bar in 1767. His success in the legal profession was remarkable; his fees during the first year amounted to nearly three thousand dollars. In 1769, Jefferson commenced his public career as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, in which he had while a student of law, listened to Patrick Henry’s great speech on the Stamp Act. In 1773 he united with Patrick Henry and other revolutionary patriots in devising the celebrated committee of correspondence for disseminating intelligence between the Colonies, of which Jefferson was one of the most active and influential members. He was elected in 1774 to a convention to choose delegates to the first Continental Congress at Philadelphia, and introduced at that convention his famous “Summary view of the rights of British America.” On the 21st of June, 1775, Jefferson took his seat in the Continental Congress. His reputation as a Statesman and accomplished writer at once placed him among the leaders of that renowned body. He served on the most important committees, and among other papers drew up the reply of Congress to the proposal of Lord North, and assisted in preparing in behalf of the Colonies, a declaration of the cause of taking up arms against the Mother Country. The rejection of a final petition to King George, destroyed all hope of an honorable reconciliation with England. Congress, early in 1776, appointed a committee to draw up a Declaration of Independence, of which Jefferson was made Chairman; in this capacity he drafted, at the request of the other members of the committee, (Franklin, Adams, Sherman, and Livingston), and reported to Congress, June 28, the great Charter of Freedom, known as the “Declaration of American Independence,” which, on July 4, was unanimously adopted, and signed by every member present, with a single exception. “The Declaration of Independence,” says Edward Everett, “is equal to anything ever borne on parchment, or expressed in the visible signs of thought.” “The heart of Jefferson in writing it,” adds Bancroft, “and of Congress in adopting it, _beat for all humanity_.” After resigning his seat in Congress, Jefferson revised the laws of Virginia; among other reforms, he procured the repeal of the laws of entail, the abolition of primogeniture, and the restoration of the rights of conscience, a reform which he believed would abolish “every fibre of ancient or future aristocracy;” he also originated a complete system of elementary and collegiate education for Virginia. In 1779, Jefferson succeeded Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia, and held the office during the most gloomy period of the Revolution, and declined a re-election in 1781. In 1783, he returned to Congress, and reported the treaty of peace, concluded at Paris, September 3, 1783, acknowledging the independence of the United States. He also proposed and carried through Congress a bill establishing the present Federal system of coinage, which took the place of the English pounds, shillings, pence, etc., and also introduced measures for establishing a Mint in Philadelphia, (the first public building built by the general Government, still standing on Seventh street, east side, near Filbert). In 1785, he succeeded Dr. Franklin as resident Minister at Paris. In organizing the Government after the adoption of the Constitution, he accepted the position of Secretary of State, tendered him by President Washington during his first term. Jefferson was Vice-President of the United States from 1797 to 1801, and President for the two consecutive terms following. After participating in the inauguration of his friend and successor, James Madison, Jefferson returned to Monticello, where he passed the remainder of his life in directing the educational and industrial institutions of his native State and entertaining his many visitors and friends. His death occurred on the same day with that of John Adams, July 4, 1826.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON,