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P.xUi.lcji

303377272Y

Two Dollars a Year, in Advance.

Single Copies, 75 Cts.

Vol. VII.— No. i.] /<<

[Whole No. 57.

AMERICAN

Journal of Numismatics,

AND

BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES.

July, 1872.

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED DY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

QUARTERLY.

COMMITTEE OF PUBLICA TION.

WILLIAM SUMNER APPLETON.
SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEN.
JEREMIAH COLBURN.

SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED BY

A. WILLIAMS & CO.
135 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

EDWARD COGAN,
408 STATE STREET, BROOKLYN, N. Y.

A NO

H. HOFFMAN,
33 QUAI VOLTAIRE, PARIS, FRANCE.

All Communications to be addressed to Jeremiah Colburn, 18 Somerset Street, Boston. Mass.

CONTENTS.

PAGK

Rumford Medal of the Royal Society,

Uses of Numismatics,

Counterfeit " N. E." and Pine Tree Money, 3

United States Cents,

Indian Currency in New Jersey, 1672,

An Early Boston Medal,

The Syracusan Medallion,

American Coinage.

The Origin of Mark Newby Coppers,

Double Sovereign of Edward VI.

A Mass of Coins, from the Debris of

Oriental Cities,
Weight of Hannah (Hull) Sewall,
Coins of Edward I., II., III.,
Wear of our Silver Coins,
Transactions of Societies :

Boston Numismatic Society,

PAGK

Voce Populi Half- Pence,

Rare Chinese Coin,

Letter from Mr. W. E. DuBois,

Nova Constellatio Coins,

Singular Discovery,

Treasure-Trove,

" Order of Liberators " Medal,

•20

Nova Constellatio Coin,

Philadelphia Coin Sale,

Haines's Sale of Coins, Medals,

and Continental Money,

Cleveland Sale of Coins and

Medals,

Early Copper Currency in America,

New York Copper Coinage,

Editorial,

Currency,

"DESCRIPTION OF THE PAPER MONEY ISSUED BY THE
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES

AND THE SEVERAL COLONIES,"

By JOHN W. HASELTINE, {privately printed)

ILLUSTRATIONS OF SEVEN DIFFERENT NOTES BY THE PHOTO-ZINCOGRAPHIC

PROCESS.

This work is intended to supply a need long felt by Collectors of the Continental
and Colonial notes, showing the notes actually in existence. It has been compiled from
lists kindly furnished by the different Collectors throughout the United States.

It is handsomely printed on tinted paper, in paper covers, so that purchasers can
bind it to suit themselves.

Price $ 1 .60, postage paid.

For sale by

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

S 1 2 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.

TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS.

The present number begins the Seventh Volume of the yoinnal. Having received
encouragement, the Editors are induced to continue the publication. They hope to
receive an increase in their Subscription List, so that they may give an illustration in
each number, and if the receipts will allow, to add to the number of pages.

It will greatly facilitate our labors if subscribers will remit at the beginning of the
volume.

Communications are desired from all interested in the science.

Address

JEREMIAH COLBURN,

July 1st, 1872. 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

AMERICAN

Journal of Numismatics

AND

BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES.

QUARTERLY.

VOL. VII.

July, 1872 — July, 1873.

I860.

COMMITTEE OP PUBLICATION*

WILLIAM SUMNER APPLETON.
SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEN.
JEREMIAH COLBURN.

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

M DCCC LXXHI.

T. H MARVIN AND SON, PRINTERS, BOSTON.

OXFORD

MAY 1946

CONTENTS

FAGB

Almsgiving, Japanese, 38

America, Early Copper Currency in, 23

American Coinage, 8

American Coins and Coinage, 35

Ancient Greek Coin, 37

Anglo-American and American Coins, 45

Anglo-American Coinage, 39

Anne, Queen, Proclamation by 94

An Old Collector, 39

Antiquities, Roman, 44

Arabs, Trading for Coins among, 33

Archaeology, 45

A Reminiscence of the opening of the Erie

Canal,
Bangs, Merwin & Co.'s Sale,
Birch Sale,
Bodey Sale,
Boston Medal, Early,
Boston Numismatic Society, 16, 41, 61, 89
Captain Kidd's Treasure found, 31

Cents, United States,
Chinese Coin,
Choice of King Midas,
Cleveland Sale,
Coin, Ancient Greek,
Coinage,

Coinage, American,
Coinage, Anglo-American,
Coinage, Copper, New York,
Coinage, International,
Coinage Question,
Coin, First Federal,
Coin of Sultana,
Coin Sales, 21, 22, 63, 64, 65, 95

Coin-studies, The- scope of, 8$

Coin-study, The Bible and, 88

Coins for South Carolina, 42

Coins from Oriental Cities, 13

Coins, Nova Constellatio, 19, 20

Coins of Edward I., II., III., 15

Coins of the Emperor Decius, 53

Collector, An Old, 39

63
64

6,43

17
70

8,35

23
86

66
46
85

Copper Coinage, New York,
Copper Currency, Early, in America
Coppers, Origin of Mark Newby, 9,

Counterfeit " N. E." and Pine Tree Money,
Cromwell, Oliver, Pattern Piece of,
Currency,

PACK
23
23
25

3
29

24, 48, 72, 96

Currency, Indian, in New Jersey, 1672, . 7

Currency, Paper, 87

Currency, Silver, of England, 66

Decius, Coins of the Emperor, 53

Discovery, Singular, 20

Double Sovereign of Edward VI., 12

Dubois, W% E., Letter from, 18

Dying Speech of Old Tenor, 91

Early Boston Medal, 7

Early Copper Currency in America, 23

Editorial, 24, 47, 71, 96

Edward I., II., III., Coins o£ 15

Edward VI., Double Sovereign,
Elba Medal,

England, Silver Currency of,
Erie Canal, A Reminiscence of the open-
ing of the,
Ewing Medal,
First Federal Coin,
Franklin, Medals of, .
"Gloriuvs III VIS " Coppers,
Gold I Gold ! Gold !
Greek Coin, Ancient,
Haines's Sale,
Half-pence, Voce Populi,
Hannah Hull Sewall, Weight of,
Hebrew Medal,
Hibernias of James II.,
Indian Currency in New Jersey, 1672,
International Coinage,
James II., Hibernias of,
Japanese Almsgiving,
Japanese Money,
Kidd's Treasure found
King Midas, Choice of,
Lafayette Medal,

85
67

87
44
46

95
69

37
21

IS
»4,6a

7
86

• 44
38
33

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

PACT

Lafayette Medals of,
Leavitt & Co., Coin Sale,
Letters from W. E. Dubois,

J. J. Mickley,

William J. Potts,

John Worcester,
".Liberators," Order of, Medal,
Lincoln Medals

Mark Newby and his Copper Coin,
Mark Newby Coppers, Origin of,
Mass of Coins from Oriental Cities,
Medal, Early Boston,
Medal, Elba,
Medal, Ewing,
Medal, Lafayette,
Meclal, " Order of Liberators,"
Medal, Rumford, Royal Society,
Medal, Swedish,
Medallion, Syracusan,
Medals, Franklin,
Medals, Lafayette,
Medals, Lincoln,
Medals, Papal
Medals, Washington,
Mickley, J. J., Letter from,
« Money," The Word,
Museum of Art, New York,
" N. E." and Pine Tree Money counter-
feited,
Newby Coppers, Origin of,
Newby, Mark, and his Copper Coin,
New Jersey, Indian Currency in, 1672,
New York Copper Coinage,
New York Museum of Art,
Nova Constellatio Coins,
Numismatic Philology,
Numismatics, Uses of,
Obituary, J. R. Eckfeldt,
Old Tenor, Dying Speech of,
Oriental Cities, Coins from,
Origin of Mark Newby Coppers,
Oliver Cromwell, Pattern Piece o£
"Order of Liberators," Medal of,
Papal Medals,
Paper Currency,
Philadelphia Coin Sale,

FAGS

Philology, Numismatic,

Pine Tree Money, counterfeited,

Potts, William J., Letter from,

Proclamation by Queen Anne,

Query, Hebrew Medal,

24,62

Query, Voce Populi Half-pence,

Rare Chinese Coin,

Roman Antiquities,

Rumford Medal, Royal Society,

9,25

Sales of Coins, Medals, etc.:

Bangs, Merwin & Co.,

Birch, •

Bodey,

Cleveland,

Haines's,

Latimer & Cleary,

Leavitt & Co.,

Philadelphia,

•

Sewall, Hannah Hull, Weight of;

Silver Coins, Wear of,

Silver Currency of England,

Singular Discovery,

South Carolina, Coins for,

Sultana, Coin of,

Swedish Gold Medal,

Syracusan Medallion,

The Anglo-American Coinage,

The Choice of King Midas,

The Coinage Question again,

9,25

The First Federal Coin,.

The "Gloriuvs III VIS" Coppers,

The scope of Coin-studies,

•83

The Temple-sweepers,

Trading for Coins among the Arabs,

19,20

Transactions of Societies:

Boston Numismatic Society, 16, 41,

61, 89

Treasure Trove,

United States Cents

6,43

Uses of Numismatics,

Voce Populi Half-pence,

Washington, Medals ofj

Wear of our Silver Coins,

Weight of Hannah Hull Sewall,

What has become of the Gods ?

•87

Worcester John, Letter from, .

Word " Money,"

. 47

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AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS,

AN D

Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies.

Vol. VII. BOSTON, JULY, 1872. No. 1.

RUMFORD MEDAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY.

By the kind permission of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences,
we are enabled to give the readers of the Journal the engraving of the
medal, which serves as the frontispiece to this number. It is taken from Dr.
Ellis's Life of Count Rumford, which was published last year by the Acad-
emy. The subject of the Memoir, Benjamin Thompson, was born March
26, 1753, in Woburn, Massachusetts, and died August 21, 1814, at Auteuil,
France. The King of England conferred on him the honor of knighthood,
in 1784, and the Elector of Bavaria raised him to the dignity of a Count of
the Holy Roman Empire, in 1791. Rumford was the former name of the
New England village, (now Concord, New Hampshire,) in which he had first
enjoyed the favors of fortune, and he selected this as his title. He is one of
the few Americans who have had successful careers in Europe, as philoso-
phers or philanthropists.

During his lifetime he endowed the Royal Society of London, and the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences, with funds to be given to practical
discoverers in Heat and Light. As a grateful recognition of his services,
the Academy are now publishing the scientific and philosophical works of
their benefactor. This plan will be carried out in four volumes, of which the
first constitutes the Life, from which the engraving is taken. Fortunately
the duty of editing this work devolved upon the Rev. George E. Ellis,
D. D., who prepared the Memoir. He has brought together a large collec-
tion of original papers, letters and journals, and has so intprwoven them, that
with the aid of his graceful pen, they make a most readable volume. The
book is printed in an elegant style, and is richly illustrated with engravings.
It contains copies of the several medals that have been struck and given by
the Royal Society and the American Academy, for the important discoveries,
according to the conditions of the gift.

VOL. VII. * I

2 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

USES OF NUMISMATICS.

The following paper is an extract from one originally prefixed to a col-
lection of portraits illustrative of Cibbers Apology, which is reprinted in the
" American Bibliopolist," for February last, (published by J. Sabin & Sons,
New York.) The arts of painting and engraving are closely related to the
Science of Numismatics ; the arguments in favor of the first two, addressed
to those who have incautiously applied the epithet of trifling, to the exem-
plification of points of history or works of literature by the works of art,
apply with equal force to the Science of Numismatics :

" There naturally exists a desire amongst mankind to obtain a sight of
any individual who, either in his public or private life, has made himself a
conspicuous object of remark. With most people such a desire too generally
arises from an innate and idle curiosity, and when this is -the case, is frivolous
and contemptible. That, however, it may be made productive of material
advantages cannot be denied ; the external appearance of a man has a stronger
influence over the senses, and forms on our minds a deeper and more lasting
impression of his character, than the relation of an historian, however it may
be enforced by the powers of rhetoric, is able to effect. Thus the faculties of
the mind, acted upon by the perception of sight, are unresistingly drawn into
those reflections which teach us to emulate the virtues and shun the vices of
others. When, however, this desire of ocular testimony cannot, from various
concurrent causes, be gratified, there still remains the pleasing substitute of
pictorial resemblance, to gratify the imaginations of some, and to furnish
matter of contemplation to others of a more vigorous and speculative genius.
It may fairly be presumed that no man ever yet beheld the portrait of a Cato,
or Leo the Tenth, without reflecting on and revering the strict morality and
truly patriotic virtues of the former, and that large attainment by the latter of
useful and ornamental learning, which he employed in the restitution to his
unhappy country of that peace and tranquility of which, by the contentions of
ambition, it had been so long deprived. To the historian we are indebted for
the transmission of accounts of virtuous actions from age to age, and to the
painter for restoring them to our memory, by a faithful delineation of the
characters who practiced them.

"Next in importance to the art of Painting is that of Engraving; which
differs alone from the former in the manner of execution ; for the proportion
of figures, the perspective and the various degrees of light and shade must
necessarily be subject to the same rules in each. Some of the chief attributes
of Engraving seem to be adequately described in the following lines :

*' Blest Art ! whose aid the painter's skill endears,
And bids his labors live through future years,
Breaks that restraint, which to the world unkind,
To some one spot the favorite work confin'd ;
Gives to each distant land, each future age.
* The features of the warrior, saint, or sage ;

The grace that seems with beauty's queen to vie ;
The mild suffusion of the languid eye :
Till with the painter's proudest works at strife,
The fragile paper seems to glow with life ! "

" It may perhaps be remarked by some, who spurn at everything not hav-
ing for its immediate object the benefit of society in a substantial point of

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. $

view, that the faculties, so elegantly described by the poet, are in their nature
wholly intellectual ; that they may be calculated to gratify the propensities of
certain individuals, and to confer on them some amusement in their leisure
hours ; but they may ask, Has not the art a more permanent utility to recom-
iriend it ? Can it not boast more extensive and beneficial results than the
amusement of a small portion of the community ? To these enquiries it may
be answered that the advantages accruing to society at large from the practice
of the art, are of the greatest import ; that, on account of its many depart-
ments, it affords employment and profit to thousands of individuals, even
independently of the artists themselves. If then such is the tendency of the
engraver's art, ought it not to be encouraged by the purchase and collection
of its productions by all men whose fortunes and inclinations favor the pur-
suit ? It may reasonably be asserted that the art could never have arrived at
the degree of perfection that it has done within the last century, had it not
been attended in its" progress with that encouragement which it has so freely
experienced.-

" Relaxation from worldly occupations, both bodily and intellectual, so that
it be rational in its object, and reasonable in its duration, is so essential to
man's existence that it is scarcely necessary to advert to it Relaxation, how-
ever, as Locke observes in his work on Education, • does not consist in being
idle,' but in the practice of measures to prevent our being so. An industri-
ous and well-regulated mind will at all times, when not engaged in business,
seek for occupation ; but of what description, or to what extent, must wholly
depend upon its own properties. If every man's intellect equalled in strength
that of the famous D'Aguesseau, whose memory should ever be regarded by
France, and indeed all other nations, with esteem and reverence, we should
find only a change of study necessary to its relaxation : * Le changement
d'etude,' said that honest chancellor, * est toujours un delassement pour moi/
But the serious nature of the amusement, practiced by this great man, is very
far from being adapted to the common order of understanding; the disposi-
tions of men are various and capricious ; that which serves as an amusement
to one, may be often uncongenial to the ideas and propensities of another ;
and as no standard can possibly be fixed for the follies of mankind, a liberality
of opinion should be observed towards those of each other; and although the
pursuit of illustration should not at any time be ranked among them, it would
still have a claim to the indulgence that is due to every amusement, not lead-
ing to the violation of any positive or constructive rule of morality and virtue.

" To assert that the subject of discourse may be converted to the purposes
of a moral life, may, at first, perhaps, give rise to levity ; but a nice discrimi-
nation is not requisite to inform us, how far it is instrumental to the attain-
ment of so desirable an object Corrupt and abandoned habits are usually
formed in early life, and may be attributed to various causes ; among which,
the want of a fit application of leisure hours is not the least A total relaxa-
tion of the mind, for any length of time, is apt to give rise to those desires
which, we no sooner feel, than we seek to gratify. If the mischief were to
end here, it would not be extensive; but that frequency of indulgence, which
usually ensues a previous gratification, too often produces a system of idleness
and dissipation. It is then submitted that these evils are capable of being
partially, if not entirely, avoided by a resort to those amusements, the advan-

4 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. Qult,

tages of which, in the hours of recreation, are thus expressed by Dr. Johnson
in The Rambler, that 'whatever busies the mind without corrupting it, has,
at least, this use, that it rescues the day from idleness ; and he that is never
idle will not often be vicious.' Principally on the foregoing sentiments of so
allowed a moralist as was Dr. Johnson, does he, who now pretends to advo-
cate the cause of illustration, depend for a verdict in its favor ; for the reasoning
employed by the learned writer is of such general use and application, that
all amusements of an innocent tendency, be they intellectual or mechanical,
are equally the objects of it, and thereon may safely repose their claim to
# universal favor and support"

COUNTERFEIT "N.-E." AND PINE TREE MONEY.

Relics of By-Gone Days. — We had the pleasure of seeing to-day some
of the Pine Tree money of Massachusetts, which was dug up some time since
at Chelsea. There were a shilling, sixpence, threepence, and two pence,
dated 1652, in almost as good preservation as if they had been coined one year
only, every letter and figure upon them being perfectly clear and distinct ;
they may probably have been entombed for more than one hundred and fifty
years. The bottle in which they were found, and several of the coins, were
purchased by a gentleman to be presented to the British Museum. — Boston
Journal, June 16, 1856.

The day after the appearance of the above, we made diligent inquiry as to the finder of
the coins. No one at the office of the Journal, in which it appeared, could give any informa-
tion in relation to the matter. The " oldest inhabitant " in Chelsea had never heard of it, not
even " Mrs. Partington," who resided there, of whom we made inquiry*

The Counterfeit Pine Tree Money. — It is remarkable to observe to
how many different means unprincipled people resort to replenish their empty
purses. Too proud to work for an honest livelihood, and too indolent to
engage in some legitimate pursuit, their wits are constantly at work devising
new ways to fatten themselves upon the industry of others. Their craving
thirst for lucre must be satisfied at all events, even though it be at the sacri-
fice of every sense of honor and principle. The most novel example of this
has lately come to our knowledge. A few weeks since a paragraph appeared
in several of our papers, stating that a large number of pine tree coins had
been recently dug up in this vicinity. No sooner had this announcement
been made than complete sets of this coinage poured into our city. " N. E."
shillings and sixpences, before so rare, together with some other pieces never
before seen, were to be found exposed for sale in this city. The extraordinary
appearance of such a number of coins bdfore held so rare, naturally attracted
considerable attention from every one ; and called for the investigation of the
curious in such matters as to the cause of this great and sudden windfall.
Some few of our most credulous and superstitious citizens were pretty well
settled in their own convictions that the spirit of good old John Hull had
entered among us once more, and some even fancied that at certain times of

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 5

night, distinct sounds of an old rusty, creaking screw press could be heard
from the quarter where the old mint house once stood.

It has, however, turned out that all these pieces are counterfeit, and made
by a man in New York city, who represents them to be originals and some
of the lot found in this vicinity, and by these means he has disposed of num-
bers of them to our antiquarian friends, at exorbitant prices. Sucha piece of
rascality is seldom revealed, and it would be well if some of those who have
been victims of this extortion, would ferret out and bring to justice the fellow
who would resort to such a contemptible mode to replenish his empty purse.
Nummus. — Boston Transcript, Aug. 19, 1856.

Coins, Editor of Transcript: — Will you please give the following
extract, from the catalogue of the famous Pembroke collection of coins and
medals, in relation to the Good Samaritan piece which has been imitated by
the late falsifier of pine tree money.

" Massachusetts shilling, much rubbed, but showing on both sides the
remains of the types and legends. By the dexterous use of a punch, some
artist has contrived to produce on this rubbed coin, a worn representation of
the group of the Good Samaritan, and the words Fac Simile, which have
given rise to much discussion. See Rud. pi. xxx. 10, and note m, page 368,
vol. iii., Pemb. p. 4, t. 14. Unique."

From this you will perceive that the piece in question is merely a pine-
tree shilling, indented by a punch on which there was a representation of the
Good Samaritan, j. c. — Boston Transcript, Aug. 25, 1856.

In a note to the writer, the counterfeiter said : — "I can obtain the whole series, viz. :
1 2-6-3-2-1, five pieces, by making an exchange with some of my medals ; if you wish it, I will
do so." " I shall have in my possession, shortly, a fine specimen of the Good Samaritan."
t. w. — Mercer Street, New York, yuly n, 1856.

Pine Tree Money. — We have lately been shown a series of the pine-
tree coins issued by the Colony of Massachusetts, consisting of the shillings,
sixpence, threepence, and twopence. The act for the emission of the three
first of these pieces was passed in the year 1652, but the authority for coining
twopences was not passed until ten years afterward. These were the only
coins emitted by the Colony of Massachusetts except the blank pieces, the
shilling having on the obverse the letters N. E. for New-England, and on
the reverse XII.; the sixpence* having on the obverse N. E., and on the
reverse, VI. The authority for the striking of these pieces was passed only a
few months' previous to the authorizing of the regular pine-tree series. The
N. E. pieces are very rare, and command exorbitant prices.

Some unprincipled person has had the meanness to counterfeit all of
these pieces, for sale at monstrous prices, representing them to have been
found at Chelsea, Mass., and several -of our antiquarian citizens here, and, we
have understood, several in Boston, Philadelphia and other places, have been
imposed upon by them. It would be well, therefore, for every one who is

* Since the publication of this article, two three-pences of the N. E. type have been found ; one is
in the Collection of Yale College, and the other in the Cabinet of Mr. W. S. Appleton, of this city, a fac-
simile of which is on the seal of the Boston Numismatic Society, as shown on the cover of the Journal.

6 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

fond of such relics to be on their guard. The counterfeits are generally not
as heavy as the original pieces, and bear the appearance of the use of the file;
but the N. E. pieces are much heavier than the original. There are likewise
Good Samaritan shillings and Pine-Tree pennies out in abundance .(exact
copies from the engraving in Felt's Massachusetts Currency), which, it is
needless to inform the public, were never authorized to be struck, and are
consequently false upon their face, as there are no such coin in existence,
unless these miserable botches can be called such. It would be well if some
of those who have suffered by this base imposition would come forward and
bring this man to justice. — N. V. Tribune, Aug. 28, 1856.

UNITED STATES CENTS.

x 793- Of the Chain Cent there are several varieties. The legend is
United States of Ameri. Some have a plain edge, others have Stars and
Stripes on the edge. Another has a wreath instead of the links, around the
words One Cent. There is a large number of varieties of this die, the
chief marks of difference being in the arrangements of the leaves under the
Head. A third, of this date, bears the Head of Liberty, with a pole over the
shoulder surmounted by a Liberty Cap, which hangs back of the head. The
reverse is like the wreath cent, and on the edge One Hundred for a
Dollar.

For varieties and prices of cents of 1793, see a Table prepared by J. N.
T. Levick, Journal of Numismatics, Vol. III., pp. 47, 84, 92 and 93, and Vol.
IV., p. 40. For an article and plate of Varieties of the Cents of 1793, by
S. S. Crosby, see Vol. III., p. 93, and Vol. V., pp. 13 and 16. At 20 Public
Coin Sales, from 1855 to 1868, according to the Table of J. N. T. Levick,*
one hundred and fourteen cents of 1793, have brought the sum of one
thousand six hundred and sixteen dollars and eighty-one cents. The highest
price paid for a single specimen was one hundred and ten dollars, which sold,
three years later, for one hundred and forty-five dollars.

1794. This Cent bears the Liberty Cap Head. For varieties of this
date, see pamphlet by Dr. Maris, Philadelphia, 1869, pp. 15, and Journal,
Vol. IV., pp. 22, 97.

1795. The marked differences are a thick and a thin planchet The
thick cent has the words One Hundred for a Dollar, around the edge. The
weight of the cent was reduced during this year, and the edge inscription
was — from the thinness of the coin — omitted.

See Journal, Vol. V., p. 63, for -a communication of Dr. * Augustine
Shurtleff, on Cents of 1795, '96, '98 and 1832.

1796.. The Liberty Cap appears on a small portion of this date; the
larger portion of the issue bear the fillet head.

1808. The fillet head is on a portion of this date; in the latter part of
the year the Head appears, with a band on which is the word Liberty, facing
to the left.

1 816. The appearance of the Head is changed, from a difference in the
arrangement of the hair.

♦See Journal of Numismatics, Vol. III., p. 47.

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 7

181 7. A portion of this date has thirteen Stars, and another fifteen.
See Journal^ Vol. IV., pp. 68, 80, for notice of fine specimens of this date,
and of '18, '19 and '20, found uncirculated.

1839. One variety of this date'has a smaller head, and the arrangement
of the hair is different. The dash under the word Cent was omitted.

The general appearance of the subsequent dates to 1857, when the
copper cent was discontinued, is much the same.

INDIAN CURRENCY IN NEW JERSEY, 1672.

Wampum was the chief currency of the country. Great quantities had
been formerly brought in, but the Indians had carried so much away, it was
now grown scarce ; and this was thought to be owing to its low value. To
increase it, the governor and council at York, issued a proclamation In 1673,
that instead of eight white and four black, six white and three black wampum
should pass in equal value as a stiver or penny ; and three times so much
the tfalue in silver.

Eight white wampum or four black, passed at this time as a stiver, twenty
stivers made what they called a guilder, which was about sixpence present
currency. The white wampum was worked out of the inside of the great
conques into the form of a bead, and perforated to string on leather. The
black or purple was worked out of the inside of the mussell or clam-shell ;
they were sometimes wove as broad as ones hand, and about two feet long ;
these the Indians call belts, and commonly give and receive at treaties, as
seals of their friendship. For lesser matters a single string is given. Every
bead is of a known value, and a belt of a less number is made to equal one
of a greater, by so many as is wanting, fastened to the belt by a string. —
Smiths History of New Jersey, 1765.

AN EARLY BOSTON MEDAL.

In a little Spanish work, Notuias de la Provincia de California, written by
a Dominican, and published at Valencia in 1794, the author in Letter ii, p.
56, speaking of the order given by the Governor to arrest an American trader
on the coast, says: " We do not know what crime he committed. But this is
certain, that the said English American, named John Kendrig, had coined
money in his name, and I had four of the pieces. On one side was a sea
with two vessels, with the name of Washington; and on the other some let-
ters that expressed th& expedition he was going on to our continent" — His-
torieal Magazine for April, 1863, page 130. •

This paragraph unquestionably refers to a medal that vyas struck to com-
memorate the fitting out of two vessels for trading on the North- West coast,
one of which was commanded by Captain John Kendrick. The charge
against him, of coining money, is, of course, a fiction. An account of this
piece may be found in the Journal of Numismatics for October, 1871, page
33, under the heading of An Early Boston flfedal.

8 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

THE SYRACUSAN MEDALLION.

Among the examples of ancient medallic art, those of Sicily are, perhaps,
the most numerous and beautiful. That termed, par excellence^ "the Sicilian
Medallion," is a most exquisite performance.

These pieces are decadrachms, and from the word abaa on some, are
supposed to have been struck for rewards to victors in the public games.
They bear a most elegant female head, surmounted by four dolphins. Rev.
a figure guiding a quadriga; Victory above, presenting the driver with a
garland.

In the exergue are various pieces of armor, so disposed as to show that
they formed a part of the prize contended for. The name of the artist
(kimsin) appears on some of these pieces, which, notwithstanding their being
far from rare, generally bring high prices. At a public sale in London, in
1 84 1, there were not less than twenty-four of these medallions, which produced
from ,£10 up to ^35 ; some of them were duplicates.

There is a countless variety of beautiful coins in silver and brass, of the
same city; and specimens may be obtained at reasonable prices, particularly
those in the inferior metals. — Akerman's Ancient and Modern Coins.

AMERICAN COINAGE.

The bill before Congress providing for the " Revising and amending the
laws, relating to the Mints, Assay Offices and Coinage of the United States,"
has had the effect of opening up a budget of facts and statistics of more than
ordinary interest to the public. The chairman of the committee before which
the bill is pending, made a report not long since before the New York Cham-
ber of Commerce, giving in a succinct form a history of the coinage system
of the United States, and its workings for the last thirty-four years. During
this period, notwithstanding the suspension of specie payments for ten years,
the Mint, with its branches, including the Assay Office in New York, coined
the enormous amount of $1,093,638,086, an average amount of $32,165,826
yearly. The coinage of the last year, ending June 30th, 1871, amounted to
$40,157405, consisting of gold coin, $21,302473; stamped gold bars, $13,-
201,089 ; silver coin, $1,953,905 ; stamped silver bars, $3,544,180; nickel coin,

$283,760.

The present coinage bill has been in force without alteration for thirty-
eight years. One of the changes sought in its amendment affects that sec-
tion relating to the imposition of charges by government on refining, stamp-
ing and coining the metals used in making the currency of the country. It
is argued that the government has no right to make any charge beyond the
actual cost of coinage for the reason that the gold and silver of the country
belong to the people and not \o the government. The actual cost of refining
gold per ounce does not exceed one and a half cents, and yet the mint charge
ranges from eight to eleven cents. This method of turning an honest penny
was'discarded by Great Britain and France half a century ago as unworthy a
great nation. It is hoped that it will, at once, be discontinued by our govern-
ment.

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 9

THE ORIGIN OF MARK NEWBY COPPERS.

For the following paper we are indebted to the Rev. James Graves, Hon. Secretary
of The Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland. A large number of
the St. Patrick's Half-pence was brought from Ireland, to New Jersey, by Mark Newby,
one of the first proprietors, and their circulation was authorized by the Assembly of the
Colony, in 1682, where they were known as " Mark Newby's Coppers." The communi-
cation in reference to this coin, printed below, was first read at a meeting of the Kil-
kenny Archaeological Society, by the author, Aquilla Smith, M. D., a member of the
Royal Irish Academy, and a gentleman well known for his antiquarian and numismatic
tastes.

Dr. Robert Cane, in his communication " On the Ormonde Coin and
Confederate Money," published in the first volume of the Transactions of the
Kilkenny Archaeological Society, p. 442, has collected much valuable histori-
cal evidence respecting the Confederate Assembly of Kilkenny, and deduce^
from it inferences with regard to these coins, which he has endeavored to
support by very ingenious reasoning.

Before I attempt to controvert any of the arguments advanced by Dr.
Cane, in reference to the coin commonly called St. Patricks,* I shall trace
the history of these pieces as far as I have been able to collect it from the
several writers who have noticed them.

The first published account of the St. Patrick coin is given by Evelyn in
his " Discourse of Medals, Antient and Modern : " folio, 1697. At page 133,
pi. lxiv., the coin is accurately engraved, and briefly described as follows : —
44 Where a crown'd King is (as we picture David) playing on the Harp, over
which the crown of England, floreat rex. Reverse, A mitred Bishop (or
St. Patrick) holding a double cross, and standing between a Church and a
Serpent, which he seems to drive away, qviescat. plebs. is, I think, Irish
coin." The coin hsre described may be supposed to be of silver, as it is
placed among the silver medals of the reign of Charles the Second.

The next in date is Thoresby, in 1715, who mentions among the coins
of the reign of Charles the Second, cc An Irish (silver) Medal, with a crowned
king playing upon a Harp, as K. David is represented, over which the Crown
of England, floreat. rex. Rev., St. Patrick, or a mitred Bishop, with a double
Cross, qviescat . plebs." Here he refers to Evelyn, and adds, " These were
also originally of Copper, and were currant, I presume, for Half-pence and
Farthings, for they are of Different Dimensions ; both Sizes agree in the
Figure of the King with a radiated Crown and- Harp, and the Crown of Eng-
land \vl a different Metal (viz. Brass upon the Copper) and Floreat Rex; but
the Reverses are different, the larger have St. Patrick in his Episcopal Habit,
with the Crosier and Staff, preaching to the People, ecce . grex. Behind him
is a Shield with mi. and 11. The lesser have a Church behind the same
Tutelar Saint, who is casting out of that Island all venemous Beasts with the
staff of iesus ; of which the Native Irish tell many wonderful Things, qvi-
escat . PLEBS."t

* This designation was applied by Swift in the " Drapier's Letters," No. iii., dated August 25, 1724,
where he mentions " the small St. Patrick's coin which passeth now for a farthing,— and the great St.
Patrick's halfpenny." — Swiff s Works, vol. iv. p. 127. Faulkner, Dublin. 8vo, 1772.

f Ducatus Leodiensis: folio, 1715, p. 378, n. 481.

VOL. VII. 2

10 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

Bishop Nicolson copies Thoresby's description, and only adds that these
pieces " are still common in Copper and Brass ; " and " are current for Iialf-
pence 2nd farthings." He describes them along with the coins of the reign
of Charles the First*

Leake, in his " Historical Account of English Money," first published in
1726, notices these "copper pieces, which have passed for halfpence and farth-
ings in Ireland; but for what purpose they were # coined, and by whom, is
uncertain." He describes the type of the obverse, and says : " Of these are
two sorts, of different dimensions, the larger weighing from five penny-weights
ten grains, to five penny-weights fifteen grains ; and the smallest from four
penny-weights, to three penny-weights eighteen grains, and have different
reverses ; the biggest has the figure of St Patrick, with a crosier in his right
[left] hand, and a small cross [trefoil or shamrock] in his left [right], which
le holds out to the people about him, and by him a shield, with figures therein
like Fers de Moline [Mill-ring or Inkmoline], four and two, Queves d Ermine
[Ermine tails], perhaps intended for the arms of the Titular Popish Metro-
politan, ecce. grex. The smaller pieces have St. Patrick, with a double cross
in his left hand, a church behind him, holding out his right hand, and driving
away from the church a parcel of venemous creatures, no doubt, meaning
thereby the different sects of Protestants, qviescat. plebs. Of the latter are
silver pieces, about the same weight as the copper ones, and these silver ones,
no doubt, were Medals, as Mr. Evelyn esteemed them ; but whether by him
rightly placed to Charles the Second, is a question. Bishop Nicholson places
them to Charles the First, and in his reign it is most probable they were
struck by the Papists, when they rebelled in Ireland, and massacred the Pro-
testants, pretending to act under the Kings authority, for they are manifestly
of a Popish stamp. Amongst other acts of their general assembly at Kil-
kenny, in 1642, they ordered there should be a seal for the Kingdom (Rymer,
torn. xx. p. 537); that the enemies should not be called by the name of Eng-
lish, or Protestants, but the Puritanical or Malignant Party ; that they should
consider of a model of civil government ; that Money should be levied ; that
Coin and Plate should be raised, and that there should be forthwith coined
the sum of four thousand Pound to pass current in the" Kingdom, according
to the proclamation, or act, published by direction of the assembly. These
were, perhaps, the before-mentioned copper pieces, and they took the fashion
of inserting a bit of brass in the Copper from the King's latter farthings, the
better to prevent counterfeiting: but for what value they were originally
intended, or made current, is uncertain. Afterwards they passed for the
value the common people put upon them ; and being something heavier than
King Charles the Seconds best Irish Halfpence, went currently for such."t

Harris, in his edition of Sir James Ware's works, published in 1745, in
his account of the Irish coins of the reign of Charles the Second, says, " In
this Reign were two or three Kinds of Copper Half-pence coined," and after
describing the type, informs as that " These afterwards passed for Farthings,
and a larger Sort were coined for Half-pence, with this Difference ; on the
Reverse, St. Patrick standing before a Crowd of People, with the Arms of the
City of Dublin at his Back, being three Castles, and this Legend, ecce grex.

* Irish Historical Library : 8vo. 1724, P- 170.

t Second edition, 8vo. 1745, P- 33% > and third edition, 1793, p. 338.

i87*.} AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. n

John Putland, Esq., has among his curious Collections the two before-men-
tioned JPieces struck in Silver, no way differing but in the Metal, and that
they are milled, which Copper Money never is ; and this proves, that they
were struck in Silver for Medals, as Mr. Evelin thinks, and not as Proof
Pieces."* . . \

Simon, in his " Essay towards an Historical Account of Irish Coins/'
first published in 1 749, 4to, notices the Rebel Crown, and in the Appendix,
No. xlviii., quotes Rymers Foedera to the effect, — " November 21, 1642. It
is ordered, That the right honourable the earl of Castlehaven, and such
others as his lordship shall call to his assistance, shall present unto the
supreme council of this kingdom an institution and order of knighthood, con-
cerning the honour of St. Patrick, and the glory of this kingdom, which the
supreme council may confirm and ratify so far as they see cause;" and at
page 48 says, " It seems therefore more probable that this coin was struck by
the rebels, by virtue of this act of their assembly ; as were, probably, the
copper pieces, called St. Patrick's Half-pence and Farthings, which I likewise
ascribe to them, and suppose to have been struck about this time : for they
too well allude to some passages in this act, to doubt of their having been
coined on this occasion, in honor of St. Patrick and of their new order of
Knighthood." Having described the type of each coin, he observes that
" both have a graining round," and that " There are still preserved, by the
curious, some few silver pieces, with the same impressions and inscriptions of
these copper pieces : it is thought that they were struck as medals, but for
my part I think they were struck upon the same occasion, and intended by
the Kilkenny-assembly to pass for shillings."

Having quoted the opinions and statements of the best authorities respect*
ing the meaning of the devices on the St Patrick's coin, and the period at
which they were struck, I shall proceed to examine the evidence on which
Dr. Cane relies for the opinions he has advanced, and the inferences which
he has drawn from his authorities, and arrange them in the order most con-
venient for discussion, so as to avoid needless repetition.

First, — " Once we admit that the Confederates had a coinage, there is no
coin more likely, or so likely, to be theirs than the one under consideration ;"
and " that these coins are those of the Confederate assembly of Kilkenny ; "
where they were, u no doubt, first issued."

The extract from Rymer's Foedera, quoted by Leake and Simon
(Appendix xlviii.), corresponds with the document of the date November 15,
1642, published in Dr. Cane's paper. This very important proclamation
proves " that the Confederates had a coinage " of copper farthings and half-
pence, and from the particular description of the type enables us to identify
without any doubt the coins issued by order of the Assembly ; but I cannot
discover that it gives any support to the opinion that the St. Patrick's coin
was " first issued " by " the Confederate assembly of Kilkenny," or that it
was in any respect connected with that body.

Second. — " That it was minted upon the Continent for the use of the
Confederate assembly," and " wag transmitted to Kilkenny to be there dis-
tributed."

That the St. Patrick's coin, or " Rinunccini Confederate money," as Dr.

*VoL ii. p. 219.

ia AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. * [July,

Cane proposes to designate it, " was minted upon the Continent," and " trans-
mitted to Kilkenny," is mere conjecture, unsupported by any fact or authority.
Dr. Cane supposes it " may have formed some portion of the monies brought
to the council; from the Continent, at different times during the sitting of the
council of the Confederate body ; " but the authorities he has quoted mention
particularly the large amount of dollars and crowns^ which were distributed
in Ireland by the foreign agents ; nor is it probable that any foreign power
would send subsidiary coin in a metal, which from its bulk would be veiy
inconvenient to transmit

Dr. Cane also remarks that — " The execution is more elaborate than any
Irish coin of that period, while in its letters and outlinings it bears a marked
resemblance to the Continental coin of that time, especially to pontifical coin-
age, and is in some parts of its design exceedingly in keeping with the
opinions and sentiments of the Nuncio, Rinunccini.

This conjecture might have some weight, if the exact " period " was
known at which the coin in question was minted, or if any particular Conti-
nental or Pontifical coin was mentioned with which a comparison might be
instituted.

That the art of cutting dies, however, was not altogether extinct in Ire-
land, during the latter half of the seventeenth century, may be inferred from a
Dublin token issued previous to 1680, which bears the same type as the
reverse of the small St. Patrick, and which is engraved in Snelling s second
additional plate to Simon, fig. 7. The Cork tokens issued by " William Bal-
lard," in 1677, and "Edmund Yeomans," in 1678, as well as the Eniskean
penny of 1678, are remarkable for their emblematic designs, and are not
much less elaborate in execution than the St. Patrick's coins.

Third. — " That they were coin answering to shillings, pence, and half-
pence ; " and " that the silver coin is not a model piece, but from a separate
die."

Dr. Cane has adopted the opinion of Simon, who believed that the silver
pieces were " intended by the Kilkenny-assembly to pass for shillings ; " and
adds : " as regards the objection that they, the silver specimens, cannot be
shillings^ because they ' differ in form, aspect, and weight,' I beg it to be
remembered that I have put it markedly forward that they are foreign coins,
and not coined in these kingdoms, but brought over by Rinunccini for the
use of the Confederate army. But what I call the shilling is smaller and
thicker than the shillings of the day, it is unworn, and weighs about 115
grains."

(To be continued.)

DOUBLE SOVEREIGN OF EDWARD VI.

The following described coin, sold at the Hollis Sale, in London, May
14, 181 7, brought the sum of ^99, about five hundred dollars: — " No. 336,
Edward VI., the double Sovereign of hi^ 4th year, the King in a chair of
State, mint mark % the Dragon's Head ; reverse, the arms of England and
France, inscribed, * Jhesu autem transiens per medium illorum ibat,' weighing
476 grains, engraved in Folkes, pi. 8, from this coin ; highly preserved and
extremely rarer Bought by Willett

1873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 13

A MASS OF COINS, FROM THE DEBRIS OF ORIENTAL

CITIES.

BY ROBERT MORRIS, LL. D.

SECRETARY OF THE "AMERICAN HOLY LAND EXPLORATION."

Editors of yountal of Numismatics :

At your request, I jot down u first impressions " produced by the exami-
nation of a mass of ten or eleven hundred specimens of bronze coinage just
received, through our dragoman and collector, Rolla Floyd, Esq., from Joppa,
Syria: the fourth lot of this class, numbering in all more than nine thousand
specimens, that have been sent me for distribution through the operations of
our Society. It is understood that in the present article I make no attempt at
classification or scientific description, giving only first and hasty " impressions."
• For an opening paragraph, I quote a sentence from one of our circulars,
under the head of "ancient coin:" "There is nothing that so gratifies the
intelligence of an antiquarian, nothing that so forcibly reveals the sense of the
long-vanished years, as a genuine Coin from Palestine, especially when one
considers in what soil it has so long been hidden, and what ruins have so
long concealed it from the eye and hand of the'ignorant. A piece of antique
money is even more redolent of antiquity, when rightly viewed, than an
antique tower or pillar; because the latter is always seen in ruins, defaced,
scarred by foes, dilapidated, gnawed by the tooth of time, and suggestive only
of the imbecility of man, laboring to build for eternity ; while the coin, after
its rust has been carefully removed, lies before us a perfect piece of human
workmanships its portrait, epigraph and allegorical devices executed in a style
that modern art strives after, glowing with the pompous titles of antiquity,
and mystical of events deemed worthiest of preservation. Holding this coin
in your hand, you handle an ancient monument, genuine, complete, a page in
the history of the human race ! "

In weight, this package of eleven hundred coins will balance about four
pounds. There are none of the " first bronze," the largest being only " second
bronze," the others running as low in measure as one-fifth of an inch, or less.
In a hasty inspection of their types I should say that one-twentieth of them
have the Byzantine insignia in some form, usually in the large capital m., of
which Humphrey, speaking of Anastasius, A. D. 491, says: "The large m.,
the monetary index beneath the cross, is thought by some to be the Greek
numeral 40, expressing the value of the coin as that of forty noumia. * * *
On the copper, the large m of the coinage of Anastasius and his immediate
successors disappears in the reign of Phocas, (A. D. 602.)" — Humphrey's*
Coin Manual, p. 371. But I would ask, en passant, how this "m " can repre-
sent a specific sum, when I have it on bronze coins of several sizes and weights
from 12-ioths to 6-ioths of an inch in diameter 1

The next largest number of special types in this pile before me is the
thick, heavy bronze of Egypt, all of nearly the same size, say 5-ioths. These
are in such good preservation, their "images and superscriptions" standing
out so legibly, that I incline to the opinion they are counterfeits, only I can
conceive of no reason why Oriental rogues should counterfeit copper money,
when, at the best, it scarcely brings the value of old metal in traffic. I bought
one hundred specimens of this particular class, at the foot of the Pyramid of

14 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. \July,

Cheops, and bargained then and there with Mohammed Nubian, my " drago-
man," for twelve hundred more, at prices absurdly low, even for Egypt. By
the way, if Cicero is right in his Jucunda est memoria prateritorum malorum,
the memory of that most unhappy hour at the foot of the Arab-haunted pile
of Cheops, ought to delectate me enormously I But the coins I am referring
to are beautifully wrought, their portraits are admirable, their aquiUe as fine
as the living specimens that accompanied me (without invitation) from Tyre
to Kabr Hairan and return. The peculiarity of these specimens is the
exceeding roughness of their edges \ as compared with the exquisite milling of
the edges of coins made by our modern moneyers ; and this suggests the
thought that while the ancients made a finer type than we do, we far excel
them in the edging.

The Roman coins " ex votis " are quite numerous in the collection
before me. Often, upon a field only 4-ioths in diameter, the circle or oval
embraces an inscription distinctly cut and legible, while the "image and
superscription " on the obverse are so nearly illegible as only to yield their
history by the comparison of several coins of the same Prince.

The "allocution" coins are equally numerous: several present the quad-
riga with the " stately-stepping steeds,' and at least one has the traditional
she-wolf and twinSy referring to the period B. C. 800, so famous in the history
of Rome. Flowers, trees, animals in all forms abound. The palm tree, with
its unmistakable top, tells of eastern lands that acknowledged the Roman
yoke. A very considerable number hold Coptic inscriptions, and a quantity
equally great the barren, poorly-executed treasures of the Saracenic and Turk-
ish rule. The cabalistic " s. c." gleams frowningly out through the verdigris
that covers the face of Rome's Emperor, e^n as dust and ashes have long
disguised the glories of Senatus consulta. " Temporum Felicitatem " tells of
halcyon days when the borders being quieted, the Prince could retire his
happy legions ; " Concordia militum " speaks of jars and discords among the
barons themselves quieted ; " Tell us Stabilita" of the short-lived repose of a
power never so happy as when at war.

Here comes one I had overlooked, a rude face of the " Man of Calvary "
on the obverse^ and in the ancient Greek letters on the reverse: I. C. Th. S.
Basibs Bastion.

Coins with a crowned king on one side and a crowned queen on the
other; coins with king and queen standing together; coins with victory
crowning the commander; two score of coins in suspiciously fine preservation
of Maximianus; a number of very fine coins in "small brass" of Constan-
tinus Magnus ; an American 3-cent piece ; several Catholic medals of " Oh,
holy Mary, ever-Virgin," &c; a coin of " Augustus III. Rex Pol "; a " de-
mentia Aug.," (if only any body cared now whether the " Augustii " were
clement or not !) ; a coin thickly crusted with verdigris, (which, who can tell
me how to remove ?) ; a noble " Ptolemy " of 8-ioths diameter, its obverse
convex^ its reverse holding a grand eagle, concave; and so they run, and I
might fill a dozen sheets more in this way. .

Should the readers of the Journal care for this sort of gossiping about
coins, from one who knows so little of their scientific emplacement, I will in
future issues, describe some of my personal experience in Eastern villages as
an " antique trader." To sit an entire ten hours, amidst a group of la-

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 15

quacious (and rapacious) Arabs, your pocket the one object of their greedy
eyes, arid then retire to rest with the happy consciousness of getting the better
of them all in trade* is an experience novel enough to amuse, if not instruct
the coin-student, and I acknowledge the pleasure it gives me to relate it ! It
is doubtless the self-conceit of an old man to say, with Horace :

Sibi qui vis
Sperat idem : sudet roultura, frustaque laboret,
Ausus idem.

WEIGHT OF HANNAH (HULL) SEWALL.

See Vol VI^p. 21. I notice just now, the inquiry of D. W. P., in the
July number of the Journal of Numismatics \ regarding the weight of Hannah
Hull, the mint masters daughter, who married Judge Sewall. The precise
facts, copied by myself from Judge Sewall's Ledger, are in the notes to the
Diary of Hull, the mint master, in the third volume of the Antiquarian
Society's Transactions. Miss Hull's or Mrs. Sewall's weight was one hundred
and twenty-five pounds. The dowry was five hundred pounds in the colonial
standard which gave six shillings to a dollar.

I believe Hutchinson is the first authority in print for the untrue state-
ment, that her dowry was ,£30,000, paid in shillings. There is no evidence
that there were ever 600,000 pine tree shillings, — the amount necessary for
this dowry, — in existence at one place at one time. E. E. H.

March 22, 1872.

COINS OF EDWARD L, II., III.

The Silver Coins of the first three Edwards are, in most instances, diffi-
cult to distinguish from each other. The pennies, half-pennies, and farthings
of the London and Canterbury mints, are exceedingly abundant, the first
being, perhaps, the commonest coins in the English series.

The characteristics of this coinage are sufficiently described by an old
versifier :

u Edward did smite round penny, half-penny, farthing ;
The cross passeth the bond of at/,] throughout the t tng :
The Kings side, whereon his name was written ;
The cross side, what city it was in coined and smetten.
To poor man ne to priest, the penny frayes nothing ;
Men give God aye the least — they feof [endow] him with a farthing.
A thousand, two hundred, fourscore years and mo,
On this money men wondered, when it first began to go."

Akerman's English Coinage, London, 1848.

WEAR OF OUR SILVER COINS.

Half dollars of the old standard, previous to 1837, of average wear, were
found to have lost five and a quarter tenths of one per cent A recoinage at
the Philadelphia mint of #38,000, produced #37,800.

16 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. ^July,

TRANSACTIONS OF SOCIETIES.

BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

Thursday \ April n, 1872. — The monthly meeting was held this after-
noon. The records of the last meeting were read and approved. After the
regular business was transacted, Mr. Crosby showed a variety of pattern and
experimental pieces struck at the Mint, among which were two cents of 1856,
of different proportions of nickel, another in copper, and the same without
date or inscription ; also, two pattern cents of 1857, different; two varieties of
the two-dollar-and-a-half piece of 1857, in copper; two pattern cents, Indian
head, large planchet, without dates, and various others of 1858 and '59.
Adjourned, Samuel A. Greej*, Secretary.

Thursday^ May 7. — The monthly meeting took place at 4 o'clock, P. M.
Mr. Alfred Sandham, of Montreal, Canada, was elected a corresponding mem-
ber. Mr. E. J. Cleveland, of Elizabeth, N. J., presented a catalogue of his
collection of Medals, Coins, &c, to be sold in New York on the 7th and 8th
insL

Mr. Thomas H. Wynne, corresponding member, presented a set (10) of
the Revenue Stamps of Virginia, 1813-14. They are of uniform size and
design, circular in form, measuring one inch and an eighth in diameter ;
embossed on white paper, the design representing an arrow and an olive
branch crossing each other — the word " Virginia," and the denomination in
Roman letters around the border. Massachusetts in 1 799-1 802, embossed
her Revenue Stamps upon the document liable to the tax. They were of
different denominations — that of twenty-fivetcents, 1799, was an eagle holding
in his beak a shield ; around the device twenty-five cents and Massachu-
setts. On that of 1802, same device and denomination and an additional
stamp, on the outer circle of which com. rev. c. s. and in the centre thirteen
stars.

Mr. Seavey showed a complete set of American gold and silver coins
from 1850 to i860, inclusive, in proof condition.

Adjourned, Samuel A. Green, Secretary.

Thursday, June 6. — The regular monthly meeting was held this after-
noon, at four o'clock, the President, Mr. Colburn, in the chair. The Secre-
tary read the record of the last meeting.

Mr. Crosby showed four specimens of the " Newby Coppers," size 16,
which were circulated, in New Jersey, under the authority of the Colony, in
1682. The Ob. bears the legend "Floreat: Rex:" a crown divides the
legend ; below is a Harp, the player, said to represent King David, kneeling.
Rev. " Quiescat Plebs," St Patrick with a double cross, church in the dis-
tance. One in silver and three in copper, the latter have a small piece of
brass inserted where the crown is impressed. He also exhibited four of the
same type, one of which was in silver, and three in copper ; also three of
another type, size 1 8, Ob. same as the smaller size, Rev. " Ecce Grex," St
Patrick, with crosier and shamrock, followed by the people. The last seven
pieces are from the collection of Robert C. Davis, Esq., of Philadelphia. Mr.
Pratt showed a beautiful series of U. S. Gold, from the collection of the late

i87* J AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 17

William G. Stearns, of Cambridge, a member of the Society. It consisted
of the following pieces: Eagles, 1795, 6, 7, 8, 9, 1800, i, 3, 4, 38, 39, 40, 41.
Half Eagles, 1795, 7, 8, 9, 1800, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
18, 19, 20, 23, to 1840 inclusive. Quarter Eagles, 1796, 7, 8, 1802, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 24, 25, 27, 29, 30, to 1839 inclusive. Also various gold pieces, among
which was a Guinea of James II., in fine condition ; and various medals in
silver.

Mr. W. H. Lewis, of Katonah, N. Y., presented a photograph of two
Indian relics found in an Indian grave in Cayuga county, N, Y., one repre-
senting a woman with legs and feet extended, holding a child; the other a
figure of a swan; a fine specimen of Indian work.

Mr. Alfred Sandham, presented his pamphlet, " A Supplement to Coins,
Tokens and Medals, of the Dominion of Canada. "

The President read two letters from the Secretary, Mr. Appleton, dated
at Paris. At Florence he added to his collection a number of the coins of
the Grand Dukes of Tuscany, and several mediaeval gold pieces, and two of
the Dukes of Burgundy, for Holland. He had added to his Revolutionary
Medals, that of Port Mahon and Gibraltar, in silver; and to his coins many
in the French series.

Adjourned to Thursday, yuly 11.

Samuel A. Green, Secretary pro tern.

VOCE POPULI HALF-PENCE.

Will any of your readers tell me whether I have been correctly informed
that two coins or tokens which I have, are an Irish half-penny and farthing
struck by Prince Charles Edward? The coins I mention are of copper, and
bear on the obverse a profile turned to the right, with an inscription, "Voce
Populi; " on the reverse a harp, with " Hibernia" and the date "1760" under
the harp. What is the history of these coins ? — f.

[Pinkerton in his. "Essay on Medals" remarks : " In 1760 there was a
great scarcity of copper coin in Ireland, upon which a society of Irish gentle-
men appliea for leave, upon proper conditions, to coin half pence ; which
being granted, those appeared with a very bad portrait of George II, and
1 Voce Populi ' around it. The bust bears a much greater resemblance to
the Pretender ; but whether this was a piece of waggery in the engraver, or
only arose from his ignorance in drawing, must be left to doubt." In Lind-
say s " Coinage of Ireland," 1839, the coin is engraved in the fifth supplemen-
tary plate, No. 16, and in the advertisement, p. 139, the following remarks on
it : " This curious variety of the ' Voce Populi ' half-pence exhibits a P before
the face, and illustrates rinkerton s remark that the portrait on these coins
seems intended for that of the Pretender; it is a very neat coin, perhaps a
pattern." — Ed.] — American Bibliopolist> April, 1872.

Mr. E. J. Cleveland, of Elizabeth, N. J., has a rare Chinese coin of Yaou, B. C. 2254, of a curious
shape. Oblong, about two inches by one in width, with a round hole near the top. A raised rim
encircles the edge, inside of which are Chinese characters. The same coin is figured in the first volume
of the Journal of Numismatics, page 18, and described by Mr. G. P. Upton, of Chicago, III.

18 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

LETTER FROM MR. W. E. DUBOIS.

Editors of the Numismatic yournal :

You allowed me, once before, to write familiarly about our friend
Mr. Mickley, who has been for three years on an exploration through all
Europe, and parts of the adjacent continents. He was looking for all that is
curious, not only in the numismatic and antiquarian lines, but also the build-
ings and works of art, the appearances of town and country, and the ways and
customs of the people generally.

I am happy to inform you of his safe return, on the second day of June.
I remembered the fate of some other numismatic friends, and hoped he would
not form another case. Let me explain. Some thirty years ago, there were
four of us, in Philadelphia, engaged in forming cabinets of coins; three on
private account, one for the public. We often conferred together, and helped
each other. As time rolled on, one was buried in the Pacific Ocean, on his
way home from California; another went down in the Arctic, returning from
Liverpool ; the other two went and came safely ; and Mr. Mickley is one of
them. Yet he was not always out of danger. You were told about his being
knocked down and nearly killed, in Constantinople. An equally dangerous
but more classic fall (one perhaps which some admirers of Tully would have
risked) was down Cicero's well, in Caesar's Palace, at Rome. It did not kill
him, but he shudders at the thought of it

I was in hopes to tell you, in time for the July Magazine, of what he has
done for the Mint, in procuring cabinet coins ; but his boxes are not
unpacked, and what I may have to state thereon, must not be done in a
hurry. I believe he is going to bring us down to the last dates, in most of
the European issues. He has also, at my desire, succeeded in getting (with
much difficulty) a coin of the ancient city of Philadelphia. Herein I was very
desirous to triumph over Appleton, Anthon, Wynn, Jenks, every body on this
side of the Atlantic; and for more than one reason. In ancient history there
was no Boston, no New York, no Chicago ; but there was a Philadelphia.
Twice is it named, and with honor, in the New Testament ; and the amiable
William Penn, eager to commemorate and to commend brotherly Love, gave
the name to his Capital — so eligibly poised between the freezing North and
the blazing South. So when I get this coin in a conspicuous place, I expect
it to attract the attention of all modern Philadelphians, as well as outside
barbarians. .

As yours is an Antiquarian Journal, it will come in play to tell what a
strange sight he saw at Madrid. He stood face to face with the famous
Charles V., who died in 1558! Not a phantom, nor a statue, but the very
visage and corporal frame of the monarch, in imperial attire.

It happened in this way. Don Pedro, emperor of Brazil, traveling as a
private gentleman, arrived at Madrid about the same time with Mr. Mickley.
The body of Charles, which was embalmed, had never been seen since the
obsequies ; requiescat in pace, was the sacred injunction. But by an act of
special favor, the lid of the sarcophagus was removed ; and the distinguished
visitors, from North and South America, saw the Emperor of Germany ; King
of Spain, of the two Sicilies, and Jerusalem ; Archduke of Austria ; Duke of

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 19

Burgundy, Flanders, and Tyrol ; and Lord of America. — The nose was a
little broken, and the skin was black as jet ; but " to this complexion we must
come at last." It was a sublime incident in the history of the Reformation,
when the intrepid Luther stood in the same presence, at the Diet of Worms,
in 1 52 1. At the end of three centuries and a half, it makes another appear-
ance, to other spectators. There are pictures of the former audience ; I could
wish to have a photograph of the latter.

Mr. M. has complied with another request, in bringing me an Almanac
from Finland ; that I may know how the sun behaves, when he will not rise,
and does not set

Mr. M. looks about ten years younger than when he left, and twenty
years younger than he really is. The reality may always be remembered, by
the "cent of 1799," which, as time advances, turns into gold.

W. E. DuBois.
U. S. Mint, Philadelphia.

NOVA CONSTELLATIO COINS.

Philadelphia, June 15, 1872.
Editors of journal of Numismatics.

I purchased a collection of coins, recently, from Mr. Rathmel Wilson, of
Wilmington, Delaware, containing a number of fine pieces, among which were
the Nova Constellatio Dollar, or 1000 Mill piece, and the Nova Constellatio
Half dollar, or 500 Mill piece. These pieces are rare, and I think are the
most interesting of the Confederation series, being without doubt the first
designs for a dollar and half dollar for the United States, — the date being
the same as the cent, i. e., 1 783, and are pure silver, and in uncirculated or
rather proof condition. The weight of the dollar is eleven dwts. and six
grains, — the half dollar, five dwts. fifteen grains. I annex a copy of Mr.
Wilson's letter to me in reference to these pieces.

John W. Haseltine.

Philadelphia, May 28, 1872.
John W. Haseltine, Esq.

Dear Sir, — The history of the two coins which you obtained from me,
viz. Nova Constellatio 1783, U. S. 1000, Nova Constellatio, 1783, U. S. 500,
is as follows. They were the property of the Hon. Charles Thomson, sec-
retary of the first Congress. At his death his property was left by will
to his nephew, John Thomson, of Newark, Delaware. These two coins
were found in the desk of the said deceased Charles Thomson, and pre-
served by his nephew during his life ; at his death they came into the pos-
session of his son Samuel E. Thomson of Newark, Delaware, from whom
I obtained them. So you will perceive that their genuineness cannot be
questioned ; as they were never out of the possession of the Thomson family,
until I received them.

Rathmel Wilson.

20 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

SINGULAR DISCOVERY.

Editors of Journal.

In regard to the " singular discovery " mentioned on p. 84, April Number
American Journal of Numismatics, a letter from Mr. Karnes informs me that
the discovery were made about eight feet below the surface of the ground,
where was found charred wood and a terrapin shell, the earth showing the
marks of an impression of coarse cloth, but no " iron box " or " curious imple-
ments." The coins were kept by the finders, Mr. Karnes's slaves, save one
piece which was given by them to Mrs. Karnes. This, the only one seen by
Mr. Karnes, was of silver larger than a dollar, but it has long since disappeared,
and he has no recollection of the inscription. With these meagre data it is
hardly possible to form an idea of the character of the coins or by whom they
were deposited.

t. h. w.
Richmond^ Va^ June 3, 1872.

TREASURE-TROVE.

A letter in the Richmond Times says, that lately several persons, while
blasting a limestone rock near Buchanan, Botetourt co., discovered a cave,
with an entrance of six or eight feet in height ; and upwards of one hundred
long, with two apartments. In the first they found some earthen ware and a
large stone cross ; on the cross there was some carving much defaced by
time. A number of citizens, with a lantern, subsequently entered the second
apartment where they found a skeleton seated on a huge iron chest, with its
back resting against the wall. On opening this chest, they found it to con-
tain gold coins perfectly smooth on one side and a cross with some characters
on it on the other. The gold in the chest by weight is worth seven hundred
eighty-two dollars. — Boston Atlas, Feb. 26, 1856.

"ORDER OF LIBERATORS" MEDAL.

See Vol. V, page 92. This medal was struck for the members of the
association of the u Order of Liberators," instituted in 1826 by Daniel O'Con-

nell.

There was a form observed in the enrolment of a member, — the medal
was suspended from a green ribbon — which was placed on the neck of the
person admitted to membership by the President on the occasion. — Notes and
Queries, 4th Series, Vol. vln, p. 31.

NOVA CONSTELLATIO COIN.

The London Morning Chronicle of the 16th of March, [1786] has the
following article : — " A correspondent observes, that the paragraph which has
lately appeared in several papers, respecting a copper Coinage in America, is

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 21

not true. The piece spoken of, bearing the inscription, "Libertas et Justi-
tia, &c" [1785.] Rev. \^Nova Constellation] was not made in America, nor
by the direction of Congress. It was coined at Birmingham, by order of a
merchant in New York. Many tons were struck from this die, and many
from another ; they are now in circulation in America, as counterfeit half
pence are in England, " — Daily Advertiser, New York, May 26, 1786.

PHILADELPHIA COIN SALE.

A collection of Coins, Medals, Tokens, Etc., was sold by Thomas Birch
& Son, 1 1 10 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, April 8, 1872. We give the
prices brought by the most desirable specimens :

English Coins, Crown of Charles I., $6.00 ; another type, 3.00 : thirty shilling piece of James VI.,
of Scotland, 1669, 3.00.

Half Crown, Elizabeth, fine, $5.25 ; William III. Shilling, uncir., 1.40 ; Anna, Shilling, fine, 1.00 ;
Geo. II. and III. Shillings, fine, 1.00 each ; Frankfort Two Thaler piece, 1861, 2.25 ; One Thaler do.,
1859, 1.50; Maximilian Dollar, 1866, 1.80 ; Pattern Dollar of Chile, 1868, proofi 3.25 ; do. Twenty Cent
piece, 1.87 ; Tetradrachm of Athens, 2.75 ; do. of Myrina, 3.25 ; da of Macedonia, 4.00 ; do. of Alex-
ander, 4.50 ; another, 2.25.

U. S. Coinage, New Orleans Mint, Dollar, 1850, $2.75 : do. i86o r 1.87 ; Half dollars, 1841, 1.50 ;
1842 and 3, 1.50 each ; 1844, 1.00; 1845 and 6, 1.25 each; 1848, 1.05; 1849, l 3°> l8 5'> i-oo; i860,
1.00; another, 1.12 ; 1861, 1.87 — all fine. Quarter dollar, 1840, not milled, 3.50; 1842, large date, 1.12 ;
1856, 1.00. Medals, Henry Clay, by Wright, 2.00; Gen. Taylor, size 48, 3.15 ; Gen. Scott, size 56,
1.75 ; Eccleston's Washington Medal, 7.00.

Pattern Pieces, half dollar, 1838, flying Eagle, $3.12 ; Nickel Cent, 1856, proof, 1.87 ; 5 " Cents,"
nickel, 1867, 1.00; Set of V. III. and I. Cent pieces, 1868, " Mint price $9.00 a set," 1.00 each ; Set of
do., 1869, 1. 1 2 each ; Three Cent Piece, size of old Cent, Copper, 1863, 3.00 ; Proof Set, 1856, 19.00 ;
do. 1858, 11.00.

Dollars, 1795, 1.55 : do. fillet head, 2.75 ; another, 2.50 ; 1797, extra good, 4.25 ; 1798, do., 4.25 ;
1799, v. f., 4.00; 1800, f., 2.75 ; 1801,2.75; I 8°2, f., 5.2c; 1844, ex., 2.25; 1845, £ 2 « 2 5 5 ^46, v. f.,
2.50 ; 1847, f., 2.00 ; 1848, f., 2.60 ; 1853, f., 3.25 ; 1857, L, 3.00.

Half Dollars, 1794, ex., $2.50 ; 1795, uncir., 5.50; do., 2.25 ; 1797, 8.50 ; 1805, over 4, 2.00; 1807,
2.50; Quarter dollar, 1846, 1. 00; Dimes, 1801, 1.25; 1803, 2.00; Half Dimes, 1797, 1.50; 1 801, very
poor, 1.00; 1844, uncir., 1.00; Half Eagle, 1803, 6.75 ; Quarter do., 1798, 6.50.

U. S. Cents, 1793, $8.00 ; two others, 3.50 each ; do. Liberty Cap., v. g., 5.50: 1794, uncir., 4.25 ;
another, f., 2.25 ; another, 2.00; 1795, ex., 3.25 ; 1800, uncir., 5.50; 1803, uncir. 3.50; 1804, fair, 4.00;
1805, f., 3.00 ; 1806, f., 2.00; 1809, uncir., 24.50; 1810, do., 7.00; 181 1, 2.25; 1813, 2.00; 1817, v. f.,
2.25; do., 2.00 ; 1 82 1, uncir., 5.75 ; 1827. v. f., 2.00; 1828, do. do.; 1829, v. f., 3.00; 1833, two, fine,
1.00 each ; 1836, two, f., 1.00 each ; 1839, uncir., 2.25 ; two others, 2.87 and 2.12 each ; 1840, f., two,
1.50 and 1.60 each ; 1843, three, f. r 1.25 and 1.50 each ; 1844, uncir., 2.00 ; 1849 and 1850, uncir., 1.37
and 1.50 each; 1857, proof, 5.50; do., uncir., 1.00.

Virginia " Penny," 1773, large planchet, proof, 3.00 ; Virginia " Penny," 1773, uncir., 2.00 ; " Unique
Vermont Piece," 5.00 ; Washington Cent, 1791, small Eagle, v. f., 6.50 ; Medal of John Paul Jones, in
Silver, size 40, 6.25.

Priced Catalogues can be obtained of Edward Cogan, 408 State Street,
Brooklyn, N. Y.

COINS, MEDALS AND CONTINENTAL MONEY.

The Collection of Mr. Benjamin Haines, of Elizabeth, N. J., was sold
by Geo. A. Leavitt & Co., New York, on the nth and 12th of April last; we
note the prices of some of the specimens.

U. S. Cents, 1799, poor, $3.00 ; 1804, 6.75 ; 1804, poor, 2.37 ; 1805, do., do. ; 1806, good, 1.75 ;
1809, fair, 1.25; 1837, uncir., 1.25; Half Cents, 1793, Ob. poor, 1.03; 1802, good, 1.65; Washington
Cent, large Eagle, proof, 6.50 ; Oval Sleeve Button, Silver, Bust of Washington, 3.50 ; Liverpool Half

22 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

Penny, Washington President, 1.50 ; North Wales Half-penny, Bust of Washington, 2.00 ; Half Disme,
Martha Washington Head, 5.50; Feuchtwanger's Three Cent piece, Rev. Eagle on a Rock, 1837, 5.00;
another, Rev. Eagle flying with a snake, 1837, 4.50 ; Nickel Cent, 1856, fine, 1.60 ; Greek Silver Coins,
Tetradrachms ; Pergamus, 6.00 ; Amyntas, 8.00.

. Paper Money of Massachusetts, Bill of Forty Shillings, Nov. 21, 1708, $7.00 ; May 31, 1710,
Twenty Shillings, 3.00; June 20, 1744, One Shilling, 6.00 ; Aug. 18, 1775, Two Shillings and Sixpence,
2.13; Aug. 18, 1775, Twenty Shillings and Sixpence, 1.75 ; Aug. 18, 1775, Forty Shillings, 1.00 ; Dec
7, 1775, Eightpence, 1.25 ; same date, One Shilling and fourpence, 1.50 ; do., One Shilling and Sixpence,
1.37 ; do., Three Shillings and Fourpence, 1,37 ; do. Two Shillings and Eightpence, 1.37; do., Thirty-
Six Shillings, 4.00 ; June 18, 1776, Threepence and Sixpence, two notes, 1.75 each; same date, One
Shilling and Threepence, and Ninepence, two notes, 2.25 ; same date, One Shilling and Eightpence and
Three Shillings and Sixpence, 1.75 ; do., Four Shillings and Fourpence, 1.75 ; do., Bill of $4 and $7.
2.25 each ; nine others, 1776— 1779, 1.00 to 2,00 each. Quite a full series of the Bills of Conn., R I.,
N. H., N. Y., N. J., Penn., Del., McL, Va., N. C, S. C. and Ga., brought from five cents to two dollars
each.

Priced Catalogues of the Sale can be obtained of Edward Cogan, 408
State Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.

CLEVELAND SALE.

The sale of the Collection of Coins, Medals and Paper Money, Auto-
graphs and Books of Edmund Cleveland, of Elizabeth, N. J., took place at
the rooms of Messrs. Bangs,. Merwin & Co., N. Y., May 7 and 8, 1872.
The following are some of the prices :

Greek Tetradrachms, Athens, very fine, $3.50 ; Philip, poor, 2.25 ; - Alexander the Great, 4.00 ;
Lysimachus, 4.50 ; Hemidrachm of Histiaea, 2.50 : Teos, 83c ; Athens, 1.13 ; Victoriatus, 1.25 ; do., 1.13 ;
Ptolemy Soter, G. B., 1.25 ; Roman Silver, Denarii, Fabia, 75c : Porcia, 60c ; Procilia, very fine, 1.50 ;
Imperial Denarii, 25 to 50c ; Roman Brass, Vespasian, fine, 1.25 ; other brass, 10 to 75c.

English Silver, Robert, Scotch Groat, fine, $1.38 ; Charles I. Half Crown, 1.75 ; do. Oxford Four-
pence, 1.00 ; Commonwealth Shilling, 1.75 ; Pontefract Castle Siege Shilling, 1.00; George I. Hano-
verian Crown, fine, 3.00 ; George II. Half Crown, fine, 88c; do. Shilling, fine, 60c; Victoria Gothic
Crown, proof, 6.75 ; do. One-Third Farthing, pattern, bronze, 2.75 ; English Tokens, 5 to 30c

Canada, Front and Side View of Bank of Montreal Halfpenny, fine, 7.00; "Gloriuvs III. Vis.,
'Claudius Romanus,' 1774, rev. * Delectan Dus,' also 'Gloriuvs III. Vis.* 1771, rev. 'Britain Rule ' half-
penny, 6c each ; the Belleville token, 55c; Mexico, &c, Maximilian Dollar, 1.75; do. 50 cent, 1.13;
Peru Dollar, 2.00 ; Chili Media Decimo, silver, pattern, 35c. Germany, &c, Rudolph Augustus and
Anthony Ulrich, Broad Silver Dollar, uncirculated, 2.75 ; Hesse, William Landgrave, fine, 55c ; Hano-
ver, 1660, Quarter Dollar, uncirculated, 1.63 ; Spain, Silver Pillar Dollar, 1.50 ; Frederick the Great
Medal, 1.50; Medals of J. J. Rousseau, bronze, proof, 2.00; Dr. Kane, 1.5a

Foreign Silver Medals, George III. Funeral, $2.50 ; George IV. do., 2.75 ; ; Bethnal Green Vol-
unteer Infantry, 3.25 ; Isaac Newton by Dassier, 2.50 ; Martin Luther, 6.00, Philip Jacob Spencer, 6.00 ;
The set of French Kings by Caque, 51.80 ; Old Port of Rome, Cathedral Medal, 4.00.

U. S. Dollars, 1796, a little circulated, $3.00; 1798, do., 2.10; 1799, do., 2.13; 1841, do., 2.25;
Half Dollar, 1 814, 1.00 ; 1826, do., 1.13. U. S. Cents, 1798, fair, 2.2^; 1794, fine, 4.00; 1796, good,
2.00 ; 1799, poor, 2.25 ; 1822, nearly uncirculated, 1.00 ; Pine Tree Shilling, very good, 4.00 ; do. Three
pence, 2.13 ; Oak Tree Sixpence, 2.00 ; Rosa Americana Penny, no crown, 2.50; do. Half Penny, 1.75 ;
( "" do. Penny with crown, 3.25 ; (Cob dollar, 2.25j5"Massachusetts Half Cent, nearly uncirculated, 2.C0;
Auctori Plebis, 1.12; ImmunisColumbia, gooa74.75 ; Kentucky Cent, plain edge, fine, 1.38; do. let-
tered edge, 2.00 ; Franklin Press Cent, fine, 1.38.

Medals relating to America, George II. Indian, 3.25 ; The Queen Anne Vigo Medalet, more par-
ticularly described in the American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. IV., page 44, uncirculated, 7.00 ;
Admiral Vernon, 1.13 ; Jernigen Cistern, 1.38; Holland recognition of the U. S., 28.00; Ubertas Amer-
icana, 6.50. Geographical Medals, Francis I., 1515, "Unus nob sufficit Orbis," 2.13; Segunda Epoca,
1. 1 3 ; U. S. A. Bar Cent, 2.00 ; 18 18 Cent, incuse, (probably unique) 3.25 ; 1836 Dollar, 4.50 ; Ten Cent
Postage Currency, silver, 4.25 ; Complete Set of Postal ana Fractional Currency, 34 pieces, 17.00 ; $1.00
Greenback, No. 1, 11.00. Medals, Nathaniel Green, for Eutaw, tin, 3.00 ; other Revolutionary and 1812
medals, 1.00 to 2.25.

Washington Coins and Medals, Before Boston, $2.25 ; Georgius Triumpho, 2.00 ; " Born Virginia,"
8.50 ; Voltaire, 7.50 ; Manly, tin, 2.25 ; Westwood, 5.00 ; Large Eagle Cent, uncirculated, 5.00 ; Small
Eagle Cent, very fine, 10.00 ; Liberty and Security, 1795, 2.50 ; North Wales, 3.00 ; Benevolent Society,
3.50 ; Pattern 5 Cent Piece, head to right, "In God we trust," 4.13 ; Presidential Indian Peace Medals,

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 23

about 1. 00 each ; Buchanan, Rose Medal, 2.85 ; Lincoln, rev. Bell, 2.25 ; Lincoln, size 9, brass, 1.50 :
The Assasination Medal, 1.50 ; Grant Swiss Medal, 7.50 ; Army Corps Badges, the set of 31, 2.25
each.

Numismatic Books, Akerman's Coins of Cities and Princes, $5.00 ; Anthon's Greek and Roman
Antiquities, 4.50 ; Gouge's Short History of Paper Money and Banking, 2.25 ; Mudie's National
Medals, 2.00 ; Pinkerton, 1.00 per volume.

The greater part of the collection brought very good prices. The Cata-
logue is a handsome specimen of typography. Printed on fine tinted paper,
large 8vo., pp. 76.

EARLY COPPER CURRENCY IN AMERICA.

When the American Copper Coin is to be struck, it will be necessary,
that the genuine British halfpence, or coppers, should pass current here, at
112 1-2 to the dollar, or 15 to the shilling; which is only 4 1-6 per cent more
than the rate at which they circulate in Britain. The circulation of the Bir-
mingham and other counterfeit and base coin, should be totally suppressed,
whereby an end would be put to the iniquitous trade of importing into this
country (or manufacturing here) such base coin, and purchasing gold and
silver with it, of near four times its intrinsic value (comparing their nominal
sums) for exportation ; a trade which is carried to a most alarming height,
and attended with very dangerous consequences. — Columbian Magazine^
April, 1 788, p. 200.

NEW YORK COPPER COINAGE.

Report of a Committee, March 3, 1787 :

" They find that there are various sorts of copper coin circulating in
this State, the principal whereof are, —

First A few genuine British half-pence of George II., and some of an
earlier date, the impressions of which are generally defaced.

Secondly. A number of Irish half-pence, with a bust on one side, and a
harp on the other.

Thirdly. A very great number of pieces, in imitation of British half-

pence, but much lighter, of inferior copper, and badly executed* These are

generally called by the name of Birmingham Coppers, as it is pretty well

known that they are made there, and imported in casks, under the name of

Hard Ware, or wrought Copper.

Fourthly. There has lately been introduced into circulation, a very
considerable number of coppers of the kind that are made in the State of
New Jersey. Many of these are below the proper weight of the Jersey
Coppers, and seem as if designed as a catch-penny for this market."

Journal of the Assembly, N. K, 1787, p. 78. See American Museum,
Vol. 2, p. 403, Philadelphia, 1 789.

* Among these pieces we should place those often met with bearing the inscriptions, " Gloriuvs
III. Vis;" "Glorious Howe;" "Cornwal lis Ind;" "Delectan Dvs:" "Britain Rule;"
u Claudius Romans," &c, &c.

24 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

EDITORIAL.

The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal propose to issue a quarterly magazine, to be
entitled The Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal, "illustrative of the early History of
Canada and kindred subjects," the first number to appear on the first day of July, 1872. Terms,
$1.50, Canadian currency. Subscriptions received by R. W. McLachlan, P. O. Box 864, Montreal,
Canada.

In answer to a correspondent, we have to say that copying rare coin is, under any pretence, a bad
practice, and liable to abuse.

We have received the report of the first year's proceedings of the Liverpool Numismatic Society,
[England.] The Society was organized December, 1870. The present officers are Mr. E. Leigh ton,
President; G. H. Ahlborn, J. Harris Gibson, F. J. JefFery, Council; Mr. Henry Ecroyd Smith, Curator;
Mr. David Thom. Stewart, Sub-Curator; Mr. Henry F. Brown, Librarian; Mr. Hey wood Chapman,
Hon, Secretary and Treasurer.

Mr. Edward Cogan, 408 State Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., has been named by the Messrs. Wyon, the
celebrated engravers of London, as their agent to procure subscribers for the medal in commemoration
of the recovery of the Prince of Wales. The price in gold is $125 ; silver, $10.50; and bronze, $3.75.

We have received from Mr. Alfred Sandham, a copy of his Supplement to Coins 9 Tokens and
Medals of the Dominion of Canada. Montreal, 1872, pp. 11. It gives an account of many interesting
pieces, including the description of a very rare French coin, struck in 1670, for circulation in Canada, a
copy of which was presented to the Boston Numismatic Society, by Mr. George F. Ulex, of Hamburg,
Germany, and shown at the meeting in January last It also contains a chart of engravings, which is of
great value to collectors. Mr. Sandham is well known to the readers of the Journal as an accurate
scholar in Canadian numismatics, and we always welcome anything from his pen.

Description of the Paper Money issued by the Continental Congress of the United States and
the several Colonies. Philadelphia, 1871. Small* quarto, pp. 24. The above pamphlet, issued by Mr.
J. W. Haseltine, contains seven fac-similes of Notes of New Jersey, Vermont, New York [2], Maryland,
South Carolina and Georgia.

Robert Fulton built for the United States, in 18 14, a steamer called the "Fulton." "One rule he
uniformly observed was to have in use copper and not iron boilers ; the latter, he thought, were too
liable to explosion, and the explosion of iron he believed, would be very disastrous. Wherefore, the boiler
of the ' Fulton,' which vessel was built in the time of the last British war with the United States, when
copper was very scarce and dear, was composed in part of the copper of coined cents."

The Hebrew Coin, Medal or Amulet, of which a subscriber sends an account — described in
"An Essay on Ancient Coins, Medals and Gems," by the Rev. R. Walsh, L.L. D., &c, London, 1828,
was noticed in Vol. Ill, p. 43, of the Journal. Prof. Anthon, after investigating the subject, was of the
opinion that it was a " fictitious " piece.

CURRENCY.

Truth is the best coin current

A mite, English, is one-third of a farthing.

A red kind of wood is current in Angola as coin.

A thing sometimes brought to pass — a counterfeit bill.

In Africa the Cowrie, a small shell, is used as currency.

Shipping interest — sending gold to Europe to pay coupons.

A million dollars in gold, according to the figures at the mint, weigh about two tons.

An ornithologist wants to know what sort of eagle flies the highest. Golden eagles fly the fastest,
we are sure of that

Bezant was the name of a gold coin struck at Byzantium in the time of the Christian Emperors.

In Peru, the pod of the Uchu, a species of Capsicum, is used as a coin.

The "Vargas Dollar," coined by the Republican General, Vargas, 181 1 and 12, in Mexico.

ERRATUM.
Pine Tree Two-pence, Vol. VI., page 100, for 1762, read 1662.

PAYMENTS FOR THE JOURNAL.
Volume VI., July, 1871, to July, 1872.

Boston, Mrs. Bruen, H. W. Holland, B. B. Torrey, W. F. Johnson, T. P.
Ritchie, Charles Francis Adams, E. L. Mitchell, J. H. Power, G. F. Seavey;
Cambridge, W.G.Stearns; Hin^ham, F. Burr; Lancaster, Mrs. Leighton ;
New York City, J. E. G.iy, E. Steiger, R. Morris ; Philadelphia, J. G. Hoff-
man, E. H. Coates; Harrisburg, J. Curvven; Chicago, III, C. S. Fellows; Bur-
lington, Wis., F. S. Perkins; St. Louis, Mo., J. B. Clemens; San Francisco,
Cat., N. Landry, G. B. Bailey; Quebec, Canada, C. Tessier.

Volume VII., July, 1872, to July, 1873.
Boston, J. E. Root, W. S. Appleton, S. A. Green, J. Colburn, J. H.
Power; Woburn, Mass., M. Littlefield; Springfield, C. P. Nichols, J. Parker,
A. S. Bryant, Wm. Clogston ; Bangor, Me., E. M. Field ; Providence, R. I., J.
L. Chapin ; Montpelier, Vt., M. D. Gilman ; New York City, W. Poillon, C.
E. Anthon, Robert Morris, R. O'Brien, Daniel Parish, Jr., I. F. Wood, Amer.
Numismatic and Arch. Society ; Brooklyn, N. Y., M. L. and M. E. Wood ;
Lancaster, N. Y., F. H. James; Katonah, W. H. Lewis ; Norwich, N. Y, J. S.
Randall; Dover, N. J., C. McFarlen ; Newark, N. J., E. J. Cleveland; Tren-
ton, N. J., State Library; Railway, N. J., H. H. Bowne; Philadelphia, J. R.
Baker ; Towanda, Pa., R. A. xMurcer ; Cincinnati, 0., T. Cleneay ; Baltimore,
Md., M. Cohen; Richmond, Va., T. H. Wynne, Virginia State Library;
Junction City, Kansas, C. E. Alioth ; New Orleans, La., E. T. Florance ; Mon-
treal, Canada, A. Sandham ; Paris, France, N. G. Carnes.

Reprinted from 2d [Copyright) Edition. A supplement to " Coins,
Tokens and Medals of Canada," by Alfred Sandham, Author of Coins of
Canada, Montreal Past and Present, Prince of Wales Medals, &c Corres-
ponding Member of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society,
(New York), Numismatic and Antiquarian Society (Philadelphia), and New
England Historic-Genealogical Society (Boston).

The supplement describes a large number of Coins and Medals addi-
tional to those named in the first edition. It also contains fac similes of 14
rare medals never before published. Paper covers, uncut, and may be bound
with the original work. Price 50 cents (gold). To be procured only from
the Author, Box 594 P. O. Montreal, Canada.

Also, McGILL COLLEGE AND ITS MEDALS, beautifully printed
on heavy tinted paper, with 5 pages of photographic illustrations. Price
$2.00, gold.

HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER

AND ANTIQUARIAN JOURNAL.

ISSUED QUARTERLY BY THE

NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY,

IN JANUARY, APRIL, JULY, AND OCTOBER.

Each number contains matter interesting to the Historian and Antiquarian,
and is embellished with one or more portraits, engraved on steel.

Subscription, $3.00 per annum. Application can be made at the Society's

Building, No. 18 Somerset Street, Boston.

EDWARD COGAN,

DEALER IN

Gold,

Silver and Copper Coins and Medals,

No. 408 STATE STREET,
BROOKLYN, N Y

THE AMERICAN BIBLIOPOLIST,

(MONTHL Y,)

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Contains a Priced Catalogue of OLD AND NEW BOOKS FOR
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He has on hand a few copies of My Campaigns in America ; a Journal
kept by Count William de Deux-Ponts, 1780-81. Translated from the
French manuscript, with an Introduction and Notes, by Samuel Abbott Gi

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

DEALER IN

Curiosities, Coins, Medals, Tokens, Continental, Colo-
nial and Confederate Paper Money, and Books relating to the same.

512 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA.

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Vol. VII.— No. 2.] /^0^M^Jp~Qy.. J [Whole No. 58.

AMERICAN

Journal of Numismatics,

AND

BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES.

October, 1872.

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

QUARTERLY.

COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

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SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEN.
JEREMIAH COLBURN.

' V j* *X \

SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED BY

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AND

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All Communications to be addressed to Jeremiah Colburn, 18 Somerset Street, Boston. Mass.

CONTENTS.

The Origin of Mark Newby Coppers,
(Concluded,) ....

Pattern Piece of Oliver Cromwell,

Mark Newby and his Copper Coin,

Captain Kidd's Treasure Found,

Japanese Money,

Swedish Gold Medal, .

Trading for Coins among the
Arabs, ....

American Coins and Coinage,

Ancient Greek Coin, .

Correspondence,

Japanese Alms-giving,

An Old Collector,

The Anglo-American Coinage,

PAGE

30
31
32
32

33
35
37
38
38
39
39

Transactions of Societies:
Boston Numismatic Society,
Coins for South Carolina, .
United States Cents, .
Lincoln Medals, .
Ewing Medal,
Hibernias of James II.
Roman Antiquities,
Anglo-American and American Coins
Archaeology,
The First Federal Coin,
The Word "Money," .
Obituary, ....
Editorial, ....
Currency, ....

WAUM

4*
42

45
46

47
48

"DESCRIPTION OF THE PAPER MONEY ISSUED BY THE
CONTINENTAL CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES

AND THE SEVERAL COLONIES,"

By JOHN W. HASELTINE, {privately printed)

ILLUSTRATIONS OF SEVEN DIFFERENT NOTES BY THE PHOTO-ZINCOGRAPHIC

PROCESS.

It is handsomely printed on tinted paper, in paper covers, so that purchasers can
bind it to suit themselves.

Price $1.60, postage paid.

Also just published, a Priced Catalogue of Medals, Coins, Paper Money, &c.

For sale by

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

5 1 2 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, — THE SEVENTH VOLUME BEGINNING

JULY 1st, 1872.

Subscription, two dollars per Volume, in advance.
Communications desired from those interested in the Science.

Address

July 1st, 1872.

JEREMIAH COLBURN,

1 8 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS,

AN D

Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies.

Vol. VII. BOSTON, OCTOBER, 1872. No. 2.

THE ORIGIN OF MARK NEWBY COPPERS.

(Continued from Vol ym. p. ia.)

Harris in his edition of Sir James Ware's works, published in 1745, after
describing the copper Patricks, informs us that, " John Putland, Esq., has
among his curious Collections the two before-mentioned Pieces struck in
Silver, no way differing but in the Metal, and that they are milled, which
Copper Money never is."

This passage having escaped Simon s notice, and also Dr. Cane's, he
supposes that there was only one kind of silver coin, and asserts that it is
" from a separate die."

I happen to be the possessor of one of the silver pieces alluded to by
Harris. It is the identical coin which belonged to Mr. Putland, and from a
careful comparison of it with one of the larger copper Patricks, it is evident
that it was struck from the same die as the copper coin. The existence of
this piece, which, as far as I know, is unique, is of considerable importance
respecting the question before us, for if the smaller pieces were issued as
shillings, we must conclude that the larger pieces were intended to pass at
some higher denomination.*

This piece is somewhat worn, and weighs 176 J grains. Of three of the
smaller pieces of silver in my cabinet, one, which is in the highest state of
preservation, weighs 123 grains; the other two are somewhat worn, and
weigh, respectively, 108 and 107 grains. Now taking the weight of one
of the smaller pieces which is worn, to that of the larger piece which is in
similar condition, it is as 1 to 1.64, consequently, it cannot be believed that
they were intended to pass for shillings and six-pences.

I have already controverted the opinion that these coins were " brought
over by Rinunccini for the use of the Confederate army," and the conclusion
I draw from the evidence now adduced is, that they are " model," or proof
pieces from the dies of the copper coins, which is supported by the existence
of a proof in lead in my cabinet, from the dies of the smaller copper coin.
I may also add, that proofs in silver of the Irish half-pence of Charles the

VOL. VII.

26 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [Octobek,

Second, date 1680 and 1681, and of William the Third, 1696, as well as of
the different kinds of James the Second's gun-money, are not uncommon.

Dr. Cane asserts his belief in the opinion of the late Dean Dawson,
which Mr. Lindsay " is inclined to agree with," that the copper Patricks were
coined for pence and half-pence. Thoresby, in 171 5, the first who notices
these coins, says, they " were current, I presume, for half-pence and farthings,
for they are of different dimensions." Nicolson, Harris, and Simon, were of
the same opinion ; and Leake, the first who mentions the weight of these
coins, informs us that the larger weighed from 130 to 135 grains, and the
smaller from 90 to 96 grains; "but for what value they were originally
intended, or made current, is uncertain. Afterwards they passed for the
value the common people put upon them ; and being something heavier than
King Charles the Second's best Irish half-pence, went currently for such."

Of nine good specimens of Charles the Second's Irish half-pence in my
cabinet, the weight varies from 105 to 119 grains, except one, which weighs
129 grains.

Three of my specimens of the larger Patrick, with the star near the
crown, weigh, respectively, 142, 144, and 148 grains, and one without the
star weighs 145 grains. The weight of ten varieties of the smaller coin
ranges from 77 to 102 grains, while one of them, which is in a high state of
preservation, weighs only 92 grains.

We now know that when the Confederate copper money was coined, it
was ordered to be made into farthings and halfpence, and " that everie pound
of Copper be made to the value of 2s. &/.,"* that is, sixty-four half-pence to
the pound Troy of 5760 grains, which fixes the weight of the half-penny at
ninety grains. Some of the finest specimens of the Confederate half-pence
which I know of, weigh much less than ninety grains. I find the average
weight of thirteen to be only seventy-three grains.

It is evident, therefore, that the weight of the coins which were
undoubtedly issued under the authority of the Confederate Assembly bears
no fixed relation to the weight of the Patricks ; but the question as to whether
the latter were pence and half-pence, or half-pence and farthings, is not of
much consequence, and can only be decided by some better authority than
has yet been discovered. The concurrent testimony, however, of all the
writers quoted in the preliminary part of this paper, and the fact that the
Confederates coined half-pence and farthings, militate against the opinion
which Dr. Cane has adopted, without supporting it by any additional
evidence.

Fourth. — " That it is a coin of the reign of Charles II., it is not only
broad of the fact, but it is absurdly so." — " And as to the opinion that it is a
coin of the class of Dublin tokens, the same objections hold equally good,
while there are superadded to them, the fact that no civic, corporate, or town
token in Ireland is to be found so elaborately executed, containing such
enigmatical allusions, or honoured by having issued in three separate editions,
and from three separate and distinct dies."

I have already shown that Evelyn, in 1697, classed the silver proof of
the small Patrick among the medals of the reign of Charles the Second ;
Thofesby and Harris were of the same opinion ; but Nicolson, Leake, and

* Transactions of the Kilkennny Archaeological Society, vol. i. p. 452.

i*72.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. *7

Simon, assign the coin to the reign of Charles the First, without giving any
sufficient reason. I am disposed to attach more weight to the opinion of
Evelyn, who was the first to notice the coin, nor do I consider that I am
acting " absurdly " in attempting to show that there is some probability in the
opinion that the St Patricks were issued in the reign of Charles the
Second.

The copper money now known to have been coined by order of the
Confederate Assembly is of the same type as the farthings issued in 1625,
immediately after the accession of Charles the First The legend on the
Confederate half-pence is, carolvs. (or caro) d. g. mag. bri. fran. et. hiber.
rex., and the initials c. r. are placed at the sides of the harp on the reverse.

The Restoration of Charles the Second took place on the 29th of May,
1660, about which time it appears that comparatively few tradesmen's tokens
were issued in Ireland. The only one I know of with the date 1660 is hen.

COKER* OF. DROHEDAES. IRELAND. r66o. Reverse, FOR. NECESSARY. CHANGE. A. .

penny. tok\ which is published in Snelling's second additional plate to
Simon, fig. 6. This coin is of brass, and has a cruciform piece of copper
inserted in its centre, a peculiarity not noticed by Snelling. There is only
pne with the date 1661, thomas. cooke. of. michels. town. i66i., but not
pne with the date 1662 has yet been discovered.

Tokens of the years 1659 and 1663 are numerous, and although there
are many others without date, it is reasonable to suppose that there was a
temporary suspension of the issue of private tokens, particularly in Dublin,
for three years ; the facts now stated, and the existence of the arms of the
city of Dublin on the larger St. Patrick tend to support the opinion, that the
St Patricks were issued in Dublin at some time between the Restoration and
the year 1680, when regal copper haJtpence were coined for Ireland.

There is another interval from 1673 to 1679, during which there is not
any Dublin token with a date, except one which is published by Simon
(pi. 8, fig. 175). Obverse, the. dvblin, halfpennie., in the centre a shield
bearing the city arms, over which is the date, 1679. Reverse, long. live. the.
icing, in the centre a harp surmounted by a regal crown. A specimen of this
half-penny, though somewhat worn, weighs 177 grains, which is 29 grains
more than the heaviest of the larger Patricks.

The Irish tokens of the seventeenth century may not be so " elaborately
executed," or contain "such enigmatical allusions," as the St Patricks, yet
some of them present evidence that ait was not at that period 30 low in
Ireland as Dr. Cane supposes. The Dublin penny published by Snelling
(second additional plate to Simon, fig. 7), and the Cork penny (ibid. fig. 8), are
instances which I select, because they are engraved, and others might be
mentioned which are superior in execution and design.

Fifths — "That the idea expressed in the order for a knighthood in
4 honour of St Patrick and the glory of this kingdom,' would be the idea
carried out upon such a coin."

These words were written by Dr. Cane when he had satisfied himself
that the St Patrick coins were " those of the Confederate Assembly," and
before he was acquainted with the type of "the coinage which really was
minted in Ireland.' ^

The Earl of Castlehaven, and others, were ordered to "present unto the
supreme council of this kingdom an institution and order of knighthood

S o AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

facing the left. Rev. reward of merit by the school committee, to, in five
lines ; below stimpson. Silver, size 20.

VIII. THE GIFT OF FRANKLIN MDCCXC ; On edge of bust, MITCHELL ; bust of

Franklin, facing the left. Rev. On a label awarded to ; at the bottom, f. n.
mitchell. s c ; an ornament of rose-leaves, with two buds and a blown rose.
Silver, size 21.

IX. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN OB. XVII APRILIS MDCCXC J bust of Franklin,

facing the right, wearing a high cap. Rev. fulminis tyrannidisque domitor ;
in exergue lageman fecit : an electric battery, a pile of books surmounted by
an inkstand, a broken sceptre and chains, and a globe, above which rests a hat
Bronze, size 25.

X. benjamin franklin, caque f. ; bust of Franklin, facing the left. Rev.

NATUS BOSTONIjE IN AMERICA FOEDERATA AN. M.DCC.VI. OBIIT AN M.DCC.XC. SERIES
NUMISMATICA UNIVERSALIS VIRORUM ILLUSTRIUM. M.DCCCJCVIII. DURAND EDIDIT.

Bronze, size 26.

XL benjaminus franklin ; bust of Franklin, facing the left. Rev. natus

AN. M.DCC.VL BOSTONI^E IN AMERICA FOEDERATA OBIIT AN. M.DCC.XC. SERIES NUMIS-
MATICA UNIVERSALIS VIRORUM ILLUSTRIUM M.DCCC.XIX. DURAND EDIDIT. Bronze,

size 26.

XII. Same obverse. Rev. les mac. franc, a franklin m.\ de la uo des

9 sceurs o.\ de paris 5778. 5829 pingret f. ; the masonic emblem of Jehovah in

• a triangle, surrounded by rays, within a serpent coiled in a circle, and around

this a pair of compasses and a square, entwined by olive-branches ; above, are

seven stars ; at the left, a mallet, and at the right, a trowel/ Bronze, size 26.

XIII. FRANKLIN INSTITUTE OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. l8 24 ; on edge

of bust, gobrecht f. ; bust of Franklin, facing the left. Rev. reward of skill
and ingenuity ; a wreath formed by a branch of laurel and a branch of oak ;
below, g. Silver, size 32.

XIV. FRANKLJN INSTITUTE OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA J "head of Frank-
lin, facing the left. Rev. the scott premium to the most deserving. Bronze,

size 34 1-2.

•

XV. Bust of Franklin, facing the left wearing a fur cap. Rev. franklin
institute of the state of Pennsylvania, award to. Bronze, size 24.

XVI. FRANKLIN BIENFAISANCE DU GENIE ; MONTYON GENIE DE LA BIEN-

faisance ; barre ; busts of Franklin and Montyon, facing the left. Rev. les

SOUSCRIPTEURS ASSOCIES POUR PROPAGER l'hISTOIRE DES BIENFAITEURS DE

l'humanite 1833, in seven lines within a wreath of two branches of oak, around

which, SOCIETE "MONTYON ET FRANKLIN POUR LES PORTRAITS DES HOMMES UTILES;

at bottom, a star. Silver, size 26 1-2.

XVII. MECHANICS LITERARY ASSOCIATION ROCHESTER J below the bust, R.

lovett. n. y.; bust of Franklin, facing the left. Rev. awarded to ; a wreath,
formed by a branch of laurel and a branch of oak, tied by a bow. Bronze, size 26.

XVIII. Same obverse. Rev. In exergue house of temperance ; a family
scene of a man and woman seated at a table in a room near an open window;
a child stands near the woman ; and in the room are a book-case and a globe.
Bronze, size 26.

i873-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 51

XIX. Same obverse. Rev. Washington temperance society; below the
bust, lovett n. y. ; head of Washington, facing the right. Bronze, size 26.

XX. Bust of Franklin, facing the left, in a wreath of olive. Rev. A
wreath formed of a branch of olive and a branch of oak ; at the junction, a rose
between a caduceus and a trident Lead, size 32.

XXI. ben" franklIn. l. l. d. ; bust of Franklin, facing the left, and wear-
ing a wig. Rev. blank. Bronze, size 23.

XXII. benjamin franklin ; wright & bale ; bust of Franklin, facing the
left, wearing a fur cap. Rev. wright & bale engravers and die cutters 68

WILLIAM ST. NEW YORK SEALS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION CARDS OF ADDRESS BOOK-
BINDERS tools, in seven lines. Brass, size 1 8. '

XXIII. Busts of Franklin and Washington, at three-quarter face towards
each other; in field, bale. Rev. par nobile fratrum, in three lines, within a
wreath of two branches of olive ; above the inscription, a rose ; and below it, a
rose with two leaves. Silver, size 1 7.

XXIV. Same obverse. Rev. Heads of Washington and Lafayette, facing
each other within a wreath of two branches of olive ; below, w & b. Brass, size

XXV. Bust of Franklin, at three-quarters face to the right; below,
bale. Rev. Bust of Washington, at three-quarters face to the left; below,
bale. Silver, size 13.

XXVI. benjamin franklin; bust of Franklin, facing the left,* wearing a
fur cap ; below, bale .and five stars. Rev. b. hooks. 276 broome street corner
of allen s T * in three straight lines, within two curved lines. Copper, size 12.

XXVII. Same obverse. Stamped with a mark of a dog before the face.
Rev. blank. Copper, size 11.

XXVIII. benjamin frankun; bust of Franklin, facing the left. Rev.
reward of merit, in three lines, within a wreath of two branches of olive.
Tin, size 18 1-2.

XXIX. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BORN JAN. I 7. I 706. J below the bust, MERRIAM ;

bust of Franklin, facing the left. " Rev. time is money, in three lines, within
two branches of olive, tied by a bow, around which, diligence is the mother
of good luck. Silver, size 20.

XXX. Same obverse. Rev. george washintgon. born February 22.
1 732 ; below the bust, merriam ; head of Washington, facing the right, Tin,
size 20.

XXXI. b. franklin ; bust of Franklin, facing the left ; below, in a label,

ERIPUIT CCELO FULMEN, SCEPTRUMQUE TYRANNIS. Rev. R. LOVETT STONE SEAL

engraver, & medalist new york. in six lines, first, third and sixth curving.
Brass, size 17 1-2.

XXXII. Same obverse. Rev. Bust of Washington, facing the left, in an
ornamental circular border. Copper, size 17 1-2.

XXXIII. benjamin franklin 1 86 1 ; bust of Franklin, facing the left.

Rev. S. H. ZAHM DEALER IN COINS, TOKENS MEDALS &C LANCASTER, PA., in six lines,

all curving, except the third, in. Copper, size 1 2.

52 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

XXXIV. benjamin franklin ; below the bust, e. sigel ; head of Frank-
lin, facing the right. Rev. broas bro s . new-yqrk. around a wreath of olive,
within which, army and navv in three lines; at each side, a star. Tin,
size 12.

XXXV. Same obverse. Rev. penny saved* is a penny earned in five
lines, within $ wreath formed of two branches of olive* tied by a bow;
above, a star. Copper, size 1 1 1-2.

XXXVI. T. BRIMELOW, DRUGGIST, 432 THIRD AVENUE. N. Y. around a

wreath formed by a branch of olive and a branch of laurel, within which is
the bust of Franklin, facing the left Rev. t. brimelow, druggist, 432 third
avenue, n. y. around a wreath of two branches of olive, within which is
1 863, divided by a mortar and pestle, above which is 1. Brass, size 1 5.

XXXVII. Outer circle, champion of American liberty, science and
manufactures. ; inner circle, ccelo eripuit fulmen sceptrumque tyrannis
franklin. ; on edge of bust, & JZ*ais bust of Franklin, facing the right. Rev.
Outer circle, national greatness requires industrial independence. r864;
in field, the metals composing this medal copper, zinc, nickel, were

MANUFACTURED BY JOSEPH WHARTON, OF PHILADELPHIA,- PA. FROM ORES MINED

by him in Pennsylvania., in nine lines, the first and last curving.- Bronze,
size 33 1-2.

XXXVIII. benjamin franklin ; head of Franklin, facing the left Rev.
• 1776, in a wreath of two olivfe branches. Silver, size 5.

XXXIX. GOD GIVETH ALL THINGS TO INDUSTRY-; in exergue DAVIS BIRM.

a youth seated reading at a table, on which are books and inkstand ; at right
a globe and a bust of Franklin on a pedestal, inscribed franklin; at the top,
a trumpet, passed through a wreath of- olive; in exergue two branches of
olive crossed. Rev. then plough deep while sluggards sleep and you
shall have corn to sell and to keep, forming two incomplete circles around
a bee-hive, which stands between a rose-bush and another shrub, and near
which bees are flying. Bronze, size 27.

I have also a shell of French work with head of Franklin, and inscrip-
tion, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN NE A BOSTON LE 1 7 JANVIER 1 706. MORT A PHILA-
DELPHIE EN 1 79O.

MEDALS OF LAFAYETTE.

Since communicating to the Journal for July, 1 871, (Vol. VI. p. 1,) my
article on the medals of Lafayette, I have obtained several more in Paris.
Number 29 (Vol. VI. p. 30) was already in my collection, and omitted by
aqcident, — being placed among medals of Washington. Another medal,
omitted for the same reason, is this : —

XXXV. Heads of Washington and Lafayette, facing each other, within
a wreath of two branches of olive ; below, w & b. Rev. Busts of Franklin
and Washington, at three-quarters face towards .each other; in field, bale.
Brass, size 17.

1 873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 53

Of those described by Mr. Stickney, (Vol. VI. p. 59, ) I now have number
33, the description of which was not there correctly given ; the words in the
exergue should read barricad des 272829)1830. I have also No. 2 in
silver, with revolution francaise. par lienard. an 9. n°. 5. on the edge.
My new medals are as follows : —

XXXVI. 1789 1830; head of Lafayette, facing the left; below, e. gat-

TEAUX. Rev. A LAFAYETTE l'aRRONEHSSEMENT DE MEAUX JUILLET 1830, in

five lines, within a wreath of oak. Bronze, size 32.

XXXVII. general lafayette; bust of Lafayette in uniform, facing
the right Rev. defenseur de la liberte en ameri 1777 en France 1789

et 1830 revue du 8 aout 1830, in eight lines, within a wreath of oak.

Tin, size 26.

XXXVIII. lafayette general en chef; bust of Lafayette ii> uniform,
facing the right Rev. liberte ordre public 1830. m borrel; two flags
crossed, on which a cock stands at the point of crossing. Bronze, size 9.

XXXIX. general lafayette; bust of Lafayette in citizen's dress,
facing the right Rev. l. philippe I. roi des francais 1830 ; head of Louis
•Philippe, facing the left ; below, montagny. Brass, size 8.

I have also two shells, or obverses of medals, differing entirely from any
yet described. Six or eight other medals, still different, are described in the
work of the Comte C. W. de Renesse Breidbach, entitled, Amusemens
Numismatiques.

W. S. A.

COINS OF THE EMPEROR DECIUS.

BY ROBERT MORRIS, LL. D.

From a Latin work containing brief comments {concisis interpretation-
ibus) by the celebrated coin-student, Vaillant, upon a number of Selectiora
Numismata pieces of " first bronze," put in his hands for that purpose by the
Abbe De Camps, (1695,) I will make an article, (by invitation) for the pages
of the Journal of Numismatics, and supply facsimiles of De Camp's coins as
they now appear in the great Coin-Museum of the Louvre at Paris. I select
several coins of the reign of Decius, (A. D. 249 to 251,) as affording a fair
variety of types within a moderate compass, and because, so far as I know,
these with descriptions, have not until now been reproduced in this country.

In regard to this prince (Decius) the reader can learn all he desires from
any Classical or Biographical Lexicon. A Senator of Rome, of a hardy spirit,
far-seeing and capable, he was advanced to the command of the Moesian army
A. D. 249, at a critical moment in the history of Rome. Then, by his own
legions, he was made Emperor. He discomfited his rival, Philip, in battle,
slew him and advanced upon Rome. He greatly signalized himself against
the Persians, but in his second year of rule he met the Goths in Moesia, was
defeated, his army totally destroyed, and himself and one of his sons slain, or
rather, smothered in a bog. " Such," says Gibbon, " was the fate of Decius

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

[January,

figure I.

in the fiftieth year of his age ; an accomplished prince, active in war and affable
in peace ; who, together with his son, has deserved to be compared, both in
life and death, with the brightest- examples of ancient virtue." It is not to be
overlooked, however, that Decius was a very cruel persecutor of the Chris-
tians, and this must go for what it is worth in forming an estimate of his
character.

This coin was struck, A. D. 249, in com-
memoration of the victory over his predecessor,
the Emperor Philip, which elevated Decius for
a brief period to the throne. The obverse has :

IMP C M Q TRAIANVS DECIVS AVG.

To read this correctly the reader will bear
in mind these facts :

1. No punctuation on Roman coins.

2. Very much abbreviation.

3. I represents J as well as I ; V, U as well as V.

Supplying missing letters, &c, the inscription reads: Imperator Caesar,
Messius Quintus Trajanus Decius, Augustus.

The portrait very well fills our idea of a plain, honest, hard-working soldier
of fifty. The peculiar crown and military embellishments covering the shoul-
ders are well drawn. Short beard and cropped hair were soldierly character^
istics. The letters " Tr. P." (Tribunitia potestate, or " Wielding the Tribuni-
tian power,") so often seen on Roman coins of the Emperors, was omitted by
this modest and patriotic ruler, because he had remitted that office to the
Senate, with other imperial prerogatives, including the right of stamping
money, which Hadrian, 1 30 years before, had arrogated to himself.

On the reverse we see a fine image of Victory, winged, bearing in her
right hand a crown, in her left a palm. Comparing this charming device, of
which every mark of the graver's tool expresses some symbolical thought,
with the crowded and tawdry work of modern mints as seen upon the medals
of the present day, we need no preacher to impress us with the fearful decay
of coin-art. The legend is Victoria August^ the Triumph of Augustus.

Our second specimen has the same refer-
ence as the first. The obverse bears the same
portrait and legend. It is easy to see, however,
that the dies used for this are not the same as
those in No. 1. Indeed, so frequently were the
dies changed in the ancient mint, owing to their
ignorance of the use of steel, that I think there
is no authenticated example of two Roman coins in any collection that were
incused between the same pair of dies ! So high a relief as these large bronze
coins received, could only have been achieved at the cost of many blows of
sledge hammers and much consequent fracturing and mashing down of the
engraved dies.

The reverse on this coin is worthy of special praise. How happy the
thought, Felicitas Saeculi, the " Prosperity of the Age," " The Felicity of the
Times." Our old numismatist, Vaillant, in his comment upon this specimen,
says that " the Felicity of the Times is worthily expressed in the coins of

FIGURE 2.

i873-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 55

Decius, for he was a man skilled in all arts and virtues, mild, domestic in his
tastes, and extremely prompt (promptissimus) in arms. Being thus equal to
the good Trajan, {of A. D. 98 to 1 17,) he merited, in the judgment of the Ro-
man Senate, the name of that Great Monarch," It is not strange that the
Roman world should so very greatly extol the Felicity of the Times under a
prince' of this standard.

Felicity is exhibited upon our specimen, holding out a caduceus in her
right hand, that is to say, a " Mercury's rod ; a wand entwined with two ser-
pents and surmounted by two wings; on medals it is a symbol of good con-
duct, peace and prosperity. The rod represents power, the serpents wisdom,
the two wings, diligence and activity" (Webster?) The caduceus here refers
to the conclusion of the civil war in Gallia by the generalship of Decius.

Felicity in her left hand holds a cornucopia, as demonstrating the abun-
dance of food procured by the prevalence of peace.

Our third specimen was struck by the citi-
zens of Pergamos, the most important city in
Mysia, m Asia Minor. This region, with the 1
territory of Lydia, adjacent on the south, em- '
braces all " the seven churches of Asia," to which
St John had addressed his celebrated letter a
century and a half before.and the portion directed figure 3.

to Pergamos has the interesting allusion to " the hidden manna and the white
stone." — (Rev. ii. 1 7.) The Greek tongue was vernacular there, and of course
the mintage of that region has Greek legends, like the one before us.

The portrait on the obverse is much like the last, save that the head is
bound with laurel and the garb a paludamentum, or soldier's cloak. The
inscription, represented by Latin characters, is avtk g mes kvin traianos
dekios.

This, in Latin, with the abbreviations filled up, would read : — Augustus
(for Autocrator), Caesar (for Kaisar), Messius, Quintus, &c. &c. The reader
can readily supply the rest

The reverse is more difficult, but with the exercise of a moderate degree
of numismatic skill, we shall solve it The figure represents Decius perform-
ing sacred rites before an altar at the time when he came to the city of Per-
gamos from Syria, or hastened there against Priscus, the brother of the Em-
peror Philip, his predecessor. His sacrifice is to Bacchus, the Oriental Victor
(Orienlis Victor), which has reference to his victories over the Persians. Bac-
chus therefore is seen in graceful attitude holding out to him the crown of
victory. Lo, the god of wine I crowned with ivy and ivy leaves, in his left
hand a thyrsus, or " staff entwined with ivy, surmounted with a pine cone or
bunch of vine leaves, or with grapes and berries." How charming the un-
wasted youth, ** the eternal boy," as he stands jauntily before the grave old
soldier.

To read all these Greek letters, let us begin with the exergue (or line at
the bottom). Proton, or " chief," has reference to the primacy or chieftainship
which was early awarded by the Romans to the great and rich city Pergamos
over her neighbors. The letter gamma is the figure 3, or third, and qualifies
Neokoron "third Neokori." The Neorokis, (literally, temple-server,) was an
office of honor referred to the great Temple of Diana at Ephesus. To be

34 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

every other visitor also says tyeeb. Hakeem, knowing exactly how the thing
will come out, goes on quietly with his reading, figuring out how old Isaac
was at the birth of Jacob's seventh son.

Tyeeb, tyeeb, murmurs Mohammed. Tyeeb, tyeeb, shouts the crowd.
Hakeem, oblivious of sublunary thoughts, works up his problem.

Hassan now proceeds to enlighten the confused mind of the Philistine,
by informing him that " the Hakeem never buys less than a thousand anteeks
at a time." Mohammed withdraws from the room. Consults with unseen
committee. Jingling of coins, exchange of oaths, awful but sincere. Returns
with a pouch full of anteeks.

u Tell him to pour them all out on the floor at once." •

A majority with the letter " M," in such large proportions that I would
fain suppose it represents my own name. Many of Maximian. A fair pro-
portion of Gordianus, and so, back and back, fewer and fewer, to the big
eagle of the Seleucidae and the Ptolemies, and Alexander himself.

" How much does he want for the whole lot? "

" As much as the Melican Hakeem pleases."

" I'll give him two francs."

An exclamation of horror from the Philistine, echoed by the crowd.
Mohammed cannot believe his own ears. Two francs ? He wants a hundred !

" Til give him twenty."

Repeated expressions of horror verging on despair. A smother of Arab
oaths outside, from the unseen committee. Twenty francs when they intended
to demand two hundred and fifty! Finally, after glancing through them, and
hastily reckoning up the number and the condition of the numismata, I
rise, and pronounce their doom : " Tell him thirty francs, and not a para
more I "

The first thought in the Arab's mind is to gather them up and bring
them back to me, a handful at a time, but Hassan, duly instructed under this
head, assures them, by Allah, " that the Melican Hakeem knows every
anteek in the pile, and he will never buy one of them unless he buys them
now."

Mohammed again retires. The court-yard is sulphurous with oaths. A
fight or two, in which Mohammed has his turban torn. Hassan whispers to
me, in words more emphatic than polite, " Set of d — d rascals. They 11 take
it, d — n 'em ! " which is not proper for one Moslem to say of another, nor for
me to hear. Result of the interview, they take the money, and the Hakeem
gets the coins.

In the bazaar some fine gold and silver pieces were offered me. I was
constrained to refuse, partly because I am not an expert in such objects,
which the natives counterfeit with wonderful ingenuity, and partly because I
had not the money to spare.

In concluding this hasty paper, which, indeed, is only fit for a spare
corner in your Journal, I will say, that we now have a gentleman in Syria,
engaged exclusively in making collections for us, and being well acquainted
with the languages as well as the customs of the people, he secures his
purchases at prices even more reasonable than the Melican Hakeem did at
Djebail.

187a.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 35

AMERICAN COINS AND COINAGE.

In the Numismatic Chronicle, Vol. III., (July, 1840, Jan., 1841,) London,
pp. 123-5, we find the following letter of the late William G. Stearns, of
Cambridge, one of the earliest collectors of coins in this vicinity, and a valued
member of the Boston Numismatic Society. Since the date of the letter,
mucK information in relation to American Coins and Coinage, has been
made known.

In the letter to Mr. Stearns, from Mr. Marshall, which follows, it will be
seen that, previous to that date, very little attention had been paid, among
collectors in England, to the rarity of dates.

" THE CURRENCY OF NORTH AMERICA.

At a meeting of the Numismatic Society, [London,] on the 28th of
May, 1840, the following letter, addressed by Mr. Stearns, of Boston, to Dr.
Bowditch, was read : —

My answer to your enquiries, in relation to the early history of the coin-
age of our country, must, from my want of accurate information on the sub-
ject, be very brief and imperfect, but such facts as are within my knowledge,
I communicate with great pleasure.

I pass over, without notice, the coins struck in Great Britain, for the
American Colonies, believing that much more is known of their history in
England than here. I refer, particularly, to the " American Rose Money "
of George I., the Maryland coins of Cecil, Lord Baltimore, and the Virginia
half-penny of George III., with the date 1773. Here I may remark, that
(probably) the best collection of American coins, struck before the adoption
of the Constitution of the United States, which is to be found in this country,
was bought in London, a few years since, by J. Francis Fisher, Esq., of
Philadelphia.

I have never seen any colonial coins, struck in this country^ except the
Massachusetts pine tree money, as it is called. As far as the coins of Massa-
chusetts are concerned, I refer you to the late treatise of Mr. Felt, which
contains all the information within my knowledge, in relation to the coinage
of this State ; I have heard, however, of the Good Samaritan Shilling of
Massachusetts, but of the coin I have never seen a description. Mr. Felt
informs me that he knows nothing of it.

Dr. Holmes, in his American Annals, (under the date of 1662,) says that
a mint was established in Maryland, in that year, and cites as his authority,
Chalmers, b. I. 248. I have never seen any coins which I supposed to have
been struck at this mint; they are, however, known in England* The few
Maryland coins, which have come within my notice, are too highly finished
to have been coined in this country at so early a period as the date above
referred to.

After, or during the American Revolution, and before the adoption of
the Constitution of the United States, five of the States, at least, (and per-
haps more,) established mints, viz.: Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut,
New York and New Jersey. It is said that in Rhode Island, a half penny

* The remark of Mr. Steams, that coins of Maryland were known in England, besides the Lord
Baltimore money, probably has reference to the Annapolis Money, which is of a much later date. — [Ed.

&6 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

was coined, called vulgarly, the a Bung-town," but this I have not seen.
There is also a gold coin of New York, of the value of about ten dollars, but
I know nothing of the place of its coinage, or of its history. Obverse* the
arms of New York. Reverse* the arms of the United States. The only
specimen within my knowledge, is in the possession of Mr. Gilmor, of
Baltimore. I have not seen the coin, and do not know even its date.

There are some six or eight copper coins with the head of Washington.
Whether they were struck by authority I know not I have but three of the
number. Most of them, it is supposed, were coined at Birmingham, on
private account, and put in circulation here as a speculation.

I send you, herewith, with much pleasure, all the duplicates of North
American Coins in my collection, struck before the year 1789, and with them
are the three small.silver coins of Hayti. I am sorry they are not in better
condition, and more worthy your acceptance.

I. The shilling, six-pence, three-pence, and two-pence of the Massa-
chusetts Colony.

II. The cents of the State of Massachusetts, dates 1787 and 1788, and
one-half cent, date 1787; I am not aware of the existence of any other coins
struck at the mint at which these were coined. All that I know in relation to
these coins, may be found in the treatise of Mr. Felt

III. A cent, or half-penny of Vermont.

IV. Two half-pennies of Connecticut.
V. Two half-pennies of New York.

VI. Three half-pennies of New Jersey.
VII. Two Washington Cents.

VIII. Four pieces (copper) of the United States, dates 1783, 1785,
1787; of these coins I know nothing, except that the "Dial Cent" of 1787
was struck by order of Congress.

IX. Three small silver coins of the Republic of Hayti, two of Boyer,
and one of Petion.

I have some duplicates of American coins, struck before the establish-
ment Qf the present mint, with which I can furnish you, if you should wish
to procure them.

Marshall, in his late treatise on the Silver Coin and Coinage of Great
Britain, says, " There are half-crowns (of Charles II.) of every date, from 1663
to 1684, except the years 1665, 1667, and 1668, in which I have not met with
any.

My collection of English coins is very small, but I have a half-crown of
Charles II., of the year 1668. Can you inform me whether it is really rare?
If so, I should like to know the fact

Permit me to add, in justice to myself, and by way of apology for the

. meagre information contained in this note, that I have never seen Ruding's

Annals of British Coinage ; I ordered a copy from England nearly a year ago,

but for reasons best known to the bookseller who promised to procure it for

me, it has not yet arrived.

If I can furnish you with any aid in your further enquiries, I shall be
very glad to do so.

Very respectfully yours,

Boston, March 18, 1840. W. G. STEARNS.

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 37

Ward End, near Birmingham, England, )

July 28, 1842. \

Dear Sir: — I received in due course, your obliging letter of 16th
ultimo, and also the copy of your Half Crown of Charles 2d, date 1668, for
which I beg you will accept my best thanks. My friend, Mr. J. D. Cuff, of
London, who has one of the best, if not the very best collections of English
and Saxon coins, was so fortunate as to meet with one of this date in August,
1838; this with your own, are the only ones I have yet heard of, but the fact
is, that, before the publication of my work, no attention had been paid to
dates by any previous author except Snelling, whose works, though very
valuable in many respects, and now very scarce, are not much to be relied
upon as to dates. Since the publication of my book, much attention has
been given to this subject, and some few dates before unknown, have made
their appearance.

I saw your letter to Dr. Bowditch, of 18th March, 1840, in answer to
some enquiries he had made respecting the early history of the coins of
your country, and which letter was read before the Numismatic Society in
London, on 2d May, 1840, and was published in the Numismatic Chronicle,
in October of the same year; I was there first made acquainted with the fact
of your possessing the Half-Crown of 1668. The only dates which have
occurred since my book was published, and which have come to my knowl-
edge, are as follows, viz: Charles 2d, Crown 1665, Half Crown 1668, shilling
1669, do. 1 68 1, without the Elephant and Castle under the head. William
3d Sixpence, 1699, without either Roses or Feathers on the reverse. William
4th Half Crown and Shilling, both dated 1837. These are, I believe, all in
the English Series, which are known, except what are mentioned in my View
of the Silver Coin, &c.

I remain, dear Sir,

Your much obliged servant,

GEORGE MARSHALL.
To W. G. Stearns, Esq.,

Boston, Mass.

ANCIENT GREEK COIN.

We were shown yesterday, a very ancient Greek coin, struck centuries ago,
the legend too indistinct for us to translate, still solid and weighty, though
much worn. How the fancy takes wings over such a memento, conjuring up
the spectacle of the people among whom it first saw the light, and of the
individuals through whose hands it has passed, generation after generation.
Perhaps when it first emerged from the mint it graced a monarch's purse, or
was part of the pin money of the queen ; it may have been a beggar s dole, or
a soldier's guerdon ; a widow's mite, or part of a miser's hoard ; the wages of
sin, or the earnings of honest labor. What a history of splendor and squalor,
of joy and sorrow, might one of these little coins tell us, had it a tongue to
speak its fortunes ! — Boston Daily Globe.

38 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

CORRESPONDENCE.

Editors of Journal of Numismatics :

The enclosed rubbings of coins in my possession, imperfectly as they
represent the originals, may be of interest

The medal of Charles the First, is of silver, in good preservation, the
figures and lettering in high relief. Obverse. Fine head of the king, side
face, after Van Dyke. Legend, " Carolus Brt : Pius Divus." " C. R."
Reverse. Figure of a hammer and anvil. Legend, " Inexpugnabilis " u 1648."
This medal seems to have been worn as a pendant, for a small portion is
broken out above the head of the king, in the place where a ring is often
attached.

It is well known that many medals, coins, etc., containing portraits of the
" blessed martyr," were secretly worn by the royalists, after the execution of
their royal master.

The other medal contains a long inscription in old German, a portion
being Luther's translation of the Old Testament, " God said unto Moses, make
to thyself a brazen serpent " ( ? ) I quote a friends version from memory.
Obverse, has the figures of Moses and the brazen serpent, with several figures
kneeling at the foot; a building like a church, in the background, with a tree.
Moses is endowed with two horns, a mediaeval representation of him from an
incorrect translation of the Bible, which stated that " the horns of his face
shone," after receiving the Tables of the Law. This coin is inferior, as a
work of art, to the preceding. It is also of silver, but I think not pure.

The small coin, in copper, is supposed to be of the Byzantine Empire.
It is particularly curious on account of the figure on the obverse being made
with a triple crown for the head, fitting into shoulders ; one hand grasps a
sword, the other the cross. If this figure is reversed, the head appears to be
a most perfect triple crown ! The coin is not in very good preservation, being
somewhat worn. •

It may be as well to state, that some years since, an account was published
in the Episcopal Recorder of Philadelphia, of a medal given by Luther, to his
wife Catharina von Bora, similar, in some respects, to the German medal above
described.

The drawing in ink, is of a coin found near Point Breeze, in the southern
part of Philadelphia. It was turned up underneath the sod, and might possi-
bly have been brought there by the Hessians, who were in that vicinity in the
latter part of the year 1777.

William John Potts.

Camden, N. % July 15, 1872.

Dr. Prime, in his " Travels in Japan," says : "Passing through a street and
seeing some forty or fifty coppers hanging on as many nails at the front of a
shop (the copper coin has a hole in the centre,) I inquired what they were
for, and was told they were placed there by the shopkeeper to save time and
trouble in answering the calls of the mendicants. When one came along he
simply took a copper and passed on, never abusing the charity of the shop-
keeper by taking two."

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 39

AN OLD COLLECTOR.

The celebrated numismatist, Vaillant, in his preface to Selectiora Numis-
mata, 1695, thus speaks of the gentleman whose coins he is about to describe.
The opening passage is a good description of the* operations of a laborious
coin-collector.

" The most illustrious Abbe de Camps, has gathered up, through an ex-
tended series of years, from every quarter, and out of all sorts of materials, with
the greatest assiduity, and at very great cost, a store of ancient coins of all
varieties of type, with such a degree of success, that at length his collections
have become richer in the different departments of numismatics, than those of
many princes. For, if, indeed, those personages possess very many coins,
(nummos Iiabent permultos,) his consist in a wealth of the larger specimens,
(numismata maximi moduli mole,) incused with uncommon perfection of
workmanship, and embracing a full series of the Roman emperors, with a few
exceptions, and also, whatever of the more illustrious events in Roman history,
are recorded upon coins."

By the way, I would inquire, through your columns, is there a second
copy of this excellent work in the United States? I bought mine in a book-
stall in London, for nine pence, and have already got good enough out of it to
make it worth an Eginetan talent ! r. m.

THE ANGLO-AMERICAN COINAGE.

BY THE REV. HENRY CHRISTMAS, F. R. S.

The following extracts are from an article in the Numismatic Chronicle,
London, 1862, Vol. 2, new series, p. 20.

Lord Baltimore Money, 1660* — The silver pieces were shillings, half-
shillings, and groats ; and the copper, of which one specimen only has come
down to our time, consisted of pennies. The Maryland penny was success-
ively in the collections of Mr. Hodsol and of Mr. Martin ; it is now no longer
in this country, having been purchased at the sale of the last-named Collec-
tion, for the large sum of ^75, and sent to America.

James II., 1 685-1 688. — Obv. Jacobus II. D. G. Mag. Bri. Fran. Et Hib.
Rex. Figure of James, on horseback, to the right, in armor, laureled, and
wearing a side sash. He holds in his right hand a truncheon, which rests on
his hip. The horse stands on a pedestal, and is rearing on his hind legs.
Rev. Val. 24. Part. Real. Hispan. Four shields, cross-wise, crowned, the
crowns dividing the words; the shields, which are joined by chains, bear the
arms of England, Scotland, France and Ireland. This piece has a milling
round the legend and round the edge. It has no date. The dies came, some
years ago, into the possession of an English dealer, who struck off many
specimens. Tin, weight 138 grains.

William and Mary, 1 688-1 694. — Of this reign we have two American
pieces — the New England half-penny and that of Carolina. , These appear

•See Journal, Vol. III. p. 85, for an account of the Coinage of Lord Baltimore, with a Tabular
View of Prices, by Daniel Parish, Jr. The unique penny was sold at the Mickley Sale, to a Mr.
Stevens, for $370.00.

40 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

to have been private speculations, and to have had no very extensive cur-
rency. They are both extremely rare, and command high prices. They are
of English manufacture, and there is no doubt that they are by the same
engraver as the London half-penny of the same period.

Carolina Half-penny. • Obv. An elephant to the left. Rev. God Preserve
Carolina and the Lords Proprietors, 1694. Weight 156 grains.

New England Half-penny. Obv. An elephant to the left. Rev. God
Preserve New England, 1694. Weight 160 grains.

These pieces are sometimes found of brass, and sometimes of copper.
The obverse is not only similar to, but absolutely from the same die as the
London half-penny; but, whereas the London half-penny weighs from 210 to
240 grains, the heaviest of the Carolina and New England half-pennies do
not exceed 160 grains.

George I., 1 714-1727. — The reign of George I. was at once remarkable
and unfortunate, with regard to its Irish and American coinages. That of
Wood, for Ireland, has attained an unenviable notoriety; that for America now
claims our attention. The former was sent over to its destination, and,
mainly through^the exertions of Swift, almost universally refused ; the latter
does not appear to have been sent to America at all.

Woods patent for America was altogether a failure. The. coins are of
brass, or bronze, beautiful as works of art, and, like those for Ireland, pre-
senting a remarkably fine portrait of the king ; but the project was exceed-
ingly unpopular, and, practically speaking, was never carried out. The coin-
age is commonly called the Rosa Americana coinage, and consisted of pieces
of three sizes. It is usual to denominate these the penny, half-penny, and
farthing, respectively ; but they were, in fact, two-penny pieces, pennies, and
half-pennies. The weight of fine specimens are as under : Two-penny pieces
from 213 to 240 grains; pennies, from 113 to 124 grains; half-pennies, from
63 to 75 grains. [Four varieties of the two-penny pieces, three of the pennies,
and four of the half-pennies, are mentioned.]

Snelling describes another piece which he had seen, of the penny size.*
Obv. Georgius D. G. Mag. Bri. Fra. Et Hib. Rex. Head of the king, as on
the Rosa Americana coins, from the obverse die of which the piece is struck.
Rev. Brun. Et Lun. Dux Sa. Rom. Mi. Ar. The. Et Prin. Elect. A large I,
between wreaths of oak and laurel. This piece is now in the cabinet of Dr.
Freudenthal, together with another, of which the obverse is struck from
the same die. Rev. Dat Pacem Et Novas Praebet Et Auget Opes. I,
crowned, but no wreath.

If these pieces were intended for American circulation, as seems most
probable, there can be no further question as to the denomination to be
attached to them. Their great rarity, too, will be accounted for by the fact
of their bearing their value stamped upon them — a device not likely to be
approved, when it appears that the coins which, by the patent, were to be
pennies, half-pennies, and farthings, were not only intended to bear denomi-
nations of twice that value, but to be in reality current for six times as much.

A sufficient reason for ranking these coins as pieces of two pennies, one
penny, and farthings, will be found in the fact, that the nominal value of

* See Journal, Vol. IV. p. 89, for fac-simile and account of this piece.

i87*.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 41

copper coins was about twice as much in the Colonies as in the mother
country.*

George II., 1 728-1 760. — We have only one American Coin, and that of
extreme rarity. It is a coin of the [Two] penny size,t struck in England,
and intended probably as a pattern for an American coinage. Obv. Georgius
II" D* G* Rex* "Bust of the King, to the left, laureate, the neck bare. Rev.
Rosa Americana, 1 733. A rose-tree, bearing one full-blown rose, and one
bud, bending to the right; the rose surmounted by a crown, dividing the
legend. On a scroll, divided in two parts by the stem of the tree, the words
Utile Dulci. Of this piece, only four specimens were known, and of them
one is now unfortunately lost, having been in the Arctic steamer, on its way
to America.

TRANSACTIONS OF SOCIETIES.

BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

Thursday, July nth, 1872. — The monthly meeting of the Society was
held this afternoon, the President, Mr. Colburn, in the chair.

The report of the last meeting was read and accepted. The President
read a letter from the Secretary, Mr. Appleton, dated at London, in which
he says that he should be present at the October meeting ; also one from
our associate, Mr. James E. Root, dated London, June 15th. Mr. Root had
passed ten days in Ireland, and from London would make a visit to Edin-
burgh, thence to Paris, returning home in the autumn.

The President reported the purchase of .the following Numismatic works
for the Society, by Mr. Pratt, from the Library of the late William G.
Stearns : —

I. Tables of English, Silver and Gold Coins. First published by Martin Folkes, Esq.,
and now Re-printed, with plates and explanations, by the Society of Antiquaries. With Sup-
plement. Sixty-seven Plates of Coins. London, 1763.

R. B.'s copy. Twelve pages of Manuscript added,

II. Snelling on the Coins of Great Britain, France and Ireland, &C. In detached pieces,
as follows :—

1. Gold Coin and Coinage of England, from Henry III. to the present time. pp. 40.
Eight Plates of Coins. London, 1823.

2. Silver Coin and Coinage of England, from the Conquest to the present time. pp. 55.
Seventeen Plates of Coins. London, 1 762. *

3. Copper Coin and Coinage of England, including Town Pieces and Tradesmen's Tokens.
pp. 52. Nine Plates of Coins. London, 1766.

* A third piece belonging to the same set of patterns, has not, we think, yet been described. The
three pieces are in the Collection of Mr. S. S. Crosby, of Boston.

It is about the size of the Rosa Americana Farthings, as they are commonly called, but which,
properly, should be called half-pence, and bears on its obverse a bust of Geo. I. facing right, with legend
Georgivs* Rex. Reverse, a crown, as upon the larger pieces, with 4 underneath. Legend, Dat'
Pacem*. Et* Auget* Opes* The metal from which these are struck, is very much like that of the
ftosa Americana's ; that first described, (but which has not, as there stated, "wreaths of oak and laurel,"
but a branch of laurel at each side, the stems crossing below.) being of a coppery metal with spots of
brass appearing on its surface ; the two others of the brassy metal, more frequently found in the Rosas.
Their weight is as follows : The penny with the laurel branches, 109 grains ; without, 96 grains ; half-
penny, 72 grains. The last, which appears disproportionately heavy, is thicker than the others.

fSee Journal, Vol. IV. p. 89, for fac-simile and account of this piece. (The note on page 40
should be cancelled.)

VOL. VII. 6 A

4a AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

4. Silver Coin and Coinage of Scotland, from Alexander I. to the Union of the two
Kingdoms. To which is added Four Plates of the Gold, Billon and Copper Coins of that
Kingdom, pp. 20. Ten Plates of Coins. London, 1774.

5. Gold, Silver, &c. Coins struck by English Piinces. Coins struck by the East India
Company, pp. 54. Eight Plates of Coins.

6. Supplement to Simon's Essay on Irish Coins, pp. 8. Three Plates of Coins.

7. A View of the Origin, Nature and Use of Jettons or Counters, &c, &a pp. 16.
Seven Plates of Coins. London, 1769.

8. Twelve additional plates of Early English, Scotch and other Coins. London, 1823.

III. The Virtuoso's Companion and Coin Collector's Guide. 8 vols, in 2. • London,

1795-7-

This Work contains 960 engraved figures of English Tokens, among which are the fol-
lowing :—

1. Franklin Press, 1794. Rev. Payable at the Franklin Press, London.

2. Auctori Plebis. Rev. Indep. Et. Liber, 1787.

3. Washington President. Rev. Liverpool Half penny, 1793.

4. Washington President, 1 791. Rev. Liverpool Half penny.

5. Washington President Rev. Small Eagle, 1791, One Cent.

6. George Washington. Rev. Liberty and Security, 1795.

7. George Washington. Rev. Liberty and Security. Large size.

8. Kentucky Cent Rev. Pyramid of StaVs, &c.

9. G. Washington, the firm friend, &c. Rev. Fire Grate.

10. Georgivs Washington. Rev. North Wales. A Harp.

11. George Washington, 1796. Rev* Gen'l of the American Armies, &c.

12. Washington President, 1791. Rev. Large Eagle. One Cent

IV. An Historical Account of English Money, &c. Plates. Stephen Martin Leake.
London, 1745.

V. A View of the Silver Coin and Coinage of Great Britain, &c. George Marshall
With Autograph Letter of the Author. London, 1838.

VI. The Silver Coins of England, &c. Plates of Coins. Edward Hawkins. London, -
1841.

VII. A Manual of Gold and Silver Coins of all Nations, &c. Plates. J; R. Eckfeldt
and W. E. Du Bois. Phila., 1842.

VIII. Catalogue of the Coins and Medals of Marmaduke Trattle. Priced. Portrait.
London, 1832.

IX. An Historical Account of American Coinage. Plates. J. H. Hickcox. Albany,
1858.

Adjourned to Thursday \ October 3d, 1872.

Samuel A. Green,

Secretary pro tempore.

COINS FOR SOUTH CAROLINA.

Charleston, S. C, Sept 29, 1 786.

Government has received information that Mr. Borel has completed his
contract of coinage for this State, in Switzerland, and may be soon expected
here by the way of London. The stipulation was for 30,000/. in silver and
copper, to be exchanged for the paper medium. — Massachusetts CentineL, Oct.

31, 1786.

,-»

We wish some of our Numismatic friends in South .Carolina would
enlighten us in regard to the above item. .

187a.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 43

UNITED STATES CENTS.

In an article printed in the Journal, Vol. VII. p. 6, it should have been
stated, that the wreath variety of the Cents of 1793, bears the legend, in full,
United States of America.

" In regard to the edges, I have met with but two which are plain ; the others are eithe r
with the vine and bars, or with lettered edges. Can any one inform me of a plain edge in his
cabinet ? I cannot divine the origin of the great mistake heretofore made, in calling the edges
Stars and Stripes ; for in my examination of the finest specimens in the country, I see no trace
of Stars, but a perfect vine resembling that of a grape. In the poorer specimens, the edge in
some respects, has the appearance of Stars. In all the counterfeits or manufactured ones, on
the other hand, I discovered that the edges are intended to represent Stars and Stripes." J. N.
T. Levick, yourna/, Vol. III. p. 92.

The edge of many of the cents of 1793,, certainly has the appearance
of Stars and Stripes, but the observations of Mr. Levick and Mr. Crosby, we
think, fix the point. In the case of the manufactured, or altered cents,
done by the late Mr. Smith, of New York, we are told that the Stars and
Stripes are very plain.

In accordance with the best authorities, a variation in the form of head
or lettering, does not constitute a different type but a variety. This applies
to the so-called Jefferson Head Cent, of 1795. See Journal, Vol. V. p. 51,
article on " Types and Varieties," by Mr. Slafter.

It has often been asserted, that of the cents of 1808 there were two* the
fillet and the turbaned head; this however is incorrect; the latter is the only
variety.

LINCOLN MEDALS.

Editors of the Journal of Numismatics :

There are no more interesting medals in the Presidential series — those
of Washington alone excepted — than those relating to Abraham Lincoln.
The Political Medals are much more numerous than those of any other
President, but added to these are the Memorial Medals, including many
beautiful pieces.

It appears strange that no work adequately describing these medals has
ever been issued.

Mr. A. H. Satterlee, in his valuable work on " Presidential Medals,"
mentioned most of those struck up to 1862, but these are a small and by no
means important portion. I hope at no very distant day to issue a catalogue
of the pieces, and wish to make it as full and valuable as possible. To this
To this end I am collecting scarce medals and medalets, and would request
all collectors who have any in their possession, to send me either a rubbing
or a minute description, and always to name in what metal it is struck, witfc
the size, according to the American scale*

Communications may be addressed to 12 East Thirtieth Street, New
York City. Yours truly,

August 20th, 1872. A. C. Zabjuskie.

* Sixteenths of an inch.

44 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October

EWING MEDAL.

We find the following in Notes and Queries, London, August 3, 1872,
page 87 :—

"Where can I find any mention of the medal presented to Captain
Ewing, of the Royal Marines, who fought at Bunkers Hill, and on which is
inscribed c By order of the King, with 300 Pound for the Wound Capt
Ewing Recv* the 17 June, 1775 ?'"

An engraving of this medal, both obverse and reverse, may be found in
The Antiquary, London, Dec. 2, 1871, page 189. It is taken from a work
entitled Medals, Clasps, and Crosses, Military and Naval, in the Collection of
J. W. Fleming, F. R. C. S., Edin., Surgeon-Major late 4th Dragoon Guards.
(For Private Circulation only.) " Capt. Ewing* it is understood, received his
wound while gallantly leading the Grenadier Company ' in the thin red line
which charged up Bunker's Hill, 17th June, 1775.'" The medal is in silver,
and was presented as u A Testimony of Public Regard."

HIBERNIAS OF JAMES II.

(See Journal, VoL V. page 60.)

11 A brass half-penny, struck in Limerick, after the departure of the King,
and is commonly called the Hibernia. This issue was struck out of the gun-
money, sometimes melted down for the purpose, and sometimes by submitting
the larger shillings [brass] to the action of a new die. Many of the c Hiber-
nias ' are found with traces of the dlder and better work.

"Half-penny. Obv: Jacobus II. Dei Gratia. Bust, to the left, draped
and laureated. Rev. Hibernia. 1691. Figure of Hibernia, sitting, leaning
on a harp, and holding in her right hand a cross. The figure of Hibernia is
badly drawn, and the weight of the coin is extremely irregular, varying from
75 to 1 15 grains." — Numismatic Chronicle, Vol. II., new Series, p. 298. London,
1862.

ROMAN ANTIQUITIES.

While poring Antiquarians search the ground

Upturned with curious pains, the Bard, a Seer,

Takes fire : — The men that have been, reappear ;

Romans for travel girt, for business gowned ;

And some recline on couches, myrtle-crowned,

In festal glee : why not ? For fresh and clear,

As if its hues were of the passing year,

Dawns this time-buried pavement From that -mound

Hoards may come forth of Trajans, Maximins,

Shrunk into coins with all their warlike toil :

Or a fierce impress issues with its foil

Of tenderness, — the Wolf, whose suckling Twins

The unlettered ploughboy pities when he wins

The casual treasure from the furrowed soil.

Wordsworth.

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 4$

ANGLO-AMERICAN AND AMERICAN COINS.

In the valuable collection of Gold, Silver and Copper Medals and Coins,
belonging to the estate of the late Sir George Chetwynd, Bart, on the 30th
of July, 1872, were the following: — Lord Baltimore, Shilling, Sixpence, and
Fourpence, an extremely rare and fine set. Another Sixpence, but finer.
Pine-tree Shilling and Sixpence, Oak-tree Sixpences, 2 varieties. George I.,
Rosa Americana Two-pences, 2, a rose crowned, 1723 ; Pennies, 3, 1722, full-
blown rose, two varieties, 1723, rose crowned. Kentucky, British Settlements,
1796, silver; rev. Britannia with spear reversed, and in a dejected attitude,
extra fine and rare proof. Another, equally fine and rare. Kentucky Half-
pennies, copper, 2, 1 796, one rev. Britannia as before, and the other rev.
Copper Company of Upper Canada, both fine and rare. Pitt, 1 766, no Stamps ;
Virginia, Halfpenny, 1773, fine and rare proof. Washington Cent, 1791,
small eagle; Half Cent, 1793; Half Dollar, 1818; Half Dime, 1795, fine and
scarce. Gold Dollar, 1849. Washington Cent, 3; Georgius Triumpho, 1783;
Auctori. Connec, 1787; Massachusetts, 1788; Talbot, Allum, and Lee, and
others, 16. Bronze Medals: Washington, a fine Medallion to his memory, by
Eccleston; another, rev. Washin. Reunit Par Un Rare Assemblage Les
Talens, &c, military arms; another, gilt, rev. The Hero of Freedom, &c,
1 800, all very fine. Eccleston Washington; General Wolfe; Dr. Franklin,
all fine.

ARCHEOLOGY.

The museum, gallery of art, and library of the New York Historical Society, in
Second Avenue, corner of Eleventh Street, New York City, are interesting, not only
to the man of learning, but also to every man, woman and child of average intelli-
gence. A visit to the archives of the Society, where the memorials of the past, in our own
and foreign lands, are deposited and preserved, will be paid in return by the acquirement
of knowledge of the most valuable description.

The collection of Egyptian antiquities was formed by Dr. Henry Abbott, during a
residence of twenty years in Cairo. Many of the objects were found in tombs
opened in the presence of Dr. Abbott ; and there is probably no similar collectiQn more
Valuable to the student or antiquary.

Among the most important of the relics are three mummies of the sacred Bull, Apis,
found in the tombs at Dashour : these mummies are rare, — no other collection contains
a specimen.

Two ear-rings, and a necklace, found in a jar at Dendera, bear the name of Menes,
the first Pharaoh of Egypt, who reigned 2750 B. C, and who has been considered to be
the oldest king of whom we have any record in history. These ornaments are beauti-
fully executed, and will bear examination through a magnifying glass.

• The iron helmet of Shishak, along with his breast-plate and armorial bearings, are
in a very fair state of preservation. This king is understood to be the same that carried
Rehoboam captive from Jerusalem, 971 years before Christ. There is a fine head in
sandstone, which at one time formed part of a colossal statue of Thothmes III., the
Pharaoh of the Exodus, 1491 years B. C. A gold signet-ring bears the name of Shoofoo,
the Cheops who built the first pyramid, 2325 years B. C. This remarkable piece of
antiquity is in the highest state of preservation, and was found in a tomb at Ghizeh.
The hieroglyphics engraved upon it are distinct, and in some inspects peculiar.

46 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

It has been related by Herodotus that, at the entertainments of the rich Egyptians,
just as the company were about to rise from the repast, a small coffin was carried round,
containing a perfect representation of a dead body, and the bearer exclaimed : — "Cast
your eyes on this figure ; after death you yourself will resemble it ; drink then, and be
happy/' The Society have one of those mummies in a coffin which was used
for this singular purpose. A battle axe formed of bronze, and firmly bound to its
original handle by means of slender interlaced thongs of leather, is worthy of attention,
on account of the beauty of the workmanship, as is also a bronze dagger beside it, with a
horn handle attached to the blade by silver rivets.

Chinese vases, — eighteen in number, of different forms, — a padlock, and other arti-
cles, found in Egyptian tombs in Thebes, Sakarah and Ghizeh, prove the communication
which subsisted at an early date between Egypt and China. A beautiful little figure in
gold, of a bird, inlaid with turquoise and lapis-laztlli, with outspread wings, taken from
the breast of a mummy by Dr v Abbott, typifies the departure of a soul from the
body.

A magnificent funeral papyrus, twenty-two feet long, is beautifully written in very
small hieroglyphics, and finely illuminated. Upon it is sketched the whole belief of the
Egyptians of the life after death, their ideas of a future state, and of awards and punish-
ments. From it is learned the reason of the strict attention which they paid to preserv-
ing and mummifying the bodies of the dead, believing, as they did, that the soul after
purification in purgatory, was allowed to return to earth and to re-occupy the body, — if
this last had been preserved in a perfect state.

A caricature painted upon a fragment of limestone, is a sample of what humor was
in those ancient times. This caricature represents a lion seated as a king upon a throne,
and a fox officiating as a high priest, and making an offering of a plucked goose and a
native fan. An oblong box, with a drawer for containing twenty-one porcelain pieces,
has two separate series of squares upon the lid, evidently intended as a field for the
working out of several games.

When we inspect the smaller and less important implements of every day life,
nothing is more striking than the fact of their similarity in ancient times, in many
respects, to those of the present day. A spoon, in hard wood, represents a Nubian
woman swimming. The head is most beautifully sculptured, and the hair dressed after
the style of the Abyssinians, 1430 B. C. Here is a maiden's foot well preserved, of great
symmetry, with the toe-nails as distinctly marked as if she had died but yesterday. The
foot is ensconced in a tight-fitting white kid shoe, such as might be purchased to-day of
a fashionable shoemaker ; there are many such in the museum, of various hues, such
as purple, red, buff color, &ci> with gilding upon them. Household jars, with long pointed
ends, to stick in the sand, very elegant in form, were used for containing wine ; one of
those now in the museum contained a number of eggs at the time of its discovery, which
are readily recognized. Besides those specimens of home-life three thousand years ago,
which have been noticed, there are a host of others too numerous to mention^
The bread which that ancient people ate, their grain, the bricks of Egypt, (made with
and without straw,) needle-work, children's toys, dolls, woolen and linen cloth, toilet-
stands for the ladies, material for darkening the margin of the eyelids, chignons almost
identical with those of the present day, false hair, chessmen, rings, beads, and porcelain
ornaments of every description, are a few among the many interesting relics here pre-
served. There are eleven hundred and eighteen lots in the Collection.

The Gallery of Art contains about six hundred Paintings, some fifty pieces of Sculp-
ture, and the Lenox Collection of Nineveh Sculptures, of which there are thirteen,
together with the Crawford Marbles, five in number.

The First Federal Coin (?)— New York, November \i. Yesterday sailed the ship Grace, Captain
Armor, for Amsterdam. In her went passengers, the Chevalier John Paul Jones, and Mr. Jams,
Contractor for supplying the United States with Copper Coin.— The Daily Advertiser, New York,
Nov. 12, 1787.

1872.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 47

THE WORD "MONEY."

Professor Whitney, of Yale College, thus gives the history of our word
" money ": It is of French origin, brought into England by the Normans of
William the Conqueror. The French language derives it, along with most of
its other stores of expression, from the Latin, where it has the form moneta,
and signifies primarily the mint, the place where money was coined, and then,
by transference, the coin stamp, mint mark, and the coin stamped or minted.
But why does moneta mean " mint" in Latin ? For this reason : The Romans
thought they had occasion to be grateful to their goddess Juno for certain
monitions which she had given. them in crises of their history, and they
accordingly built a temple to Juno Moneta, Juno the Monisher. In the said
temple it chanced that, for reasons of State convenience, of which no one is
now cognizant, the Roman machinery for stamping money was set up ; it was
made their place of coining, their mint. Hence the name for mint, and coin,
and money, in most of the tongues of modern Europe : they go back to a
popular superstition, and to the accidental location of a machine for stamping
metal, in a community which was at the time, one of the most insignificant
in Europe.

OBITUARY.

Jacob R.* Eckfeldt, for forty years Assayer of the Mint of the United
States, died August 9th, in his 70th year. His remarkable fitness for that
post, and activity in it, gave our coins a world-wide repute for faithfulness to
the standard of fineness. He was also very skillful in the metallurgy of the
precious metals, and the examination of metallic ores. He was a man of
pure character, of retiring habits, and of large information ; not a writer or
speaker, but a worker. His death has called forth many public expressions
of sorrow.

EDITORIAL.

The question in relation to the expediency of coining silver pennies, is agitated in England on
account of the excess of copper coin. We think that our Government would do well to issue a five-cent
piece in pure silver, to take the place of the cumbrous nickels, and anything to get rid of the smaller
denominations of " fractional currency."

Dr. Robert Morris informs us that he is giving the sultry months in his home in Kentucky, to
the preparation of a " Medallic History of Com modus, Emperor of Rome, A. D. 180 to 192." It will
be illustrated by drawings and descriptions of 18 coins of that prince, chiefly taken from Camp's Selecti-
on Numismatica of 1695. His monograph will consist of 48 pages, large 8vo., prepared in a style
adapted to the reading classes of every grade. Dr. Morris is confident of getting out the work some-
time during the fall or winter.

In regard to the slight differences in the early cents of various dates, we have it from good author-
ity, that they are really all from two or three original dies. The working dies being touched up by a
careless or unskillful hand, gave minute differences not amounting to varieties.

As it is a well ascertained fact, that as the diameter of coins is increased the less they wear, it
would be well to have our issue of the five-cent nickel and the two-cent copf>er coins reduced in thick-
ness. It would add to their appearance, and render them more convenient to handle. The French
money, made upon this principle, supplies fine specimens of coins of small value.

4 8 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

The Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic Journal, Published Quarterly by the Numismatic
and Antiquarian Society of Montreal. Edited Dy a Committee of the Society. Terms, $1.50 [Canadian
Currency], per annum, in advance. Montreal, July, 1872. i2mo. pp. 48.

The first number of the publication of our Montreal friends has been received. It is handsomely
printed, and contains an illustration of the Medal of the " Loyal and Patriotic Society of Upper Canada,"
181 2. The following articles comprise its Table of Contents : — Introductory ; Old Colonial Currencies ;
American Antiquities ; the Roman Brick in Mark Lane ; A Montreal Club of the Eighteenth Century ;
Sir John Franklin Laying the First Stone of the Rideau Canal ; A Few Words upon the Knowledge of
Coins 4. Medals and Miscellaneous Antiquities ; A Plea for an Artistic Coinage; Coins of Siam ; The
Heraldry of Coinage ; Medal of the Loyal and Patriotic Society of U. Canada ; Numismatic and Anti-
quarian Society of Montreal ; Queries ; Editorial.

Subscriptions received by Mr. R. W. McLachlan, Box 86 1-2, P. O. Montreal.

The Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Kilkenny, Ireland. This Association was
Instituted to preserve, examine and illustrate all Ancient Monuments of the History, Language, Arts,
Manners and Customs of the past, as connected with Ireland. The Association holds its meetings on
the first Wednesdays in January, April, July and October, respectively, when Papers on Historical and
Archaeological subjects are read. The Annual Volumes contain many Papers of general interest, on
the History and Antiquities of Ireland. Those for 1870 and 1871, consist of the first and second
parts of the Christian Inscribed Monuments of Ireland, from the earliest period to the 12th century.
Annual Subscription of Members entitling to Journal, ten shillings. Optional Subscription of Members
to Annual Volume, the same. Subscriptions received by A. Williams & Co., 135 Washington Street,
Boston.

In the Historical Magazine, Morrisania, N. Y., September, 1870, will be found an interesting
account of the explorations of Captains Kendrick and Gray, on the North- West coast, in the years 1787-
1 791. Captain Kendrick commanded the ship Columbia, and Captain Gray, the sloop Washington*
It was to commemorate this expedition that the Medal was struck, of which an account will be found
in this Journal, VoL VI. pp. 33 and 63, and Vol. VII. p. 7.

CURRENCY.

A penny saved is twice earned.

Time is money, except the time of need.

Ready money is a remedy for many ills.

The Ready-Money System — Dun, or be done.

Fee simple — money paid to the quack doctor.

Now' that I have money, every one cries Welcome, Peter !

A Cabinet of Medals is a collection of pictures in miniature.

To have a thing is little, if you're not allowed to show it ; and to know a thing is nothing unless
others know you know it.

Two hundred and twenty-five specimens of rare postage stamps brought 11,265 at a sa l e u* Lon-
don. One 20-cent stamp brought $42. +

Mr. Penny, of Lawrence, Kansas, claims to be ahead of any other man on rare coins. He Is the
owner of a little penny that weighs fourteen pounds six ounces.

There is nothing so obscure of which time may not reveal some use ; there is nothing so insig-
nificant or so trifling, that may not ultimately prove of importance.

How to put money in your purse : open your pocket-book, take a greenback (out of some other
person's pocket) between your thumb and finger, and lay it right in.

" What are you digging there for ? " asked a loafer of three men who were digging a trench in the
street. " Money, Sir," was the reply. The man watched the operation until the joke got through his
head, and then moved on.

" Empires to-day are upside down,
The castle kneels before the town,
The monarch fears the printer's power—
» The brickbat's range,

Give me, in preference to a crown,
Five shillings change. 1 '

PAYMENTS FOR THE JOURNAL.
Payments for the yournal will be acknowledged in this place.

Boston, Mrs. J. S. Fay, Miss Salisbury, Athenaeum, State Library, Public
Library, A. A. Lawrence, L. G. Parmlee, J. L. Perkins, N. B. Shurtleff, R. M.
Lawrence; Brooklme, Mass., T. E. Francis; Worcester, Free Public Library;
Northampton, O. O. Roberts, VI. and VII. ; Middletown, Conn.,]. E. Bidwell ;
Philadelphia, R. C. Davis, H. W. Alexander, J. W. Haseltine, F. S. Hoffman ;
New York City, A. J. Dovale ; Catskill, N. Y., G. Person ; Cold Spring, J.
Nelson; Hoosick Falls, L. Wilder; Baltimore, Md., C. Marean, J. Berger;
Detroit, Mich., E. B. Wight; Grand Rapids, J. F. Tinkham ; Cincinnati, O.,
E. Worthington, H. C Ezekiel ; Dayton, G. L. Phillips; Charleston, S. C,
D. Ravenel, Jr. ; Savannah, Ga., J. B. Ripley : Washington, D. C, J. W.
Aulick ; San Francisco, Cal, H. Applegate, Jr.: Montreal, Canada, G. H.
Hart, H. Mott, Numismatic and Antiquarian Society; Quebec, Canada, C.
Tessier.

Reprinted from 2d (Copyright) Edition. A supplement to " Coins,
Tokens and Medals of Canada," by Alfred Sandham, Author of Coins of
Canada^ Montreal Past and Present, Prince of Wales Medals, &c, Corres-
ponding Member of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society,
(New York), Numismatic and Antiquarian Society (Philadelphia), and New
England Historic-Genealogical Society (Boston).

Also, McGILL COLLEGE AND ITS MEDALS, beautifully printed
on heavy tinted paper, with 5 pages of photographic illustrations. Price
$2.00, gold.

HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER

AND ANTIQUARIAN JOURNAL.

ISSUED QUARTERLY BY THE

NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY,

IN JANUARY, APRIL, JULY, AND OCTOBER.

Each number contains matter interesting to the Historian and Antiquarian,
. and is embellished with one or more portraits, engraved on steel.

Subscription, $3.00 per annum. Application can be made at the Society's

Building, No. 18 Somerset Street, Boston.

72 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

The Newgate copper mines in Connecticut, from which the first copper coinage of the country
was made by John Higley, a Granby blacksmith, in 1737, after lying idle a long time, have been
inspected by parties who propose to develop them in the spring, there being evidence that they
contain an abundance of valuable metal.

"Mind Your Business;'' Ring, or Franklin Cent (vol. vi. p. 100). The first owners of the
dies of this cent, as far as we can learn, were Broom & Piatt, hardware dealers, of New Haven,
Conn. There were three sets of dies ; our informant, Mr. H. N. Rust, tells us that he found a
single die at Bridgeport, Conn., in 1858 ; afterwards he obtained the remaining five parts of the
dies in the store formerly occupied by Broom & Piatt, in New Haven.

Mr. Rust sold three of the dies to a dealer in New York City, but who did not succeed in ob-
taining good impressions from them. Mr. R. had some three or four hundred pieces struck at
Waterbury, Conn., in a metal composed of copper and nickel, also a few in silver, and one only
in gold.

The Curiosity Hunter, a monthly of four pages, 8vo, published at Rockford, Illinois, is devoted
to the dissemination of information in regard to "all kinds of Curiosities, whether of Nature,
Science, Art, Literature, or Antiquity." Monthly, fifty cents per annum.

Mason's Coin Collectors' Magazine is now issued quarterly, instead of monthly, as formerly. It
contains many articles of interest and value, and we take pleasure in calling the attention of our
readers to it. The price is $1.50 a year in advance, and it is published by Mason & Co., corner
of Tenth and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia.

CURRENCY.

Hard cash is legal tender.

Hush money — Nurse's wages.

Dollars come by saving pence.

The table of interest is the dinner table.

Iowa can now say, I-owe-a penny to nobody.

Ode to the money-lender — * Meet me a loan."

Money is like promises, easier made than kept

A Merx, a Scotch silver coin, worth about $3.25.

A Free Agent — one who goes off with his master's cash.

An object of interest — your deposit in the savings' bank.

Speech is silver, but silence golden. Hence the expression, " hush money."

A New York woman speaks of her husband as her two thousand dollar darling, that being the
amount of his life policy.

Somebody has translated the old maxim, " The pen is mightier than the sword," into " The
penny's mightier than the sword."

a What are you going to buy, Sonny ? " "A ha'porth of nails." " What do you want a ha'porth
of nails for ? " " For a halfpenny" was the reply.

Solomon saith, " A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband." By thfc rule the most valu-
able of the sex is worth just one dollar and twenty-five cents.

At the Roxburghe Sale [London, 181 2], the Decameron of Boccaccio, printed by Valdarfer, at
Venice, 147 1, produced the largest sum ever given for a single volume, viz., £2,260.

PAYMENTS FOR THE JOURNAL.

Payments for the Journal will be acknowledged in this place.

Lowell^ Mass., G. M. Elliot ; Ware, W. C. Eaton ; Exeter, N. H., C. H.
Bell ; JVew York City, E. Steiger, J. F. Loubat, College of the City of New
York ; Brooklyn, A. Balmanno, J. A. Nexsen ; Syracuse, A. W. Fay ; Phil-
adelphia, J. J. Mickley, W. J. Jenks, J. W. Haseltine, W. E. DuBois, U. S.
Mint, E. Maris ; Pittsburg, P. Gschwend, Jr. ; Hudson, O., W. E. Cushing ;
New Orleans, La., B. da Silva, R. Lambert ; Washington, D. C, R. Colburn,
L. S. Hayden ; San Francisco, CaL, H. O. Greenhood ; Montreal, Canada,
R. McLachlan; Richmond, Va., R. A. Brock; Plainfield, N.J., W. M.
Stillman ; Sag Harbor, N. V., W. W. Tooker; Boston, C. Chaplin ; Brook-
line, J. M. Finotti ; Montpelier, Vt., M. D. Gilman.

THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA.

The Committee of Publication of the New England Numismatic and
Arch^ological Society purpose publishing a work on the early coinage
of America.

It will include the Sommer Islands pieces ; all the silver coinage of New
England ; the Rosa Americana coins ; the Granby tokens ; the colonial
pieces of Virginia ; the early coins of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey,
and Massachusetts ; the Washington issues ; together with the pattern
pieces of the Mint previous to its regular issues of 1 793 ; also many tokens
struck in Europe for circulation in this country, etc., etc.

It is the intention of the Committee to make it a more complete and
thorough work ott the early Numismatic history of America than has ever
been published ; and to accomplish this, time, labor, and money have beert
freely given, as the book will abundantly testify.

An edition of but three hundred and fifty copies will be printed, and
issued to subscribers only, in a series of about ten numbers, containing 32
quarto pages each. It will be printed on fine tinted paper, with new type,
and each number will contain at least one full page of accurate illustrations.

Price, One Dollar per number. Owing to the heavy outlay attending its
production, subscribers are required to accompany their orders with Five
Dollars, one half the estimated amount of subscription.

Receipts for payments in advance will be sent with the first number,
which will be ready in January, 1873, and followed by the others in monthly
parts till the work is completed.

The names of subscribers to the work will be published in the last number.

All communications should be addressed to Sylvester S. Crosby, 240
Washington Street, Boston, Mass.

Boston, Mass., Decembet, 1872.

1 HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER,

AND ANTIQUARIAN JOURNAL.

j ISSUED QUARTERLY BY THE

NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY,

IN JANUARY, APRIL, JULY, AND OCTOBER.

Each number contains matter interesting to the Historian and Antiquarian,

and is embellished with one or more portraits, engraved on steel.
Subscription, $3.00 per annum. Application can be made at the Society's

Building, No. 18 Somerset Street, Boston.

EDWARD COGAN,

DEALER IN

Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals,

No. 408 STATE STREET,
BROOKL YN, N. Y.

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

DEALER IN

Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, and
Confederate Paper Money and Books relating to the same.

Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, Post free, . . #1.60
Field Medal Bronze, " " 1.25

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Subscription, $1.50 Canadian currency, per annum, in advance, payable
to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86£, Montreal.

WM. PARSONS LUNT,

Historical and Genealogical Works,

102 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON.

■

He has on hand a few copies of My Campaigns in America ; a Journal kept
by Count William de Deux-Ponts, 1780-81. Translated from the Frencfc.
manuscript, with an Introduction and Notes, by Samuel Abbott Green.

A. WILLIAMS & CO.

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AMERICAN

Journal of Numismatics,

AND

BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES.

April, 1873.

I860.

/®\i^

'iPRAt^Si

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

QUARTERLY.

COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

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All Communications to be addressed to Jeremiah Colburn, 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

tV-

m — - '

CONTENTS.

PACE

The Medals of Washington .

Numismatic Philology .

The Scope of Coin-studies .

Sale of Medals

Lafayette Medal .

Elba Medal ....

• 85

Papal Medals

Coin of Sultana .

International Coinage .

Paper Currency .

•

*
•

A Reminiscence of the opening of

the Erie Canal .
The Bible and Coin-study
Transactions of Societies :

Boston Numismatic Society
The Dying Speech of Old Tenor
Correspondence .
Sales of Coins and Medals .
The "Gloriuvs III VIS" Coppers
Editorial ....
Currency ....

PAGE

95
96

HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER,

AND ANTIQUARIAN JOURNAL.

ISSUED QUAETEELT BY THE NEW ENGLAND HISTOBIO, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY,

IN JANUARY, APRIL, JULY, AND OCTOBER.

Each number contains matter interesting to the Historian and Antiquarian,
and is embellished with one or more portraits, engraved on steel.

Subscription, $3.00 per annum. Application can be made at the Society's

Building, No. 18 Somerset Street, Boston.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, — THE EIGHTH VOLUME
WILL COMMENCE JULY 1st, 1873.

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Communications desired from those interested in the Science. *

Address

April 1st, 1873.

JEREMIAH COLBURN,

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AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS,

AND

Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies.

Vol. VII. BOSTON, APRIL, 1873. No. 4.

THE MEDALS OF WASHINGTON.

It is a fact not pleasant to remember, that nowhere at present can one find
a worthy account* of the medals struck in honor of Washington. Snowden's
" Medallic Memorials of Washington in the Mint of the United States," pub-
lished in 1 86 1, contains descriptions of 138, and is very valuable; but the
number struck since is enormous, to say nothing of those of earlier date,
which were not in the collection at the Mint Woodward's " List of Wash-
ington Memorial Medals," privately printed in 1865, "only proposed to
furnish brief descriptions of a portion of the medallic memorials of his
death? and enumerates but 48. Several are of course mentioned in Dicke-
son's " American Numismatical Manual," and long lists of Medals of Wash-
ington are in various sale catalogues, particularly those of Haines, McCoy,'
and Woodward's Fifth and Sixth. My own collection contains almost every
medal mentioned by Snowden, Woodward, and Dickeson, a very large part
of those ever offered at public sale, besides some which have never appeared
on any catalogue, and have never been described, except, perhaps, in the
reports of the meetings of the Boston Numismatic Society. I may name, as
medals of exceeding rarity, numbers XII, XIII, XVI, XLVIII, LV, LXIII,
LXX, LXXVI. The collection is so extensive that I have thought it
deserving of a printed catalogue, to which I add notes of some of the medals

"a^S 1 " !t Wm. S. Apple™,

I. GEORGIO WASHINGTON SVPREMO DVCI EXERCITVVM ADSERTORI LIBERTA-

ns comitia Americana ; head of Washington facing the right ; below, du viVier
paris. f. Rev. hostibus primo fugatis ; in exergue, bostonium recuperatum
xvii. martii mdcclxxvi ; at the left Washington, with four officers on horse-
back; at the right a fort, and near it two cannon — on one duviv — and can-
non balls lying on the ground ; in the middle distance soldiers under arms ;
beyond a view of Boston lying near the water, on which are several vessels
just sailing away. Bronze, size 43.

This is the medal voted to Washington by Congress, for the evacuation
of Boston, and executed in France. The original in gold, presented to

VOL. VII. IO

74 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

Washington himself, has lately been for sale at a high price ; a silver impres-
sion, also owned by Washington, and afterwards by Webster, is now the
property of the Webster Club of Boston.

II. The same medal, restruck from the original dies, with the trifling
change of the erasure of one leg of a horse in the group of officers.
Bronze, size 43.

III. G B . WASHINGTON E*. GENERAL OF THE CONTIN L . ARMY IN AMERICA;

head* of Washington, facing the right. Rev. washin. reunit par un rare

ASSEMBLAGE. LES TALENS DU GUERRIER & LES VERTUS DU SAGE J a military

trophy, consisting of a cannon, a mortar, balls, a drum, a trumpet and flags,
resting on the ground, and surrounded above by a halo of rays. Silver and
bronze, size 25 1-2.

This medal appeared in France during the Revolutionary War, and is
probably first mentioned in April 1778, by Samuel Curwen, who says in his
Journal, that it had been lately struck for M. Voltaire. Specimens in bronze
are valuable, but not very rare ; but mine and one other are the only ones I
have ever seen in silver.

IV. Busts of Washington and Franklin, facing the left Rev. An oak-
tree, at the trunk of which a beaver is gnawing ; at the right a group of reeds,
in exergue 1776. Bronze, size 26.

V. Same obverse. Rev. 1 783 ; an eagle, with olive-branch in his beak,
and lightnings in his claws, hovering over a part of a sphere,- inscribed
united states. Bronze, size 26.

VI. g. Washington c. c. a. u. s. ; bust of Washington in uniform,
facing the left; on edge of arm r. Rev. As the last Silver, size 26.

VII. Washington; laureled bust of Washington in uniform, facing the
left ; below a sort of star. Rev. on^ cent ; same head and star. Copper,
size 17.

VIII. Washington & independence 1 783 ; laureled head of Wash-
• ington, facing the left. Rev. unity states of America ; in a wreath of two

ohve-bmnches tied by a^bow ©ne cent ; below T ^ v . Copper, size 18.

IX. Washington & iniJependence 1 783; laureled bust of Washing-
ton in uniform, facing the left Rev. united states ; seated figure of Liberty
holding an olive-branch in right hand, and with left supporting a pole, on
which is a Jiberty-cap ; in exergue t. w. i. ; k. s. Copper, size 18.

X. Washington & independence 1 783 ; laureled head of Washington,
facing the left. Rev. Same design as last, but different in execution ; nothing
in exergue. Copper, size 18. .

XI. The same medal, restruck from the original dies in England,
probably retouched. Silver, size 18.

XII. gen. Washington. ; head of Washington, facing the right Rev.
confederate 1 785 ; thirteen stars within a circle, from which issue rays.
Copper, size 1 8.

XIII. Same obverse. Rev. e. pluribus unum. 1786; an eagle displayed,
on his breast a shield, in right claw a bundle of arrows, in left an •olive-
branch, about his head thirteen stars. Copper, size 18.

XIV. non vi virtute vici ; bust of Washington, facing the right
Rev. neo-eboracensis ; in exergue 1 786 ; seated female figure facing the right

•holding a pair of balances in left hand, and with right supporting a pole, on
which is a liberty-cap. Copper, size 19. "

1873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 75

XV. george Washington. ; bust of Washington, facing the right ; on
edge of arm twigg. Rev. general of the American armies. 1775. resign'd

THE COMMAND. 1 783. ELECTED PRESIDENT* OF THE UNITED STATES. 1 789. in nine

parallel lines. Tin, size 22.

XVI. george Washington of Virginia ; bust of Washington, facing
the right Rev. gen l of the American armies 1775. resigned the command
1783. elec t . president of the united states 1 789 in two circular lines;
within a pair of crossed swords, and a pile of cannon-balls. Copper, size 2.1 1-2.

XVII. geo. Washington born Virginia feb. 1 1. 1 732 ; bust of Washing-
ton facing the left. Rev. general of the American armies 1775 resigned
1783 president of the united states 1789 in ten parallel lines; above a
star. Copper, size 19.

XVIII. geo. Washington born Virginia feb, 11. 1 732 ; bust of Wash-
ington, facing the left. Rev. general of the American armies 1775.
resigned, 1783. president of the united states 1789. in ten parallel lines ;
above. a star, and below in a curve j. manly ac. 1790. Bronze, size 31.

XIX. GEO. WASHINGTON NATUS VIRGINIA BP. WM. C. II FEB. O. S. 1 732. J

bust of Washington, facing the left. Rev. As the last Bronze, size 31.

This medal is from the same die as the preceding, but retouched and
altered as described.

XX. Washington president 1 79 1 ; bust of Washington, facing the left.
ReV. one. cent ; an eagle displayed, on his breast a shield, in right claw an
olive-branch, in left a bundle of thirteen arrows, on a label in his beak unum
e pluribus. On edge united states of America. Copper, size 19.

XXI. Washington president.; bust of Washington, facing the left. '
Rev. one cent 1 79 1 ; an eagle displayed, on his breast a shield, in right claw
an olive-branch, in left a bundle of avows, about his head eight stars, and
above a line of clouds. On edge united states of America. Copper,
size 19.

XXII. Obverse as XX. Rev. Liverpool halfpenny ; a ship sailing to,
the right ; below two oak-branches crossed. XDn edge payable in ^jjglesey
London or Liverpool. Copper, size 18. I

XXIII. g. Washington, president, i. 1 792 ; bust of Washington, facing
the left Rev. united states of America. ; an eagle displayed, on his breast
a shield, in right claw an olive-branch, in left a bundle of arrows, about his
head fifteen stars. Silver, size 22. •

XXIV. The same medal on a thicker planchet. Size 21.

XXV. The same in copper. Size 20 1-2. .

XXVI. Washington president 1 792; bust of Washington, facing the
left. Rev. An eagle displayed, on his breast a shield, in right claw an olive-
branch, in left a bundle of thirteen arrows, on a label in his beak UNuy e
pluribus ; above the head thirteen stars, twelve in a curving row, and one
below, just over the head. On edge united states of America. Silver,
size 20.

XXVII. The same in copper, size 19.

XXVIII. The same in copper, edge plain, size 19.

XXIX. • Same obverse. Reverse as XVII. Copper, size tg.

XXX. The same, but on edge united states of America. Copper,
size 19. -

76 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [Aran*

XXX L Washington president. 1 792; filleted head of Washington,
facing the right. Rev. cent ; an eagle displayed, on his breast a shield, in
right claw an olive-branch, in left a bundle of thirteen arrows, about his head
six stars. On edge united states of America. Copper, size 20.

XXXII. Obverse as XXI. Rev. halfpenny; a ship sailing to the
right; below 1793. On edge, payable in Anglesey London or Liverpool.
Copper, size 19.

XXXIII. Washington president 1 794 - , bust of Washington, facing
the left. Rev. united states of America; an eagle with wings displayed
within a wreath, formed of two branches of olive. Silver, size 26.

This piece is a fabrication of late years, on which the false date of 1794
was placed by the designer.

XXXIV. G. WASHINGTON THE FIRM FRIEND TO PEACE & HUMANITY J bust

of Washington, facing the right. Rev. payable by clark & Harris i 3 worm-
wood s T . bishopsgate london 1 795 ; a fire-place with grate. Copper, size 1 8.

XXXV. george Washington ; bust of Washington, facing the .right.
Rev. liberty and security 1 795 ; a shield of pales and stars, and above, an
eagle displayed with an olive-branch in right claw, and a bundle of arrows in
left. On edge payable at london Liverpool or Bristol. Copper, size 19.

XXXVI. The same, but on edge — Birmingham redruth & Swansea.
Copper, size 18 1-2.

XXXV II. george Washington.; bust of Washington, facing the right
Rev. liberty and security 1 795 J a shield of pales and stars, and above an
eagle displayed with an olive-branch in right claw, and a bundle of arrows in
left. Oh edge an asylum for the oppress'd of all nations. Copper,
size 20 1-2.

XXXVIII. george Washington,; bust of Washington, facing the left
Rev. liberty and security ; a shield of pales and stars, and above an eagle
displayed, with an olive-branch in right claw, and a bundle of arrows in left.

, On edge an asylum for the oppress'd of all nations. Copper, size 21.

X£XIX. george Washington 1796; bust of Washington, facing the
right; on edge of arm wyon. Rev. gen l . of the American armies 1775

RESIGN . THE COMM d . I783: ELEC D . PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1789+

resigned the presidency 1 796+ in three circular lines, within which a Cadu-
ceus erect, crossed by a cannon and fasces, upon which is a chart inscribed
. repub. ameri. Copper, size 2 1 .

XL. In exergue u. s. a. ; c. h. k. f. ; a room, in which is a woman at a
spinning-wheel, at the left a child tending an infant in a cradle near a chair,
at the right an open fire-place, at the back a woman at a weaving-machine.
Rev. second presidency of geo : Washington mdccxcvi., in a wreath formed
of £ branch of olive, and a branch of oak tied with a bow ; on the bow x.
Silver and bronze, size 31.

XLI. Jn exergue u. s. a. ; a landscape, in the foreground a m&n sowing,
in the distance a man ploughing, a house, trees, and hills, at left base kuchler.
Rev. As the last Silver and bronze, size 31.

XLI I. In exergue u. s. a. ; c. h. kuchler. f. ; a landscape, in the fore-
ground cow. land calf, two sheep and a lamb, and a shepherd, in the distance
hills, trees, and a house, in which two persons are seen. Rev. as XL. Silver
and bronze, size 31.

1*73-] AMERICAN JOURNAL .OF NUMISMATICS. 77

XLIII. GEORGE WASHINGTON PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. ; bust of

Washington, facing the right ; on edge of arm halliday. s. Rev. commission
resigned : presidency relinquished. ; in exergue 1 797 ; an altar half covered
by a cloth, showing on one end the shield of the U nited States, on it lie a
sword and fasces circled by a wreath of olive. Bronze, size 34.

XLIV. g. Washington pres. unit. sta. ; bust of Washington, facing
the right ; on edge of arm h. Rev. commiss. resigned : presidency relinq. ;
in exergue 1 797 ; design as last, but smaller. Bronze, size 29.

XLV. g. Washington pres. unit. sta. ; bust of Washington, facing the
right, on edge of arm h. Rev. commiss. resigned : presidency relinq. ; in
exergue 1797; design as XLIII, but smaller. Silver, size 26.

XL VI. george Washington ; bust of Washington, facing the left, on
edge of arm wyon. Rev. general of the American armies 1775. resignd

THE- COMMAND 1 783. ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1 789. RE-
ELECTED 1793. resigned. 1797. in nine parallel lines. Tin, size 24.

# XLVII. g. Washington president. 1 797 ; bust of Washington, facing
the left. Rev. amor, honor, et. justitia. g. w. g. g. m. ; a group of Masonic
emblems. Brass, size 22.

XLVIII. Washington, the. great, d. g. ; head of Washington, facing
the right Rev. A circle of thirteen rings, inscribed with the initials of the
thirteen original states, n. h*, ms., n. y., n. j., p., d., m., v. alone remain visible.
Copper, size 17.

XLIX. georgeivs Washington ; bust of Washington, facing the left.
Rev. north wales ; a crowned harp. Copper, size 1 7.

L. george Washington; bust of Washington, facing the right.
Rev. success to the united states ; an eye surrounded by rays and stars.
Brass, size 16.

LI. The same, with very slight differences. Brass, size 16.

LI I. The same on a smaller scale. Brass, size 12.

LI 1 1. GEN. GEO. WASHINGTON PRESI. OF THE UNIT. STA. J in exergue, BORN

feb y . 1732 died dec". 1 799 ; bust of Washington, facing the right, on a
pedestal between an olive-branch and a laurel-branch ; the pedestal rests on a
large altar-like base, on which is an incongruous picture ; at the right lie the
tables of the Ten Commandments, at the left a mortar, balls, drum, flag, sword,
guns and cap ; beyond are a man ploughing, buildings and hills, and to the right
a vessel on the ocean, beyond which are seen the rays of the rising sun ; at
the right of the base stands Minerva, and at the left an Indian warrior. No
reverse. Silver, size 41 1-2.

LI V. george Washington. ; bust of Washington, facing the left, within
a wreath of olive. Rev. he is in glory, the world in tears. ; in exergue
born feb. 11 1732 ob. dec. 14. 1 799 i£ l . 68. ; an altar inscribed victor sine
clade, and decorated with evergreen ; on the top stands a funeral urn, against
which a boy leans weeping ; at the left of the altar stands Minerva, leaning
on a shield with the eagle of the United States; on the altar and at the
right is a group of various implements of peace and war, as compasses,
swords, flag, trumpet, pennon, guns, anchor, cannon, balls, &c. t Tin, size 36.

LV. george Washington ob : 1 4 dec r . 1 799. a: 68. ;* bust of Washing-
ton, facing the right ; on edge of arm 1. w. Rev. emancipator of America
in three curving lines between an olive-branch and an oak-branch ; above the

78 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

inscription the Angel of Fame flying to the left, holding to her mouth a long
trumpet. Bronze, size 28.

LVI. gen\ george Washington ; bust of Washington, facing the left.
Rev. born feb 22 D . 1 732. died dec*. 14 1799 in four lines within a wreath
formed of two oak-branches. Tin, size 28.

LVI I. GEORGE WASHINGTON ESQ". LATE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

of America ; bust of Washington, facing the right ; on edge of arm west-
wood f. Rev. Round the outside, made commander in chief of the Ameri-
can forces the 1 5 june 1775; within a wreath of laurel leaves tied by a
ribbon and ornamented with thirteen stars, with courage and fideuty he
defended the rights of a free people died dec*. 14. 1799 aged 68 in eight
curving lines ; at the top a bundle of thirteen arrows spread out like a fan.
Bronze, size 26.

LVI 1 1. Same obverse. Rev. Same design with slight differences, par-
ticularly in the ribbon and arrows, a period after people. Bronze, size 26.

LIX. GEORGE WASHINGTON BORN FEB. II. 1 7 32. DIED, DC. 21 1 799 J # bust

of Washington, facing the right ; on edge of arm wyon. Rev. as XXXIX.
Copper, size 21.

LX. he is in glory, the world in tears.; bust of Washington, facing
the left, within a wreath of olive. Rev. b. f. ii. 1732. g. a. arm. '75. r. '83.
p. u. s. a. '89. r. '96. g. arm. u. s. '98. ob. d. 1 4. 1 799. ; a funeral urn inscribed
y 2*r Gold, size 19.

LXI. Same design with slight differences, particularly in the wreath
and urn. Tin, size 18 1-2.

LXII. Obverse as LX. Rev. b. feb. ii 1732. gen. am. armies. 1775.

RE. I783, PRES. U. S. AM. '89. R. '96. QEN. ARM. U. S. AM. '98. OB. D. 1 5. '99. ; at the

base a skull and cross-bones. Silver, size 18 1-2.

LXI II. HE IN GLORY, THE WORLD IN TEARS. OB. D. 1 4. '99 JE l . '68. J bust

of Washington, facing the left, within a wreath of olive ; below the bust g. w.
No reverse. Bronze, oval, 19x16

LXIV. GEORGE WASHINGTON BORN FEB 1 22. 1732. DIED DEC* ll 1799. ;

bust of Washington, nearly full face, but slightly to the right; below I. B. c
Rev. a man he was to all his country dear, in four lines withih a wreath of
two olive-branches tied by a bow ; above is an eye, from which rays issue
downwards. Copper, size 24.

The medal itself is new, struck a few years ago from what was said to be
an old die, as it probably is.

LXV. Same obverse. Rev. Abraham Lincoln; key f. ; bust of Lin-
coln, facing the right. Copper, size 24.

LXVI. george Washington ob : 14 dec*. 1 799 m : 68 ; bust of Washing-
ton, facing the right Rev. Round the outside, late president of the united
states of America. ; within a wreath of an olive-branch and an oak-branch
the hero of freedom the pride of his country and ornament of human
nature 1800, in eight lines ; on the wreath are placed twelve stars, and
from the thirteenth at the top, thirteen arrows diverge like a fan. -Bronze,
size 24 1-2.

[To be continued.].

1873 J AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 79

NUMISMATIC PHILOLOGY.

[The following article, which we think cannot fail to interest our readers, was found among
the papers of the late Henry Champion, of New Haven, Conn. While its value in its present
condition is great, we are sure that had its lamented author been able to revise it, before publi-
cation, he would have rendered it still more so, as his intimate acquaintance with the science,
as well as his accurate scholarship, is well known to all numismatologists. — Editors.]

The branch of philological inquiry designated by the above title, is one
that has never, so far as I am aware, received particular attention from writers
on either Philology or Numismatics, both illustrating their subjects often by
examples derived from it, but neither condescending to devote a chapter or
even a section entirely to it ; and yet it is a subject of interest, not only to
the scholar in those two branches of science, but to the general reader, and
the collation of the various names of coins with their derivations will be found
to group together the pieces of the civilized world in a much smaller compass
than would be g^perally supposed, and will often show the identity of coins,
apparently not in the slightest degree connected, — e. g. the French sou and
the English shilling — while hardly a name or denomination of coin exists
but has some history connected with it, interesting, instructive, or at least
curious.

A little attention to the origin of coins will show us what we should nat-
urally expect as the course which the nomenclature of coins would take, and
give direction in a measure to our researches among them. The earliest coins
of which we have knowledge were mere ^weights of silver stamped with de-
vices to denote their issue by the state, and that they were of full weight and
fineness; and it is universally acknowledged that such was the probable origin
of coins in all lands. To these pieces then it would be natural to give a name
signifying their weight, and in fact hardly any other could have been given.
Thus we find the Greek drachme, the Jewish shekel, the Roman as, and many
others among the primitive coins of nations, named from their weight. But
it is a well known fact that no coin, however pure and accurate when first
issued, remains long at its original weight and fineness. Depreciation grad-
ually takes place, faster in some places than in others, until the coin no longer
is equivalent to the .weight whose name it bears, and the same coin in different
places is of different values. Thus arises the necessity of different names for
the same piece in the different lands where it is issued, and these would nat-
urally be given from the name of the state, the sovereign, the device, or some
other distinguishing mark. Thus, the Dark was the Stater of Darius; and
the Bezant the Solidus of Byzantium. The issue of fractional parts or mul-
. tiples of the original unit of coin would of course give rise to other names, de-
noting the part, as our cent, or one-hundreth, or the German Zwanziger, or
Twenty-er, being the piece of twenty kreuzers. Then many peculiarities in
the coins, as the metal, device, inscription, etc. would give rise to other names,
of which instances enough will be given in the course of this article.

My authorities for the various statements I shall make are various books
on coins and philology, and dictionaries, chiefly the latest edition of Webster.
In many cases, however, I have relied upon memory, and in others upon con-
jecture. In numerous instances there are several derivations given for the

80 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

same word ; where I have generally followed that which seemed most prob-
able, occasionally giving the others in passing.

I propose now to take the principal denominations of coins, especially in
modern times and civilized countries, and trace out their derivations, modifica-
tions, and divisions, and first, to take the piece most universal in its ramifica-
tions over the world, — first of the pound. This never has been a coin in Eng-
land, but is 'their unit of coinage, and at first denoted precisely a pound troy of
silver. This has degenerated from time to time, until now its value is less than
five dollars, or not one third of the original weight of the pound. In France,
however, this degeneration has been far greater. There the unit of coinage
was the livre, or pound, nearly equal to one pound avoirdupois, and in the time
of Charlemagne was a pound of pure silver. In course of time, that original
weight has become a coin, and now with the name of livre or pound still at-
tached, it is worth but eighteen cents, while at one time, 17 15, it degenerated
still further to an actual value of only eight cents, or in weight, about one
one hundred and fiftieth part of a pound, a degeneration not to be equalled
elsewhere in the history of numismatics, and hardly in that»of continental cur-
rency or confederate bonds. The same name appears somewhat changed in
the lira of Italy, and the weight gave their names to the peso {peseta) of
Spain and the as of Rome. The derivations of the pound and livre are
very similar. Pound from pondus, a weight, and pendo, to weigh ; livre from
libra, scales, and libro, to weigh, both denoting the unit of weight.

The livre, it should be said, has now been replaced by the franc, a piece
of nearly identical value, and so called, perhaps from franc, free, because
the livre was forbidden and called in, while the franc was free to be used —
but probably frpm France.

The livre and pound are both divided into twenty parts, the tme into
sous, the other, into shillings. . The sou or sol, called soldo in Italy, suggests
almost necessarily the soliaus of Rome, from which the word sou is doubtless
derived. The solid us of Rome, was a gold piece of 140 grains in the palmy
days of the Empire, but with all the other coins degenerated until its value
was only about the twentieth part of a pound of silver, when the name became
affixed to the silver coin of France ; and also suggested the division of the
English pound into twenty parts. To these the English gave the name of
shilling, a word seen in Germany as schilling, in Norway as skilling, and
tracing its way back through various mutations to the old Hebrew shekel,
itself derived from a word signifying to weigh. The shekel is in value about
sixty cents, while its modern representatives have sunk in England to twenty-
five, and in Germany to two, and even one-half cent.

Though it should be said that this derivation of the word shilling is not
free from doubt, others say it also came from sol % solidus, with the diminutive
termination ling, soiling, thence schilling ; others still from silber-ling, to
silling and shilling, corresponding to the silverling mentioned in the author-
ized translation of Is. vii. 23.

Thus much for the pound. Its one-twelfth or ounce has given America '
her dollar. The name came from Germany, where either Dale was the first
town that issued them, or the counts of some valley, TJial> were celebrated
for the purity and weight of their coins. Originally an ounce of silver, and
in value something over a dollar, the thaler or aaler of Norway kept for

**73*] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 81

a long time its full value, and has now fallen only to about seventy cents, or
two thirds of its former value. All over Germany it is the almost invariable
unit. In Norway it is the daler, in Italy the tallero. Travelling to Spain it
became dalera, whence we took it as dollar, to become the unit of our cur-
rency. Spain sent it also to Ceylon, where it degenerated to thirty cents, and
to British Guiana, where the dollar is worth but eighty cents. The divisions
of the thaler I will notice elsewhere. The dollar we divide into dne hundred
cents or hundredths, and this name is used very commonly to denote that part
of the unit : as the cent in Canada, the hundredth of the new florin ; centavo
in South America. The franc or livre, divided into one hundred parts, gives
us the centime in France, and this is a common name in Holland, Switzer-
land, and some parts of Germany, while Italy calls' it centesimo. In Amer*
ica ten Of these cents are a dime. This name brings us back to Rome again,
through the French dixifeme or disme, to denarius, to which our dime is veiy
nearly equal in value. The denarius, or ten of the pieces called as, has its phi-
lological descendants almost everywhere, as in the old eastern dinar, a gold
coin, simply deriving its name from the dinar, without any relation of ten to
any other coin. As also in the d€cime, or tenth of a franc, and the old denier,
or tenth of a sou, decimo and denarius, the one from South America, the
other a Swiss piece, belong to the same family, though perhaps all of these
derive their names simply from the relation of tenth, without any connection
with the denarius of Rome.

Here it may be noticed that our coinage, like our nation, is derived from
many sources. The eagle, like the bird whose image it bears, is native
American, no such name and no coin of ft\e same value being in existence
elsewhere ; dollar we derive from Germany, while Spain gave, us the value of
the coin*; dime we have from the old denarius, as just said, while cent, though
Latin in its derivation, was undoubtedly suggested by the French centime,
then just issued.

But denarius has another descendant in the monetary line, if less hon-
orable, not less ancient than the others. When the Romans conquered Britain,
they carried thither their coinage ; and the denarius, slightly depreciated, was
of about the value of the British penny ; so that the two became one, and to this
day the initial letter of denarius is the abbreviation for penny. The penny
suffered depreciation with the higher denominations, and now is but a fraction
in value of the denarius, which ceased to be coined before the depreciation
had reached so low. The name of penny is German, and appears in pfennig,
or penig, from the Danish penge, money. Pfennig is a common name for small
copper coin in Germany, but the name suggests no definite value ; generally
the i-36oth part of a thaler, in some places 288 only, and in others 576 are
needed to make a thaler, while the coin itself varies in weight from 18 to 47
grains, the last about the weight of this year's copper cents. The penny sug-
gests farthing, derived from the Saxon feorth, fourth, and denoting simply the
fourth part of the penny.

The names of pieces derived in this way are numerous. Some have been
alluded to. The dreiling and sechsling, or one third and one sixth of a schil-
ling ; the quartillo, and quattrino, and quarter, each the fourth part of a higher
denomination ; the ochavo, or eighth of a dollar in Spain, — and many others.
Multiplication gives names often, as the zehner and zwanziger of Ger-

VOL. VII. II

8s AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

many, or pieces of ten and twenty kreuzers. The material, shape, and color,
often lend a name to a coin, such as the albus, or white piece ; schwaren, or
black piece, from schwarz, black, or perhaps the heavy piece, from schwer,
heavy. The baubee, from the French bos billon, base metal. The piastre,
from a word denoting a broad thin plate of metal. The rupee from ropak,
silver ; the groat, and its German kindred grote and groschen, and the Dutch
grootj from gross, great, the large piece in distinction from the smaller penny
or pfennig. On the other hand, we have lepton in Greece, from leptos, small,
the small piece, as being the smallest coin.

Another curious example may be found in gulden or gilder, originally,
gulden groschen, the gold groschen ; it was a gold coin, but it dropped the
noun and became simply gulden, or gold piece, and then depreciated, so that
now it is silver, while still called the golden. Add to these Hard, Fr. liart,
. gray ; stuber, stuiver, from stufe, ein stuck, or a piece. Take pistareen, from
piaster, the little piastre, as an example of diminifying the name of another
coin.

Many pieces derive their names from the device upoa them. Here may
be mentioned the German kreuzer, or crossed piece, from kreuz u a cross. The
copeck from kopye, a lance, or perhaps from kopek, a dog, the mark of Tartar
coins. Crown is a familiar name, derived from the crown upon the head of
the sovereign's effigy, while the crown of France, ecu, and that of Italy, scudo,
derived from the Latin scutum, a shield, point to that object as the distin-
guishing mark upon the early coins of the denomination.

The sovereign's head has given several names ; such are the kopfstuck,
or head-piece of Austria. The testoon or testone, vulgarly tester, from the
French tete, head.

Here may be mentioned the noble and angel of England, thfe lion of
Scotland, the pagoda of India, and our own eagle ; rappen of Switzerland,
from rabe, a raven, from the raven's head upon it

The fact that a coin represents the monetary unit, often serves to desig-
nate the name. Take, for instance, the reis of Portugal, and real of Spaiii,
both from res, a thing, and denoting the thing, on which the whole monetary
system is founded, an exact parallel to which is found in the Turkish para, or
piece.

Another illustration may be found in the Turkish rouble, from rublya,
to cut, denoting that which is cut out, from the mass of silver, as the uni£ So
also mark allied to marche, a border or limit, probably has some reference to
the limit or border which marks off the currency from the uncoined mass.

A similar idea of giving names from weights, has been alluded to, in
pound, livre, etc. ; while heller, or one sixteenth of an ounce, will show the
same applied to a small coin. And here also should be mentioned the stater,
or standard coin, a piece named in the same way that England might call her
pound the sterling ; add here batz from backen, to bake, because it is the
piece baked out of the melted mass into a solid piece.

The original source often gives a name, as has already been said. Thus,
Florence has perpetuated herself in the florin, a coin now issued throughout
Europe, but originating there.

Ducat, from dux, a duke, or ducatus, a dukedom, because first issued by
the Doge or Duke of Venice ; or perhaps because bearing prominently in
their inscription the word ducatus.

i373-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 83

A less obvious derivation of this kind is seen in the Spanish maravedi,
from marabitin, the dynasty of the Moors in Spain, by whom the piece was
first used ; and perhaps the pataca, or patacoon of Spain and Portugal, from
Pat agon, Patagonia, the Spanish name for Buenos Ayres, from whence the
silver came from which the pieces were coined ; also pistole, from Pistoja in
Italy.

A similar spirit often affixes the name of the sovereign who issues the
piece. Louis-dor is a familiar instance, while Carlins, Paoli, or Pauls, and
perhaps the Joe of Portugal, will furnish other illustrations* In Italy, this
system is carried to excess, and their pieces are burdened with the cumbrous
names of Francescone, Leopoldone, etc.

THE SCOPE OF COIN-STUDIES.

BY A STUDENT.

Nowhere have I found in my reading, such a presentation of the extent
and scope of nufnismatic studies, as in Spanheim's celebrated Dissertation
upon the Choice and Use of Ancient Coins, of which I am the fortunate pos-
sessor, at least so far as a mutilated copy of the second volume. It is in Latin
(fearfully hard Latin), printed in Amsterdam, in cididclxxi, or 167 1, if I read
it correctly. The typography is curious, the whole work being set up without
any break into paragraphs, so that when you begin to read it, you are com-
pelled to* go clear through the volume without a halt or a breath.

But the matter is delightful, and it were to be desired that some pub-
lisher would have it translated and re-issued in English.

The Index, which is most elaborately prepared, shows with sufficient
clearness the extent and scope with which the subject is treated. In the
present communication I confine myself to that There are nine Disserta-
tions, viz : —

1 . The commendation of coin-studies on account of the Dignity of the
subject

2. On account of its Utility.

3. Its use in Natural Science.

4. Its value in investigating the history of Plants.

5. In General History.

6. In Roman History before the Caesars.

7. In the Augustan period.

8. In the Titles and Honors of the Augustuses.

9. Comparison between the utility of Numismatics and the study of an-
cient stones or inscriptions.

To the first of these subjects the learned antiquary gives thirty pages,
showing the Dignity of the subject from its antiquity, its duration, the nobility
of its argument, the splendor and authority of the theme, etc., etc.

Under the head of Utility he divides his thoughts into these heads :
First. Concerning the forms of the ancient Greek, Roman, Phoenician, and

84 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [Ants,

other letters. Concerning the ancient reason for writing with the Greeks.
Concerning the additions and changes of letters. Concerning compendiums
of letters. Concerning their orthography.

Second. In moral and civil science. Under the head of Natural Science
he ranges the earth of beasts, birds, fishes, and fabulosa antmaHa. The dove
and elephant, the hippopotamus and boar, the hyena and dolphin, the rhino-
ceros and hydra, each, as it stares upon us from the surface of a coin, yields its
own story, practical or hieroglyphical, in these ancient pages.

The patient and thorough manner in which old Spanheim works up
his subject, compares most favorably with the flippant style affected by mod*
ern authors. See that travesty upon coin-science published by the Harpers
(Prime's Coins, etc.), or that melange, published by Bohn (Humphreys' Coin Col-
lectors' Manual), as fair subjects of comparison. What use do such books serve ?
The student has no room for them on his shelf, and the mere amateur cannot
understand them. Shall we never have, in the. United States, a compend of
coin-studies worthy the name ?

SALE OF MEDALS.

At a sale of the library of a deceased physician, by Latimer & Cleary,
Washington, D. C, January 30, the following medals brought the prices
affixed : —

Obv. Bust of Buchanan, President of the U. S. Rev. To Dr. Frederick Rose, Assistant Sur-
geon Royal Navy G. B. " For kindness and humanity to officers and crew of the U. S. Steamer
Susquehanna." Fine large bronze proof. $3.00.

The Pancoast Medal Obv. Bust. Rev. " Joseph Pancoast, M. D., Professor of Anatomy,
Jefferson College. Born 1805." Fine large bronze proof. $7.75.

Medal. Obv. Army Surgeon, Sick Soldier, etc. Rev. " In commemoration of the Great
Central Fair for the U. S. Sanitary Commission held at Philadelphia, June, 1864." Bronze, and
very fine. $5.50.

Small Bronze Medal. Obv. Bust of David Hoeack, M. D. Rev. " Arts and Sciences,"
with Symbols, $2.25.

Dundee Half Penny. Date, 1796. Beautiful proof impression, and rare, 60 cents.
. Fine Bronze Medal. Obv. Bust of Fulton. " Fulton Institute, Lancaster, Pa." Rev.
Awarded to . The same in white metal. Lot, $1.75.

LAFAYETTE MEDAL.

Obv. Profile bust of Lafayette, to left, draped heavily in cloak. Above,
the name " Lafayette," in semicircle.

Rev. Engraved. " To — John Allen, — from his friend — James Well-
stood — alias — Edie Ochiltree — pilgrim to the land — of — Burns — " partly
encircled by engraved wreath of thistle. The medal appears to be cast as a
whole (except the engraving), or is an electrotype as to the obverse, I cannot
say which, and is heavily silver-plated. It was purchased at the " Allan silver
sale," as a silver medal It has a loop and ring at the top. I believe Wellstood
was the author of a small volume entitled " Pilgrimage to the Land of Burns."

Isaac F. Wood.

1873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 85

" ELBA MEDAL."

Editors of Journal of Numismatics :

In my collection is a curious caricature medalet of Napoleon (1st), which
I do not remember to have seen described. The obverse bears a dejected
jackass, head and ears down, and tail sullenly closed in, led by his Satanic
Majesty, who appears to be in great glee ; the Devil's right hand grasps a rope
which is noosed around the neck of Napoleon, who in military uniform and
cocked hat straddles' the donkey in reverse order, and holds on carefully by
the animal's rump. Legend above, " Inseparable friends " ; below, " To Elba."
Reverse, "We conquer to set free, March 31st, 18 14," enclosing the inscrip-
tion, " Emp. — of Russia — K. of Prussia — Marquis — Wellington — Prince
— Schwartzenberg — ." The metal appears to be German silver plated, size

l6 - I. F. W.

PAPAL MEDALS.

A correspondent of the New York Observer, quotes the following from
" Travels in Western Switzerland," in 1781, by J. R. Sinner, of the Numis-
matic Collection at Berne. He says : —

" Among the modem coins preserved in this cabinet there is to be seen there a somewhat
remarkable copper coin, the size of a French sol. It was struck by order of Pope Gregory XIII.,
bearing on one side the effigy of the Pontiff) and representing on the reverse the St Bartholomew
Massacre, with this legend — Huguonotorum ccudes. Neither Nero nor Domitian have allowed
themselves to preserve for posterity, upon their coins, the memory of the innocent blood they
have spilt ; but the spirit of persecution and religious fanaticism made to be forgotten the sights
of humanity."

A series of the Papal Medals, numbering one hundred and ten pieces,
in which was the above mentioned medal, was sold in December last at a
sale by George A. Leavitt & Co., New York, for the low price of thirty cents
each ; many of the medals were scarce and of very fine workmanship. We
print the extract as we find it The carelessness of the copyist is very evident,
particularly at the close, and the inscription on the medal really reads, Ugonot-
torum Strages. — Ed.

COIN OF SULTANA.

An interesting little copper in my cabinet bears on its obverse the arms
of the British East India Company, date 1804, and the legend "Island of
Sultana ; " the reverse has the Oriental characters peculiar to the rupees, mo-
.hurs, etc., with what looks very like a date of 1719, with the "7" reversed
(thus I). I have hunted atlas and cyclopaedia pretty thoroughly, and nowhere
can I find mention of " Sultana."

There exists a piece precisely like it, date and all, but the legend is
"Island of Sumatra.' At the date 1804, the British settlements of Ben-
coolen, etc., on the latter island, were in charge of the East India Company,
but afterward were ceded to the Dutch.

By the way, the amount of interesting information one can master in the
process of investigating these little out of the way pieces, is not the least
pleasure attendant on collecting. W.

86 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

INTERNATIONAL COINAGE.

• [The comments of The Nation are always valuable, and we are glad to see that they have
taken up the subject of International Coinage. We give below an article which recently ap-
peared in their columns, and trust that their advice will be heeded by Congress. — Eds.]

The Franco-German war, helpful to civilization, as we believe it to have
been in the main, has had one result which friends of universal peace must
consider unfortunate. It has indefinitely postponed the realization of the
scheme of international coinage, in support of which so many statisticians and
publicists of all nations have been laboring for many years, and with which
Mr. Samuel B. Ruggles, in our own country, is so honorably associated.
There is' probably no one of the small things which help to keep nations apart
by impeding commerce, so absurd both in form and substance as the differ-
ences in national money, and nothing does more to keep alive the delusions
with regard to the nature of money in general which are the pests of political
economy. We were making, it seems, considerable progress toward an assim-
ilation of all the gold coinage of the Western World when the Prussian war
broke out. In 1869 a large majority of the chambers of commerce of the
various German States met in convention at Hamburg, and agreed to recom-
mend their governments to adopt as their common monetary gold unit the
French five-franc piece. Then came the war, and after it the payment of the
enormous indemnity in gold to Germany, which the new empire at once
began to coin into units of its own of " twenty marks," equal to 6 2-3 Prussian
thalers, or 4764 American cents, while the twenty-five franc piece is worth
482 cents. In 1869 Sweden contributed to the work of general unification, a
new coin called the " carolin," worth ten francs ; but last year a convention of
the three Scandinavian States adopted a new gold unit of their own, also, called
a gold crown, worth only 270 American cents, eight of them equal to nine
German marks.

An international gold unit seems further off than it was five years ago, so
far that Mr. Ruggles gives up all hope of it for the present, and urges the
friends of the movement to devote themselves now, as the next best thing, to
securing an assimilation of the silver coinage. There is a bill now before
Congress providing for the revision of the coinage of the United States, which
proposes to reduce the silver dollar.from 412 1-2 grains to 384. The addi-
tion of 1 8-10 grains, or one half cent, to this, would make our silver dollar
precisely equal to the five-franc piece of France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzer-
land, Spain and Greece, and just double the new silver florin of Austria, and
would lead to its circulation without recoinage among a population of 120,-
000,000 Europeans. The Finance Committee of the Senate has reported in
favor of making the required change in the new half dollar, but the National
Board of Trade, on Mr. Ruggles s suggestion, urges its application to the
whole dollar, and we hope they may be listened to. We should then have
got some distance toward community of coinage, at least with " the Latin
races," and if there were only two units afloat in the civilized world, the Latin
and German, the final consummation would not be very far off.

1873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 87

PAPER CURRENCY.

Let us rejoice that a better era is upon us, and the faces of living statesmen and generals are
no longer to challenge from the currency of the realm our criticism on their acts. It was a war
measure, to be justified by military necessity, if at all, this system of familiarizing the people of
the country with their leading men, by circulating them upon the currency, it was a pleasant
thing, no doubt, for Mr. Chase, on rewarding the old negro at Key West for his attentions with
his counterfeit presentment on a dollar note, to be recognized By the likeness, and to be told
with an hilarious display of irony and vigorous doffing of head-gear, " Ah ! now me knows who
massa is — you is old Massa Greenbacks." But the principle is still safe and good that no man
should be called happy until death has closed his record, and of the civilians who adorned the
early issues, Lincoln, Seward, Chase, Stanton, Fessenden, the Chief Justice remains alone. There
was sense as well as wit in the ridicule with which the system was at first assailed, and which
prompted a Congressman to send to the Speaker's desk a new table of American currency for
school use which ran — . .

Two Fessendens make one Stanton,
Two Stanton* make one Chase." — TVanscript.

«i

A REMINISCENCE OF THE OPENING OF THE ERIE CANAL.

" Mr. Walter Weed, of Auburn, has one of the large silver medab struck off by the city of
New York, at the completion of the Erie Canal. It was presented to his father by the city of
New York, together with a box to contain it, into which it just fits, made from the Seneca Chief
the first boat that went through the canal from end to end."

Commenting upon this statement, Mr. Joseph Seymour writes to the Syracuse Standard as
follows : " The wood of which the boxes were made to hold the medals struck in commemoration
of the completion of the Erie Canal, was brought by the boat Seneca Chief not of the boat itself.
The Seneca Chief was the first boat that passed (if I recollect right) from Buffalo through the
canal to Albany, and then to New York, where she joined in the great celebration ; and was, as
you may well suppose, an object of great interest Her passengers were De Witt Clinton and
staff, the engineer, and prominent men of our State at that time.

" The wood of which the boxes were made to hold the medals was cedar, and cut, I think, in
the vicinity of Buffalo. I was a very young lad, and had just commenced learning my trade, and
ray employer — Maltby Pedetrean, a silversmith in Rice Street, Fourth Ward, New York — had
tbe contract from the Common Council for striking the medals. A wood-turner in William Street,
same ward, had the contract for making the boxes. C. C Wright, the then eminent engraver and
die-sinker, and early in life a practical silversmith, cut the dies ; and Durang, the artist and great
mechanic, became associated in business together about that time, and I think they are entitled
justly to be named as the founder of the beautiful and artistic system of bank note and line en-
graving, which I think is admitted, as shown by the work done by the present American Bank
Note Company, to excel that of any other.

"I was often sent, during the time the dies were in process of cutting, to and fro with the dies,
with impressions to their office, which was in the' building, southeast corner of Broadway and
Canal streets* The building, I think, is yet standing. The exact number of medals struck I do
not now remember, but of gold I think fifty-one were struck and sent to the different crowned
heads of the world and eminent men, — one to Lafayette. Of silver several hundreds; but the
larger number of block tin or white metal. It was my duty and privilege to help make the press
|tra assist in getting up the medals, and of all who were engaged upon them I believe I am the
only one now living. I have one of the medals in my possession. It is very beautiful in design
and workmanship. On one side is Pan and Neptune in loving embrace, with the cornucopia,
showing the fruits of the land, the sea and shore, with light-house, etc., and the inscription, ' Union
of Erie with the Atlantic.' The obverse the coat of arms of the State, and section of the canal,
showing locks and tunnel, with the bay of New York, ship in full sail, and city, with the inscrip-
tion, 'Erie Canal commenced 4th of July, 1817. Completed 26th October, 1825. Presented by
tl^ city of New York, 1826.' "

88 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

THE BIBLE AND COIN-STUDY.

BY ROBERT MORRIS, IX. D.

In reading up old Latin authors to secure a lost facility for the language,
I am going through the good old jog-trot copy, u Interprete Theodoro Beza,"
and have marked the passages that suggest thoughts in numismatics.

The first is from Mark xii. 15-17: "Ipse verb, quum sciret eorum
hypocrisin, dixit eis, Quid me tentatis ? proferte mihi denarium, ut videam.

" Illi verb protulerunt Tunc dicit eis, Cujus est imago ista et inscriptio ?
Illi verb dixerunt ei, Caesaris.

" Et respondens Jesus dixit eis, Reddite quae sunt Caesaris Caesari, et
quae Dei sunt Deo. Et admirati sunt super eo."

I take out of my pocket four specimens of this coin, the denarius, of
which Webster says in his Unabridged, " Latin, from dent, ten each ....
a Roman coin of the value of about sixteen or seventeen cents ; so called
from its being worth originally ten of the pieces called a s" In law-books it
is used for an English penny. The writer of the article " Denarius," in the
old Encyclopedia Americana in a valuable foot-note, concludes the value
to be about fourteen cents and a quarter. But standard numismatic au-
thorities (Madden for instance) set it at about fifteen cents.

The four that lie side by side on my table are the money of Severus,
Julia Pia, Antoninus Pius, and Faustina, bearing the heads in good relief of
those men and women who in their day led the fashions, basked in luxury,
murdered and robbed judicially, and made their names heard in " the world's
debate." On the reverse side of Julia Pia are the words Matri Deum, " to the
Mother of the Gods," a species of adulation only a little worse than the mon-
eyers of Europe even now yield to their earthly gods. Her coins themselves
are about one? and a half heavier than the American silver dime, the artistic
execution being considerably better, but the mechanical execution considerably
worse than the American mint achieves.

Although these four denarii are by far too late in the chronological series
to have served Jesus in His memorable and admirable reply, yet we are assured
from abundance of specimens extant, that those of Augustus or of Tiberius
Caesar, were much of the same size, weight, and general character as these;
and therefore, we can, with propriety, take one of them and apply the wofds
" Render unto Caesar," etc. And we do thereby gain a decided insight into
the narrative. The movement explains the event We feel willing to pass on
to the next paragraph. It occurs to us that when Jesus said, Ego lux in mun-
dum veni, " I have come the light of the world," He spoke to men with eye-
sight ; not to the blind, for they would not have understood Him. So when
the historian injects such a passage as this concerning the denarius, he sup-
poses himself writing to persons who know what a denarius is.

The second extract from old Beza is from Mark xii. 41-44 : —

" Et quum sedisset Jesus ex adverso gazophylacii, spectabat quomodo
turba immitteret aes in gazophyllacium : multi igitur divites injiciebant mulfa.

" Et quum venisset quaedam vidua pauper, injecit minuta aereola duo,
quod est quadrans.

1873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 89

" Tunc ille, quum advocasset discipulos suos, dixit eis, Amen dico vobis,
vidua haec pauper plus immisit quam omnes alii qui miserunt pecuniam in
gazophylacium :

" Nam omnes ex eo quod ipsis redundat immiserunt : haec verb e pen-
uria sua immisit omnia quae habebat, totum nempe victum suum."

Now, here is a handful of the little copper coins, the minuta areola, such
as the certain poor widow cast in. They run from ten to a cent to thirty to a
cent in value, if indeed copper money can be said to have any value except as
government by its stamp agrees to redeem it. In other words, is not all
money of that sort, copper, tin, iron, nickel, brass, etc., of the nature of tokens,
of which Webster gives this definition : " In coinage, tokens were coins struck
in cities and by private persons which were put into circulation, and upon
being returned the issuer gave the value of them in current money." If gov-
ernment takes iLplanchet of nickel worth intrinsically, one half cent, and by its
stamp of five cents, agrees to redeem it for five cents, that, I take it, is a gov-
ernment token. Such, I suppose, is all this handful of copper " mites " which
I am using as a commentary upon ihe affecting incident of the poor widow
and her " mites," of which, some time since, I wrote this verse : —

"How poor the widow, who received
Such unexampled praise, behold 1
Two bits of worthless metal, cast

Amidst the rich men's gold I
And yet they do our souls uplift, —
The widow's heart went with her gift!
Though insignificantly small,
These were ' the certain widow's ' all 1
'Verily,' said the Voice Divine,
'More than they all she hath put in.

In using two of these coins, "insignificantly small," for my Sunday-
school lectures, I am accustomed to conceal them between the thumb- and
forefinger of my right hand while I explain their extreme diminutiveness ; and
when the interest in youthful minds is thoroughly aroused I hold them up to
the view. So small are they that they require the sharp eyes of the youth to
see them ten feet distant

f »

TRANSACTIONS OF SOCIETIES.

BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

January 2. — The annual meeting was held this day, the Vice-President,
Mr. Davenport, filling the chair. The Secretary read the report of the last
meeting, which was accepted. Mr. Davenport, as Curator, made a short state-
ment, and asked for more time to make his formal annual report In the ab-
sence of the Treasurer, no financial report could be made. The committee
appointed at the last meeting nominated the former board of officers for
reelection. Their report was accepted, and the same persons were voted
to their positions for this present year. Mr. Crosby exhibited two med-
als, one of them struck from the metal of the bell of the Court-house in
Chicago, destroyed in the fire of October, 1871. The Secretary exhibited

VOL. VII. 12

9 o AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

three curious pieces. One is of copper, size 22, the red men come to el-
tons daily ; a trader buying skips of an Indian. Rev. skins bought at el-
tons 1757 ; a deer (?) lying under trees. The other two pieces have a connec-
tion, or rather a resemblance ; both are of size 46, and both have a loop
formed of an eagle's wing and a pipe ; the first of silver reads georgivs. m.
d. g. m. bri. fra. et. hib. rex. f. d. ; bust of George III. in armor, facing the
right. Rev. happy while united ; in exergue 1 764 ; at the left a white man
and an Indian with a pipe are seated under a strange tree; at the right is the
sea, on which are three vessels, and near them a rocky point with a house ; in
the field n. york and dcf have* been stamped ; the second of copper, reads,
rebellion to tyrants is obedience to god ; on a label Virginia ; the arms of
that state, an armed woman trampling on a man lying prostrate. Rev. happy
while united; in exergue 1780 ; at the right a white man and an Indian with
a pipe are seated under a strange tree ; at the left is the sea, on which are .three
vessels, and near them a rocky point with a house ; there is nothing in the field.
Concerning these three pieces nothing is known, and the owner and Society
will be glad to receive any communication on the subject. The Society ad-
journed at 4 3-4 P. M. William S. Appleton, Secretary.

February 6. — A monthly meeting was held this day. The Secretary
read the report of the last meeting, which was accepted. The President
announced a donation from Rev. J. M. Finotti, of a curious little pamphlet,
" Portuguese & Spanish money turned into English coin ; " and Mr. Davenport
presented, on behalf of Mr. Samuel Johnson, some small Swedish coins and
others; he also exhibited a necklace made of old silver Arabic coins found in
Sweden, and now gilt. Mr. Crosby exhibited the original silver patterns for
pieces of 1,000 and 500 mills, prepared in 1783, and derived from the family
of Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress ; also another for 500 mills, very
similar, but without the words " Constellatio Nova," and also without the in-
teresting and authentic history of the other two. Mr. Root exhibited the set
of patterns for five francs and ten centimes, produced in France at the compe-
tition under the Republic of 1848, about twenty-five of each in tin, which Mr.
Root had covered with nickel for better preservation. . The Secretary exhib-
ited eight large silver German medals, religious and allegorical, on some of
which are curious representations of Bible scenes. The Society adjourned
shortly before 5 P. M. William S. Appleton, Secretary.

March 6. — A monthly meeting was heW this day. The Secretary read
the report of the last meeting, which was accepted. The Treasurer made his
annual statement, showing the Society to be in excellent condition financially.
The President exhibited a small selection from the Papal medals of ex- Pres-
ident Dr. Winslow Lewis, including the rare medal of Gregory XIII.* on the
massacre of the Huguenots, 1572, a medal of Innocent XII. with the Basilica
of Santa Maria Maggiore, and one of Clement XII. with that of St John
Lateran; also a siege piece of Campen, 1578. Mr. Pratt exhibited a gold
coin of -twelve lire of Genoa, a medal of Louis Napoleon at his election to the
Presidency, and a silver medal presented to a member of the Palmetto regi-
ment for services in Mexico. The Secretary exhibited a California gold quar-
ter-dollar of 1872 with the head of Washington, and a brass medal of George

1873] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 91

U perhaps intended, as other later medals, for presentation to Indians ; it has
the bust of the king facing the right, and inscription george: king: of
great : Britain. Rev/ A hunter aiming an arrow at a deer, who stands near
a very strange looking tree ; in heaven is the sun : it is of size 26. The
Society adjourned at 5 P. M. William S. Appleton, Secretary.

THE DYING SPEECH OF OLD TENOR, 1750.

■

In the Journal for April, 1871 (vol. V. p. 80), was reprinted the famous
poem by Joseph Green, of Boston, entitled, " A Mournful Lamentation for
the Sad and Deplorable Death of Mr. Old Tenori* This was the most witty
of the/«wr d "esprit brought out by the suppression of paper money in 1750,
some of which no doubt are hopelessly lost There was a strong prejudice in
the minds of many, against what is now acknowledged to have been a meas-
ure of incalculable benefit to the people of the Province. Some satirical
verses, printed in Rhode Island and distributed in Massachusetts, called forth
a proclamation from the provincial authorities, offering a reward for the appre-
hension of the authors. William B. Trask, Esq., has found a broadside copy
of this proclamation in volume 102 of the Massachusetts Archives, page 598,
which he has Copied and which is reproduced below : —

By the Honourable SPENCER PHIPS, Esq ; Lieutenant-Governour and Commander in Chief,
in and over His Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England.

A PROCLAMATION.

HEREAS there has been lately published and dispersed within this Province, an
anonymous Paper in the Form of a Ballad, called, A sad and deplorable Lamenta-
tion, &c, — .... — wherein are contained many Expressions horribly prophane
and impious, and such also as reflect the greatest Indignity and Contempt upon
the Authority of the Legislature, and tend very much to weaken, if not subvert
the happy Constitution of this Government : And whereas one Robert Howland
of Duxbury, and one Fobes Little of Little-Compton, are informed against for industriously publish-
ing and dispersing, and one or both of them strongly suspected to be the Authors of the Paper
aforesaid:

I DO therefore, with the Advice of His Majesty's Council, and at the Desire of the House of
Representatives, hereby require His Majesty's Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, and other
Officers, with other His Majesty's Subjects, to use their utmost Endeavours for the seizing, appre-
hending and securing the said Robert Howland and Fobes Little, that so they may be brought
to Justice : And for the Encouragement of the said Officers and others concerned, any Person or
Persons that shall seize upon and secure the said Robert Howland and Fobes Little, or either
of them, so that they, or either of them, shall be delivered up to Authority, he or they shall
receive out of the publick Treasury the sum of TEN POUNDS Lawful Money for* - each of the
said Persons they shall so secure and deliver up as aforesaid, together with all necessary Charges.

GIVEN at the Council Chamber in Boston,/^ Eighteenth Day of April 1 751,61 the Twenty
fourth Year 0/ the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the' Second, by the Grace of GOD of
Great-Britain, France, and Ireland, KING, Defender of the Faith, 6r*c.

By Order of His Honour the Lieutenant- Governour, . ^* ^ hl P s -

with the Advice of the Council,
J. Willard, Seer.

GOD Save the KING.
BOSTON : Printed by John Draper, Printer to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governour and Council.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

[April,

Can any reader of the Journal famish a copy of these verses, or give an
account of Robert Howland and Fobes Little ?

We are fortunate in being able to preserve some other verses of those times,
on this subject, which illustrate the feeling of many in the community. They
are reprinted below from a broadside belonging to Mr. Trask, perhaps the
only one in existence. The author is unknown. The broadside seems to have
been published in March, 1750. A broad, black, or mourning rule sur-
rounded the printed matter, and another divided the columns.

The Dying Speech of Old Tenor,

On the 31ft of March 1750 ; being the Day appointed for his Execution.
With a Word of Comfort to his difconfolate Mourners.

Kind Reader,
You cannot be.infenfible how J have been ufed, and in what Manner for three Weeks paff and
what different Sentiments fome have entertained concerning me, calling me Bomaree, Old Stuf£ and
many other hard and approbious Names in the Publick Prints ; but I was handled in fo rough a
Manner ; lafi Wednefday, Thurfday and Friday, being the three laff Days before my Execution, that I
catch" d a prodigious Cold, and on Friday Night was obliged to retire, having the Hcad-ach to a great
Degree; but confidering how fhort my Time was, and the great Diftrefs of fome of my befl Friends,
who appeared to me very Dull and Melancholy, was determined to leave them the following Legacy, for
their own perufal, and their Children after them ; which I penrid in Part after Nine 0' Clock, and
ffnifh'd the next Morning early, knowing that it would be a very busy Day with me. After I had*
taken a little Breakfafl, which lay very hard in my Stomach, I was hurry'd about from one Part of
the Town and Province to another in a mofi violent Manner, fo that by One 0' Clock, I could fcarcely
fetch my Breath : After pinner (having had a very poor Appetite^ knowing the doleful Scene was not
far off) even fome of my befl Friends began to be fhy of me, threatening tofhut up their Shops, becaufel
was thrown in upon them fo faff About half an Hour before Sunfet, thofe who were very fond of me
ONCE, ran about Town as if they were diftradled, for fear Tfhould die in their Hands, and were
as glad to get rid of me as if I had been a Rattle-fnake ; which brought to my Mind the Fable of an
aged Hound being inpurfuit of his Game, caught it, but could not hold it, becaufe his Teeth were worn
out; for which his Maffer correcled him veryfeverely — The Dog begged that he might not bepunifhed,
alledging that he was old ; The Moral of which is, Many People arefo ungrateful as to take no Notice
of the Ninety-nine good Turns, which they have received, if the Hundredth is denied them.

8SSSSSSS H at doleful Cries are thefe that fright

tcn>

*"WS& mySenfe!

COO

tcn>

000

§8888888 ** ac * zs ^ e Groans of dying Inno-
9SSSSS9 cence.

The killing Accents now more near approach,
And does moft Hearts with Grief and Wonder

touch.
It makes a mighty great and doleful Sound
Spread far and wide, enlarges all around.
My Name Old Tenor is, 'tis true, I own,
And by thai Name have many Years been

known.
But what alas / is all this Stir and Noifef
Have I not been quite juft unto your Caufe ?
Indeed Iv'e help'd the Poor Man in Diftrefs,
And eas'd the Widow and the Faiherlefs.
I've built you Houfes, for to keep you warm,
And bought you Cattle for to plow your Land.
When in Diftrefs, a helping Hand I've been,
And purchas'd Things to carry you to your

End.

When you've been fick, I've done the bell I
cou'd

To eafe your Mind, and do juft as you wou'd ;

When you've been parch'd with Fevers violent,

I to the Doctors for you have been fent.

When your Guts grumbl'd and your Heads have
ak'd

I then flood ready for to eafe your Pate.

When you no Breeches had, or Coat to wear,

You conftantly did unto me repair ;

I bought you Caps, I bought you Shoes like-
wife,

And many a Time no Doubt have fav'd your
Lives.

When Wars arofe, and En'mies you purfu'd,

To me you ran for fhelter from your Foes.

I bought you Guns, and Drums, and Swords
indeed,

And ev'ry Thing that Mortals flood in need.

When Frenchmen unto you were coming in,

I then flood ready for to be your Friend.

'3730

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

When your Hearts fail'd, I purchased you good

Cheer,
Which made you bold, and on the Spaniards

fheer.
When all your Trade was in Stagnation lain,
I then rous'd up, which was not quite in vain.
I rais'd an Army, to Cape-Breton fent,
Who took that Place, which made you all con-
tent :
Rejoicings great you then was pleas'd to make,
Altho' it made the Frenchmen's Hearts to ake.
In fhort, great Things I always have been* doing,
And conftantly for me you have been wooing.
Should I recount the good Deeds I have done,
The World perhaps could find not fuch a one.
But after all, what ftrange Reward muft have,
Among fome Men, unwilling I mould live ;
Or any more among you for to breathe.
This Day my Execution's to commence
And I'm to be for ever banifh'd hence.
Ah ! cruel Fate, 'tis hard indee'd to tell
The Crowds of Men, of my unhappy end.
Mourners I have in Numbers "great and fmall,
Who gladly my Death- Warrant would recall :
But ah 1 .poor Souls ! I pity you from my Heart,
But that, alas ! won't eafe you of the Smart
I have been hug'd, I have been tore in two,
And ferv'd the word of Mortals, it is true :
But then Companion on me you have had,
And ftamp'd me new, which made my Heart

quite glad.
How nice and carefully have I been tuck'd,
Where little pretty Infants lie and fuck.
But what comes next to that ; I'm plainly told
I am to be exchang'd for heavy Gold.
The DOLLARS are on Monday next to rife,
And then I doubt not fome will loofe their Eyes.
Thefe pretty Baubles you will turn and twift
And then fecurely lay them in your Cheft.
But I, alafs, after you've had your Games,
Muft be thrown up in Heaps and put in Flames.

PART II. A Word of Comfort.

But come my Friends, your Fate is hard, 'tis true,

One Word of Comfort I will fey to you :

After my Name by fome is wholly loft,

I (hall be hov'ring all around the Coaft.

If in Diftrefs by fome you mould be brought,

Come unto me in Hampton with your Lot

Bring up your Goods unto Connecticut,

And there I'll make you grow quite plump and

fat
If thefe mould fail, to Providence Repair,
And there my Friends you all fhall have your

fhare.
Three Goverments I've in Poffeffion now,
They all me mind, and gtfeat Refpeft do (how.
My Land is good, my Cedars large and tall,
And thofe who come to me fhall never fall.
All thofe who have my En'mies been indeed,
Will be convinc'd that I have them reliev'd.
Their Thoughts are high, their Looks are mighty

great,
And do feem pleas'd at my imagin'd Fate.
Shortly they'll fee how I in Triumph vie,
And then with Sorrow they'll look dull and cry.
Rejoice my Friends, rejoice once more I fay,
Altho' this is my Execution Day.
After I'm dead, take Care of my Remains,
And when I rife, will pay you for your Pains ;
Keep up your Hearts, tho* Scoffers do rejoice ;
And in a little Time you'll hear my Voice.
Altho' this Day looks dark, and Hearts are fad,
Mind not the Frowns of wicked Men who're

glad;
Shortly they'll fay, Old Tenor come again.
But then alas ! 'twill be too late for them.

Dated in Boston, which has been the chief
Place of my Refidence for many Years, which I
believe will be very fenfibU of my Departure, this
Thirty-firft of March 1750.

Sold next to the Prison in Queen-Street

Warren, the comedian, lent a brother actor two shillings, and when he made a demand for the
sum, the debtor, turning peevishly from him, said, " Hang it ! I'll pay you to-day in some shape
or other." Warren good-humoredly replied, " I shall be much obliged to you, Tom, to let it be as
like two shillings as you can."

A clergyman in Illinois expressed his contempt of nickel cents in his Sunday collection, and
positively forbade any of his congregation from contributing anything under the denomination of
five cents. " Save your cents," said the good man, " until you have five, before you put your con-
tribution in the box. The widow's mite business is played out here."

Money is applied to everything which serves as a circulating medium : cash is, in a strict sense,
put for coin only ; bank notes are money ; guineas and shillings are cash ; all cash is therefore
money, but all money is not cash.

94 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

PROCLAMATION BY QUEEN ANNE.

Editors of Journal of Numismatics : —

Enclosed I send you a copy of a broadside purchased at a recent sale in New
York, which I think will be read with some interest by the subscribers to # the
Journal. The proclamation is a broadside almost fifteen inches square, and
printed in German text

Richmond^ Va., March 6, 1873. T. H. W.

[ARMS OF GREAT BRITAIN: MOTTO, SEMPER EADEM.\

By the Queen.

A PROCLAMATION.

For settling and ascertdining the current rates of Foreign coins in her Majesties colonics and planta-
A N N E. R. tions in America*

£ having had under our consideration the different rates at which the same
species of foreign coins, do pass in our several colonies and plantations in
America, and the inconveniencies thereof, by the indirect practice of drawing
the money — from one plantation to another, to the great prejudice of the trade
of our subjects ; And being sensible that the same cannot be otherwise reme-
died, than by reducing of all foreign coins to the* same current rate, within all
our dominions in America ; and the principal officers of our mint, having laid
before us, a table of the value of the several foreign coins, which usually pass
in payments in our said plantations, according to their weight, and the assays made of them in
our mint, thereby shewing the just proportion which each coin ought to have to the other, which
is as followeth, Sevill pieces of eight, Old plate, seventeen-peny-weight, twelve grains, four shil-
lings and sixpence ; Sevill pieces of ejght, new plate, fourteen peny-weight, three shillings seven
pence one farthing ; Mexico pieces of eight seventeen peny- weight twelve grains, four shillings
and sixpence. Pillar pieces of eight, seventeen peny-weight — twelve grains, four shillings and six-
pence three farthings. Peru pieces of eight, Old plate, seventeen peny-weight twelve grains, four
shillings and five pence or thereabouts ; Cross dollars, eighteen peny-weight, four shillings and
four pence, three farthings ; Duccatoons of Flanders twenty peny-weight and twenty one grains,
five shillings and sixpence ; Ecu's of France or silver Lewis, seventeen peny-weight twelve grains,
four shillings and sixpence ; Crusadoes of Portugal, eleven peny-weight four grains, two shillings
and ten pence, one farthing ; Three gilder pieces of Holland twenty peny-weight and seven grains
five shillings and two pence one farthing ; Old Rix dollars of the empire, eighteen peny-weight
and ten grains, four shillings ajid sixpence ; The halfj quarters and other parts, in proportion to
their denominations, and light pieces in proportion to their weight

We have therefore thought fit' for remedying the said inconveniences, by the advice of our
Council, to publish and declare, that from and after the first day of January next ensuing the date
hereof, no Sevill, Pillar, or Mexico pieces of eight, though of the full weight of seventeen peny-
weight and an half, shall be accounted, received, taken or paid, within any of our said colonies or
plantations, as well those under proprietors and charters, as under our immediate commission and
government, at above the rate of six shillings per piece current money, for the discharge of any
contracts or bargains, to be made after the said first day of January next, the halfs quarters and other
lesser pieces of the same coins to be accounted, received taken, or paid in the same proportion :
And the currency of all pieces of eight of Peru, dollars, and other foreign species of silver coins,
whether of the same or baser alloy, shall, after the said first day of January next, stand regulated, ac-
cording to their weight and fineness, according and in proportion to the rate before limited and
set for the pieces of eight of Sevill, Pillar, and Mexico ; so that no foreign silver coin of any sort
be permitted to exceed the same proportion upon any account whatsoever.

And we do hereby require and command all our Governours, Lieutenant Governours, Magis-
trates officers and all other our good subjects, within our said colonies and plantations, to ob-
serve and obey our directions herein as they tender our displeasure.

Given at our Castle at Windsor, the eighteenth day of June 1704. In the third year of
our reign*.

Gqd save the Queen.

London, printed by Charles Bill, and the executrix of Thomas Newcomb, deceased, printers to the
Queens most excellent Majesty. 1704.

I&73-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 95

SALE OF COINS AND MEDALS.

A sale of medals and coins by George A. Leavitt &Co., New York, took
place December 12, 13, and 14, 1872. The catalogue "comprised 1003 ^ ots >
with an Addenda. Among the most prominent pieces were the following : —

Silver Medals. — George III. (See Transactions of Boston Numismatic Society, vol. VI. p. 69),
$70.00. John De Witt and Cornelius De Witt, killed 167 1. Obv. Busts of the brothers. Rev.
Their dead bodies, size 48, $6.25. Julius, Duke of Brunswick, 1587, size 34, $4.50. Spanish Ar-
mada, 1588, fine, size 32, $15.00. George I., 17 14, Coronation Medal in gold, proofs size 23,
$16.50. Unit of James I., gold, $6.50. Noble of Edward III., gold, $5.50.

Silver Crown of Louis XVI., $3.00; do. French Republic, $3.25. Half disme, 1792, $5.00.
Dime, 1796, fine, $4.50. Half Dime, 1795, ^ ne > $4«75- Centenary Medal, Luther's, silver, size
20, $3.00. Medal of John Huss, fine, size 27, $15.00. Sword dollar of James VI., Scotland,
$5.00. Crown of Henry IV., France, $4.0^0. Spiel marks token, A. Lincoln, "10 dollars," proo£
$5-oo.

Five francs, Commune, 187 1 ; two, $5.00, and $5.13. Bronze Medal, Libertas Americana, fine,
$7.00. Dollar, 1800, $3.00 ; do. 1802, fine, $6.00.

Louisbourg Medal; Boscawen, bronze, $6.50. Silver Medal, Libera Soror, 1782, proof, $47*50 ;
do., Foedere Junctae, 1782, silver, proofs $37.50. Silver Medal, by Calker, 1782, fine, $15.00.
Pine-tree Shilling, 1652, fine, $6.00. Oak-tree twopence, fine, $5.50. Half-dollar, 1795, & ne >
$5.00. Province of Canada, Token of the Bank of Montreal, 1843, ^ ne > $13-00.

U. S. Cents. — Liberty Cap, 1793, fine, $17.00; 1795, t 2 * 2 5 > I 797t $2.50 ; 1804, poor, $2.50.
West Virginia, War Medal, bronze, $10.50. Set of Siamese coins, six, silver, $6.75.

THE "GLORIUVS III VIS" COPPERS.

Editors of Journal of Numismatics : —

There appears to have been much discussion, and no conclusion reached/
as to the origin and reading of these pieces, in former numbers of the Journal
Should the. following remarks be considered too hypothetical; — at least they
are not more so than those of more learned contributors, on the same subject
Well, then. The head is not the head of George III.; nor does it resemble
the head on any coin of his. The last letters of the obv. legend are certainly
vis and not vts. Now look at the legend of the reverse, which is conceded
to. read britt. On my specimen (a very well preserved one), of the r only
part, and of the 1 t r only the straight heavy strokes are visible ; so that it
reads bp in.' Either this is due to the unskillful die-cuttings, or want of
power in the press ; or (as I think) the piece is but a poor counterfeit of a
more artistically executed one. It is well known that English .halfpence
were in such manner counterfeited in the United States Now, precisely as
these three upright strokes of the reverse represent letters ; even so do the
three upright strokes of the obverse represent, not the Roman numeral 1 1 1
(3,) but three letters, which I think are j. e. r. and the inscription will then read
glorious j e r. v 1 s. and we may reasonably conclude the piece to be a medal,
or counterfeit copy of a medal, struck in honor of Jervis after the battle of
Cape St. Vincent

Mr. Crosby's piece mentioned in the number of the Journal for
January, 1871,1s evidently of similar origin, and contemporaneous period,

96 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April, 1873.

and would seem to lend probability to my theory ; as his piece has the h in
Howe, tf very wide and lightly crossed as if to resemble the Roman numerals,
11 " and as on the " Gloriuvs " there is a space between the figure and the rest
of the word. On the " Gloriuvs " this space is filled by a dot, which has no
" raison d'etre." In conclusion, there were medals struck with the inscription
Glorious Jervis. I regret not having kept the reference where they are
spoken of, but may recover it.

If we have not run this piece to earth, at least I think we are on the
right scent.

D. L. W.

New York.

EDITORIAL.

We learn from a friend that the collection of Dr. Charles Spier, concerning which we inserted
an account in our last number (p. 71), is a very large and interesting one. The statement of the
value of various pieces in his cabinet, and the estimated worth of the collection, did not receive
the sanction of the owner, who, although a collector for many years, has no intention of offering
them for sale, and has no wish to mislead the public by the exaggerated value placed upon tbem
in the extract quoted.

We notice the death in the French papers of M. Guillaume Combrouse, archaeologist and nu-
mismatist, who died in Paris on the 19th of February last His principal works were MonnaUs
de France, 1839-40, in four volumes ; Decameron Numismatique, and Monuments de la Maison de
France. He was born in 1808, and his services as an antiquary and author were of great value.
In our next issue we hope to give a more extended notice of his contributions to Numismatology.

The first number of Mr. S. S. Crosby's book on The Early Coins of America, has just been
issued. It is a work of much labor, and a large sum has been expended in procuring material and
illustrations, which are much superior to any heretofore produced in publications of this character.

We trust it may receive a prompt and liberal support from all interested in the History of our
Coinage.

CURRENCY.

" How hast thou purchased this experience ? "
"By my penny of observation."

English sovereigns first issued, 1817.

" Anything for a little change," as the man said when he offered his bad half-dollar.

" She it is who stamps the coin of character " — Our Mother.

The latest style of London advertising is to paste small tickets glorifying theif wares on every
coin — silver or copper — which passes out of the shop.

The silver coin of England was reduced (not debased) more than fifty years ago, in order to
make it play a subsidiary part to gold, and to keep it from being exported. • It is only a legal
tender for forty shillings, and it is always exchangeable at par for gold.

We have heard of a man who had a silver ten-cent piece set on a scarf-pin, which he was in
the habit of calling his dime and pin.

PLATE XXI.
NEW COINS OF THE WORLD.

SPAIN.

I. Five Pesetas of Amadeo I. Silver, 1871.

Weight, .800. Fineness, 900. Value, $0.98
II. Five Pesetas of the Republic of Spain.

Weight, .800. Fineness, 900. Value, $0.98.

PORTUGAL.

I. Gold Coroa or 9000 Rela, 1871.

Weight, .308. Fineries*, 912. Value, $9.80.5.
II. 900 Reis Of Portugal. Silver, 1871.

Weight, .400. Fineness, 912. Value, $0.49.9.

PAYMENTS FOR THE JOURNAL.

Payments for the Journal will be acknowledged in this place.

Boston, W. S. Appleton, S. A. Green, J. Colburn, B. N. Society, G. W.
Pratt, H. Davenport, G. F. Seavey, J. K. Wiggin, Winslow Lewis, E. F.
Slafter, A. H. Vinton, Francis Gardner, Mrs. Bruen, C. C. Smith, W. H.
Wheeler, H. S. Adams, D. R. Child, T. E. Bond, Justin Jones, E. A. Hall,
W. T. Wardwell, W. F. Johnson, J. H. Power, J. B. Rhodes, H. W. Hoi-
land, T. P. Ritchie, J. A. Lewis ; Salem, M. A. Stickney ; Worcester, Na-
thaniel Paine ; Providence, R. /., J. B. Calder ; Westerly, R. /., G. D. Her-
sey ; JVew York City, I. Smith Homans, L. Bayard Smith, J. N. T. Levick,
J. G. Hoffman, M. L. Mackenzie, C. I. Bushnell, R. L. Stuart, R. C. Cot-
terall, D. L. Walter (Vol. VIII.), J. E. Gay, J. M. Bailey, W. M. Allen;
Brooklyn, N. Y, W. H. Strobridge; Canton, N. Y, L. E. Lee; Alfred,
N. Y., J. Allen ; Buffalo, N. Y., £. S. Ralph ; Chicago, III, J. G. Bronson
{Vol. VIII.); Claremont, N. H., N. W. Stowell; Philadelphia, Pa., W. S.
Vaux ; Norristown, Pa., J. Grier Ralston ; Harrisburg, Pa., John Curwen ;
Fort Wayne, Ind., F. P. Randall ; Savannah, Ga., S. Yates Levy ; Cincin-
nati, O., Public Library ; Nashville, Tenn., G. P. Thurston ; Traverse City,
Mich., T. T. Bates (Vol. VIII.).

THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA.

The Committee of Publication of the New England Numismatic and
Archaeological Society purpose publishing a work on the early coinage
of America.

It will include the Sommer Islands pieces ; all the silver coinage of New
England ; the Rosa Americana coins ; the Granby tokens ; the colonial
pieces of Virginia; the early coins of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey,
and Massachusetts ; the Washington issues ; together with the pattern
pieces of the Mint previous to its regular issues of 1793 ; also many tokens
struck in Europe for circulation in this country, etc., etc.

It is the intention of the Committee to make it a more complete and
thorough work on the early Numismatic history of America than has ever
been published ; and to accomplish this, time, labor, and money have been
freely given, as the book will abundantly testify.

Price, One Dollar per number. Owing to the heavy outlay attending its
production, subscribers are required to accompany their orders with Five
Dollars, one half the estimated amount of subscription.

Receipts for payments in advance will be sent with the first number,
which will be ready in January, 1873, and followed by the others in monthly
parts till the work is completed.

The names of subscribers to the work will be published in the last number.

All communications should be addressed to Sylvester S. Crosby, 240
Washington Street, Boston, Mass.

Boston, Mass., Dccembei, 1872.

EDWARD COGAN

DEALER IN

Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals,

No. 408 STATE STREET,
BROOKL YN, N. V.

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

DEALER IN

Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, and
Confederate Paper Money and Books relating to the same.

Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, Post free, . . $1. 6c-
Field Medal Bronze, " 1.25

512 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA.

CANADIAN ANTIQUARIAN

AND

NUMISMATIC JOURNAL.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY

The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada.

Subscription, $1.50 Canadian currency \ per annum, in advance, payable
to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86£, Montreal.

WM. PARSONS LUNT,

Historical and Genealogical Works,

102 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON.

He has on hand a few copies of My Campaigns in America ; a Journal kept
by Count William de Deux-Ponts, 1780-81. Translated from the French
manuscript, with an Introduction and Notes, by Samuel Abbott Green.

A. WILLIAMS & CO.

Publishers, Booksellers, and Importers*

135 WASHINGTON, corner of SCHOOL STREET,

BOSTON.

ALEXANDER WILLIAMS. T n ..,„„..„ CHAS. L. DAMRELL*

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[Established 1841.]

T*^ DoBars a Year, in Advance.

Single Copies, 75 Cts.

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A M E R I C A N

Journal of Numismatics

AND

BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND

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July, 1873.

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

QUARTERLY.

COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

WILLIAM SUMNER APPLETON.
SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEN.
JEREMIAH COLBURN.

SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED BY

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135 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

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AND

H. HOFFMAN,
33 QUAI VOLTAIRE, PARIS, FRANCE.

All Communications to be addressed to Jeremiah Colburn, 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

H i fr -

EDWARD COGAN

DEALER IN

Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals,

No. 408 STATE STREET,
BROOKL YN, N. Y.

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

DEALER IN

Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, and
Confederate Paper Money and Books relating to the same.

Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, Post free, . . $1.60-
Field Medal Bronze, " " 1.25

512 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA.

CANADIAN ANTIQUARIAN

AND

NUMISMATIC JOURNAL.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY

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Subscription, $1.50 Canadian currency, per annum, in advance, payable
to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86£, Montreal.

WM. PARSONS LUNT,

Historical and Genealogical Works,

102 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON.

He has on hand a few copies of My Campaigns in America ; a Journal kept
by Count William de Deux-Ponts, 1780-81. Translated from the French
manuscript, with an Introduction and Notes, by Samuel Abbott Green.

A. WILLIAMS & CO.

Publishers, Booksellers, and Importers,

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AMERICAN

Journal of Numismatics

AND

BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES.

July, 1873.

I860.

t^Y^f

--*--*■•»-'

^hat^S

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

QUARTERLY.

COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

WILLIAM SUMNER APPLETON.
SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEN.
JEREMIAH COLBURN.

SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED BY

A. WILLIAMS & CO.
135 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

EDWARD COGAN,
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AND

H. HOFFMAN,
33 QUAI VOLTAIRE, PARIS, FRANCE.

All Communications to be addressed to Jeremiah Colbum, 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

CONTENTS.

PAGE

KAUI

The Medals of Washington .

Sales of American Coins in

Lon-

Medal of James III. the Pretender

The Coins of Rome .

Numismatics

•

•
The New Coinage of Germany

Transactions of Societies :

Fictitious Discovery of Coins

Boston Numismatic Society

•

American Archaeology .

American Numismatic and

Ar-

The Swedish Mint

chaeological Society

•

Mr. Savage's Collection

The Jewish Tribute-money .

•

Coins of the Emperor Decius

Coins ploughed up

•

The Cross on the Five-cent Piece

International Coinage .

•

Scandinavian Coins

Balmanno Sale ....

HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER,

AND ANTIgUARIAN JOURNAL.

ISSUED QUAKTEELY BY THE NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY,

IN JANUARY, APRIL, JULY, AND OCTOBER.

Each number contains matter interesting to the Historian and Antiquarian,

and is embellished with one or more portraits, engraved on steel.
Subscription, $3.00 per annum. Application can be made at the Society's

Building, No. 18 Somerset Street, Boston.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, — THE EIGHTH VOLUME

COMMENCES JULY 1st, 1873.

Subscription, two dollars per Volume, in advance.

Communications desired from those interested in the Science.

Address

July 1st, 1873.

JEREMIAH COLBURN,

18 Somerset Street , Boston, Mass.

now ready

A descriptive catalogue of the medals struck in honor of Abraham Lincoln.
A large 8vo pamphlet, handsomely printed on heavy paper.

Only seventy-five copies issued. Price $1.50.
Sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of price, by the author,

A. C. ZABRISK1E,

1 2 East $oth Street, N. Y. City.

AMERICAN

Journal of Numismatics

AND

BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES.

QUARTERLY.

VOL. VIII.

July, 1873 — July, 1874.

COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

WILLIAM SUMNER APPLETON.
SAMUEL ABBOTT GREEN.
JEREMIAH COLBURN.

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY,

M DCCC LXXIV.

T. R. MARVIN AND SON, PRINTERS, BOSTON.

OXFORD

MAY 1946

CONTENTS.

i9> 7o,

Aborigines of California,

Akerman, John Yonge,

America, Early Coins ot,

American Archaeology,

American Coinage, Lost Possibilities of,

American Coins in London, Sale of,

American Num. and Archaelogical Society,

Amsterdam Medal,

An Indian Medal,

Aurungzebe, Gold Coin ot,

Assyrian Discoveries,

A Word on Numismatics,

Bactrian Coins,

Balmanno Sale,

Bergne Sale,

Bermuda Medal,

Booty, Large,

Boston in ye Old Time,

Boston Numismatic Society.

Medal of,

Proceedings o£
Brazil, Rock Inscriptions in,
BueJl, Abel,
Cabinet, IT. S. Mint,
California, Aborigines of, *
Canadian Masonic Medal,
Castorland Piece,
Catalogue, Parmelee,
Cents, Massachusetts,
China, Coin in,

China, Trade Dollar the Standard in,
Chubbuck Sale,
Church Medal,
Church Tokens,
Civilization of the Incas,
Coinage, American, Lost Possibilities of,
Coinage, Early Massachusetts,
Coinage, International,
Coinage, New Nickel,
Coinage, New, of Germany,
Coiaed Money, Origin and History o£
Coin, Gold of Aurungzebe,
Coin in China, •

. Coining Press for Trade Dollar,
Coin of Leo VI.,

24,25

18
20

3*
81

45
61

64
18

45
90

72
186

65
89

«4

7*
46

59
92

4i
82

44
80

25, 28, 60

22,42

3i
49

59
62

PAGE

Coin Sales:

Balmanno, 18

Bergne, 41

Chubbuck, 41

Coming, 94

London, 18

Coins, Eastern, 64

Coins, Fictitious Discovery of, 14

Coins found at Richmond Island, 42

Coins,. Gold, Prevention of Fraud on, 65

Coins, Greek, 82

Coins in Foundations, 63

Coins of Decius, 16, 46

Coins of Rome, 10

Coins ploughed up, 22

Coins, Roman, Composition of, 61

Coins, Scandinavian, 17

Collection of Mr. Savage, 15

Colonial Money, Virginia, 47

Coming Coin Sales, 94

Composition of Roman Coins, 61

Confederate Coin, 47

Copper Coin, Early Massachusetts, 28, 60

Coppers, Higley, 81

Counterfeit Connecticut Coppers, 63

Cross on Five Cent Piece, 17
Currency, 24, 48, 72, 96

Cuttings, Newspaper, 55, 90

Decius, Coins of, 16, 46

Dollar, Trade, Coining Press for, 62

Discovery of Coins, Fictitious, 14

Dollar, Trade, Description of, 32

Du Bois, Wm. K, Letter from, 15, 65

Earl of Stirling, Copper Coinage of, 73

Early Coinage of Massachusetts, 25 -

Early Coins of America, 24, 25
Early Copper Coins for Massachusetts, 28, 60

Eastern Coins, ' 64
Editorials, 23, 48, 71, 96

Exhibition, Vienna, Medals of, 43

Fictitious Discovery of Coins, 14

Five Cent Piece, Cross on, 17

Foundations, Coins in, 63

Fraud on Gold Coins, Prevention of, 65

French Medal, Old, 43

Germany, New Coinage o£
Gold Coin of Aurungzebe,
Gold Medal to Washington,
Gold Penny of Henry III.,
Greek Coins,
Greek Copper Piece,-
Hard Times Tokens,
Henry III., Gold Penny of,
liigley Coppers,

History and Origin of Coined Money,
Hobbies,

Incas, Civilization of,
Indian Medal,

Inscriptions, Rock, in Brazil,
International Coinage,
Italian Medal,
Items, Numismatic,
James III., Pretender, Medal of,
Jewish Piece,
Jewish Tribute Money,
Kilkenny Siege Piece,
Large Booty,
Leo VI., Coin of,
Lincoln Medal,

Liverpool Numismatic Society,
Lost Possibilities of American Coinage,
Masonic Medal, Canadian,
Massachusetts Cents,
Massachusetts, Early Copper Coin for,
McGill College and its Medals,
Medal, an Amsterdam,
Medal, Bermudan,
Medal, Church,
Medal, Indian,
Medal, Italian,
Medal, Lincoln,
Medal, Old French,
Medal, Queen Anne Vigo,
Medal, Query,
Medal, The Seward,
Medals of James III., Pretender,
Medals of Pretender (Charles),
Medals of Vienna Exhibition,
Medals of Washington,
• Medals, Shreveport,
Mint, The Swedish,
Mint, U. S., Cabinet of,
Mint, Work at the,
Mormon Coin,
Neokoroi (Temple Sweepers),

jrna:

•

L OF NUMISMATICS.

PAGB

PACE

New Nickel Coinage,

Newspaper Cuttings,

55>9<>

Notes and Queries,

46,94

Numismatic Items,

Numismatics,

Numismatics, a Word on,

Obituary :

James Parker,

John Yonge. Akerman,

Old Bermuda Medal,

Old French Medal,

Origin and History of Coined Mdriey,

Parker, James,

Parmelee Catalogue,

22, 42

Penny, Gold, of Henry III.,

Ploughed up Coins,

Pretender, James III., Medal of,

Pretender, Prince Charles, Medal of,

Prevention of Fraud on Gold Coins, m

6 s

Queries, Notes and,

46, 94

Query, Medal,

Richmond Island, Coins found at,

, 47

Rock Inscriptions in Brazil,

'*3

Roman Coins, Compositidn of,

Rome, Coins of,

Sacramental Tokens,

44,92

Sales of American Coins \A London,

Savage's Collection,

Scandinavian Coins,

Seward Medal,

Shreveport Medals,

Siege Piece, Kilkenny,

Stirling, Earl of, Copper Coinage,

Swedish Mint,

Time, .

Tokens, Sacramental,

44,9*

Trade Dollar, Coining Press for,

Trade Dollar the Standard in China;

Transactions of Societies :

American Num. and Archaeological,

Boston Numismatic, 193

,70,86

Treasure Trove,

«5

Tribute Money, Jewish,

*>33

United States Mint Cabinet,

Vienna Exhibition Medafr,

Vigo, Queen Anne, Medal,

**3

Virginia Colonial Money,

Washington Medals,

3.33

Work at the Mint,

AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS,

AND

Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies.

Vol. VIII. BOSTON, JULY, 1873. No. 1.

THE MEDALS OF WASHINGTON.

[Continued from Vol. VII. p. 78.] **
LXVII. WASHINGTON BORN FEBRUARY II 1 732 DIED DECEMBER 21 1 799 J

bust of Washington, facing the right ; on edge of arm h. ; below an oak-leaf
and acorn. Rev. wisdom virtue & patriotism ; in exergue mdccciii ; a view
of land and ocean with a ship and the sun rising, and in the air the Angel of
Fame flying to the right, with right hand holding to her mouth a long trum-
pet, in left a wreath of oak. Bronze, size 24.

LXVIIL GENERAL WASHINGTON INSCRIBED TO HIS MEMORY BY D :

eccleston. Lancaster mdcccv. ; bust of Washington in armor facing the
right ; on edge of arm, webb. Rev. he laid the foundation of American

LIBERTY IN THE XVIII CENTURY. INNUMERABLE MILLIONS YET UNBORN WILL VEN-
ERATE THE MEMORY — . OF THE MAN WHO OBTAINED THEIR COUNTRYS FREEDOM, in

three circles round the medal ; in the centre an Indian standing with an arrow
in right hand, and leaning on a bow, between the words the land was ours.
Bronze and tin, size 48.

LXIX. Washington benevolent society ; in exergue 1808; a female
figure at the left, supporting with her right hand a pole and liberty cap, with
her left crowns with olive a bust of Washington facing the right on a pedestal
inscribed, defender of his country ; in right lower corner r. Rev. benevo-
lence ; in exergue new-york ; a classic scene, pillars and curtains at left, from
which a man advances, bending towards another reclining on the floor ; in
right lower corner r. Silver, size 27.

LXX. members badge ; head of Washington facing the right in a wreath
of two branches of olive (?). Rev. Washington market chowder club, 1818,
in five lines, the upper and lower curving. Silver, size 15.

LXXI. georgius wasington (sic); vivier f. ; head of Washington fac- .
ing the left. Rev. natus virginiae in America foederata an. m.dccxxxii.

OBHT AN. M.DCC.XCIX. SERIES NUMISMATICA UNIVERSALIS VIRORUM ILLUSTRIUM

M.Dccc.xix. durand edidit. Bronze, size 26.

LXXI I. georgius Washington ; vivier f. ; head of Washington facing
the left. Rev. As the last Silver and bronze, size 26.

VOL. VIII. 1

2 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

LXXIII. As the last with very slight differences. Bronze, size 26.

LXXIV. georgius Washington ; bacon sculp. ; head of Washington
facing the right. Rev. As LXXI, but the letters are smaller. Bronze, size 26.

LXXV. george Washington ; head of Washington facing the left
Rev. general lafayette, 1 8 24 ; head of Lafayette facing the right Silver,

size 9.

LXXVI. Washington born feb y . 22 # KD 1732 ; bust of Washington facing
the right ; below thomas n-y. Rev. centennial at top ; celebration at bot-
tom ; between " first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his
countrymen " in four lines, the second and third only straight Tin, size 22.

LXXVII. Head of Washington facing the right in an oval medallion,
above which is an eagle who holds it, and is surro.unded by rays, and below is
a long ribbon inscribed patriae pater. Rev. struck & distributed in civic

PROCESSION FEB*. V 22 K . D 1 832 THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH DAY

of Washington by the gold & silver artificers of philad. in eleven par-
allel lines. Silver, size 20 1-2.

LXXVIII. to the hero's of liberty the friends of the people's in-
dependence, rogat. ; heads of Washington, Kosciusko, Lafayette, facing the

left Rev. GEORGE WASHINGTON BORN THE 22? FEB Y . 1 732, AT BRIDGE-CREECK
DIED THE 14*" DECEMBER 1 799, AT MONT-VERNON ; THADEUS KOSCIUSKO BORN
THE 1 2^ FEB T . 1 746, AT MERUZOWSZEZYZNA DIED THE 16 1 ? 1 OCT? 1817, AT SOLEUKE ;
LAFAYETTE M. J. P. R. Y. GILBERT DUMOTTIER BORN THE 6™ SEPTEMBER 1757, AT
CHAVINIAC DIED THE 20™ MAY 1 834, IN PARIS. J CERCLE BRITANNIQUE RUE NEUVB

s T . augustin n°. 55 a paris. ; borrel ; above each of the names a crown of oak
leaves tied by a bow. Bronze, size 32 ir-2.

LXXIX. G. WASHINGTON El c . 1 789 Scrv d 8 Yeare. J. ADAMS El. 1797, 4 Y. T.
JEFFERSON El. l8oi 8 Y. J. MADISON El. 1809 8~Y. J. MONROE El. 1817, & *•
J. Q. ADAMS El. 1825 4 Y. A.JACKSON El. 1 829 LAFAYETTE APPOINTED MA J „ GE*.

of the u. s. army 1777, died may 20, 1 834, arranged in three circles round
the medal ; bust of Washington facing the left ; below j. h. h. Rev. indepen-
dence 1834 ; an eagle with wings displayed holding with right claw the shield
of the United States, and with left an olive-branch and a chart inscribed all
men are created equal july 4, 1 776. ; around are thirteen stars. Tin, size 32.

LXXX. george Washington; head of Washington facing the left;
below w. f t . ; the words wright & bale have been imperfectly erased from
the die* Rev. born feb. 22 d . 1732 chosen command", in chief, july 1776
chosen pres t . 1 789 died dec". 1 4 1 799, aged 6S years, in six lines, within a
wreath of two oak-branches tied by a bow. Bronze, size, 29.

LXXX1. Same obverse. No reverse. Tin, size 29.

LXXXII. george Washington ; in exergue bale ft smith n-y; Wash-,
ington on horseback to the right Rev. carry me to atwood's rail road
hotel 243 bowery and my face is good for 3 cents, in seven parallel lines
Copper, size 16.

LXXXII I. gen l george Washington ; in exergue b & s n-y ; Washington
on horseback to the right Rev. bale & smith engravers * die cutters 68

NASSAU STREET PLATES & ROLLS FOR EMBOSSING DIES & SEALS OF EVERY DE-
SCRIPTION n. york, in eleven lines, the firfct two and last three curved. Cop-
per, size 1 6.

LXXXIV. WASHINGTON TEMPERANCE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY; head of

1*73-1 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. $

Washington facing the right within a wreath of two olive-branches ; below
the wreath bale. Rev. we serve the tyrant alcohol no longer in four lines,
the first and last curved, between them roses and leaves. Silver, size 1 3.

LXXXV. Same design, differently executed ; bale is within the wreath,
which is tied by a bow. Rev. Same inscription with simple ornaments. Sil-
ver, size 1 3.

LXXXVL Head of Washington facing the right in a wreath of two
oak-branches tied by a bow. Rev. wright & bale engravers & die cutters

68 NASSAU STREET PLATES & ROLLS FOR EMBOSSING DIES & SEALS OF EVERY

description new-york, in eleven lines, the first two and last three curved.
Copper, size 12..

LXXXV II. Same obverse. Rev. Henderson & lossing clock *

WATCH MAKERS ft DEALERS IN WATCHES JEWELLERY SILVER ft PLATED WARE CUT-
LERY ftc pokeepsie n y in ten lines, the first three and last three curved ; at
left w ft b. Copper, size 1 2.

LXXXVIII. C. WOLFE SPIES ft CLARK. NEW YORK HARDWARE ft MILITARY

store ; in an oval frame a head of Washington facing the right and above

WASHINGTON. Rev. CUTLERY, PLATED WARE GUNS &C 1 93 PEARL S T . N. Y. J

in an pval frame a bust of Jackson in uniform facing the left and jackson.
Brass, size 16 1-2.

LXXXIX. Same obverse, reading c. wolfe clark ft spies. Same
reverse without the words round the oval. Brass, size 16 1-2.

XC. Busts of Franklin and Washington at three-quarter face toward
each other ; below bale. Rev. par nobile fratrum in three lines in a wreath
of two laurel-branches ; above the inscription a rose, and below it a rose with
two leaves. Silver, size 17 1-2.

XCI. Heads of Washington and Lafayette facing each other in a wreath
of two laurel-branches; below w. & b. Rev. As the last. Silver, size 17 1-2.

XCH. Obverses of XC and XCI put together. Brass, size 17 1-2.

XCIII. Bust of Washington facing the left, as XC; below bale. Rev.
bust of Franklin facing the right, as XC ; below bale. Silver, size 13.

XCIV. Washington . temperance benevolent soc.; head of Wash-
ington facing the right Rev. united we stand divided we fall, in four
irregular lines ; in centre two hands clasped. Tin, size 14.

XC V. Same obverse. Rev. A fountain, on the lower basin two birds, in
the. air two more flying down ; at the bottom an ornament of scroll-work.
Tin, size 14.

XCVI. m. a. Abrahams io ; head of Washington facing the right ; at each
side three stars. Rev. the peoples outfitting store weston mo. Brass,
size 18.

XGVII. Same obverse. Same reverse, with independence in place of
weston. Brass, size 18.

XCVI 1 1, first in war first in peace and first in the hearts of his
countrymen, george Washington born 1 732 died 1 799 ; at the top an eagle •
with wings displayed, on his breast the shield of the United States, in right
claw* an olive-branch, in left a bundle of arrows, in his beak a ribbon in-
scribed e pluribus unum ; at each side twelve stars ; at base in an oval frame
a head of Washington facing the right; below davis birm. Rev. In exergue
via ad honorem ; view of a library, in which a young man reading is seated

4 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

at a table with inkstand and books ; at each side are a book-case and globe ; at
the back, on a pedestal, stands a figure of Fame, and on a shelf are a head of
Minerva and two antique lamps ; near the base da vis birm. Tin,- size 32 1-2.

XCIX. Same obverse. Rev. reward of superior HKSRJ4 in four
lines in a wreath of two rose-branches tied by a bow. Tin, size 32 1—2.

C. george Washington born 1 732. died 1 799. ; head of Washington
facing the right. Rev. In exergue n. y. davis ; a shield with the arms of the
State of New York, supported by figures of Justice and Liberty; crest, an
eagle with wings displayed on a mound. Tin, size 16 1-2.

CI. Washington temperance society ; head of Washingtpn facing the
right; below lovett n y. Rev. temperance declaration; temperance is
the fountain of health; within a wreath of two oak-branches tied by a

bow, WE. AGREE TO ABSTAIN FROM ALL INTOXICATING LIQUORS EXCEPT FOR *

medical purposes and religious ordinances.; above, two hands clasped.
Tin, size 26 1-2.

C1I. Same obverse. Rev. In- exergue house of temperance; view of
a room, in which a man reading is seated at a table, on which are dishes ; at
the right a woman is sitting, near whom stands a child ; at the back at left
are a globe and book-case, and at right an open window. Bronze, size 26 1-2.

CI 1 1. Same obverse. Rev. awarded To ; a wreath formed of an oak-
branch, and a palm-branch tied by a bow. Copper, size 26 1-2.

CIV. Same obverse. Rev. mechanics literary association Rochester;
head of Franklin facing the left ; below r. lovett n y. Copper, size 26 1-2.

CV. the father of our country. ; bust of Washington at three-quar-
ter face to the left Rev. united we stand divided we fall, in a circle
within a wreath of two olive-branches tied by a bow ; within the inscription,
two hands clasped, surrounded by rays. Tin, size 21.

CVI. Same obverse. Rev. liberty and independence.; seated figure
of Liberty, supporting with left hand a pole and cap, and with right holding
a cup to an eagle standing on a rock in the ocean, on which is a ship; near
Liberty is the shield of the United States. Tin, size 21.

CVI I. Same obverse. Rev. reward of merit in three lines, in a
wreath of two olive-branches. Tin, size 21.

CVI II. Head of Washington facing the left. Rev. Ornamented out-
line of a shield, round which on a label, presented by the metropolitan
mechanics institute. Bronze, size 25.

CIX. general Washington ; bust of Washington at three-quarter face
to the left Rev. compositions spiel-marke ; an eagle with wings expanded,
in right claw an olive-branch, in left three arrows; above and below three
stars. Brass, size 17 1-2.

CX. Same obverse, except that the bust extends to the edge, the other
ending in a sharp curved line. Rev. Head of Liberty to the left, with curls,
and a diadem inscribed liberty ; around it eight stars ; below comp s. marke.
Brass, size 17 1-2.

CXI. Obverse as CIX, but smaller. Rev. in unitate fortitudo;
spiel munze ; an eagle with wings displayed, in right claw an olive-branch, m
left three arrows. Brass, size 14.

CXI I. Same obverse. Rev. Head of Liberty to the left, with curls,
and a diadem inscribed liberty; around, ten stars; below, compos, spiel
munze. Brass, size 14.

1873] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS, 5

CXI 1 1. Same obverse, with larger letters. Rev. strasburger &

NUHN CORNER MAIDEN LANE & WILLIAM STREET NEW YORK, in four Curving

lines ; in exergue, capitol at Washington. ; a view of the Capitol as it was.
Brass, size 14.

CXIV. Obverse as CX, but smaller. Rev. As CXI, but smaller.
Brass, size 1 2.

CX V. Same design, differently executed ; the letters are larger. Brass,
size 12.

CXVI. george Washington; head of Washington facing the left; on
edge of bust c. c. wright. d & f. Rev. declaration of independence
july 4™ 1776. c. c. wright. fecit; a representation of Trumbull's picture of
the signing of the Declaration. Bronze, size 58.

CXVI I. UNITY OF GOVERNMENT IS THE MAIN PILLAR OF INDEPENDENCE J

bust of Washington, the head turned slightly to the right. Rev. sabbath
school jubilee july 4 1 842. in five parallel lines; around, religion our

SAFEGUARD TEMPERANCE OUR SHIELD. Copper, size 2 1 1-2.

CXVIII. Same obverse. Rev. he is a freeman whom the truth
makes free, in four parallel lines ; around, liberty and independence july
4 1776. Silver, size 21 1-2.

CXIX. Same obverse. Rev. maj. gen. w. h. harrison. born feb. 9.
1773. ; bust of Harrison in uniform facing the left Nickel, size 21 1-2.

CXX. Same obverse. Rev. the peoples choice the hero of Tippe-
canoe ; a log hut, over which flies the star-spangled banner ; at each side a
tree, and at left a barrel, on which stands a mug. Silver, size 21 1-2.

CXXI. THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY. GEORGE WASHINGTON. ; head of

Washington facing the right. Rev. peace and friendship.; above the inscrip-
tion an eye issuing rays, and a tomahawk and pipe crossed ; below two hands
clasped, one of a white soldier, the other of an Indian; at bottom, 1843. Tin,
size 56.

CXXII. THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY BORN FEB. 22 1 732; head of

Washington facing the right. Rev. national monument july 4 1848; view
of the monument at Washington, as if finished. Tin, size 25.

CXXIII. united states of America; george Washington ; head of
Washington facing the left in an ornamental circle, outside which is art im- "
perfect wreath formed of an olive-branch and oak-branch ; at their meeting are
a caduceus and a trident, surmounted by a rose ; the wreath is broken at the
top by the words e pluribus unum and an eagle surrounded by rays and hold-
ing a flag, arrows, and olive-branch ; below the bust acm. Rev. the crys-
tal PALACE FOR THE EXHIBITION OF THE INDUSTRY OF ALL NATIONS. NEW YORK,

1853. president: Theodore sedgwick, esqr: architects: Messrs: cars-
tensen • & gildemeister, length 365 feet, width 365 feet, height of
dome i48 feet, glazed surface 206,000 sup feet, occupies 5 acres of
ground, estimated value $450,000. ; view of the building ; below paquet
phila. Bronze, size 33.

CXXIV. born, feb, 22, 1 732. died, dec, 14, 1 799. ; Washington standing
with*his orderly and horse, as in Sully's picture of the " Crossing of the Del-
aware." Rev. NEW YORK. 460OO SQUARE MILES POPULATION 3,097,394. 1 855 ;

arms of the State of New York, with crest, supporters, and motto excel-
sior. Brass, size 23.

6 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

CXXV. Same obverse. Rev. penn. 46,000 square miles population
2,300,000. 1855 ; arms of the State of Pennsylvania, with crest, supporters,
and motto virtue independence liberty. Brass, size 23.

CXXV I. Same obverse. Rev. ohio. 40,000 square miles popula-
tion 2,000,000. 1855 ; arms of the State of Ohio ; viz. on a river a canal-boat;
beyond # are hills, behind which the sun is rising; in the foreground a field
with a sheaf of wheat and a sheaf of arrows, and near them 1802. Brass,
size 23.

CXXVIL Same obverse. Rev. Illinois. 55,400 square miles popula-
tion 851470. 1855 ; arms of the State of Illinois ; viz. a landscape, in which is
an eagle, with wings expanded, on his breast the shield of the United States,
in right claw an olive-branch, in left three arrows, in beak a label inscribed
state sovereignty national union. Brass, size 23.

CXXVIII. Same obverse. Rev. A perpetual calendar. Brass, size 23.

CXXIX. GEORGE WASHINGTON. BORN FEB. 22' 1 732. DIED DEC. 14' 1799?

head of Washington facing the right ; on edge of bust true. Rev. A per-
petual calendar. Tin, size 23.

CXXX. THE FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY BORN, FEB. 22, 1 732. DIED, DEC.

14, 1799.; Washington on horseback towards the right; at left a tree, and
below p h j. Rev. A perpetual calendar. Brass, size 21.

CXXXI. Same obverse. Rev. s. j. bestor. importer of watches
a jewelry Philadelphia pa. ; time is money ; a landscape in which at left
sits a female figure, leaning on and pointing to a large dial ; at right a globe ;
behind, the rays of the sun ; at base d. d. Tin, size 21.

CXXXII. THE UNION MUST & SHALL BE PRESERVED JACKSON; UNITED

we stand divided we fall 1 856 ; head of Washington facing the left;
below key. Rev. A buck leaping to the right ; below a cannon and and
Breckinridge ; in field 1856 ; around the buck thirty-two stars. Tin, size 29.

CXXXI II. LANCASTER CO AGRICULTURAL & MECHANICAL SOCIETY. 1 858.

the farmer of mount vernon ; head of Washington facing the right ; below
key f. Rev. awarded to ; a miscellaneous group, — a broken column, cog-
wheel, sheaf of wheat, harrow, scythe, rake, pitchfork, plough ; at each side a
stalk of Indian corn. Silver, size 29.

'CXXXI V. THE PATTERN OF PATRIOTISM, INDUSTRY AND PROGRESS.; head

of Washington facing the left. Rev. union agricultural soc : of ridgeway
& shelby. ; in a wreath of an olive-branch and oak-branch organized july
17™ 1858. Silver, size 1 8.

CXXXV. george Washington ; head of Washington facing- the right;
below g. h. l., all in a circular frame, outside which, at top an eagle, in his
beak a long ribbon inscribed talem- ferent nullum secla futura virum;
about the ribbon forty-five stars ; at bottom a trophy of flags, guns, drum,
cannon, balls, &c, on which is the shield of the United States. Rev. not
nobis solum sed toto mundo nati mdccclix ; a wreath of two palm-branches,
in which are masonic emblems. Bronze, size 32.

CXXXV I. george Washington ; head of Washington facing the right;
on edge of bust lovett. Rev. edward cogan dealer in books, coins,
medals and engravings. 1 859 Philadelphia, in seven lines, the first three and
last curved. Copper, size 20.

CXXX VII. Same obverse. Rev. born f". 22 1732 died dec: 14
1 799 in four lines in a wreath of two olive-branches. Copper, size 20.

i*73] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 7

CXXXVIII. pater patriae; bust of Washington facing the right

Rev. A MEMORIAL OF THE WASHINGTON CABINET MAY 1 859 in SLX lines in a

wreath of olive. Bronze, size 13 1-2.

CXXXIX. george Washington ; head of Washington facing the right ;
below two palm-branches. Rev. a. a sage ft c°. dealers in coins, medals,
autographs ft engravings 24 division s t n. y. 1859 in nine irrregular
lines. Tin, size 10. %

CXL. pater patrlb. ; head of Washington facing the left. Rev. good
for one chance in raffle, for numismatic books, at a, B. SAGE ft C°. N. Y.
Nov. 1859 in ten lines, first and last curved. Copper, size 13.

CXLI. Same obverse* Rev. a. b. sage ft co's circluating library 24

DIVISION ST. N. Y. TERMS I YEAR $2.00 6 MONTHS I.OO 3 MONTHS .50 i860 in

ten lines t the first three curved. Tin, size 1 3.

CXLIL GEORGE WASHINGTON. BORN FEB. 22 1 732. DIED DEC. 14 1 799.;

head of Washington facing the right; below Paquet F. Rev. Washington

CABINET OF MEDALS, U. S. MINT. INAUGURATED FEB. 22 i860. J a view of the Up-
right case containing the medals of Washington at the United States Mint,
surmounted by his bust Bronze, size 38.

CXLIII. GEORGIUS WASHINGTON PR£S. PRIM. RER. CONF. AMER. MDCC*

lxxxix ; bead of Washington facing the right ; below lovett phila. Rev.
natus feb. xxii. MDccxxxii OBHT dec. xiv. mdccxcix ; two palm-branches
forming a half-wreath, completed by the words fideli certa merces;
within Minerva seated, holding a wreath in each hand, and behind her an
altar, on which lie wreaths; on her seat «^?.-2?, and below mdccclx.
Bronze, size 33 1-2.

CXLIV. Same obverse. Rev. to the Japanese * embassy from bailey ft
co. jewellers,. Philadelphia, i860 in seven lines within a wreath of two oak-
branches tied by a bow. Bronze, size 33 1-2.

CXLV. george Washington born February 22. 1 732.; head of Wash-
ington facing the # right; below merriam. Rev. boston july fourth i860
oration by everett. in six lines within a wreath of two olive-branches tied by
a bow ; below merriam. Tin, size 2a

CXLV I. Same obverse, with slight differences. Rev. died December
14 1799 resurgimus ; view of the tomb at Mount Vernon. Copper, size 20. *

CXL VII. Same obverse. Rev. benjamin franklin born jan. 17. 1706. ;
bust of Franklin facing the left ; below merriam. Copper, size 20.

CXLV11I. Same obverse. Rev. d. cummings. london. n. y. co. e. 9™
reg. NY.S.V, hawkins zouaves, war of i86i« engraved in nine lines. Tin,
size 20.

CXLIX. patriae pater 1732 ; head of Washington feeing the left in an
arched outline frame ; below key. Rev. dedicated to coin and medal col-
lectors in six lines in a wreath of two palm-branches; below i860. Tin,
size 18. •

CL. Same obverse. Rev. s. hill, dealer in coins, medals, minerals,

AUTOGRAPHS ENGRAVINGS, OLD CURIOSITIES ftC N°. 6 BLEECKER ST. N. YORK i860

in ten lines, all curving but fourth and fifth. Tin, size 18.

CLI. Same obverse. Rev. woodgate & co. importers of brandies
wines, gins &c, 83 water street, new-york i860 in eight irregular lines with
ornaments. Copper, size 18.

8 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

CLII. Same obverse. Rev. key in large outline lines, on which are
the words ornamental medal & seal — die sinkers. &c &c — 329 arch st.
phila ; around thirty-three stars. Tin, size 18.

CLII I. Same obverse. Rev. mobile jockey club members medal; a
horse standing to the left Tin, size 18.

CLIV. Same obverse. Rev. not transferable 1853 in three lines.
Tin, size 18.

CLV. Same obverse without the outline frame. Rev. " providence

LEFT HIM CHILDLESS THAT THE NATION MIGHT CALL HIM FATHER." I 799. in Seven

irregular lines. Copper, size 18.

CLVI. Same obverse. Rev. virtue liberty a independence. Cop-
per, size 1 8.

CLVI I. mt. holly paper co. mt. holly springs pa. ; bust of Washington
in uniform facing the left; on 6dge of arm f. k. Rev. i860 in a wreath of
two olive-branches. Silver, size 1 3.

CLVI 1 1, represented by wm. leggett bramhall ; head of Washington
facing* the left. Rev. abra-ham lin-coln honest abe of the west; in a
wreath of laurel-leaves an oval inscribed wideawakes ; above and below the
oval a rose with leaves. Nickel, size 12.

CLIX. Same obverse. Rev. robbins, royce & hard wholesale deal-
ers in dry goods, 70 reade st. new york. in seven lines. Copper, size 1 2.

CLX. Same obverse. Rev. robbins, royce & hard jobbers of staple
& fancy dry goods, 70 reade & ii2 duane sts. new york. in nine lines.
Copper, size 12.

CLX I. Obverse as CXXXV. Rev. Washington statue union square,
n. y. ; in exergue mdc(?clxi. g h l ; view of the statue. Silver, size 32.

CLX 1 1, the founder of our union. 1776. ; full length figure of Wash-
ington full-face, in right hand a chart, in left a sword. Rev. a decisive war
only — can restore peace and prosperity 1861 in seven parallel lines. Tin,
size 16.

CLX 1 1 1. " the constitution is sacredly obligatory on all ; " head of
Washington facing the right ; below PaqueL Rev. u. s. mint, oath of alle-
giance TAKEN BY THE OFFICERS AND WORKMEN SEPT. 2. 1 86 1 JAS. POLLOCK, DIR. in

six lines in a wreath of an olive-branch. Silver, size 19 1-2.

CLXIV. Same obverse. Rev. A wreath of olive-leaves tied by a bow.
Silver, size 19 1-2.

CLXV. GEORGE WASHINGTON, THE CINCINNATUS OF AMERICA B. 1 732 D.

1 799 ; bust of Washington facing the left Rev. " save my country heaven "
1 86 1 around a thin circle of olive-leaves, within which john k. curtis, watch-
maker & MANUFACTURING JEWELER 83 BLEECKER ST. & 882 BROADWAY NEW

york. and at top five stars, at bottom three. Silver, size 20.

CLXVI. Same obverse. Rev. industry produces wealth ; a wreath of
two palm-branches tied by a bow. Silver, size 20.

CLXVI I. Same obverse. Rev. 'the union must and shall be pre-
served.' ; in centre an eye surrounded by rays. Copper, size 20.

CLXVI 1 1. Same obverse. Rev. the union must & shall be p^je-
served in five lines in a circle of thirty-five stars. Copper, size 20.

CLX IX. Head of Washington facing the right, in a circle of thirty-four
stars, broken at the bottom by the word union. Rev. co reg volunteers en-

».

i873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 9 -

terd service 1 86 with blank spaces for name and other particulars. Brass,
size 2a

CLXX. & $C <&. Ofi£©R €•. 303 BRANCH S T . PHILADELPHIA 1 862 J

head of Washington facing the left Rev. Sin J) lot* wire sheet iron files
JflCf Of stamped & japanned ware copper &c. &c. in eight irregular lines.
Brass, size 24.

CLXX I. Same design, differently executed ; 303 branch s t . is much
smaller. Rev. Same inscription, differently spaced. Brass, size 24.

CLXX 1 1, n & g taylor c°. 303 branch s T . Philadelphia ; head of Wash-
ington facing the left Rev. tin plate stamped & japanned ware metals wire
SfiEET iron files copper &c &c. in eight irregular lines. Tin, size 24.

CLXXIII. god and our country 1863 ; head of Washington facing the
right Rev. united states of America ; in a wreath of wheat 2 cents. Cop-
per, size 14 1-2.

This was prepared at the U. S. Mint as a pattern for a piece of the value
marked on it

CLXXIV. dry goods, groceries &c. ; in a wreath of olive a head of
Washington facing the right, below 1863. ; at bottom g. g. n. y. Rev. j. l. love-
day & c°. 63 Washington st. waukegan ill. in five lines. Copper, size 13 1-2.

This and most of the pieces to CXCVIII were struck and commonly
used as currency 1863-5.

MEDAL OF JAMES III. THE PRETENDER.

Among those lovers of coins and medals, whose studies have placed them
in an upper region of numismatic lore, it is, I take it, well understood that
each example presents various aspects, and may be regarded from either a
personal and local, an artistic, an archaeological, or a historical point of view ;
or again, within the focus of all the above combined.

In this latter general sense it is that I propose to offer a few remarks
upon an interesting Jacobite medal, now in the cabinet of Mr. Joseph B.
Ripley, of Savannah, Georgia, and trust that my notes will not unduly tres-
pass upon the space of the Journal* •

The medal, of silver, is in size No. 14 of Mionnet's scale ; it bears on its
obverse, to right, the periwigged head and bust of James Stuart, the Old
Pretender, the son of James II. of England, surrounded by this curious,
because incorrect, legend, " Jacobus III. D. G. M. B. F. Et H. Rex." What-
ever may have been the Chevalier St George's l rights to the crown of Great
Britain, de jure, it is incontestable that, de facto, he never assumed the purple
there. The reverse has the bust, to the left, of Clementina Sobieski, James
. Stuart's wife, and her portrait is accompanied by a legend, describing her as
Queen of Great Britain.

Viewed in a personal light, this medal is extremely pleasing, as present-
ing portraits of the son of exiled James the Second, and of that son's consort.
Doubtless these medals were issued (as were many of another unfortunate
Royal Stuart, Charles I.) to keep alive the loyalty of adherents; and the

1 Another title used to designate the Old Pretender.
VOL. VIII. * 2

to AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [Jwr,

Jacobite relic under examination was probably, originally, a cherished object,
filling its owner's breast with secret hopes, and stimulating him to secret in-
trigues against the House of Hanover.

Looking from an artistic point of view, it may be remarked that the
medal, which is in really fine preservation, sharp and clear, is the work of a
well known and skilful artist, Otto Hameranus, who was much employed as a
medalist by the papal court. This work of Hameranus, though well manipu-
lated, is disfigured by a vice which infested the art of design during the reigns
of Charles II., James, Anne, and the first two Georges, this vice being that the
bust of James Stuart is represented as clothed in ancient Roman panoply,
while his head retains the " Ramilies Tie," or flowing periwig of the early
decades of the eighteenth century. This vile anachronism, so frequent in plas-
tic art of that period, is a fair subject for protest ; but at the same time . the
good qualities of the artist's handicraft must not be lost sight of, his concep-
tion of the Pretender being dignified, the features well modelled, the details
of costume cleverly and clearly made out, and the relief excellent. The bust
of Clementina shows much refined taste, and here the treatment of the hair
is natural and graceful, and the anatomical markings on head, throat, and
bosom, correct and in keeping. This bust is signed in full by the artist

Historically, the example is of marked interest, referring as it does to an
epoch when the people of Great Britain were divided by bitter partisanship,
and swayed by feelings of intense loyalty, some to the reigning house, others
to the house in exile; when against its black rival of Hanover, the. White
Cockade again and again matched itself, playing each time a losing game,
and when its supporters-shrouded their political creed under the veil of dog-
gerel, such as the following : —

God bless the King : — God bless the Faith's Defender :
God bless — (no harm in blessing) — the Pretender : —
Which that Pretender is, and which that King,
God bless us all -—is quite another thing.

Wm. Tasker Smith.
Savannah, Georgia, March 10, 1873.

THE COINS OF ROME.

BY ROBERT MORRIS, LL. D.

We continue our explication of the beautiful coins (" First Brass " ), of
which six were given in our January issue :

We give first the coin of one of the most infamous
of all the monsters who ever wore the title of Emperor
of Rome: Nero, otherwise Tiberius Claudius Nero
Drusus, Emperor from a. d. 54 to 68.

Born of the Domitian Gens, he was adopted by the
figure 8. Emperor Claudius, and having married Octavia, was

made Emperor by the arts of his mother Agrippina.

This coin exhibits Nero, on the obverse, wearing his.first beard, and adorned
with 3 radiated crown. On the reverse is the Goddess Security, sitting, her

,8j30 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. u

right hand partly supporting her head ; before her is a glowing altar ; in her
left hand she bears a sceptre or spear. These denote the worship of religion,
through which the security of the Emperor is best secured. While all man-
kind justly execrate the memory of this wife-killer and crowned maniac, yet
numismatists have one laurel-wreath to lay even upon the grave of Nero : he
was a patron of the numismatic art, as' of all the arts and sciences. His coins
prove that the die-engraving of his period was equal or superior to anything
else in die great Roman mint

The epigraph reads: Nero Claud(ius), Oesar Aug(ustus), Germ(anicus)
P(ontifex), M(axinH») [High Priest], Tr(ibunitia), P(otestate), Imp(erator),
II (the ad time).

This also is referred to the " divine " fiddler
Nero. It is a view of the port of Ostium, near the .
mouth. of. the Tiber, which was constructed by/
Claudius, predecessor of Nero. When he had com- U
manded it to be built he asked the architects how *
much it would cost They replied, so much that he
would be unwilling to pay it Not deterred by this, FIGURE *

he placed his mind upon it, and completed it in a manner worthy of the magni-
ficence and power of Rome. Suetonius and Dio have graphically described
the figure of this work. In the coins of Claudius himself we have no types of
this ; Taut all contain the effigy of Nero, which proves to us that this monarch
completed the undertaking. ■ At the entrance of the port the likeness of Nep
tune (or Portumnus) is seen, and in the midst the statue of Claudius, clothed m
3. military mantle, standing upon a column, as the founder. The obverse exhib-
its Ceres, the corn-goddess, sitting opposite Abundance, with an altar between
them. Ceres bears the torch, her accustomed symbol ; the other holds the
horn of plenty (cornucopia), her unfailing emblem. These are to denote the
diligence of Nero in procuring corn for the people. Ceres is depictured as the
inventress of raising corn ; but the Roman matron stands (under the image of
Abundance, and producing a full supply of all fruits), as the Genius of the
City, hence the epigraph of the corn, Ceres Annona Augusti.

In this figure we see the face of that " good
man and true, Trajan (otherwise Marcus Ulpius
Trajanus Crinitus), Emperor of Rome from kA
d. 98 to 117, whose column still strikes the eye E
of the visitor at Rome, although more than seven- '
teen centuries have gnawed it base to capital.
Trajan had been adopted by his predecessor, figure 10.

Nerva. Vaillant styles him " the most meritorious of the family of men."

This coin was struck a. d- ioi, that is u. c. 854, when he was Consul for
the fourth time, and had received the titles Dacicus and Gennanicus. " It was
not without reason that Trajan is expressed here under the effigy of Jove,
since he was another Jupiter, and merited to be styled the greatest of the
Romans." Plotina, his wife, one of the most estimable of the Roman em-
presses, stands by him on his left, under the image of Juno (denoted by the
peacock, emblem of the queen of heaven), as worthy to be the wife of such an
emperor. On the right is his sister Marciana, as another Minerva, the God-
dess of Prudence. Thus our hero stands between Plotina and Marciana, as

13 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [Jult.

Jupiter between Juno and Minerva, composing, as a group, the celestial idea
of Concord. '

A whole tractate may readily be composed upon this elegant coin, but we
forbear.

This coin was produced by the people of
Tarsus, the birthplace of the illustrious St Paul.
It was struck in honor of the Emperor Septimius
Severus, proclaimed Imperator A. D. 193, and
who deceased 211. The occasion of the coin
was his visit to that renowned city. It depicts a
figure n. horseman riding over a barbarian prostrated upon

the ground, whom he is about to transfix with a spear. When Albinus
was killed in Gaul, and all the affairs of Rome settled, Severus turned him-
self to war against the Parthians. Of this campaign types of Roman, money
in gold, silver, and bronze occur. The people of Tarsus were so much bound
up in regard for this monarch, who had bestowed upon them the primacy of
the province, that they desired to construct in his honor a grateful monument
— for a coin is, in the best sense, a monument — in their own mint ; and in the
one before us they have predicted his victory over his enemies.

The Greek letters are: Aut(okratos) [Emperor], Kai(sar) [Caesar],
L(ucius), Sept(imius), Severos, Pert(inax). On the reverse, Adrianes Severi-
anes Tarsou Metropoleos.

The portrait is exceedingly good. The armor will bear close inspection.
Evidently Tarsus in its mintage was " no mean city."

. We have here a representation of another coin of Septim-
ius Severus. Smyrna struck coins to his honor, under the
Praetor Claudius Rufinus Sophista, an abbreviation of whose
name is seen surrounding the seated figure. The rescript of
Severus and Caracalla his son to the Smyrneans, preserved
in the appendix to the Oxford marbles, supplies a bright refer-
figure u. ence to this fact. This issue, from a most beautifully engraved
die, shows in its workmanship almost the perfection of coin art The robust
form, the mural crown and sceptre, and the lion, her peculiar emblem, suffi-
ciently prove -the goddess to be Cybele, who was the fabled daughter of
Maeon, King of Lydia. The cities of Ionia, its southern portion, and particu-
larly Smyrna, held her in peculiar reverence. The letters smurnaion at the
bottom, show the coin to be from that city.

Another coin of Severus like the last. Ephesus, a prin-
1 cipal city of Ionia, like Smyrna and Philadelphia, struck coins
a and erected temples in honor of victories. The famous temple
3 of Diana at Ephesus was one of the most distinguished in the
f world for its beauty, being reckoned one of the " Seven Won-
ders." On this coin the Ephesians call themselves dis neo-
figure 13. koron, — Twice Temple-builders* — but the winged figure
of Victory, resting her left foot on a helmet, and inscribing the conqueror's

• The original meaning of the word Neokoroi is Tcmfilt-nottptri. See an article on this subject in the Journal,
Vol. VII. p. 57. Applied to cities it generally means Templi-builders, and was assumed by any which had erected a
temple in honor of some important event, as a victory, in commemoration of the heroism, or in flattery of the pride of
some semi'deified emperor. — Er>.

See also remarks of Dr. Morrison the subject of Neokoroi, Vol. VIL pp. 55 and 56.

1*73-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 13

name in the shield of fame hanging from the palm-tree, whose leaves were
emblems of victory won, would seem to denote the motive which called this
beautiful coin from the mint* The Ephesians, aside from their temple to
Diana, containing the renowned image which " fell from heaven," erected a
temple to Nero, the infamous, as his coin proves, and another to Hadrian, as
is proved by his coin ; and for this reason here call themselves " twice temple
builders," thus giving more honor to mere men than to their patron goddess.
Yet this beautiful coin to Severus is tcniay a more perfect tribute than their
most gorgeous yet now ruined temples.

This, like the last, is a coin of Septimius Se-
virds, and struck in the city of Tarsus. The
reader will, by comparing this with figure 11, learn
what a family resemblance runs throughout the
issues of a mint, and how readily therefore coun-
terfeits may be detected and fancied analogies
thrown out. The people of Tarsus had at first figure 14.

adhered to Pescennius, the rival of Severus, but afterwards transferred their
allegiance. From him, therefore, they received great benefits, and since the
city delighted in the dignity of Metropolis, she was made by him the first of
the province, as these letters show, which first began to be placed upon the
coins of Severus, viz. : P. M, K. for Pro/a Megahs Kilikias ; viz. : " First of
Great Cilicia," and successively in other cities, in memory of which Tarsus styled
herself Severiana. Emulous of this, Anazarbus afterwards received from Alex-
ander Severus the dignity of Lesser Metropolis, and obtained the title of first
from Valerian, for the cities contended among themselves for the primacy, and
obtained it through diplomacy from the Emperors, as Ephesus, Smyrna, and
Pergamus, which styled themselves at the same time primates of Asia. Many
have interpreted these letters, P. M. C, as Prima Metropolis Cilicia, but the
word Metropolis was not before this cut upon a coin, and we further learn that
Cilicia was divided into greater and lesser, as Armenia and Phrygia were.
For the rendering of the Greek letters see description of Figure 11. But
observe that the date is found in G. B„ ".the Year 2," that is, of the reign of
Severus, a.d. 195.

THE NEW COINAGE OF GERMANY.

According to the German coinage law, four different kinds of coin are to
be minted, namely : Gold pieces of the value of ten and twenty marks ; sil-
ver, representing respectively five, one, and one-half marks ; nickel one-tenth
and one-twentieth mark ; and copper one-fiftieth and one one-hundredth
mark. One pound of fine silver is to be coined respectively into twenty five-
mark pieces, one hundred mark-pieces, or two hundred half-marks, being
united with half its weight of copper so as to make ninety marks' worth of
each silver coin to weigh a pound.

* Other coins of Severus were struck, having on their reverse toe winged Victories holding ■ shield against a
palm-tree, etc, commemorating " the successful termination of the unfortunate campaign in Britain." See Hum-
phrey, Com Collator's Manual, p. 346. Almost this identical device of Victory standing with her foot on a helmet,
*od engraving letters on a shield suspended from a palm-tree, is found on a coin of Titus Vespasian, commemorating
the capture of Jerusalem ; on this the palm-tree is evidently the symbol of Palestine. See Humphrey, p. 318, and
Midden's Jneisk Ccinagt, p. 188, where an engraving of it can be found. — Ed.

14 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

The amount of new imperial coinage amounted, on February i, to
459,252,290 marks, of which 114,078,070 were in ten-mark pieces. It is
thought that the mint authorities will confine their operations to ten-mark
pieces for some time. The Hamburg marco-banco has ceased to exist, the
new gold coinage being now the recognized medium of exchange. Its origin
dates from the year 1619, and since 1770 that kind of banco-currency had
been adopted, which is now to be replaced by the imperial gold coinage. Sil-
ver pieces of five marks each are being coined, a circumstance which seems
to indicate that there will be a gold and silver currency.

FICTITIOUS DISCOVERY OF COINS.

We are informed by a correspondent in Washington that the account of
an " Important Discovery " of coins on the Capitol Grounds, published -April
i» 1873, in the Washington Daily Chronicle, was a fabrication, intended to
be an " April Fool " joke. We give below the list of articles which were ^said
to be found, that hereafter if the report gets into circulation, our friends may
not be deceived : —

"There was a small box, apparently of silver, in which there were a gold doubloon, three
guineas, and some crown pieces, bearing date from 1740 to 176a There were also a pair of sil-
ver shoe-buckles and a gold brooch, such as were worn in cravats. A package of deeds, some
written on parchment, others on yellow paper, evidently belonged to Calvert Pope, who once
resided where the Capitol now stands, and whose plantation extended westward to the creek now
arched over, which he called the Tiber, as he christened his estate Rome, signing himself 'C
Pope, of Rome.'"*

The Chronicle editor advises his readers to call at the office of Mr.
Clark, the architect of the Capitol extension, and examine the treasure trove,
— a very disinterested kindness of his, which the visitors probably appreciated,
if the architect did not

AMERICAN ARCHAEOLOGY.

ROCK INSCRIPTIONS IN BRAZIL.

The brief account of the discovery of Phoenician inscriptions in Brazil
printed recently, is sufficient reason for directing the attention of scholars to
the general importance of the subject These rock inscriptions in South
America are peculiarly worthy of attention, because they seem to belong to a
vast series, to the study of which Mentone on the Mediterranean offers im-
portant contributions. M. de Bourbourg, in his Quairt Lettres sur id Mcx-
ique, points out the astonishing analogies between the myths of the ancient
Mexicans and those of the Egyptians ; and though the idea of an ethnologi-
cal relation between the races has been regarded as very fanciful, it borrows
singular confirmation from this recent discovery. It is now generally ad*
mitted that the red raspberry first passed from America into Asia by way of
the Northwest and returned by way of Europe, thus girdling the world ; and

1*73.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OP NUMISMATICS. 15

it may appear by and by that the American races of several types, are identi-
cal with the Ola World stocks, or even that America was the first dwelling-
place of the human race, as it is geologically the older world of the two.
Brazil, for example, has, according to Mr. Hyde Clarke of the London An-
thropological Institute, partaken of at least two great migrations. The Ki-
riri of Bahia are allied by language to the ancient Pygmean or Negrito race ;
while the Guaran languages are allied to the Agua of the Nile region, the
Avkhass of Caucasia, and probably to the antique Udes, who were the Pelas-
gians of Egypt The Mentone inscriptions probably belong to the same era.
These Phoenician remains render this early relation of the continents no
longer a dream. — N. Y. Evening Post.

THE SWEDISH MINT.

Editors of the" Journal of Numismatics : "

•Lovers of coins are fond of rarities; and if ever there was one, it is a
letter to an American, from the lady-engraver of the Mint in Stockholm.
Her own language, of course, is Swedish ; but she writes to me in English,
and incloses it in another letter to Mr. Mickley, written in German. The
date is " Maj. 24." Those who know anything of her beautiful dies, for coins
and medals, will acknowledge that Madame Leah Ahlborn is a lady of varied
accomplishments, and an honor to the fraternity of minters; She has but
lately recovered from a dangerous illness; and ever since has-been "in so
pressing a hurry, in consequence of the Royal Death, that it has claimed all
her time and little forces."

She is now engaged in preparing dies for a new Union gold coin, agreed
upon by Sweden and Denmark. We are not informed as to its intended
weight and value, but it does not conform to the franc system.

W. E. D.,
U. S. Mint, Philadelphia.

MR. SAVAGE'S COLLECTION.

The late James Savage of this city left by will, to the Massachusetts
Historical Society his " collection of coins, medals, and currency, whether of
gold, silver,* bronze, brass, copper, mixed metals, paper, or other materials,
with the little cabinet for them designed, now wholly without arrangement, a
very small portion only of said collection having been purchased by me more
than half a century ago, as I had little leisure for such exacting study ; and
the aggregate value of this collection may not, I hope, be slighted, inasmuch
as much the best parts of these irrefragable muniments of history were gifts
from vet y competent appraisers, Joseph G. Cogswell and George Ticknor, by
them so long since gathered in their travels or residence in Egypt, Spain,
Germany, Italy, France, Great Britain, or elsewhere; and those friends prob-
ably foresaw tnis ultimate destination of their munificence."

. /

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [Juir,

COINS OF THE EMPEROR DECIUS.

BY ROBERT MORRIS, LL, D.

[Continued from VoL VII. p, 56."]

Variety in coin-study is peculiarly pleasing, and one's interest need never
flag for the want of it As the bees drink all sweets in the flowery meadows,
so may the lover of numismatic lore enjoy almost numberless varieties of
symbols.

Our figure No. 7, refers to the same fair dame as the one honored
in No. 4, under the title of " the Modest Empress," viz., Herennia Etruscilla.t
This lady, says our author, was some time the spouse of Volusianus, yet in
the coins plainly rendered the lawful wife of Decius. In No. 7 she is exhib-
ited under the image of the goddess Pudicitia (Modesty), seeing that they
desired especially that the Empress should be modesty personified. Sitting,
she envelops herself with a veil.

This completes my engravings of Decius from First Bronze, in the work
of Vaillant referred to. But in my folio copy of Patin's Imperat&rum Ronta-
■ norutn Numismata (a most wonderful treasury of coin knowledge ; the work
of a giant !), on pp. 310-313, are several other forms which, for want of "the
engravings, I can only briefly describe here. Patin gives a favorable account
of the monarch himself. " He was a man," he says, in his monkish .Latin,
" interested in all arts and faculties (virtutibus) ; ever ready in arms and impa-
tient of delay ; wherefor he equalled Trajan, and in the judgment of the Senate
merited the name of the Highest Prince."

, Among the forms on the reverses of the coins described by Patin, we
have some curious varieties : —

A woman with a sistrum in her right hand, a cornucopia in her left ; epi-
graph, Liberalitas Augusti (the Generosity of the Emperor), s. c. in the field.

A woman representing Dacia, holding a baculum or banner, on the top
of which is the head of an ass. This, our author thinks, is not given in ridi-
cule, but in the same spirit in which Jacob styled his son Issachar, "a strong
ass," that is, constant, firm, intrepid. The Dacians represented this well-known
brute upon their banners. The epigraph is the word Dacia.

Decius is seen also under the form of the genius of the Illyrican armies.
Every Roman had his own " genius " or tutelary deity, so that no emblem is

• This article was originally prepared for the last number of (he yeurtiai, but the MS. was destroyed iii the
great Arc of November. Dr. Morris has kindly reproduced it at our fequcst. — Ed.

t Etrmicilia. Humphrey says this princess is known only from the tact that her name appears on her coins.
— Manual, p. 645.

i*7*] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 17

so common on the reverses of their coins as that of a genius. The motto is
Genius Exercitus Illyriciani (the Genius of the Illyrican Army).*

Three military standards, — epigraph, Antiochi Coloni.

A coin representing the establishment of a colony, a yoke of oxen, an
eagle above bearing a crown, and descending to the right hand of a male fig-
ure stretched out for the purpose. The epigraph in Greek, Septimiam Cob-
mam Rescenesiorum.

The next four have similar inscriptions.

An eagle standing upon a mound crowning a female figure, with a modus
upon her head, who is engaged in sacrificing. An altar glowing with flames
is before her, in her left hand is a cornucopia,

A broad fringed banner.

A temple whose entrance is occupied by an owl, indicating the worship
of Minerva. A boy below holding a palm-branch represents the Tiber which
waters Rome.

Two persons sacrificing, viz. : Pallas and the tutelary deity of Resaina.
The altar denotes Concord; the trophy denotes recent victories which had
occurred in the extreme boundaries of the Empire, Rome and Persia. A
centaur drawing a bow appears in the distance. On the obverse the portraits
of Decius and his son Herennius face to face. It will be remembered that
both perished in the disastrous battle referred to. As our writer says, all the
Decii met illustrious deaths.

In the collection of Mr. Francis Hobler, author of Records of Roman
History exhibited on Roman Coins (an extremely valuable work in two vol-
umes, but with only a few cuts), there are several double Sestertii, minted soon
after the accession of Decius, who is said to have .been very desirous of reno-
vating the imperial coinage, which had become much debased in quality, size,
and artistic execution as well as from poverty of subject in the types of the
reverses. But his early death prevented the accomplishment of his wishes in
this regard.

THE CROSS ON THE FIVE-CENT PIECE, *

Why is the shield, on the base-metal five^ent piece, surmounted by the
cross of the Order of Calatrava? Is the President of the United States ex
officio a member of that knightly order, founded by the Catholic sovereigns of
Spain ? I am not a numismatist proper, but simply an inquirer,

J. G. S.

Elizabeth^ N. J. — Historical Magazine.

SCANDINAVIAN COINS.

The new Scandinavian coinage law, which is about to be adopted by
Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, fixes gold as the standard coin. The
" crown " is the nominal unit, though a silver piece. Gold coin are to be

* The coins having this legend are thought to have been struck in honor of the IUyrian soldiers, by whom he
was declared Emperor, in Moesia, in the year 349, as stated in our previous article.
VOL. VIII. ' . 3

18 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

minted in the value of ten and twenty crowns. There are to be one and two
crown pieces in silver. The " crown " is subdivisible in a hundred oers, 5,'
2, and 1 oer pieces being coined of bronze ; 50, 40, 25, and 10 oer pieces in
silver; 248 crowns in gold are to hold a kilogramme of the pure metal.

BALMANNO SALE.

The medals and coins belonging to Alexander Balmanno, of Brook-
lyn, N. Y., were sold by Thomas Birch & Sons, Philadelphia, April 9, 1873.
We give the prices of the most desirable pieces.

Crown of Louis XIV., $2.00. Maximilian Dollar, 1866, $2.75 ; Half do*, $1.00 ; Ten
Cents, 1864, do. $2.00; Five Cents do., $1.70. One Cent do., $3.75. Mexican Dollar, 1868,
fine, $3.00. Crown of Queen Christina, $2.10; da Charles IX., $2.10; do. Gustavus, 1548,
$2.62; do. Cosmos III., 1700, $3.00; do. John George I., 1625, $2.10; do. Eight Dakes of
Saxony, 16x5, $2.12. U. S. Dollar, 1801, fine, $5.50 ; Half. do., 1805 over 1804, $2*00; Dime
do^ 1820, v. f., $2.10 ; Half do., 1797, g., $1.10. English Silver, Penny, William the Conqueror,
v. f., $3*50. Groat, Henry VIII., v. £ , $1.30. Crown Edward VI., v. g., $6.50 ; da Elizabeth,
good, £7.50 ; Half do., $6.00. Charles I. Crown, g., $8.25. Dollar, Victoria, Hong Kong, 1867,
i2.so. U. S. Cents, 1793, g> *5 2 5 ; I 799> &"*> $5-°° I l8o 4i &"*> $3-5° ; i&>4t poor, M.17.

Pattern pieces. — Flying Eagle Cent, 1855, $ z **5- Nickel Cent, 1856,^1.87. " Half Dol-
lar," 1859, $1.25. Indian Head Cent, 1858, nickel, .60. Half Dollar, "God our Trust,"
bronze, .70. Swiss Medalet, Lincoln, brass, 13 by 15, $3.00. " Revolutionary Peace Medal,"
"Favstissimo Foedere Junctae," $5.00. Jernegan Cistern Medal, .75. Another in tin, very fine,
$2.25. " Eagle," " Success to Republican Principles ; " rev. " Millions for Defence, not one
cent for Slavery, i860," proof, size 16, $7.50. Silver Medals : Rudolph Augustus, 1686,-size 40,
$5.00. George Louis, 1664, size 40,. $4.00. William III. of Orange, size 54, $3.00. Medal of
John Huss. Ob. Bust ; rev. Huss at the stake, size 26, $7.00. American Colonial : Pine-tree
Shilling, fair, $2.55. Another, good, $2.38. Continental Currency, original: fine, tin, $3.25.
George Clinton Copper : bust of Clinton ; rev. Arms of State of New York, " Excelsior," good
condition, $32.00. Washington Medal, " Eccleston," proof, copper, $8.25. Manly Medal, orig-
inal, fine, $4*75. Washington Cabinet Medal, silver, $4.50 ; do. Sansom Medal, proo£ $2.12.

SALES OF AMERICAN COINS IN LONDON.

At the various Sales of Coins in London, fine specimens of American
Colonial Coins are often sold At a sale in April last, the following pieces
were in a Collection, " the property of a Lady in the North."

* New England, Shilling, obv. N. E., rev. XII., fine and very rare. ' New England, Pine-tree
Money, Shilling, Sixpence, and Twopence, ail 1652. Maryland, obv. Cabcilvs. Dns. Terras.
Marias., &c Bust of Lord Baltimore to the left ; rev. Crescite. Et. MvlTiplicaminl, Shield
of Anns and Coronet, yfo<r and rare. Sixpence, same legend and types, very fine and rare. Four-
pence, same as before, very rare, and well preserved.

u Copper. Obv. Elephant to left, rev. God. Preserve. Carolina. And. The. Lords. Propri-
etors., 1694, in six lines, very rare; Washington, President, Cent, 1791, and quite a number
of gold and silver pieces of the Mint aeries."

NUMISMATICS.

In common with people who have given the subject but little attention, we have generally
thought that the enthusiastic collector of ancient coins was indulging in a harmless folly, that he
was possessed with a sort of monomania, at least ; but let us pause for a moment For the last

iS 7 3-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 19

half hour we have been entertained by a call from one of oar subscribers, who brought with
him a handful of old coins to exhibit to us, and at the same time to enjoy the subject of his spe-
cialty. We found a chance half-hour's leisure most profitably and pleasantly spent We no
longer consider numismatics, or the science of coins and medals, an idle and profitless pursuit,
for we realize how often antique coins supply a deficient link in the chain of history. These
little tokens give us an insight into long-lost manners and customs, sometimes preserving the
name of a sovereign not to be found in other contemporary written or hieroglyphical record, and
we no longer wonder at the value set upon them, nor at the pains taken to collect and preserve
them.

To understand this science thoroughly presupposes a deep and varied erudition. To well-
read men from a fragment, a trace of an effigy remaining on a coin, it is easy to tell us its exact
value, the period at which it was struck, and when it first came into use as the representa-
tive of so much property or labor. In the hands of such a man as our friend who has just
left us, an ancient coin is a spark which lights up a long train of brilliant ideas, and draws the
curtain of the past Gazing upon a coin struck centuries ago, fancy takes wings and we conjure
up the spectacle of the people among whom it first saw the light, as well as those of the individ-
uals through whose hands it has passed, generation after generation. Perhaps in its virgin bright-
ness it graced the purse of a monarch, or formed an item of the pin-money of a queen ; it may
have been the beggar's dole, the soldier's guerdon, or the widow's mite ! Here is something
more modern, and what pleasant memories are revived as we look upon the pine-tree shilling of
the coinage of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Is this not tangible history ? What a flood of
historic memories rush upon the brain as we curiously regard the well-preserved emblem.

The Greek specimens which have come down to us are numerous. Among the earliest coins
which bore die beads of sovereign princes, were those of Alexander of Macedonia ; the coins of
the royal family of .the Seleucidee in Syria, and the Ptolemies in Egypt are very beautiful and
perfect The common silver coin of the Greeks was the drachma, the value of which was not far
from twenty-five cents ; the stater, cast in the same die, was a gold coin, of which the value was
about five dollars. The Roman coins were famous for the chaste simplicity of their devices and
their elegant workmanship. Silver coin was introduced into Rome 266 years b. c, and gold coin
sixty years later. The coins of the Roman Empire form the most complete series of ancient or
modem times; no less than three hundred historical portraits are preserved to us in this inter-
esting and durable manner. But alas, these are days of "greenbacks," and notes of hand metal-
lic currency.— Boston Globe.

TRANSACTIONS OF SOCIETIES.

BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

April 10. — A monthly meeting was held this day. The Secretary read
the report of the last meeting, which was accepted. Mr. Seavey exhibited
a specimen of the large u Continental Curency," in silver, and photographs
of some of the rarest pieces in his collection, intended to illustrate the cata-
logue of it, now in press. Mr. Crosby exhibited a curious collection of Wash-
ington funeral medals, in gold, silver, copper, and tin, including the imitation
by Dr. Edwards, and one very poor medal in tin, which differs from the ordi-
nary dies in size, being smaller, in consequence of which the design also
necessarily differs somewhat ; he also showed the real half-penny of the Cop-
per Company of Upper Canada. The Society adjourned at about 5 p. m.

William S. Appleton, Secretary.

May 1. — A monthly meeting was held this day. The Secretary read
the report of the last meeting, which was accepted. He exhibited two large
sH ver crowns of Dukes of Brunswick. One of George Louis, 1 664, has the
" White Horse " in the air, leaping over a village in the mountains, while in

ao • AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. Quly,

the earth below is seen an open mine, with miners at work, and on the reverse
the monogram " G. L." in a circle of fourteen shields, size 40. The other of-
Rudolph Augustus, 1686, has the Duke in uniform on horseback, and on the
reverse a shield of eleven quarterings, with five crests, and motto remtgio
altissimi, size 40. The members passed an hour in conversation on numis-
matic and other subjects, in which the recent sale arid purchase of Mr.
Seavey's collection took a large share. The Society adjourned shortly before
5 P.M. . William S. Appleton, Secretary.

June 5. — A monthly meeting was held this day. In the absence of the
President, Mr. Slafter was called to the chair. The Secretary read the report
of the last meeting, which was* accepted. He exhibited five small medals of
Washington, one of the United States Military Academy for academic merit;
one by Bolen, with a reverse of the head of Liberty, copied from the beauti-
ful French medal of the Revolution ; and three by Wright & Bale, with the
card of Wolfe, Spies & Clark, or Wolfe, Clark & Spies, and reverse of the
head of Jackson, the thrfee being all different. The Society adjourned soon
after 41-2 p. m. William S. Appleton, Secretary.

AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

The Annual Meeting of the American Numismatic and Archaeological
Society was held on the evening of March 27, 1873, at the College of the
City of New York.

In the absence of the Secretary, Mr. William Poillon was appointed Sec-
retary pro tern.

The following officers were unanimously elected : —

Charles Edw. Anthon, LL. D., President. Loring -Watson, Corresponding Secretary.

Benjamin Betts, First Vice President Joseph N. T. Levick, Treasurer.

Daniel Parish, Jr., Second Vice President Isaac F t Wood, Librarian.

William Poillon, Recording Secretary. Edward Groh, Curator.

The Treasurer and Librarian then gave abstracts from their reports.
The former showing a balance in favor of the Society, and the latter a marked
increase in the additions to the library. Their reports, together with that of
the Curator, will be presented in full at the next meeting.

A Committee of five was appointed to report amendments to the Consti-
tution and By-laws, for consideration at the next meeting.

The Medal Committee were instructed to close their business by next
meeting, and present their report

- On motion, adjourned, subject to the call of the President

Wm. Poillon, Secretary.

New York City.

[For the " Journal of Numismatics*]

THE JEWISH TRIBtJTE-MONEY.

In the Journal of Numismatics for April last (p. 88), was an allusion' to
the reply of our Lord, when -tempted by the Pharisees, who sought to charge

i8 7 3-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 31

Him with treason to Caesar* The Roman Emperor, to whom the Jews were
then subject, was Tiberius Caesar (14-37 A.D.), and the coin used for tribute-
money, as shown by the original Greek, was the denarius. Previous to the
reign of Augustus, the obverse of denarii bore the head of Jupiter or Her-
cules, Mars or Apollo, or some other of their numerous deities, all of whom,
if we may believe Max Miiller, and his theories of the Aryan myths, were
only diverse names for the Sun-god. The emblem of the Republic, a head
of " Roma " wearing a helmet, was afterwards used. When the Roman Em-
pire had displaced the Republic, the rulers placed their own effigies on the
coins. To the Saviour's question, " Whose is this image and superscription ? "
the crafty Pharisees could only answer " Caesar's."

In Madden's Jewish Coinage (p. 247) is a representation of a denarius,
bearing on its obverse the laureled head of Tiberius Caesar, and around it
his name ti[berius] caesar divi avg[usti] f[ilius] avgvstvs; and on the
reverse a small figure of the Emperor, seated in a curule chair with his foot
on a stool ; in his right hand a lance, and in his left a palm (?) branch. The
writer says : " It is excessively probable that the coin here engraved is a rep-
resentation of the actual type that was shown to our Lord. This was the
tribute-money payable by the Jews to the Roman Emperor, and must not be
confounded with the tribute to the Temple."

The tribute-money last mentioned, which was " paid to the Lord by every
male of the children of Israel as a ransom for his soul," was a didrachraon,
two of which made a. stater of the Jewish currency. In the seventeenth chap-
ter of Matthew, where it is said the collectors of this tribute-money came to
St Peter, and asked him, " Doth not your Master pay tribute," the word (in
the original) is didrachma ; it is probable that there were few, if any, of the
Attic dicjrachma, current in the time of our Lord; and the "piece of money,"
as it is rendered in the Authorized Version, which the Apostle took from the
mouth of the fish that first came up, we find by the original, was a stater \
the equivalent of two didrachma. This was just what was needed, and he
was thus enabled to obey the command of Jesus, and " give unto them for me
. and thee." " It is observable," says Poole, in this connection, " in' confirma-
tion of the minute accuracy of the Evangelist, that at this period the silver
currency in Palestine consisted of Greek imperial tetradrachms, or staters,
and Roman denarii of a quarter their value, didrachms having fallen into dis-
use. Had two didrachms been found by St. Peter, the receivers of tribute
would scarcely have taken them ; and no doubt the ordinary coin paid was
that miraculously supplied." The same authority remarks " that the tribute
was always paid in full weight, and that therefore the date of St Matthew's
Gospel must be of a time when staters of pure silver were current, and prob-
ably none are later than the first century."

Madden says the coin which was " supplied for the payment of the trib-
ute, was doubtless one of the tetradrachms [or staters] of the cities of Syria,
which were of the same weight as the shekel, and were current in Palestine,"
and gives a representation of one of these.

This tribute-money was paid by the Jews wherever dispersed, for the
Temple service ; it could be received only in money current in Palestine, and
this fact gave employment to the " money-changers " who sat in the porches
of the Temple, turning it into " a house of merchandise," and by their exor-

22 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July,

bitant commissions, perhaps, into " a den of thieves." After the destruction
of the Temple by Roman armies, Vespasian compelled the Jews to pay this
same amount to the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus; and the tax, after the
defeat of their leader in the second revolt, became a very heavy burden. We
find that as late as the year 226, in the time of Alexander Severus, they were
still obliged " to pay the didrachm."

It would be interesting to trace the tax which was laid on " all the world "
by Augustus Caesar, and ascertain what money was required of Joseph and
Mary, when they went up to Bethlehem, as related in the second chapter of
Luke. Perhaps some of the readers of the Journal may be able to tell how
much this poll-tax was (for such we presume it must have been, as each
subject was expected to pay). • From the fact that it was so extensively levied,
it is hardly probable that the amount required from each individual was large,
or peculiarly oppressive, but we have not found the amount demanded per
capita specifically named. Caxton.

COINS PLOUGHED UP.

Journal of Numismatics :

A "Louis D'Or," dated 1694, was found, June 7th, by Mr. J. R. Clark,
of Sailors' Snug Harbor, Staten Island, while ploughing in a field on his farm.
The piece is in fine condition, and supposed to have been the property of the
" Huguenots," who came* to this country in the time of Louis XIV., and set-
tled, I believe, on Staten Island. On that account, if no other, the piece is
historically valuable.

About a year ago I found a silver piece of nearly the same size, and dated
1653 (of the aforesaid king), not far from where the gold piece was found, in
prime condition also. I have not the piece at hand now, or I would send a
rubbing of it Hoping this may prove interesting to some one of your read-
ers, I remain, yours, etc. • D. Proskey.

57 Courtlandt St., N. K, June 13, 1873.

INTERNATIONAL COINAGE. .

At the recent dinner of the New York Chamber of Commerce, on its one hundred and
fifth anniversary, remarks on the subject of International Coinage were made by Samuel B. Rug-
gles, Esq., the representative of the United States in the international monetary conference, held
at Paris in the year 1867, and by Dr. Henry R. Linderman, the newly-appointed director of the
United States Mint The addresses made by these two gentlemen have been prepared for the
press, and issued in a neat pamphlet, by the Chamber of Commerce, for general distribution.

In response to the following toast, " An International Coinage, a labor-saving machine im-
peratively required by the rapidly expanding commerce of die globe," Mr. Ruggles said, among
other appropriate things, that he thought it entirely within bounds to estimate that the expanding
foreign commerce of the nations by the close of the present century would exceed $15,000,000,000
yearly. To facilitate the action of this immense business of the commercial world, a uniform
gold coinage is needed as a common measure of value, whereby the discordant currencies of the
different nations may be dispensed with and a new gold intermediate eagle of commerce pro-
vided, of convenient metrical weight, intended solely for international traffic, interfering in no

1873.J AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 23

degree as money with any of the existing coinages, but leaving the separate nations free to con-
form their internal currency to the new coin of commerce whenever it may suit their convenience
to do so. The British government has already expressed its approbation of this important
change in the currency ofnations, and the United States has taken a step towards it in the recent
act which provides for coining the heavy silver " trade " dollar for the purposes of commerce.

[Will some of our Philadelphia friends send us a description of the new coin for the your-
nal. We have seen no satisfactory account of it, as yet]

Dr. Linderman, in the course of his remarks, congratulated the commercial world that one
step towards an international gold coinage had been attained, in the adoption by all countries,
with only one or two exceptions, of the nine-tenths standard of fineness recommended by the
Paris Conference. He also advocated the importance of die adoption by all nations of redemp-
tion at par of all coins which have become worn below the legal limit by natural abrasion. The
German Empire has provided for this practice by clear and explicit terms in its new coinage act,
and the Doctor hoped to see all other nations follow this example, as a necessary preliminary
towards establishing and maintaining an international gold currency of commerce.

EDITORIAL.

In the American Historical Record, for February, 1873, will be found an engraving of the
Queen Anne Vigo Medalet, an account of which was communicated to this journal by Mr. E. J.
Cleveland, and appeared in the October number for 1869.

The maker of the " Cardiff Giant," whose name is Scia, is at present employed at stone-cutting
at Troy, New York, and seems to be a practical sort of a person. He says he had nothing to do
with the Cardiff humbug further than to make the model and cut the stone. For the model that
he first made he received $500.

We have received the first number of the yournal of the Liverpool Numismatic Society, Liv-
erpool and London, January, 1873, pp. 32, small 8va It is nicely printed, and contains a list of
members of the Society and the officers for the present year, with several illustrations. Besides
articles of local interest, this number contains an account of various siege-pieces, with fac-similes
of those issued by Napoleon and Louis XVIII., at Antwerp, in 1814, of the denominations of
Five and Ten Centimes, and of the following, which is termed a " Kilkenny siege piece " : Ob.
carolus d. g mag brl Two sceptres within a crown ; mint mark, a harp. Rev. fran et hibsr
rex. a harp crowned, the letters c and r on either side. This coin is impressed or counter-
marked with a cinq/oily other varieties are marked with a K, and a castle, for Kilkenny.

A new work on the Medallic History of Oliver Cromwell, illustrated by his coins, medals, and
seals, will soon be issued by Henry W. Henfrey, of London, author of a" Guide to English
Coins." It will be published in six parts at $s. 6d each, or the complete work can be had for
£1. is. od. Mr. Henfrey's address is 75 Victoria Street, Westminster, London, S. W.

A Descriptive Catalogue of the Political and Memorial Medals struck in Honor of Abraham Lin-
coln, Sixteenth President of the United States. By Andrew C. Zabriskie. Only seventy-five
copies printed. New York : printed for the Author. 1873. 8vo, pp. 32.

The above work contains descriptions of one hundred and eighty-nine Medals and Medalets
struck in honor of the late President Abraham Lincoln. They are of various sizes, from nine
to fifty-two, according to the American Scale — sixteenths of an inch. The work is handsomely
printed on tinted paper, Is carefully prepared, arjd is indispensable to those forming a collec-
tion of this Series of Memorials of the late President.

The Canadian Antiquarian and Numismatic yournal. Quarterly. Montreal, April, 1873. No. 4.

This number completes the first volume of the publication of The Numismatic and Antiquarian
Society of Montreal. It contains an interesting article on the Fortifications of Quebec, with six

24 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [July, 1873.

illustrations, by J. M. Lemoine ; an account of the Canadian Masonic Medal, " To commemo-
rate the Union consummated 14th July, 1858," by Alfred Sandham ; a notice of the new cur-
rency of Germany, by Henry Mott, and various other articles of interest

An illustrated title-page for the volume, designed and etched by Mr. H. Sandham, a rising
young artist of Montreal, accompanies this number.

Part II. of the Early Coins of America has been laid on our table. Beside the usual de-
scriptive matter, this number also contains several elaborate tables of varieties of the Pine, Oak,
and Willow-tree money of Massachusetts, which must prove invaluable to the numismatic stu-
dent The degrees of rarity of this money are also given, — a point never before attempted. In
addition to two heliotype plates, this number is generously supplied with wood-cut illustrations of
Massachusetts money. It is a superb number.

CURRENCY.

Medals and coins — "Types of active and of extinct civilization : more historic than written
history."

Dies are engraved now. In Caesar's time the die was cast.

It requires the annual use of many tons of genuine silver to make counterfeit presentments by
photography.

" The (s)cent of the roses " must be a penny-trating perfume.

A Georgia negro was overpaid $100 on a check by a bank, and he returned the money. The
local paper says this is another evidence that the race can never be civilized.

The nickel mine, from which comes all the metal used for our smaller coins, is situated in Lan-
caster County, Pennsylvania. It has been worked seventeen years, and is two hundred feet deep.
The nickel lode is 3,000 feet long, produces 600 tons per month, and 175 men are now employed
at the mine.

A very remarkable collection of china and pottery, illustrating th^ history of the various kinds
of work in ceramics, carried on in England with so much success more than a hundred years ago
has just been sold in London.

Professor J. F. Weir, of the school of fine arts, has secured for Yale College a large and hand-
some cast of the Ghiberti gates at Florence, — of which only four casts are in existence. The
dimensions are twenty by thirteen feet. It was brought over in sixty sections from the South
Kensington Museum, London, where it was made, and its weight is so great that an extra found-
ation of brick has been inlaid in the west end of the north gallery, in order to provide the requi-
site support

" No, they cannot touch me for coining : I am the King himselt" — King Lear, Act rv. sc. 6.

No farthings of George IV., 182 1 to 1825, were issued for Ireland; a few patterns only were
struck.

During the reign of George III. the Bank of England stamped the King's head on Spanish
dollars, thereby making them current coin.

The word " humbug " is said to be derived from two Irish words, " uim bog," signifying soft
copper, or pewter, or brass, with which the Irish coinage was debased in the reign of James I.
Hence " uim bog " for base money, and humbug for that or any other counterfeit. Another deri-
vation is from " Hamburg," from which city false stock reports, at a certain period, pretended to
be dated.

PAYMENTS FOR THE JOURNAL.
Payments for the Journal will be acknowledged in this place.

Boston, Charles Francis Adams, Charles F. Shimmin, James E. Root, B.

B. Torrey, D. P. Corey, H. D. Fowle, W. E. Woodward; Cambridge, C. B.
Moore; New Sharon, Me.,). F. Pratt; Bennington, Vt., Hiland Hall; Hart-

ford, Conn., J. Hammond Trumbull; New York City, John F. McCoy, G.
Hodgsdon, W. Poillon, W. B. Dick, B. Westerman, J. A. Amelung, Jr., A.

C. Zabriskte, J. F. Wood, David Proskey, Daniel Parish, Jr.; Rtitland, Vt.,
H. P. Allen ; Providence, R. I., R. B. Winsor; Elmira,N. Y, H. H. Billings;
Hoosick Palls, N. Y, L, Wilder ; Trenton Palls, N. Y, M. Moore ; Brook-
lyn, N. Y, A. Balmanno ; Burlington, N. J., A. B. Engstrom ; Towanda,
Pa., R. A. Mercur ; Burlington, Wis., F. S. Perkins ; Detroit, Mich., E. B.
Wight; St. Louis, Mo., J. B. Clemens; La Grange, Ky., Robert Morris;
New Orleans, La., R. W. Ogden ; San Prancisco, Cat., N. Laudry ; Cincin-
nati, Ohio, T. Cleneay ; Charleston, S. C, D. Ravenel, Jr.

Stolen — A Presidential Peace Medal. Ob: Bust, "John Quincy Adams,
President of the United States, 1825." Rev: " Peace and Friendship,"
Tomahawk and Pipe, with clasped Hands. Silver, size 48. Should any of
our readers chance to hear of such a medal being offered for sale, they will
confer a favor by sending a line to J. C, 18 Somerset St., Boston, Mass.

THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA.

The Committee of Publication of the New England Numismatic and
ArcH/EOLogical Society purpose publishing a work on the early coinage
of America.

It will include the Sommer Islands pieces ; all the silver coinage of New
England ; the Rosa Americana coins ; the Granby tokens ; the colonial
pieces of Virginia; the early coins of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey,
and Massachusetts ; the Washington issues ; together with the pattern
pieces of the Mint previous to its regular issues of 1793 ; also many tokens
struck in Europe for circulation in this country, etc., etc.

An edition of but three hundred and fifty copies will be printed, and
issued to subscribers only, in a series of about ten numbers, containing 32
quarto pages each. It will be printed on fine tinted paper, with new type,
and each number will cpntain at least one full page of accurate illustrations.

Price, One Dollar per number. Owing to the heavy outlay attending its
production, subscribers are required to accompany their orders with Five
Dollars, one half the estimated amount of subscription.

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AMERICAN

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October, 1873.

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All Communications to be addressed to Jeremiah Colburn, 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

CONTENTS.

Early Coinage of Massachusetts

An Amsterdam Medal .

The Trade Dollar

The Medals of Washington .

Sales of Coins

International Coinage .

Coins found at Richmond Island

Maine ....
Medals of the Vienna Exhibition
An Old French Medal .

PAGE

25
31

3i
41
42

43
43

Hobbies

Church Tokens

Medal Query

An Old Medal

Gold Coin of Aurungzebe

Massachusetts Cents

Notes and Queries

Notes ....

Editorial

Currency

PACE

43
44
44

45
46

47
48
48

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October ist, 1873.

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NOW READY

A descriptive catalogue of the medals struck in honor of Abraham Lincoln.
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AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS,

AND

Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies.

Vol. VIII. BOSTON, OCTOBER, 1873. No. 2.

EARLY COINAGE OF MASSACHUSETTS.

We are indebted to the publishers of " The Early Coins of America,"
for the obliging manner with which they have allowed us to use the cuts in
the following article, and to make copious extracts from their valuable work,
now in course of publication, the third part of which has just been distributed
to the subscribers. — Ed.

The early Massachusetts coins were very irregular in their outlines, which
was of little importance so far as the coining was concerned, for the dies (if
they should be dignified with the name of dies) were simply punches, upon
one end of which were sunken the letters for the obverse, or the numerals for
the reverse (which occupied the greater part of their surfaces), and which were
struck upon the planchets at the opposite edges, that one stamp might not ob-
literate or deface the other.

The original clipped and irregular form of this issue rendered it partic-
ularly liable to a repetition of the process of clipping by dishonest traders,
who did not hesitate, even in those days of honest dealing (as they are re-
puted), to avail themselves of every opportunity for the increase of their
worldly gains at the expense of the public good ; it was found necessary,
therefore, to change the design of the impress, in consequence of which this
order was issued, under date of October 19, 1652 :

"ffor the prevention of washing or Clipping of all such
peices of mony as shall be Cojned w*in this Jurisdiction. It is
Ordered by this Courte and the Authoritje thereof, that hence-
forth all peices of monyCojned as afore sajd shall have a double
Ring on either side, with this Inscription — Massachusetts, and
a tree in the Center on the one side, and New England and the
Fl £- lm yeere of our lord on the other side, according to this draught

heere in the margent."
It is a fact to be noticed that no coin is to be found agreeing in or-
thography with the specifications of this order ; and had the shillings dated
1650 been coined at that date, it is extremely probable that one of these, or at

VOL. VIII. 4

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

[October,

least a draught more nearly resembling them, would have been presented ;
whereas no mention of them seems to have been made.

Our studies of this coinage have led us to a conclusion directly opposed
to that generally accepted regarding the coinage of the different varieties of
the silver money of Massachusetts. The only satisfactory theory which pre-
sents itself in relation to this point, is the ensuing : —

The earliest issues of this mint was, of course, the N E series, this being
in exact accordance with the description given in the act for the establishment
of the mint, that bearing a tree following it, in accordance with the order of
October 19, 1652, which furnishes the draught of that device.

The cuts (Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 5) furnish good representations of the coins
of the series first mentioned* The N E Shilling may be described as a plain,
hammered or rolled planchet of silver, in size varying from sixteen to nineteen,
clipped to an irregularly circular form ; upon the obverse, N E in relief upon
a depressed field, which is straight upon three sides but arched at the top.
The length of this field is usually somewhat less than one-half the diameter of
the planchet, and near its upper edge ; the central line of the N is prolonged
into a curve under the E, and the top of its right limb is also curved or bent
forward, crossing the upright of, and forming the top to, the E.

Reverse : upon a field similar to that of the obverse, but smaller, and
more nearly scjuare, not being rounded or arched at the top, the Roman nu-
merals XII. This stamp also is placed near the edge and at the top of the
planchet ; not behind that upon the obverse, but so that when held with the
numerals upright, that upon the opposite side will usually be at the bottom,
though it is occasionally found at one side.

The Sixpences and Threepences differ from the Shilling in the form of
the depressed field : that upon the obverse of these, instead of being nearly
square, is indented on its four sides, and irregularly quadrilobed, to conform to
the outlines of the letters. The reverses differ but little from the Shilling,
except in the numerals, which here are VI and III. In size the Sixpence

* Representations of these coins have been made by the Heliotype process, and can be seen by referring to
Plate I. of Mr. Crosby's work. — Ed.

'873-1

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

varies from twelve to fourteen, and the only Threepence we have measured is
size twelve and a half.

But two undoubtedly genuine specimens of the Threepence are known,
those in the collections of William S. Appleton, A. M., and Yale College;
those recently sold in New York, as well as the Sixpences and Pennies, having
been pronounced forgeries.

Next to the N E series we place the Willow Tree coins, as these bear
the rudest resemblance to the draught accompanying the order for a change
in the design.*

The coins bearing this tree are so rude in conception and bungling in
execution (though not partaking of the errors of reversed letters which appear
in some varieties of both Oak and Pine), as to deserve none other than a
position among the experimental attempts of novices in the art of coining;
unless, as has been suggested, they are to be considered as counterfeits,
which does not appear probable. So rude, indeed, are they, that it is dif-
ficult to believe them to have been accepted by any people except under
urgent necessity for coin of some kind, however imperfect.

Of these we have never met with a perfect specimen, all being doubly
struck, and most, very faint impressions and much worn. We find three
obverse and seven reverse dies for the Shilling, and of the Sixpence only one
die of each, obverse and reverse.

Next, the Oak Tree coins, t Figures 6 to 12.

Notwithstanding the fact that the Twopenny pieces — all of which have
for their device an oak shrub — bear the date of 1662 (which we consider
does not in the least degree conflict with this theory), we think these also
must have preceded the device of the pine tree, and for several reasons.

: illustrations. — Ed.

28 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

ist The resemblance of the device, upon both Oaks and Willows, to the
draught presented, by the General Court, October, 19, 1652, the Willows
being the rudest representations of the draught previously illustrated.

2d. Their general inferiority, in point of execution, to the Pine Tree
coins. •

3d. Their size, which varies but slightly from that of the N E series,
which preceded ; or the larger, which are believed to be the older of those
of the Pine Tree series.

4th. The stamp of this mint was spoken of by a writer in 1680, as "a
New England Pine." Had the Oak Tree device been still in use, this term
would not have been then used - .

5th. The scarcity of specimens of these, and the small number of varie-
ties which they furnish, — the Shillings of the Willows numbering but three
obverse dies, and of the Oaks nine.

Allowing that the coinage of the Oak Tree variety commenced very soon
after the design was adopted, and that it was continued for ten years or a
little longer, about one third of the whole coinage (exclusive of the Twopenny
pieces) would be likely to have been issued; and the Twopenny pieces, with
their date of 1662, would be included among these in style.

6th. The punctuation, which we take to be the 'privy mark' ordered to
be put upon them, is upon these of the more simple character; some having
none, and none of the Willow and but few of the Oaks having more than
colons for such marks.

7th. Sir Thomas Temple, in 1662, showed at the council table in England
some of this money, which Dr. Eliot, in a letter to Mr. Hollis, writtenjn May,
1768, says had upon it "a ■pine tree of that sort which is thick and bushy
towards the top" [how did he ascertain'the particular style of tree upon the
coin which was shown in England more than one hundred years before ?],
informing the king, in answer to his direct inquiry, that it was the " royal oak
which preserved his majesty's life." Had this been really a pine tree, Sir
Thomas would hardly have been so bold as to have stated' to the king, who
was then in no mood to be trifled with, that it was an oak. Conceding it to
have been an oak, he could hardly have had it in his possession at that time
and place, had not these been coined previous to 1662. It is more probable
that those previously coined had been of the Oak Tree variety and that soon
after 1662 a change was made to the Pine.

The whole story here referred to has been considered merely as a pleasant
myth, and is called by Ruding a " ridiculous story ; " but the fact that the
money was so shown by Sir Thomas is sufficiently proved by records still
preserved in the State archives.

Although it may be objected that this story implies that Sir Thomas
falsified in his answer, for the purpose of making his point, we think it more

1873] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 39

probable, and as much implied, that instead of making a false statement, he
merely turned the truth to his advantage, making it subserve his purpose by
his ready wit. He could not have given the king -credit for much intelligence
had"he attempted to foist upon him a pine tree for an oak, when, from the
experience of Charles with the latter tree, he should have been supposed to
know the difference between it and a pine.

The following cuts (Figs. 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17) represent varieties of the
Pine Tree Shillings.*

These coins (the larger of which we consider the first coined), as they
diminish in size, increase in the complexity of their punctuation, — some of
the largest having none, others single points (one variety only of the larger
ones having a group), while the medium and smaller sizes have^jroups or
pellets, consisting of from four to eight each, and in some instances combina-
tions of groups with single points. This type furnishes at least twenty-four
-obverse dies of the Shilling, or about double the number of both Willows
and Oaks, and are met with in about the proportion of four of these to one ■
of those. This is the result naturally to be anticipated, had the Pine Tree
replaced the Oak about 1662, and continued in use until the suspension of
the operations of the mint, whose legal existence is supposed to have ter-
minated about June 3, 1682, since they were coined for about twice the
number of years covered by the preceding issues ; having made their appear-
ance at from twenty to thirty years later, they might reasonably be expected
to be more frequently found, and in a better state of preservation, than their
predecessors, which is the case.

This theory of their order of coinage seems to reconcile all the difficul-
ties besetting that which regards the Pine Tree coins as taking precedence,
and the Oak as following them at about 1662, while it does not conflict with
the basis of that theory, — that basis being, if we mistake not, simply that the
date of the Twopenny pieces, all of which bear the Oak Tree, is 1662, which,
it should be remembered, is the date of the order by authority of which they
were coined. Neither Folkes nor Ruding seem to have known of the act
authorizing a coinage of this denomination, which accounts for their doubts
respecting this date.

An arrangement according to the punctuation, gives a gradual reduction
in size (though not with perfect regularity, as different coins from the same
dies often differ in thickness, and consequently in size) from the N E coins
to the smaller Pine Tree Shillings ; the economy of this change may have

* Other varieties are given on Plate II., Early Coins.

3 o AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October

been suggested by the superior durability of the smaller dies, as proved both
by the greater relative proportion of the smaller Shillings, and the greater
number of Oak Tree coins found among the smaller denominations than
among the larger. The dies were probably used until they were so worn or
broken as to render them worthless ; and even when much worn they seem
to have been recut, and slightly altered, to fit them for still further service.

If we place the Pine Tree first, and suppose either a gradual decrease,
or increase in size, one of which seems very probable, we are compelled to
make a sudden change, either from the small Pine Tree Shilling to the larger
Oak, in the first case, or, in the last, from the large N E to the small Pine
Tree Shillings. This sudden change, in either case, is avoided by the fore-
going theory, which it appears to us, strengthens the probability of its cor-
rectness. .

A few words here in regard to the " mint mark," as the group of dots or
points has been called.

It will be seen by reference to the order for the establishment of the-
mint, May * 1652, that one of its requirements is that there shall be stamped
upon the coins " a privy marke which shall be Appointed euery three months
by the Gouno. r and knowne only to him and the sworne officers of the mint."
The probability is that these groups, differing in number, and in the number
of points of which they are composed, as well as other variations in the punc-
tuation, are the " privy markes," changed in accordance with this provision;
nor is it unlikely that the forms of the trees, and the peculiarities of the re-
versed letters, which are usually confined to the n of in on the obverse, and
the first n of England, on the reverse, may also have been intentional, and
with the same design.

Had this regulation been strictly complied with, it would have necessitated
at least one hundred and twenty varieties of each denomination (excepting
the Twopennies), supposing the coinage of all denominations to have been
continuous, and for the period of thirty years. The number of -varieties known
to us fall so far short of this that it is reasonable to suppose it to have been
but partially regarded.

Attempts have been made to cast ridicule upon the coinage of this mint,
because the devices adopted upon it do not conform to the precise pattern
which some have imagined proper to be followed.

It may be remarked that the records make no mention of the .Pine tree;
neither do they specify any particular species of tree which should be repre-
sented, but leave it entirely optional with the mint master what tree he would
adopt, and even allowing him to change it as reason, fancy, or that clause of

»«73.]

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

the act relating to a privy mark might dictate ; and we think none will hesi-
tate to concede that the pine tree device is a vast improvement upon most of
those which preceded it.

These coins were known in their early days as Boston or Bay Shillings*
The first application we find of the name of " pine " to them was in May
1680, in a proposition to make the mint free, and it seems not improbable that
this name was given them soon after the change from the oak to the pine as
a device ; were there any interest whatever taken in the subject by the people
(and it would seem there must have been), so decided a change muSt have oc-
casioned remark, and naturally led to the application of the popular name.

AN AMSTERDAM MEDAL.
Eds. Journal of Numismatics :

In my very limited store of coins and medals, I have had one for many
years (and which was transmitted me by my grandfather, who died in 1839 ;
and who had possessed it for many years prior to his death), which, I think, is
quite curious and interesting. I write to ask if you, or any of your correspond-
ents, can give me more information concerning it, than I already have. It is
a silver-box medal of beautiful workmanship, about four inches in diameter,
the sides screwing into each other, and the interior lined with pale blue velvet,
now of course, very much faded. All that I can discover concerning this
medal is as follows, taken from " Histoire Metalliques des pays bas," page 250,
tome 1.

" This city " (Amsterdam) — Cl whereof mention is made for the first time
in a privilege of Count Florent, dated the 5th day of the year 1275, — 'his city,
as I said, had formerly for arms a ship without rudder, being tributary to the
Lords of the House of Armstel. In the year 1342, she fell under the power
of William, Count of Holland, who bestowed on her many prerogatives and
gave her hew arms.

* New York Records, 1672, and Lambert's Colony of New ffaven, p. 193.

32 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

" Although the city, in the beginning, was only a retreat for poor fisher-
men, its advantageous situation soon attracted an extensive commerce, which
augmented in a very short time, producing both wealth and power. Thence-
forth, the sovereigns of countries distinguished and caressed her by reason of
the weight she could bring to bear upon their interests. In recompense of
services she had rendered the Emperor Maximilian in the taking of Rotterdam,
Woerden, and the castle of the latter place, she received from him on the ioth
of February, 1481, letters patent, which granted the privilege to stamp the
Imperial crown on her arms : — an everlasting token of the good-will of this
prince." The gift of these new arms, and the privilege of placing the Imperial
crown above them, is thus immortalized by this medal.

In the back-ground we see, above an arched portico, the ancient arms of
the city. On the foreground, the Count William is seated on a throne, giving
to the magistrates of Amsterdam, by the Herald-at- Arms of the -province, the
new escutcheon, of which we have spoken.

Inscription: — "The Count William has caused to be presented these
arms to Amsterdam in the year 1342."

.The reverse, which, like the other side, is encircled with a civic wreath,
represents the Emperor Maximilian I. surrounded by his guards, who hold the
Imperial crown over the arms of Amsterdam, which he offers by the magis-
trates to the city.

Inscription : — " The Emperor Maximilian has given to Amsterdam the
Imperial crown in the year 1488."

Such is the description of the medal, and such is all that I have been able
to discover about it. Can any of your readers or correspondents tell me more ?
Did it ever encase another medal ? How many of them were struck ? Are
they now rare ? What is its present value, etc. ?

The workmanship of the figures, their costumes, etc., are of the highest
order, and the medal is in very fine, I may say, perfect, preservation.

Any information will greatly oblige, Yours, truly,

Virtuoso.

Savannah^ Ga., July 21st, 1873.

THE TRADE DOLLAR.

This new coin, which has lately been struck at the United States Mint,
bears on the obverse a female figure seated on bales of merchandise, holding in
her left hand a scroll bearing the word " Liberty." At her back is a sheaf of
wheat, expressing, with the bales of goods, the commercial character of the
coin : her right hand extended holds the olive branch. On a scroll beneath
the figure are the words " In God We Trust," and below, the date, 1873. The
reverse has around the coin the words " United States of America — Trade
Dollar." In the centre is an eagle holding in its claws three arrows and a
sprig of olive. On a label above are the words "• E Pluribus Unum." Below
is the indication of its value : " 420 grains, 900 fine."

i«73-] AMERICAN' JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 33

THE MEDALS OF WASHINGTON.

[Continued from VoL VIII. p. 9.]

CLXXV. 399 b'way, n. y. 1863 ; head of Washington facing the right
in a wreath of two olive-branches ; at each side three stars. Rev. monk's
metal signs in three lines in a circle of stars, broken at bottom by an
eagle. Copper, size 12.

CLXXVI. c. doscher 241 wash" s*, n. y., 1863.; head of Wash-
ington facing the right Rev. not one cent in a wreath of olive. Cop*
per, size 12.

CLXXVII. united we stand 1863; head of Washington facing the
right over two star-spangled banners crossed. Rev. broas brothers pie
bakers.; in a' wreath of olive our country. Copper, size 12 1-2.

CLXXVIII. Head of Washington facing the right over two star-
spangled banners crossed; above thirteen stars; below 1863. Rev. In a
wreath of two oak-branches two hands clasped between the words peace
forever. Copper, size 13.

CLXXIX. Head of Washington facing the right over two star-span-
gled banners crossed; around thirteen stars; below 1863. Rev. exchange
irt a wreath of an olive-branch and oak-branch ; over their junction at
bottom a drum, and behind it a sword, two cannon, and two guns crossed.
Copper, size 12.

CLXXX. Head of Washington facing the right in a half wreath of two
oak-branches; above thirteen stars; below 1863. Rev. The shield of the
United States on a six-pointed star in a wreath of olive. Copper, size 12.

CLXXXI. Head of Washington facing the right; at each side six
stars; below 1863. Rev. A wreath of two olive-branches, within which
Wilson's medal curving round the figure 1 ; at top h. Copper, size 12 1-2.

CLXXXI I. Same design, differently executed. Rev. new york in
two lines, a star below, in a wreath of olive. Copper, size 12.

CLXXXIII. Head of Washington facing the right; behind six stars,
before seven; below 1863. Rev. In a wreath of two oak-branches the
shield of the United States, and behind it two star-spangled banners crossed,
and a pole, on which is a Liberty-cap, surrounded by thirteen stars.
Copper, size 12.

CLXXXIV. the Washington token. 1 863 j head of Washington fac-
ing the right Rev. f. b. orr. dealer in hardware iron & nails mans*
field, o. in five lines, all curving except third. Tin, size 14.

CLXXXV. Same obverse. Rev. h. d. gerdts broker & coin
dealer 240 Greenwich ST. n. y. in six lines. Copper, size 1 2.

CLXXXVI. Same obverse. Rev. Petersen's honesdale. scranton.
& pittston. pa jewellers, in six irregular lines. Copper, size 12 1-2.

CLXXXV 1 1. Same obverse. Rev. a. killeen n°. 1 & 16 ferry s t .
greenpoint. in five lines. Copper, size 12 1-2.

CLXXXV II I. Same obverse. Rev. horrors of war blessings ofr
peace; 1863 between a female head above and her horns of plenty
crossed below. Nickel, size 13.

CLXXXIX/ first in war, first in peace; in exeqgue 1863; the

VOL. VIII. 5

34 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

statue of Washington on horseback in .Union Square, New York. Rev.
union for ever in a Wreath of a palm-branch and an oak-branch ; over
their junction at bottom the shield of the United States, and behind it
four flags crossed. Copper, size 12.

CxC. Same design, differently executed; the date is larger. Rev.
Same design, differently executed. Copper, size 12.

CXCI. geo. Washington president ; head of Washington facing the
right; at each side four stars. Rev. t. brimelow, druggist, 432 third
avenue, n-y. ; in a wreath of two olive-branches tied by a bow, a mortar
and pestle dividing the date 1863; above 1. Copper, size 15.

CXCI I. geo. Washington president ; head of Washington facing the
left; before six stars, behind seven. Rev. As the last Copper, size 15.

CXCIII. Same obverse. Rev. t. brimelow, druggist, 432 third
avenue, n. y. ; in a wreath of an olive-branch and palm-branch tied by a
bow 2. Brass, size 15.

CXCI V. Head of Washingtpn facing the right ; behind seven stars,
before six ; below l. r. Rev. t. brimelow, druggist, 432 third a v. n. y. ;
in a wreath of olive a mortar and pestle dividing the date 1864. Cop-
per, size 12.

CXCV. Same obverse. Rev. no compromise with traitors in four
lines in a wreath of an olive-branch and oak-branch ; at Jx>ttom two can-
non crossed. Copper, size 12 1-2.

CXCVI. 100 entitle to a $2.00 view of new york city.; head of
Washington facing the right in a circular frame. Rev. c. magnus' na-
tional printing establishment new york ; the shield of the United States,
and above it an eagle with olive-branch and arrows, and in beak a ribbon
inscribed e pluribus unum. Brass, size 1 2.

CXCVI I. Head of Washington facing the right in an oval frame on
a star, the points of which just cross a classic wreath ; between the lower
points c. sigel hiwill (?) n. y. Rev. not one cent in a wreath of two
olive-branches tied by a bow. Copper, size 12.

CXCV I II. freedom to all men. union. ; head of Washington facing
the right, surrounded by rays forming a star ; around thirteen stars. Rev.
Lincoln & johnson Union candidates 1 864 ; bust of Lincoln facing the left,
below w. h. key f. Tin, size 20.

CXCIX. the union must and shall be preserved ; head of Wash-
' ington facing the right issuing from clouds dotted with stars ; at each
side of the head two star-spangled banners crossing under it, and above
rays. Rev. Abraham Lincoln president of the u. s. 1864; bust of Lin-
coln facing the left ; below w. h. key; around thirty-five stars. Tin, size 18.

CC. Same obverse. Rev. lieut. gen. u. s. grant. ; bust of Grant in
uniform facing the left; below w. h. k. Tin, size 18.

CCI. Washington; head of Washington facing the left; below j. a.
bolen. Rev. soldiers' fair dec' 1864. Springfield, mass, in five lines
in a wreath of two olive-branches. Tin, size 18.

CCII. Obverse as CXCI. Rev. god loveth a cheerful giver great

FAIR IN AID OF THE U. S. SANITARY COMMISSION, NANTUCKET, MASS. AUGUST, 1 864.

in nine lines. Silver, size 15.

CCII I. Head of Washington facing the right Rev. great central
fair Philadelphia june 1 864 in five irregular lines. Copper, size n.

1873] AMERICAN JOURNAL % OF NUMISMATICS. 35

CCIV. george Washington; head of Washington facing the left; on
edge of shoulder f. b.. smith & hartmann n. y. Rev. tomb of Washington
mount vernon, Virginia. ; view of the tomb in a half-wreath of an oak-
branch and olive-branch tied by a bow ; above are clouds, through which
a winged figure, surrounded by rays, flies to the right, holding to the
mouth with right hand a long trumpet, and in left a wreath ; below the
half- wreath s. & h. Bronze, size 40 1-2.

CC V. george Washington ; bust of Washington facing the left ; below

J. A* BOLEN. Rev. I HOPE THAT LIBERAL ALLOWANCES WILL BE MADE, FOR THE
POLITICAL OPINIONS OF EACH OTHER. * WITHOUT THESE I DO NOT SEE HOW THE
REINS OF GOVERNMENT ARE TO BE MANAGED, OR HOW THE UNION OF THE STATES

can be much longer preserved, in eleven parallel lines; below washing-
ton's letter, to Hamilton. Silver, size 37.

CCVI. Head of Washington facing the right Rev. Fac-simile of
Washington's autograph visiting-card. Bronze, size 30.

CCVI I. In centre, in a circular frame george Washington, and bust of
Washington at three-quarter face to left ; around in smaller circular frames
busts of seven Presidents with their names, john adams., thomas jefferson.,

JAMES MADISON., JAMES MUNROE., JOHN QUINCY ADAMS., ANDREW JACKSON., MARTIN
VAN BUREN. Rev. FIRST PRESIDENT GEORGE WASHINGTON. SECOND JOHN ADAMS.
THIRD THOMAS JEFFERSON, FOURTH JAMES MADISON. FIFTH JAMES MUNROE. SIXTH
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. SEVENTH ANDREW JACKSONS. EIGHTH MARTIN VAN BUREN in

sixteen lines in a wreath of roses and various other flowers, tied by a bow.
Tin, size 29.

CCVI 1 1, norwalk conn, memorial. 1 869 ; bust of Washington in uni-
form facing the right ; on edge of bust key. f. Rev. bought of the norwake

INDIANS BY ROGER LUDLOWE AND CAP. DANIEL PATRICK 164O. FOUNDED 1 649.
SETTLED BY ACT OF COURT 1650. BURNT BY BRITISH UNDER TRYON I 779. BOROUGH
INCORPORATION 1 836. D. & N. R. R. OPENED 1 85 2. POPULATION 15,000. I. F. WOODS

mem. series in thirteen irregular lines. Silver, size 24.

CCIX. GEORGE WASHINGTON, FIRST ' PRESIDENT OF THE UPSTATES; G. H.

lovett n. y. ; head of Washington facing the right ; all in a wreath of roses
and violets (?). Rev. Washington's residence at mount vernon; view of
the house with trees ; below g. h. l. n. y. Copper, size 22.

CCX. g. Washington, president, i. 1 792 ; bust of Washington facing
the left. Rev. william idler dealer in coins, Minerals, Stationery & fancy ar-
ticles. n° 1 1 1 north 9™ st. Philadelphia in eight irregular lines. Copper, size
21 1-2.

The obverse of this piece is a copy of XXIII.

CCX I. GEORGE WASHINGTON, FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE J bust of

Washington facing the left ; found all an ornamental circle, in which are
eagles and stars. Rev. born, feb. ii. 1732. general American armies, 1775.

RESIGNED, I783. PRESIDENT, 1 789 to I 796. GENERAL U. S. ARMY, 1 798. DIED, 1 799.

in nine lines in a wreath of roses. Brass, size 21.

CCX 1 1, george Washington president 1 789 ; bust of Washington fac-
ing the left Rev. An eagle displayed, on his breast a shield of thirteen
pales, in right claw an olive-branch, in left a bundle of twelve arrows, in beak
a ribbon inscribed unum e pluribus. Copper, size 20.

This also is of recent work.

CCXIII. george Washington; security; head of Washington facing

36 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

the right ; on edge of bust lovett ; below r. l. Rev. pro patria in two lines
in a wreath of two olive-branches ; below lovett phila. Copper, size 20.

CCXIV. Same obverse. Rev. An intended copy of the vessel on the
" Sommer Islands " shilling. Copper, size 20.

CCX V. Same obverse. Rev. dickeson's coin & medal safe evans & wat-
son makers. 304 chestnut sT Philadelphia. ; representation of the " safe." Tin,
size 20.

CCX VI. Same obverse. Rev. geo : Washington. 1776.; Washington
on horseback to the left, his hat in right hand, near him cannons, balls, and
a camp, and in the distance beyond the water a view of Boston. Copper,
size 20.

CCXVII. Obverse as last reverse. Rev. siege of boston 1775-6 in
three lines in a wreath of two olive-branches tied by a bow ; below lovett's
series no. 2. philada : at top a drum, and under it a stack of arms and two
star-spangled banners crossed* Silver, size 20.

CCXVII I. Same obverse. Rev. Round the outside r. lovett, jr: die

SINKER, PHILADELPHIA, PA I within DIES FOR AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES COLLEGES
&* MEDALS STRUCK IN GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE J the Words AGRICULTURAL

societies are on an oval frame, in which are a plow and a stalk of corn ; at bot-
tom a small olive-branch. Copper, size 20.

CCXIX. Same obverse. Rev. city hall, wall st. n. y.; in exergue
erected in 1 700 demolished 1 8 1 2 ; view of the building ; at base l. Brass,

size 20.

CCXX. georgio Washington ; head of Washington facing the right ;
below, <3£*u*r. Rev. A wreath of an oak-branch and an olive-branch tied by
a bow. Brass, size 19 1-2.

CCX XI. Head of Washington facing the right between a laurel-branch
and a palm-branch crossed. Rev. Washington surrounded by rays in an or-
namental border, in which are thirteen stars. Copper, size 19 1-2.

CCXXII. gen. george Washington, 1 776. ; Washington on horseback
to the right, his hat in right hand, near him cannon-balls* in the distance a
camp and hills ; on the foreground l. Rev. As last. Tin, size 20.

CCXXII I. Same obverse. Rev. -Washington's head-quarters, at
valley forge ; a farm-house. Tin, size 20.

CCXXIV. Same obverse. Rev. the home of Washington mount ver-
non ; view of the house, with river and hills beyond ; below g. h. l. Cop-
per, size 20.

CCXXV. george Washington ; head of Washington facing the right
Rev. As CCX 1 1 1. Copper, size 20.

CCXXV I. Same obverse. Rev. north point and fort m^henry. sepT
12* & 13/ 1814 ; view of " Battle Monument" fct Baltimore. Silver, size 20.

CCXXVII. george Washington ; bust of Washington facing the left;
below j. a. bolen. Rev. avoid the extremes of party spirit in five lines in
a wreath of two oak-branches tied by a bow. Copper, size 18.

CCXXVIII. Bust of Washington facing the left in an ornamental bor-
der. Rev. HEADQUARTERS AT HARLEM, N. Y. 1 776. N° I J view of the house J

below g. h. l. Silver, size 1 8.

CCXXIX. Same obverse. Rev. headquarters at whiteplains, n. y.
1776 ; n° 2 ; view of the house. Silver, size 18.

1873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 37

CCXXX. Same obverse. Rev. headquarters near chads ford, p*
1777 ; n°. 3 ; view of the house. Silver, size 18.

CCXXXI. Same obverse. Rev. headquarters at whitemarsh, p*
1777 ; n"? 4 ; view of the house. Silver, size 18.

CCXXXI I. Sam6 obverse. Rev. headquarters at valley forge, p^

1777 * '78 ; n° 5 ; view of the house. Silver, size 18.

CCXXXIII. Same obverse- Rev. headqOarters at tappan, n. y.

1778 ; n°. 6 ; view of the house. Silver, size 18.

CCXXXIV. Same obverse. Rev. headquarters, morristown, n. j.

1779 & '8o; n° 7; view of the house. Silver, size 18.

CCXXXV. Same obverse. Rev. headquarters near sufferns, n. y.

1 780 ; n°. 8 ; view of the house. Silver, size 1 8.

CCXXXV L Same obverse. Rev. headquarters near dobbs ferry,
n. y. 1 781 ; n° 9; view of the house. Silver, size 18.

CCXXXVII. Same obverse. Rev. headquarters at newburg, n. y.
1783 ; n*! 10; view of the house. Silver, size 18.

CCXXXVIII. Same obverse. Rev. b. franklin; on a label eripuit
ccelo fulmen, sceptrumque tyrannis ; bust of Franklin facing the left.
Silver, size 18.

CCXXX IX. george Washington; head of Washington facing the
right Rev. time increases his fame* in four parallel lines in a wreath of two
olive-branches tied by a bow. Bronze, size 1 8.

CCXL. * united states military academy; head of Washington facing
the left ; below Paquet F. Rev. A wreath of olive, within which is an oc-
tagonal scroll, dividing the words academic merit. Bronze, size 17 1-2.

CCXL I. george Washington ; head of Washington facing the right.
Rev. born 1732 died 1 799 in two curving lines above and below tne shield of
the United States ; at top and base are two branches of laurel crossed. Cop-
per, size 18.

CCXLII. Same obverse. Rev. Washington natus 1732 obit 1799;
above the inscription a liberty-cap surrounded by rays ; the whole surrounded
by a circle, of alternate stars and eagles. Copper, size 18.

CCXLIII. Same obverse. Rev. family arms of george Washington ;
a shield with the arms of Washington of England, and motto exitus acta
probat. Copper, size 1 8.

CCXLIV. Same obverse. Rev. washingtons tomb, mt. vernon, va.; a
view of the tomb ; below thirteen stars. Copper, size 18.

CCXLV. Same obverse. Rev. Washington statue ; in exergue n. y. ;
view of the statue in Union Square. Copper, size 18.

CCXLV I. Same obverse. Rev. Washington statue Richmond, Vir-
ginia. ; view of the statue by Hxmdon. Copper, size 1 8.

CCXLVII. Head of Washington facing the left Rev. As CCXLI.
Copper, size 18.

CCXLVII I. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLII. Copper, size 18.

CCXLIX. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLIII. Copper, size 18.

CCL. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLIV. Copper, size 18.

CCLI. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLV. Copper, size 18.

CCLII. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXL VI. Copper, size 18.

CCLIII. Obv. as rev. of CCXLV. Rev. As CCXLI. Copper,
size 18.

38 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS: [October,

CCLIV. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLIL Copper, size 1 8.

CCLV. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLIV. Copper, size 18.

CCLVI. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLVI. Copper, size 18.

CCLVII. Obv. as rev. of CCXLVI. Rev. As CCXLI. Copper, size 18.

CCLV II I. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLIL Copper, size 18.

CCLIX. Same obverse. Rev. As CCXLIV. Copper, size 1 8.

CCLX. Obv. as rev. of CCXLIV. Rev. As CCXLI. Copper,
size 1 8.

CCLXL Washington ; head of Washington facing the right in a wreath
of two olive-branches tied by a bow ; below m % Rev. the hero of americak
independence; in a wreath of two laurel-branches tied by a bow died dec. 14.
1799. in three lines ; below merriam boston. Copper, size 17.

CCLX 1 1. Same obverse. Rev. jos. h. merriam medalist die sinker

AND LETTER CUTTER ESTABLISHED 185O NO. 1 8 BRATTLE SQUARE BOSTON, MASS. in

nine irregular lines. Copper, size 1 7.

CCLX I II. Same obverse. Rev. c. f. tuttle. pay at the counter no
1 30 Washington st. ; in field merriam ; in centre 50 stamped. Lead, size

17-

CCLXIV. Geo. Washington, the defender of his country.; head of

Washington facing the left Rev. " may our country never want props, to
support the glorious fabric " g. w. 1 786 in eight lines in an ornamental bor-
der, in which are thirteen stars. Copper, size 18.

CCLXV. Same obverse. Rev. Head of Washington facing the right.
Tin, size 18.

CCLXV I. george Washington ; Washington on horseback to the right,
his hat in left hand. Rev. born feb. 22 d 1732. president 1789 to 1796. died,
1799. in a border formed of alternate liberty-caps and stars. Tin, size 18.

CCLXV 1 1. GEORGE WASHINGTON FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PEACE AND FIRST

in the hearts OF his countrymen ; head of Washington facing the right
Rev. reverse. Lincoln ; head of Lincoln facing the left ; at each side six stars.
Tin, size 18.

CCLXVIII. GEN. GEORGE WASHINGTON. FIRST PRE* U. S. 1 789 J head of

WashingtoA facing the right. Rev. e. ivins, manufacturer of metallic trim-
mings fifth st Columbia a v . Philadelphia, in two circular lines round a circle
of stars, in which is the shield of the United States. Silver, size 16.

CCLXIX. Same obverse. Rev. honesty industry and sobriety; in
field o. u. a. m. and within them a pair of compasses and a square crossed,
and inside a bent right arm holding a mallet. Copper, size 16.

CCLXX. Washington; head of Washington facing the right; below
bolen. Rev. libert as. Americana.; in exergue 4 juil. 1776.; head of Liberty
facing the left, with hair loosely streaming backwards, over the right shoulder
a pole and liberty-cap ; on edge of shoulder bolen. Silver, size 1 6.

CCLXXI. Washington united states of America ; head of Washing-
ton facing the left. Rev. to the cause of temperance ten dollars to kiUg
alcohol not one cent, in seven lines, first and last curving. Brass, size 15.

CCLXXI I. geo. Washington father of his country ; head of Wash-
ington facing the right. Rev. our country and our flag now & forever;
a military trophy, of a stack of arms, drums, flags, cannons, &c. ; above a
wreath. Brass, size 14.

1873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 39

CCLXXIII. george Washington 1 792 ; head of Washington facing
the right Rev. martha Washington i 792 ; bust of Mrs. Washington facing
the left Silver, size 1 3.

CCLXXIV. Same obverse, without date; below the bust lovett.
Same reverse, without date. Silver, size 1 3.

CCLXXV. Same obverse. Rev. w. idler dealer in coins, minerals,
shells, antiques &c hi n. 9™ sT philada : in eight lines, first two and last
three curving. Copper, size 13.

CCLXXV I. george Washington born 1 732 died 1 799 ; head of Wash-
ington facing the left. Rev. monument at Baltimore ; view of the monument
within a wreath of olive. Silver, size 13.

CCLXXV 1 1. Same obverse. Rev. As obverse of CXL. Copper,
size 13.

CCLXXVIII. Head of Washington facing the left. Rev. The tomb at
Mount Vernon in an ornamental border ; below the tomb L. Silver, size 1 2.

CCLXXIX. born feb. 22 1732. died dec 14 1 799. ; bust of Wash-
ington at three-quarter face to the left Rev. gen. of the American

ARMIES 1775. RESIGD. THE COMD. 1 783. ELECTED PREST. U. S. 1 789. in Seven

lines, first two and last two curving. Silver, size n 1-2.

CCLXXX. Same obverse. Rev. Bust of General Grant facing the
left; below key. f. Tin, size 11 1-2.

CCLXXXI. Same obverse. Rev. mason & c°. 1870 coin & stamp
dealers. 139 n? 9 T . H sT phila. in six irregular lines. Brass, size 11 1-2.

CCLXXXII. Bust of Washington facing the right Rev. born
1732 died 1799 in four parallel lines in a wreath of olive. Silver, size
11 1-2.

CCLXXXIII. Same obverse. Rev. Head of Jackson facing the
left Silver, size 11 1-2.

CCLXXXIV. Head of Washington facing the right. Rev. Head of
Lincoln facing the right Silver, size 11 1-2.

CCLXXXV. g. Washington; bust of Washington facing the right;
below kettle. No reverse. Brass, size 9.

CCLXXXVI. metropolitan carnival February 20 & 21, 1871. ; laureled
head of Washington facing the right, in a wreath of olive. Rev. by act of

CONGRESS. JULY l6. I79O. THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
TO BE PERMANENTLY FIXED AT THE CITY OF WASHINGTON, in four Curving

lines at top; population of city in 18 10 was 8298 population in 1871

IO94 1 2 CORNER STONE LAID BY GEN. WASHINGTON. SEP. 1 8 1 793, COR. STONE.
EXTENSION LAID BY PRES. FILLMORE. JULY. 4. 1 85 1. LENGTH 75 1 FT. 4 IN.
HEIGHT OF DOME ABOVE TIDE 377 FT. COST ABOUT. $12,000,000. at bottom

in eight lines, last four curving ; a view of the Capitol. Lead, size 47.

CCLXXXVII. Head of Washington facing the left; around thirteen
stars; below 1872. Rev. ^ dollar cal. in a wreath of two olive-
branches tied by a bow. Gold, size 6.

CCLXXXVIII. Head of Washington facing the right, as I. Rev.
George Washington " The Boon of Providence to the Human Race'' en-
graved. Bronze, size 41.

CCLXXXIX. pater patria; bust of Washington in uniform facing
the right Rev. Gewidmet von D. M. Keim Major der deutschen Wash-

4 o AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

ington Garde dem besten schutzen der deutschen Washington Jager, en-

graved. Silver gilt, size 24.

CCXC. Head of Washington facing the left No reverse. Iron,
size 23.

CCXCI. EXPORTED SOLELY BY W. GREAVES & SONS. SHEAF WORKS. J

head of Washington facing the right No reverse. Copper, size 16.

CCXC 1 1. Bust of Washington at three-quarter face to the left in a
circular frame. No reverse. Bronze octagonal, size 16.

CCXCI 1 1. Head of Washington facing the left in an oak wreath,
struck on the obverse of an early halfcent, of which the reverse remains.
Copper, size 15.

CCXCIV. Head of Washington facing the right; on edge of bust
lander. No reverse. Bronze, oval 15 x 12.

CCXCV. Bust of Washington at three-quarter face to the left No
reverse. Tin, oval, 10 x U.

CCXCV I. A Spanish fourpence of 1775, stamped with six impres-
sions of a minute die, george Washington; head of Washington facing the
right Size 3.

I have also several shells with the head of Washington, struck in
iron as medallions, and in brass or tin as advertisements, a head in gutta-
percha, and a few modern pieces of such outrageously bad work, that I
cannot call them worthy of description.

To be placed between LXXXVIII and LXXXIX. Obv. as
LXXXVIII. Rev. In an irregular octagonal frame a bust of Jackson in
uniform facing the left and president. Brass, size 16 1-2.

NOT IN MY COLLECTION.

I. Obv. as XVII. Rev. as XXVI. Copper, size 20.

II. As XXI. with six stars on reverse in place of eight Copper,
size 19. Dickeson.

III. Obv. as XXIII. Rev. united states of America; an eagle
displayed, with shield, olive-branch, and arrows ; a cut across the die. Sil-
ver, size 21.

IV. liberty 1793; bust of Washington in uniform facing the right.
Rev. united states of America ; in a wreath of two laurel-branches
tied by a bow half cent; below 1-200. Edge two hundred? for a dol-
lar. Copper, size 14. Snowden % 39.

V. Washington president 1 796; bust of Washington facing the left
Rev. united states of America; eagle with shield, olive-branch, and ar-
rows ; about the head fifteen stars. Silver, size 34. Snawden, 43.

VI. As XLVI, but below the bust died 14™ December 1799-
aged 68. Tin, size 22.

VII. Obv. as LXXXII. Rev. Card of Bale and Smith:

Vill. Obv. as LXXXVI. with inscription American repository of
fine arts. Rev. Card of John Barker.

IX. Obv. as LXXXVIII. Rev. george iv. king of great Britain;

head.

X. Obv. as LXXXVIII. Rev. Eagle; new york grand canal
opened 1823.

1873.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 41

XI. Obv. as XCVIII. Rev. scientia mores emollit ; a woman seated
writing in a library.

XII. Obv. as CXVI. Rev. A long inscription, with the landing
of the Pilgrims above, and below a view of a modern wharf.

Of the later numbers there are many other combinations of dies,
with some entirely different reverses, which I think it not necessary to
enumerate here, and will only add that I am very desirous to obtain all
the pieces, of which no specimen is in my series.

SALES OF COINS.

THE BERGNE SALE.

The sale of the late Mr. Bergne's cabinet of coins and small collection of
numismatic and antiquarian books, which took place recently in London, shows
some good prices. We quote the following :

Penny of Baldred, ^20 5*.; penny of Offa, ^20 10s.; Cynethreth, Queen of Offa, ^50 5^.;
Beonna, a sceatta, £2$; Jaenberht, Archbishop of Canterbury, ^21; Atilheard, Archbishop of Can-
terbury, £36; penny of Alfred, ^22; half- hard it of Richard II., ^21; sovereign of Henry VII.,
^35 IOJ -; sovereign of Henry VIII., £33; double sovereign, of Edward VI., ^165; rial of the
same king, £$$; half-angel of the same, £31 ; rial of Elizabeth, ^20; fifteen-shilling piece of James
I., £ 20; twenty-shilling piece of the Oxford Mint, £26 5*.; half-crown by Blondeau, ^20 10s.;
half-crown of Charles # II., £19 1 or.; silver pattern for a crown of Charles II., ^30; five-guinea
piece of George II., ^20 ior.; five-guinea piece of George III., by Tanner, ^24.

THE CHUBBUCK SALE.

The collections of Coins and Medals, belonging to Mr. S. W. Chubbuck
of Utica, N. Y., and others, were sold by Thomas Birch & Sons, Philadelphia,
on the 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th of February last. We give the prices of the
most desirable pieces :

Store card, S. W. Chubbuck, Utica, N. Y., silver, $2.50. Store card, J. S. McCormick, " 25
cents," $2.75. Store card, R. E. Russell, " 12 1-2 cents," $10.25. Set of pical, Siamese money, 8
pieces, $11.35. Proof sets, 1858, $16.00; 1859, i860, and 1861, $4.75 each; 1862 and 1863, $4.00
each; 1864, $4.50; 1865, $4.75; 1866, $4.00; 1871, $6.00; 1872, $5.75. Dollars, 1794, fair, $22.00;
l %3%, proof, $38.00; 1839, proof, $39.00; 1851, proof, $33.00; 1852, proof, $38.00; 1854, proof,
$18.25; 1855, good, $6.50; 1856, $6.00; 1857, $4.00. Half dollars, 1796, good, pierced, $22.00;
*797> poor, $5.00; 1808, uncir. $3.00; 1846, proof, $3.25. Quarter dollars, 1796, good, $5.00;
1804, $8.00; 1815, uncir. $9.00; 1823, $40.00; 1827, uncir. $105.00; 1847, proof, $4.50; 1853,
$6.25. Dimes, 1804, v. g. $9.00; 1822, good, $7.25. Half-dimes, 1796, good, $7.00; 1801,
$3-5° » 1803, v. f. $6.00 ; 1805, v - f- $7-5°« N. E. shilling, $18.50. Carolina, Elephant piece, good,
$900. Pattern half-dollar, 1839, head of Liberty, 13 stars, copper, $13.00. Medal, "Libertas
Americana," silver, proof, $13.00 ; do. in bronze, fine, $5.50. Jewish shekel, silver, fine, size 13,
weighs 190 grains, $20.00. United States cents, 1793, " Amen./' good, $15.00; 1793, flowing
nair, $5.00 ; do. v. f. $9.00 ; do. Liberty cap, v. f. $16.00 ; another do. $8.50 ; 1799, $13.00 ; 1804,
$900; 1809, v. f. $16.50 ; 1811, v. f. $14.50 ; 1832, proof, $21.00 ; 1855, proof, $8.25 ; 1856, proof,
$7-12; 1857, proof, $5.50. Half cents, 1793, $2.75; 1794, g. $i-75J 1796, very P°<> r > $ 8 - 2 5 > l8 °2,
S- $3-75 5 1802, g. $2.00 ; 1810, g. $2.75 ; 181 1, g. $3.00 ; 1836, proof, $11.25 '» 1840, proof $8.00 ;
l8 43> g. $8.00; 1852, proof, $7.00; 1855, proof, $1.40; 1856, proof, $1.50. Bronze medals,
"Quebec Taken, &c," proof, $13.00. "Britain Triumphed, Hawke commanded, &c," proof,
$10.50. Canada Token, " Leslie & Son's," $5.00. Washington u Half-dollar," 1792, copper, g.
$n.oo. " Washington, President," 1794, rev. " similar to the reverse of the early United States
dollar," size 26, $20.00. Season medal, " Summer," 1796, size 32, f. $11.25. Washington Fune- •

VOL. VIII. 6

42 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

ral medal, " He is in Glory, &c.," silver, v. g. $7.00 ; same in gold, proof, $28.00-. " Fame
medal," g. $9.50.

Printed price lists of the above sale, 13 pages, can be obtained of Charles
Chaplin, 13 Linwood Place, Charlestown, Mass. Price 75 cents.

INTERNATIONAL COINAGE.

At the meeting of the American Association for the advancemenf of
Science, held at Portland, Maine, August 22, 1873, an interesting paper was
read by Mr. E. B. Elliot upon " The Progress of International Coinage." It
is generally considered that a uniform and simple basis for a metrical system
in this country is to be greatly desired, and such a system should be on a
gold and silver basis. Gold should be a legal tender in payment in all
amounts, while silver should be subsidiary. Partial progress toward the
establishment of such an international system has of late been made in Ger-
many, in the Scandinavian States, in the Netherlands, and also in the United
States. Japan has adopted a complete system of coinage on a gold and silver
basis, and is the only country of which this can yet be said. The basis
adopted by Japan is that recommended to Congress by this Association at its
meeting at Salem in 1870. Under the late legislative action of Congress the
subsidiary silver coinage is upon a strictly metric basis, and it is hoped that
early legislation will put our gold upon a similar basis. The German States,
Scandinavic, and the Netherlands had at a late period or date systems of coin-
age based on a silver standard exclusively, while the several State legislatures
have either completed or have in progress a change from silver to a gold
basis. It is to be regretted that the new standard coinage will not have sim-
ple relations with the gramme or metric unit of weight, although expressed in
terms of the gramme. Early concerted action will doubtless soon be had, by
which for exchange and other international purposes a common unit of ac-
count upon a simple metric basis will be adopted by the different commercial
nations of the world.

COINS FOUND AT RICHMOND'S ISLAND, ME.

Dr. John M. Cummings presented to the Maine General Hospital Fair,
held at Portland, June 10, 1873, some very ancient and valuable speci-
mens of coin, exhumed in 1855 on Richmond's Island, near Cape Elizabeth,
Me. One of them, a silyer sixpence, is three hundred years old, bearing date
1573. The other, a gold sovereign, represents the crowned head of the king,
with a double ruff round the neck and a robe over the shoulder; the figures
XX behind the head and the title, " Carolus D. G. Mag. Br. Fr. et Hib. Rex ; "
on the reverse a motto, " Florent Concordia regna," that is, " Nations flourish
by peace." The circumstances attending the finding of these coins, their
character and description, render it probable that they were buried as early as
1645, and Mr. William Willis, to whom these with others were shown, ex-
pressed the opinion that they formerly belonged to Bagnall, who was killed
by the Indians October 3, 1631. [See Journal of Numismatics, vol. v. p. 33.]

1873] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 43

MEDALS OF THE VIENNA EXHIBITION.

The Medals of the Vienna Exhibition are of five kinds, to wit : fine arts,
progress, merit, taste, and workmanship. They are stamped in bronze, and are
two and three-quarter inches in diameter. All five medals bear on the obverse
a face, the portrait of the emperor, with the inscription in German, " Franz
Joseph I., Kaiser Von Oesterreich, Koenig Von Bcehmen, etc.; Apostol. Koe-
nig Von Ungarn," meaning Francis Joseph I., emperor of Austria, king of
Bohemia, etc., apostolic king of Hungary. The reverse sides of the medals
contain emblems and artistic designs according to the respective classes. They
also contain inscriptions in German, of which the following on the medal of
merit will serve for an example : " Welt-Austelling, 1873, Wein. Fuer Verdi-
enste," or Universal Exhibition 1873, in Vienna. For Merit.

AN OLD FRENCH MEDAL.

A collector of curious coins has succeeded in obtaining possession of a
copper coin — or more properly, a medal of undoubted antiquity, and in an
excellent state of preservation. On one side is a bust of Philip VI. King of
France, and on the reverse the inscription — " Nee 1 292. Succede 1323. Bat-
taile de Mont Cassel 1328. Mort 1350." It is evidently a medal struck to
commemorate the victory which Kihg Philip gained over the Flemish at Mount
Cassel in 1328. — News and Courier^ Charleston, S. C.

HOBBIES.

We copy from the Boston Post the following extracts from a notice of
a work by Mr. William C. Prime, of New York City, the title of which is " I
Go A-Fishing." Mr. Prime is the author of several works of travels, and a
popular work on Medals, Coins, and Seals ; he was at one time an enthusiastic
numismatist, and formed an interesting and valuable collection : —

" Mr. Prime believes in a hobby, and though he may keep several, he likes angling, seemingly,
the best of all. There is nothing like a book on the piscatorial art to proclaim what a man's
hobbies are. His assumed license to ramble with his pen as he will, carries him by easy grada-
tion from one theme to another as they lie clustered around his heart. We could almost suspect
that our author had been entangled in the meshes of the Diirer memories, if we did not know
that our American public owe to him the fac-simile of the larger passion of Christ, through
which it has been given us to know better what sort of a creator the Nuremberg painter was ;
and it is quite in accordance with the friendly sympathy shown in that direction before that we
find' a chapter in a book on angling defending the memory of Agnes Diirer from the aspersions,
which he charges in their origin entirely upon the false character and inimical gabbling of Al-
bert's shadow, the ponderous Pirkheimer.

" When Mr. Prime claims that every hard-working man should have a hobby, he crams a great
deal of philosophy into a seemingly unconsidered sentence. The overworked brain is making in
these days a frightful harvest for the asylum and for the undertaker. There is, to be sure, a dif-
ference in men as to their ability at the day's close to leave their business behind them, and to
find an entire change of thought in society or in a hobby. The instances in which it can be vol-

44 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

untarily done we think extremely rare, and not so effectually done as some claim for themselves.
It is quite against the organization of a busy, active mind, and sluggish minds never overwork.
Perhaps it may not be far from right to say that the homoeopathic maxim signifies the only remedy
that like cures like. Mere passive indifference and vacuous sublimation of mind is hardly pos-
sible with the temperament that we speak of. This, indeed, might give rest, but we fear it is unat-
tainable. As we are constituted, we must have change of interest rather than abnegation of im-
pulse. And it is here that the hdbby saves us. A passion for the collection of books, more
particularly on some confined scope, for the grouping of engravings, for the hunting of any one
specialty, whatever it may be, if it affords scope for mental endeavor ; and perhaps generally the
better, too, if it takes one out of doors in the garden, in the greenhouse, or by the trout stream,
is of inestimable hygienic value to the thoroughly active organizer of the affairs of life. The
change gives rest of itself ; and if the vocation thus interspersed in the daily bustle of business
is one like angling or field sports the memories of it, when the actuality is impossible, is almost
as refreshing. Who does not remember the picture which is given .us of grand old leonine Chris-
topher North in his last days ; how he gathered new life as he lay propped by his pillows and
pored over his fly-book, with its stores of yellow and claret and black and white, and lived again
to tramp in recollection along the tangled banks of the Scottish streams, and to throw once more
his marvellous curves above the bushes, and to drop his fly within a fraction of an inch of the
spot he aimed at."

CHURCH TOKENS.

(See Journal of Numismatics, Vol. VI. pp. 71-84.)

In Historical Magazine, III., i. 57-246, January, 1872, and Vol. I., June, 1873, * s an inquiry
about Sacramental Tokens. A few years ago, they were in use among the Scotch-Irish, in West-
ern North Carolina. They consisted of pieces of lead, like buck-shot, flattened down and
stamped with some letter of the alphabet, a specimen of which accompanies this communica-
tion.

StatesvilU, N C. E. F. R.

From the Historical Magazine, Morrisania, N. Y., April, 1873, PP- 246-248

J beg to state that, from 1784 to 1870, tokens were in use in my church. Our tokens were
small oval pieces of lead, bearing on the one side the former name of the church — "Associate
Church, N. Y." — and on the other side, the date — " 1799."

I am, my dear sir, etc, John Thomson.

150 West i^th Street, New York.

These tokens were usually flat pieces of lead, something over one half an inch square,
with the initials of the name of the church stamped upon them. I have some of them in my
possession. They are not now in use in any of the churches, so far as I am aware.

Westchester, Penn. t s. F.

When the writer of this was a lad, some fifty or sixty years ago, such tokens as those re-
ferred to above, were used in the old Scotch Presbyterian Church/ situated at the corner of
Chapel and Fox streets, in the city of Albany. Every communicant present received a token of
the minister, which was a small round piece of lead, about the size of a dime or cent of the
United States coinage now in use.

, r • * remain, eta, etc., Wm. M. Carmichael.

Naval Lyceum, Brooklyn, N Y.

MEDAL QUERY.

Can any of your readers identify and describe for me the medal which bears on the obverse
the bust of a human figure, and on the reverse, in the centre, the royal arms with supporters, sur-
rounded by three lines of inscription ? On the outer ring I can plainly distinguish the words

j873-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 45

Minden, Guadaloupe, Niagara, Quebec, Crown Town, (?) Lagos. This medal, from circumstances
needless to mention here, must belong to a period prior to 1764, and .seems to me to have been
struck to commemorate the foreign campaigns at the latter end of the reign of George II. Any
account of this piece, or references to any works where it is engraved, would be very acceptable
to Numis.

Notes and Queries, July 26, 1873.

The following is the description of the medal wanted by Numis : Obv. laureated bust in
armor, with ribbon and star of the Order of the Garter of " Georgivs II. Rex." Rev. —

"Quebec — Wolfe, Monck n , Towns d , Sep. 13 & 14.
Crown Point — Amherst, Aug. 4.
Lagos — Boscawen, Aug. 19.
Minden — Ferdinand, Aug. i.
Guadeloupe — Baring w , Moore, May i.
Niagara — Ionson, July 25."

Around a shield containing a lily reversed, with the motto u Perfidia Eversa " supported
by the lion.and unicorn : " W. Pitt, Ausp. Geo. II. Pr. Mi.," on the scroll beneath, " mdcclix,"
size 13. The medal, not uncommon, commemorates the above-named victories gained against
the French. Belfast.

Notes and Queries, August 16, 1873.

AN OLD MEDAL.

As a matter of possible interest to many of your readers, allow me to call attention to a
medal in my possession which, as far as my search has extended, seems # to be unique. The
legend is as follows : —

"to berkeley every virtue under heaven." st. paul's college, bermuda.

incorporated a. d. 1726.
-And on the reverse:

GOD HATH MADE ALL M&N OF ONE BLOOD. — Ads XVU. 26.

It is without date of its own, and was obtained from an old colored woman during a resi-
dence in Bermuda. It is still in fine "preservation, though of soft material. May I ask if its his-
tory is known, or if a duplicate is in the possession of any reader ?

Truly yours, Charles F. Allen.

Cornell University, April 3, 1873.
College Courant.

GOLD COIN OF AURUNGZEBE.

The Benares correspondent of the Mussoorle Season>vtntes: "I have just
seen a curiosity of the oldeq time, which, as a relic of the palmy days of Ind, I
must describe to your readers. It is a hundred-mohur piece, a veritable gold
coin worth 1600 rupees/of a grand and stately aspect, suited to its ancient
descent and its great value. It is four inches in diameter, and half an inch thick,
and its disk is covered with cabalistic-looking characters, some being bits of
Persian poetry, and others, more prosaic, setting forth its date. It belongs to
the reign of Aurungzebe, and bears date 1083 of the Mohammedan era, which
is about 1671 of ours. One wonders in how many hands — great, noble, and
famous — the old coin has been since that date was first graven on its golden
face. It looks very fresh and new in spite of its 200 years, and it is not likely
to have been much knocked about, as 1600 rupees is not a sum which changes
hands every day."

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October,

MASSACHUSETTS CENTS. .

In October, 1786, the State of Massachusetts, being greatly in want of
a specie currency, passed an act to establish a mint for the coinage of copper,
silver, and gold. This was one of the powers of sovereignty which the States
continued to exercise under the old " Articles of Confederation." Joshua
Wetherlee was appointed Master of the Mint in May, 1787, and authorized to
erect the necessary works and machinery. $70,000 in cents and half-cents
were ordered to be struck as soon as practicable. Wetherlee established his
works on the Neck, in the rear of what is now Rollins Street, and at Dedham,
■ the copper being first carted to Dedham to be rolled, and then brought back
to Boston to be coined. In July, 1787, the national government established
the devices of its copper coin. Early in 1 788, the copper coin ordered by the
State began to be issued, but only a few thousand dollars of the large amount
ordered were put in circulation before the work was suspended by the State
in consequence -of the adoption of the Federal Constitution, which reserved
the right to coin money to the general government. ■ The emblems on the
Massachusetts cent and half-cent were the same. One side bore the Amer-
ican eagle with a bundle of arrows in the right talon and an olive-branch in
the left, with a shield on the breast, on which is the word "cent"; the word
" Massachusetts " encircling the border. The reverse represents a full-length
Indian grasping his bow and arrow, but, as Mr. Felt remarks, considerably
improved in appearance since he appeared on the colony seal. A star appears
near the head, as in the State seal, emblematic of one of the United States,
and the word " Commonwealth " completes the device.

For the illustration which we present above we are indebted to Mr.
Samuel A. Drake, the author of " Old Landmarks and Historic Personages
of Boston," a work of much interest and containing valuable historical matter.

NOTES AND QUERIES.
For the Journal of Numismatics.

I find in my cabinet a large bronze coin of the Roman Emperor, Trajanus Decius.'having a
reverse different from any mentioned in the interesting articles on his money in the last and a
preceding number of the Journal. Having seen several of the base denarii of Decius with like
reverses, I suppose my specimen to be not an unusual one. The legend is " Pannonia," the name
of the province which gave the Emperor birth, — and in the centre is a group of two draped
female figures, standing, one of whom appears to be leaning upon an ensign, the other to be hold-
ing a cornucopia. The denarius referred to is figured in Smith's Dictionary' of Greek and Human
Biography and Mythology, Vol. I. p. 949. #

1873] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 47

I am disposed to ask some questions respecting the article on pages 91-94, of Vol. IV. of
the Journal, entitled, " Description of the Hard Times Tokens of '37." Why of '37 ? for the
writer tells us truly that some of them are dated 1834, and some 1841. No. 3 of these tokens is
said to be distinguished by " the boar's nostril " being " opposite the space between P in ' Perish/
and C in ' Credit.' " What space ? And what reason is there for excluding from the list the
well-known political token of this period, having on the obverse a female slave kneeling in chains,
with the legend, " Am I not a woman and a sister : " exergue " 1838 : " Reverse " Liberty 1838,"
in a wreath surrounded with the inscription " United States of America? "
Philadelphia. C. M.

Why does the Virginia Colonial money bear the arms of Great Britain ? Is the following
account correct ?

"The origin of the shield on the Virginia halfpenny, dated 1773, and also of the term 'Old
Dominion ' is thus given : ' During the Protectorate of Cromwell the Colony of Virginia refused
to acknowledge his authority and declared itself independent. Shortly after, when Cromwell
threatened to send an army and a fleet to reduce Virginia to subjection, the alarmed Virginians
sent a message to Charles II. who was then an exile in Flanders, inviting him to return in the
ship of the .messenger, to be king of Virginia. Charles accepted the invitation and was on the
eve of embarkation, when he was recalled to the British throne. As soon as he was fairly seated
on the British throne, in gratitude to the loyalty of* Virginia, he caused her arms to be quartered
with those of England, Scotland, and Ireland, as an independent member of the empire, — a dis-
tinct portion of the " Old Dominion." Hence arose the term. Copper coins were issued, even
as late as the reign of George III., which bore on one side the arftis of Great Britain quartered.' "

Editors Journal of Numismatics :

Inclosed you will find a nibbing of a Greek copper piece. I desire to know what it is, as I
have never seen one like it before; although possessing many others. By informing me through
your columns of queries you will oblige,

Your obedient servant, D. P.

New York, July 1, 1873.

A coin of Leo VI., Emperor of the East. — Eds.

Confederate Coin. — There is a coin in the possession of a gentleman of this city bear-
ing the following designs : —

Obverse : French head of Liberty surrounded by the legend, " Confederate States of
America," date in exergue, 1861.

Reverse: Tobacco wreath, at the lower termination of the wreath a cotton bale.

The numeral, I., in centre, the word cent in lower portion of field.

Metal, nickel. — Condition, fine. — Size of an ordinary nickel cent.

Can any of your readers throw light upon the origin of this coin ?

E. Mason, Jr., Box 1893.

Philadelphia, July 21, 1873.

The head on the above mentioned piece is the same as on a business card issued in Phila-
delphia, and from the initial on the cotton bale, on the reverse of the piece, we should think that
our correspondent would not have much difficulty in learning, from the engraver, the origin of
the coin. — Eds.

NOTES.

The imperial postage stamps are still used by France ; but they are to be changed when the
people have concluded, if they ever should conclude, what form of government they want.

An American has offered to furnish gratuitously the bronze necessary for constructing the
medals to be given to the exhibitors of pictures in the " Salon des Refuse's."

Henry Probasco, the antiquarian, intends to erect and give to Cincinnati a colossal art
hall, filled with his. collection of gems, antiquities, pictures, books, etc. He is now absent in
Europe perfecting his plans.

Some idea of the mining activity in Nevada may be formed from the fact that the United
States Mint at Carson is coining about a million dollars a month.

48 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [October, 1873.

A Medal has been struck to commemorate the entry of the Italians into Rome. It is to be
distributed to all who have rendered meritorious services in obtaining the independence, liberty,
and unity of Italy. The King is to receive the medal in gold, General Garibaldi in silver, and
deputies, senators,- and others in copper. Not more than one thousand are to be struck.

Charles C. Pinckney, of South Carolina was the author of " Millions for defence, but not
one cent for tribute," when he was ambassador to the French Republic in 1 796.

In the gold valued at $150,000,000 which is being gradually melted and coined in Germany
there are 193,194 ounces of American eagles and 273,159 ounces of gold napoleons. The Amer-
ican eagles were obtained in England.

EDITORIAL.

We have received from the author a copy of McGill College and its Medals, by Alfred Sand-
ham. It is an elegant volume, printed at Montreal, and profusely Illustrated with photographs
by Mr. Notman. The author states in the preface that his object is partly to furnish " the friends
of the college with a trustworthy account of its origin and subsequent progress, and partly to sup-
ply additional information upon the subject of Canadian Numismatics, and he has fairly achieved
these two ends. He describes the various medals given in the different departments of the col-
lege, and the descriptions are accompanied with accurate and beautiful photographs. Mr. Sand-
ham has identified himself closely with the local history of Montreal and with the coinage of
Canada, and we are gratified to know that his labors are recognized by the Numismatic Societies
of this country.

The duplicate medals and coins from the Seavey and Parmlee collections, comprising 1,202
lots, were sold by the Messrs. Leavitt, in New York, June 18th, 19th, and 20th. The prices ob-
tained were much below their estimated value. *

J. W. Haseltine, No. 1343 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, has just issued a priced catalogue
of autographs, which he will send to any address, postage paid, on receipt of ten cents.

In the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 1 863-1864, page 326, is to be found
the journal of the Castorland settlement, a French colony in northern New York. The " Castor-
land Piece," familiar to all coin collectors, was intended to commemorate the inauguration of the
enterprise.

CURRENCY.

ones."

The counterfeiter's watchword — " Never say die."

A deal of gold may be a plum — but a dealer of lead is a plumber.

u I say, Jack, of what denomination are those bills ? " " Unitarian probably, as they are all

Comfortable head-quarters — Those turned out at the Treasury with the immortal George
Washington's head on them.

When Lucy was told that there was no sense in playing with dolls, she triumphantly fell back
on her version of the old proverb, " Look out for the dollies and the §ense will take care of
itself."

A Danbury boy found a pocket-book belonging to a Mill Plain man, and restored it to the
owner, who gave him a five cent piece. The boy looked at the coin an instarit, and then handing
it reluctantly back, audibly sighed, as he said, " I can't change it" .

PAYMENTS FOR THE JOURNAL.

Payments for the Journal will be acknowledged in this place.

Boston, R. Salisbury, J. L. Perkins ; Salem, Mass., M. A. Stickney, J.
Robinson ; Hingham, F. Burr ; Worcester, N. Paine, Free Public Library ;
Middleton, Conn., J. E. Bid well ; New York City, E. H. Sanford, Edward
Groh ; Norwich, N. Y, J. S. Randall ; Cold Spring, J. Nelson ; Katonah,
W. H. Lewis; Philadelphia, E. Maris, H. W. Alexander; Bennett, P. O
Pa., C. Gschwend ; Lansings Mich., O. A. Jenison ; Baltimore, M. I. Cohen,
J. Berger, C. Marean, Theo. Staeblein ; Washington, D. C, L. S. Hayden ;
Richmond, Va., T. H. Wynne ; New Orleans, La., E. T. Florance ; Au-
gusta, Ga., G. G. Leonhardt ; Savannah, J. B. Ripley, S. Yates Levy ; San
Francisco, J. H. Applegate, Jr.; Charleston, S. C, F. Taylor; Montreal,
Canada, H. Mott, N. & A. Society ; Paris, France, H. Hoffmann, N. G.
Carnes.

THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA.

The Committee of Publication of the New England Numismatic and
Archaeological Society are now publishing a work on the early coinage
of America.

It will include the Sommer Islands pieces ; all the silver coinage of New
England ; the Rosa Americana coins ; the Granby tokens ; the colonial
pieces of Virginia ; the early coins of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey,
and Massachusetts ; the Washington issues ; together with the pattern
pieces of the Mint previous to its regular issues of 1793 ; also rriany tokens
struck in Europe for circulation in this country, etc., etc.

Price, One Dollar per number. Owing to £he heavy outlay attending its
production, subscribers are required to accompany their orders with Five
Dollars, one half the estimated amount of subscription.

Receipts for payments in advance will be sent with the first number,
which was issued in January, 1873, and will be followed by the others in
monthly parts till the work is completed.

The names of subscribers to the work will be published in the last number.

All communications should be addressed to Sylvester S. Crosby, 240
Washington Street, Boston, Mass.

Boston, Mass., July, 1873.

EDWARD COGAN

DEALER IN

Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins, and Medals,

No. 408 STATE STREET,
BROOKL YN, N. V.

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

DEALER IN

Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, and
Confederate Paper Money and Books relating to the same.

Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, Post free, . . $1.60
Field Medal Bronze, " " 1.25

512 WALNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA.

CANADIAN ANTIQUARIAN

AND

NUMISMATIC JOURNAL.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY

The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada.

Subscription, $1.50 Canadian currency \ per annum, in advance, payable
to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86£, Montreal.

WM. PARSONS LUNT,

Historical and Genealogical Works,

102 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON.

He has on hand a few copies of My Campaigns in America ; a Journal kept
by Count William de Deux-Ponts, 1780-81. Translated from the French
manuscript, with an Introduction and Notes, by Samuel Abbott Green.

A. WILLIAMS & CO.

Publishers, Booksellers, and Importers,

135 WASHINGTON, corner of SCHOOL STREET,

BOSTON.

ALEXANDER WILLIAMS. T n rTTDmrc CHAS. L. DAMRELL.

ROBERT WILLIAMS. J * u <~ U *^ L "- HENRY M. UPHAM.

[Established 1841J

Two Dollars a Year, in Advance.

Single Copies, 75 Cts.

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AM E R I C A N

Journal of Numismatics

AND

BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES.

January, 1874.

,'!&}!££**€> XX

I860.

orat

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

QUARTERLY.

COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

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SUBSCRIPTIONS RECEIVED BY

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All Communications to be addressed to Jeremiah Colburn, 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

CONTENTS.

Origin and History of Coined
Money ....

Newspaper Cuttings

Coin in China . .

Early Copper Coin for Massachu
setts ....

Composition of Roman Coins

Assyrian Discoveries .

Medal of the Pretender

The Coining Press for the New
Trade Dollar

The Seward Medal

PAGE

SS
59

60
61
61
61

62
63

Coins in Foundations .
Connecticut counterfeiting and

coining Coppers
Eastern Coins ....
The United States Mint Cabinet .
Prevention of a Fraud upon our

Gold Coins ....
Transactions of Societies :
Boston Numismatic Society
Editorial .....
Currency

PACK

63
64

71
72

HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER,

AND ANTIQUARIAN JOURNAL.

ISSUED QUARTERLY BY THE NEW ENGLAND HISTORIC, 6ENEAL0GI0AL SOOIETY,

IN JANUARY, APRIL, JULY, AND OCTOBER.

Each. number contains matter interesting to the Historian and Antiquarian,

and is embellished with one or more portraits, engraved on steel.
Subscription, $3.00 per annum. Application can be made at the Society's

Building, No. 18 Somerset Street, Boston.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, — THE EIGHTH VOLUME

BEGAN JULY ist, 1873.

Subscription, two dollars per Volume, in advance.

Communications desired from those interested in the Science.

Address

January ist, 1874.

JEREMIAH COLBURN,

18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

NOW READY

A descriptive catalogue of the medals struck in honor of Abraham Lincoln.
A large 8vo pamphlet, handsomely printed on heavy paper.

Only seventy-five copies issued. Price $1.50.
Sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of price, by the author,

A. C. ZABRISKIE,

1 2 East $oth Street, N. V. City.

AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS,

AND

Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies.

Vol. VIII. BOSTON, JANUARY, 1874. No. 3.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF COINED MONEY.

In questioning history as to the origin of coined money, we find no defi-
nite or satisfactory answer. Any writer on the subject can, and I believe eve/y .
one does tell us, that it grew out of exchange and barter. So much is self-
evident. Gold and silver, being used as an universal equivalent, were exchanged
by weight for other commodities ; and finally ingots received the form of coins.
The first reason, however, for applying a figure to an ingot was that of sealing
them, and giving them the same authority that a seal gave to a writing. The
peculiar mark of the city, or king, certified to the weight and purity of the
metal. This is still the object in the tikals of E. I., where nothing but the
seal of the mint is stamped upon the bullet-shaped ingot of silver. This,
rather than convenience, is the idea of the coin, and was what made it a per-
manent institution after its first discovery. But I was not intending to inves-
tigate the theoretical origin of the subject, but to confine myself to what is
known of its first appearance in various lands.

The general division which I shall pursue is into four classes, which have
distinct characteristics and marked differences, though running into each other
in point of time and geographical location. These classes are, Chinese, An-
cient, Mediaeval, and Modern. First, a few words as to Chinese numismatics.
With a chronology sufficient for a small eternity, with a government unlike
anything in the known world, with a social system so averse to the ideas of all
other nations, with a conservatism that out-Herods Herod, and a language that
violates half the rules of universal grammar, and gives ten thousand elemen-
tary characters in common use, — we might expect a peculiar system of coin-
age. It dates back to the Emperor Yaou, 2536 b. c, just a few years before
the Deluge. Kang-he, who reigned in 1650, made a complete series, from
Yaou, to his own time, of the Chinese coins. Those of Yaou I have no access
to, but bring in one of a later date, b. c. 245, which is identical in shape with
the earliest kind. The form changed gradually, passing through the form
in the pasteboard copy, leaving off the razor part, and about a. d. 100 taking
the well-known form of casA, which they retain to this day, with slight varia-
tions as to size and weight.
vol; viii. 7

So AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

I have merely alluded to China, because it is by itself, an isolated system
of coinage, having no resemblances to other nations except Japan, whose
peculiar coins are well known but little understood. I pass on now to the
second class, Ancient Coins.

This class admits of a quadruple division. - I. Greek ; including those
struck in Greece and her colonies and in other lands with Grecian inscrip-
tions. II. Roman, including all coins with Latin inscriptions, and some few
others, from the time of the kings to Justinian, who commences the III. class,
Byzantine Coins. IV. Oriental or Mohammedan Coins, to be known by the
Arabic or other Orierftal language in which the inscriptions are written.

Of these in order. The Greek are undoubtedly the oldest coins now
extant. Gold seems to have been first thought worthy of being coined. Her-
odotus claims for the Lydians, a people of Asia Minor, of the same race as
the Greeks, the honor of introducing the invention, and there are still extant
coins of a very rude type, from that place. This seems to have happened
about 800 b. c, and to have gradually spread through the world. About
twenty years after, the inhabitants of ^Egina commenced the coining of silver.
This is a little island off the west coast of Asia Minor, having the appropriate
symbol of the tortoise for its crest, as we might call it now. This appears on
the tetradrachm, which I exhibit. On the reverse
there is the mark of the punch which was used
to force the planchet into the die. This is the
type of all the oldest coins extant, but it speed-
ily changed ; and the next piece I show, from Met-
apontum.'a city of Italy, shows the next change.
ri fr '- The punch made an indented fac-simile of the

obverse, in this case an ear of wheat. The use of inscriptions had at this
time, 600 b. c, become quite common, and they
increase in length and verbosity for some time.
Improvements of various kinds, and among them
the raised reverse, were gradually introduced
into coins between 500 and 400 B. c. The golden
age of Greece in this respect dates from 420-200
*"'g- 2- B. c, when the most perfect gems were issued ;

and from that time the merit gradually disappears, until they yield to the new
styles that were taking their place, and disappear about 300 a. d. The country
occupied by them was of great extent. Its fountain-head was in Greece and
Italy, where the coins of Alexander of Macedon, and Syracuse in Sicily, yield
the palm to none of their contemporaries, though many of them are of high
merit. From Gaul, and perhaps Britain, on the north, Spain on the west, to
Persia on the east, and Egypt on the south, these pieces held undisputed sway.
Wherever commerce went, it carried the stater and daric, and often the silver
and even copper pieces. Eckhel, who is the great authority on this class, has
given an arrangement of them in four large quarto volumes. I shall not
attempt even to glance over his divisions, but, following them, shall note one
or two points of interest. His plan, I may notice, is geographical, Europe,
Asia, and Africa forming the grand divisions. The coins of Britain are hardly
fairly to be classed here, and are of no particular value. Italy furnishes some
of the very finest specimens of ancient coins ; and perhaps the tetradrachm

i»74-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 51

of Syracuse is as fine a coin as can be found. I have nothing to show but
the piece of Metapontum.

Macedonia early commenced the coinage of money. From 500 till the time
of Philip there was a gradual improvement, and then a multitude of staters
and tetradrachms were issued by him and his son Alexander. The latter, re-
port says, would allow none but the best artists to execute his portrait It was
placed upon his coins clothed with the lion-skin of Hercules, which has led
some to suppose it to be the head of that hero. Upon the reverse is the figure
of Jupiter. The copy I present is not nearly as fine as many, the finish of
which is truly remarkable.

We might come to Athens, the city of

art, with the hope of finding more beautiful

coins than elsewhere, but in vain. They have

a certain elegance of finish, but the head of

Minerva is a slander on the goddess, and the

owl looks as if carved from wood. Art was

Fi s- 3- too noble to' stoop to such base employment

in Athens' Corinth, however, presents a few fine coins. The head of Pallas,

and the Pegasus on the reverse, are both well executed.

Of Asiatic coins, I bring in one from Cappadocia, and one from Side in
Pamphylia, which will serve to illustrate the general style of copper coinage.
One of Seleucis, and another of Aradus, an island near Phoenicia, will illus-
trate still further types of these coins.

A word as to Jewish Coins. We have no certain account in the Bible
of the use of coined money before the Captivity, Joash, indeed, once caused
a hole to be bored in the lid of a chest for the reception of contributions ; but
doubtless coin were not among them, this being eight hundred years before
Christ. Simon Maccaba^us, about 200 b. c, commenced a series which his
successors, and among them Herod the Great, perpetuated. The copper piece
is one of this series, while the. silver, dating about the time of Christ, is the
" shekel of the sanctuary," and probably one of those " pieces of silver " for
thirty of which Judas turned traitor. Upon one side is Aaron's rod ; the other
bears a censer, or a pot of manna.

Persia from the far east sends her contribution to swell the catalogue
of Greek coins. Egypt is the most celebrated of the African provinces.
Ptolemy Soter founded a series of coins, as well as a line of kings, though
both deteriorated sadly. They are all very similar in design, and a silver coin
that I bring illustrates the whole.

Carthage deserves a moment's notice. In the horse's head is preserved
an old legend of the city. When Dido landed with her followers, and dug
the foundation of the city, the head of a horse was discovered, and esteemed
a happy omen, — and here the story is perpetuated by this bit of silver more
than two thousand years thereafter. Such associations cluster thick around
these pieces, had they but voices to tell us of them.

This closes the subject, as far as I can speak of particulars. One or two
general items may not be amiss. There are two great classes of Greek coins :
Autonomous, or those issued by free cities; and Regal, or those issued by kings.
There are about sixteen hundred cities that are included in the limits above
mentioned, and perhaps five hundred kings who have issued coins. This gives

52 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

about two thousand specimens necessary to form a collection of one from each
city and prince; and if all the varieties of metal, size, and device are taken into
account, perhaps fifty thousand pieces would not more than complete a perfect
collection of the coins of ancient Greece.

The Roman series next claims our attention. The first coins, instead of
being gold as in Greece, were of copper, or rather bronze, and were massive
ingots with the seal of state upon them. They were first struck about 400 b.
c, and about 385 obtained the circular form. Copper was the sole currency
till 250, when silver was introduced, and fifty years later followed by gold.
Thus it will be noticed that the highest perfection of Grecian coinage wit-
nessed the rise of the system that was destined in a great measure to supersede
it. Doubtless the Greek coins during this time circulated freely in Rome and
its dependencies, but they do not seem to have excited the ambition of the
Roman mint-masters, or even to have furnished models for coinage. The as, a
huge piece of copper some three inches in diameter, was the unit of value, and
with its multiples and divisions, furnished the copper currency ; the as was
equivalent to twelve ounces and was divided into twelve pieces. I bring in a
quadrans or four ounces bearing a head of Janus on one side and the prow of a
ship on the other. With such pieces as these, 2,000 years ago the Roman chil-
dren u pitched pennies," crying, " Capita aut navim," " heads or ship," as they
tossed them into the air. The early silver coins mostly take the form of con-
sular denarii, or coins struck by persons who took the charge of the various
mints and placed their names upon the coins. As illustrations of this class, I

offer one from the Pompeian gens, representing Romulus
and Remus nursed by the wolf; and another of the Julian
gens representing ^Eneas, the founder of the family, car-
rying his father and household gods from Troy. These
coins lasted until the Empire, together with a large
Fig. 4. Fig. 5. issue of gold coins, which it is not my purpose to speak

much of.

Just about the Christian era, Augustus Caesar commenced the imperial
series, of gold, silver, and copper, which lasted nearly 500 years, including
about 300 emperors with their wives and children.

Colonial coins were also struck by many; and we have coins issued in
nearly the same lands as those of the Greek class, with the exception of the
remote East I pass around several of the earlier pieces of this series. They
are very similar in design, and too well known to need further remark. As to
their number, I may say that perhaps 1,000 would serve to give a specimen of
each family, prince, and town that struck coins; while fifty times that, would fail
to give a complete series, even avoiding the minor variations.

The Eastern Empire which survived the ruin of the Roman dominion
furnishes us with our third class, — Byzantine coins. Commencing with Anas-
tasius, about 500, and extending to the fall of the Empire and its subjugation
by Mohammed II. in 1453, it furnishes a class of coins distinguished by many
peculiarities.

About eighty sovereigns reigned over the land in this period, and the num-
ber of distinct varieties of coin may be estimated at perhaps 5,000.

The gold coins are the most noted of the series, and, under the name of '
bezants, — from Byzantium, the Greek name of Constantinople, — formed a

1874-3 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 53

great part of the currency of the Middle Ages. The copper pieces are ungainly
and of little interest, but I bring in a couple. One of Anastasius, the first in the
series of Byzantine emperors, which bears his portrait in front face, instead of
profile as usual, and on the other side the letter M, the monetary sign, deno-
ting 40, the piece being of the value of forty noumia, a small copper piece of
the later Roman emperors. The second piece is one of John Zimisces, a. d.
970, bearing a picture of Christ on the obverse, and the Greek words, Iesu
Christos, Basileus Basileon [King of kings], on the reverse.

The successors of Mohammed really commenced the series of Oriental
coins. At Bagdad and Damascus they struck such coins as the one herewith
exhibited, from 632 to 1242 a. d. At present I cannot go into particulars about
them, and had I the time I must confess to ignorance. The range of these
pieces is from Persia and Hindostan on the east, to Spain, by way of Egypt
and Morocco, on the west. They include a period of over 1,000 years, coming
down really to the present time, though I have found it convenient to divide
them into ancient and modern.

Three or four specimens are offered. The first, as has been said, is a fels
of the successors of Mohammed, — date about 700 a. d. The second is a piece
struck by one of the Turcoman race, who reigned in Syria from 1 100-1300.
The next is a gold dinar of Spain, struck under the Moorish dominion there,
which lasted from 750-1027. I also pass a Hindu coin of about 700 a. d.

These Oriental coins belonged to many dynasties, and are very numerous.
I have no means whatever of estimating the number, but exercising my Yankee
privilege of guessing where calculation is at fault, I believe that 10,000 pieces
would not include many duplicates.

The mediaeval coins have a well marked limit at their commencement, but
shade off so gradually into modern that it is difficult to tell exactly where to
divide them. The Barbarians, in their descent on Rome, put a stop to all coin-
age, as well as other arts, and it was not till they had become settled in their
new homes, that they turned their attention to providing themselves with
money. The eight centuries, from 600 to 1400, will include most of them. I
have no specimens of them to offer, and must confine myself to a general
account. Italy, after being without coined money of her own for 200 years,
was supplied in 780 by Charlemagne. His coins bear a monogram of Carolus
on one side, and a cross upon the other. The dukes and counts and popes
speedily followed his example. Silver pennies were the coin that was gener-
ally made. Two hundred years later silver coin was a common thing and gold
was beginning to be introduced. Florence issued a very fine series of gold
coins and has given the name of florins to one kind of coin. Venice coined
silver in 1190 and gold in 1280, commencing the series of sequins, a once
famous gold coin.

Spain coined the universal penny of silver in 900, and a few other series
belong here, not of great value, however. The Moorish pieces have before
been referred to under the head of Oriental. France, in 481, issued a very
remarkable series of coins, the oldest of the mediaeval types, and far superior
to equally primitive attempts. These gold pieces were struck for 300 years,
but Pepin and his successors were unable to carry on the work, and gold was
cast aside, the coins for some time being of copper, and wretchedly executed ;
but in course of time it was again introduced and bid fair to rival its former

54 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

beauty, when civil war again disturbed the state, and the modern series com-
menced in 1 350 under great disadvantages. Germany is a confusion of cities,
counts, states, emperors, dukes, bishops, etc., that I shall not attempt here to
unravel. Their mediaeval coins, as well as those in Holland and Bohemia,
commenced about 900 a. d., and the series close with the fifteenth century. I
exhibit here one piece of peculiar character, called a Bracteate coin. The word
is derived from a Greek term denoting a leaf, or thin plate. They were coined
in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, by Otho of Germany and others, and in
most of the states of Germany. Denmark and Sweden commenced the work
about 1050, while Russia struck no money until so late that they may better be
classed with modern coins. It is difficult to form any idea of the number of the
pieces that form this class. From what I know of them I am persuaded that
10,000 would hardly give a complete collection of the various kinds.

We now come to our " lastly? Modern coins. I will not linger long over
them. The British first claim our attention with a continuous series of coins,
far longer than any.country — unless we count China, — running back as it
does to the seventh century, and maintaining certain characteristics through the
whole of the long line. Scotland and Ireland may be spoken of in passing
as having begun about together the use of coined money, but a history of its
rise in England will show the course it took in those lands. The skeattae, the
first rudiments of coins that the native Britons issued, were very rude and un-
couth. Hardly legible, they have puzzled coin collectors exceedingly. They
belong to an uncertain period between 400 and 600, and were followed in 670
by a new style called the styca, one of which of Eanred, in the eighth century, is
exhibited. These were coined mainly in Northumberland, while Kent and the
other counties more happily hit on the penny, which has come down to the
present day. The penny of Athelstane, which I have here, is of a little later
date, about 800. At this time numberless bishops and other persons had the
privilege of striking coins, and add not a little to the intricacies of the study
by their different issues. They were, however, deprived of this privilege a
century later. Egbert, who conquered the other kingdoms of the heptarchy
about 800, commenced the regular British series, the former being more prop-
erly denominated Saxon coins.

It is not my design to trace up this series through its improvements. I
pass around a penny of William the Conqueror with one of Victoria, to show
the changes 800 years can produce, and close with the usual estimation of the
regal series; one of each king would form a pretty cabinet of 100 coins, while
if all the varieties were included, 5,000 would scarcely fill up the requisite num-
ber. Victoria issues 30 different denominations of gold, silver, and copper.
The private tokens almost defy computation. Of Europe I have but little to
say. The coins were mostly derived from mediaeval series. I exhibit, how-
ever, one of Spain, of Ferdinand and Isabella, and one of the Grand Masters of
Malta, about 1500. In the whole continent coinage has gradually been im-
proving up to the present day. Russia is the only place that has commenced
her coins within the modern era, of any note, and they were mostly- copied
from advanced types, so that few of them bear the archaic form noticeable in
most first attempts. The modern coins of Turkey, Asia, and Egypt, are direct
descendants of the Orientals before spoken of, and need no further notice from
me. As to the number — when it is remembered that of the three metals there

1*74-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 55

are rarely less than ten denominations of coin, and that every petty prince and
city, and often private men, had the power of coining; and that the modern
series includes 406 years of the most abundant issues, — it may not be surpris-
ing that I estimate the sum of anything like a perfect collection from Europe
and Asia at 300,000.

American coins need few remarks. I exhibit the earliest coin of. this
hemisphere in a N. E. shilling. It is the only piece that bears the archaic
character that is so evident on all other beginnings. We commenced our
coinage under more favorable circumstances. Much was done for the Colonies
by England, and we had a highly perfected style'of coin as models. We can
furnish by no means so large a cabinet as other lands. I suppose 2,000 will be
amply sufficient, tokens and all, to fill a cabinet of American coins.

Thus I have tried to exhibit the origin and rise of coinage in the world as
well as I could in the short time I had. It may have given some new ideas to
some members of the Society in regard to coins, and if so I am satisfied. Let
us all take at least this comfort ; that while there are some 500,000 varieties of
coins in the world, the differences between any collections that private persons
can collect is of not much account, and let us try rather to collect wisely than
to have many things. — MS. of the late Henry Champion, New Haven^ Conn.

NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS.

A very curious, if not valuable paper might be made up from the many
little items concerning numismatics, which have appeared in the newspapers
of late years. I propose to try something of the kind, to preserve in the
Journal various facts, which have never yet been printed there.

Old Coins. — Mr. John M. Brown, of Pluckamin, Somerset County, N. J., has in his posses-
sion a silver dollar of 1804. There were only five silver dollars coined in that year, and two of
them were recently sold at Newark, one for $450, and the other for $864. Mary Brown also has a
silver dollar of the date of 1802, and one of 1800 ; also a ten-dollar gold coin of 1801, with the
American eagle and thirteen stars on the same. — Trenton State Gazette,

This brought out a long communication to the Boston Transcript
signed C, giving a true account of the dollars of 1804, similar to that printed
in the Journal for June, 1867.

Mr. St Maur, of the Boston Theatre, is the possessor of some ancient coins and medals
that are rarely seen by numismatists. One of these is an ancient Jewish piece, dateless, but cor-
responding with the medal described in the " Thomo Barthalini de Unicorno," and said to have
been made at the time of the return of the Jews from their Babylonish captivity, five hundred
years before Christ. On one side is a bas-relief of Moses, with the emblematic horn represented
on his head, his name in Hebrew about his neck. On the opposite side the first commandment,
in ancient Hebrew : " Thou shalt have no other god before Me." It is venerable in appearance,
but well preserved. It is composed of silver and gold, and is about the size of a dollar. An-
other is a bas-relief of Julius Caesar, in bronze, as sharp in its lines as though it were struck but
yesterday.. Lovers of antique coins should call upon Mr. St. Maur and see them.

The Journal {ox October, 1868, contained an article, in which the evident
falsity of this medal of Moses was shown. The piece is, of course, of much
later date, but quite curious. Can any reader give an account of Mr. St.
Maur's collection ?

56 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

A very remarkable coin has recently been brought to England, observes the Aihenaum,
from India. Its value and importance appear in a few words of description communicated by
General A. Cunningham. " But what," he writes, " is a double gold mohur compared to the
great gold Eucra tides which has just been brought from Bokhara by Aga Zebalun Bokhiri ? It is
two inches and a half in diameter, and weighs ten staters, or eleven guineas / It has the usual
helmeted head on one side, with the horsemen and inscription on the reverse. The owner has
refused seven hundred pounds for it. It is genuine, and beats all the Greek coins hitherto dis-
covered."

The coin mentioned in this article certainly caused one of the real numis-
matic sensations of this century. The coin was brought to Europe about 1837,
and was finally bought for the collection attached to the Bibliotheque Im-
periale, now Nationale, at Paris, at the price of 12,000 francs.

The only gold medal ever voted by Congress to General Washington is offered for sale
in Philadelphia. It was given in honor of the evacuation of Boston by the British. On one side
is a fine medallion profile of Washington, and on the reverse he and his staff are grouped on
Bunker's Hill, while the British fleet is seen moving down the bay. It contains $180 worth of
gold. It is said that it is in good preservation, and that five thousand dollars have been already
offered for it

This medal, certainly the most interesting and valuable in the American
series, was for sale a few years since, being, if I recollect, the property of
John A. Washington. Does any reader know of its present whereabouts ?

One of the Utah legislators has an old copper coin, with hieroglyphics, Hebrew characters
and Arabic numerals stamped thereon, said to have been stumbled upon by some hunter or travel-
ler on the Colorado. The precious relic is submitted to the judgment of " Professor Phelps,"
one of the wise men of Mormondom, who says that on one side appears, when translated, —
" The King, Hagagadonihah, over the Kingdom near the sea west, sends to all greeting : one senine."

On the other side, —

" In the 95th year of the Kingdom of Christ, 9th year of my reign : Peace and life,"

Mottoes — " Weapon for weapon, Life for life."

" The coin is 1765 years old, and is evidently a Nephite senine, or farthing, as mentioned in the
fifth chapter of second Nephi, in the book of Mprmon, English edition, page 517. It is about
the size of an English farthing. The numerals are plain, Arabic figures."

What is the explanation of this paragraph ? Is it a hoax on the general
public, or only on the Mormons ? We know very well that no coin 1765 years
old has Arabic figures on it, but as to this piece it is not safe to hazard a guess.

Ancient Coin. — A wealthy Jew residing near Selma, Arkansas, has in his possession a
shekel which was struck in the mint of Judea, seventeen hundred and fifty years ago. It is about
the size of a half dollar, but the silver is so impure, that its intrinsic value is but fifteen cents.
The owner would hardly part with the relic for as many hundred dollars. It has been in his
family five hundred and sixty years.

I quote this simply for the remarkable statement that the coin has been
handed down in one family for five hundred and sixty years. The owner is
fortunate in being able to trace his pedigree so far back, and fifteen hundred
dollars would be a paltry sum in comparison with such a relic.

S. W. Atwood, of Littleton, has a fine collection of rare coins, comprising over four hundred
pieces, the oldest being dated 1652. Among the collection are thirty silver dollars, representing
as many different nations. Of American silver dollars he has one of each year from 1795 to
1800, inclusive, and he also has all the dates of pennies from 1794 to 1872, inclusive, except 1806,
1809, and 1815, — none being coined the latter year.

W. N. Thompson, of Abington, has a set of United States cents of every year since the
organization of the government, except 1815, when none were coined. He has also quite an
extensive collection of colonial, foreign, and ancient coins, including one of the date of 1267.

Mr. Arthur Burdict, of Middletown, has one of the finest and most perfect collection of cents
of the United States coinage in the country. He has been fourteen years picking them up, and

1874. D AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 57

has got them nearly all in trade. They extend from 1793 to 1871, inclusive, and there is not an
imperfect date among them.

These gentlemen are, I fear, not known to the numismatic world as
prominent collectors.

Alfred S. Robinson, of Hartford, a few days since, sold a half dollar of the year 1797, for
$3&* Thos. W. Fox,, of Norwich, has a "Higley penny," for which he has been offered $50 in
cash and $25 in "barter." There are only three of these coins known to be in existence.

The Salem Observer reports that a gentleman in that city, who is in the " old coin " line,
recently sold to a collector in Hartford a copper cent for seventy-five dollars. It was the coin
known as the " Higley copper," the first copper cent of Connecticut, dated 1737, and struck by
a blacksmith named Higley. But three specimens of this ancient coin are known to be in exist-
ence, and being thus rare it readily commands the high price paid for this one of the three.

These statements are as wild as any ever made about the dollar of 1804.
Instead of only three specimens of this coin in existence there are certainly
five quite different vaneties of the Higley coppers. They are all rare, and
for some of them the price of seventy-five dollars has been exceeded.

Singular Discovery. — On Saturday last a lad nine years of age, a son of George P. Reed,
of Roxbury, went to May's Woods to pick berries. In climbing over a ledge of rocks, near Warren
Street, on the road to Dorchester, he put his hand into a cavity under a flat rock for* the purpose
of drawing himself up, when accidentally looking into the cavity, he saw something bright He
picked it up and found that it was a curious piece of silver money. Upon seeking further and
removing the dirt he succeeded, to his great delight, in finding twenty-five pieces more. The
money proved to be of the Pine Tree coinage of Massachusetts, 1652, being of the denomina-
tions of shillings, sixpences, threepences, and twopences. Most of them are in good condition.
They are now in the collection of W. E. Woodward, of Roxbury. — Herald*

This discovery took place in 1863, and the pieces were offered for sale at
the time of the dispersion of the McCoy cpllection ; but no notice of the
discovery was ever printed in the Journal*

A Rare Coin. — A little son of Mr. George L. Hart, while at play in the garden in the rear
of his father's house in Fayette Street, on Saturday afternoon last, dug up a coin which, upon
examination, proved to be an English guinea of the time of Charles the Second. It is in a perfect
state of preservation, every line sharp and distinct, and bears the date 1676. On one side is a
vignette of Charles II., surrounded by the motto, " Carol vs. II. Dei. Gratia." On the obverse
side are four sceptres and four crowns, with the coats of arms of England, Ireland, Scotland, and
Wales, with the remainder of the motto, " Mag. Br. Fra. Et Hib. Rex," and the date. This is a
very rare coin, as there are probably not a dozen extant in the world. Here is a good chance for
connoisseurs in coins, or numismatic societies, to secure a valuable addition to their collections.
It is impossible to say how the coin came to be in the place where it was found. A large sum
has already been refused for the curiosity.

The finding of this coin caused some talk at the time, and I believe it is
a fact that many dollars were offered for it. But really it is far from rare, and
instead of " a ctozen extant in the world," specimens can be bought at any
time in London for twenty-five or thirty shillings.

The Annapolis (Md.) Republican gives the following description of an old coin recently
found at that place : On the face, in the outer circle, is the word " Masathvsetts," and three half-
destroyed letters, one resembling "M"j in the inner circle a leafless tree with partly visible
roots. On the reverse the outer circle bears the words a New England, An. Dom" ; in the centre
are the figures " 1652." This ancient silver coin is about the size of an old English shilling ;
the edge of the rim is worn, in three places about the sixteenth part of an inch, and with this
exception it is in a fine state of preservation, which fact gives weight to the supposition that it
had been coined but a brief time previous to its loss or burial.

An Old Coin. — An old copper penny of the date of 1723, and known as the " Rosa Ameri-
cana," was found lately on the David Buffinton farm in Somerset, R. I. In removing a portion of
an old stone wall, the coin was found embedded in the earth under the foundation stone, and was
perfect with the exception of being thickly pitted. On one side there is a representation of an

VOL. VIII.

58 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

American rose surmounted with the English crown, and the words, " Rosa Americana Utile
Dulci." On the reverse side a portrait of George the First, with the following inscription around
the rim : Georgius D. G. Mag. Bri : Fra. et Hib. Rex.

While workmen were digging recently for the foundation of the old Portsmouth Savings
Bank, several copper coins were found. One of them bears the date of 1757, and has the same
symbol as the old "pine-tree shilling."

In this last case the date is undoubtedly a misprint for 1776, and if so,
the coin was exhibited at the meeting of the Boston Numismatic Society in
June, 1870, and thought to be a great curiosity.

Ancient Silver Coin Found. — A few days since, some workmen, in digging on the bank of
the Kenduskeag stream, about two miles from the city, turned out a deposit of silver coin,
amounting to about forty dollars in value. These coins are of the size of a ninepence and a
common cent. On one side is a head, and on the other an Indian with bow and arrows and one
star. The letters on one side appear to make the word " Victoria," with three letters additipnal.
The lettering on the other side we could not decipher. The money is quite thick and veryim-
perfectly trimmed, having no finish on the edge. The head and the Indian are well done. How
this money came in its deposit is, of course, a mystery, but it is undoubtedly old Spanish, Peru-
vian, or Mexican coin. — Bangor yournal.

W. H. Newhall, of Manchester, a few days since found an ancient copper coin while search-
ing for Indian relics in a field near Amoskeag Falls, which had just been ploughed for the first
time in twenty-five years. Upon one side of the coin appears the date 559 in Arabic numerals
and a small crown. Upon the other side there is the number six in Roman numerals and four
small parallel pillars. The coin is much corroded and worn, and no one is able to decide as to
the government which issued it.

S. L. A., Holton, Ind., asks, " What is the value of a copper coin that bears the following
subscription in Roman letters: * Hibernia, 825/ and in the centre an engraving between that of
an Italian harp and that of a shield. On the other side, * Georgius IV., D. G. R. X.' with an
engraving looking something like a Roman, yet the costume is something like that of an Ameri-
can Indian. The piece is not quite as large as the United States coppter cent. I -can give you
the history of it as it is known here. It was ploughed out of the ground where it had never been
ploughed before, and it was about ten inches under ground." — You cannot fix the value of relics,
and it is useless to ask such questions.

This relic is one of the most remarkable from a comic point of view.
That an Irish halfpenny of George IV. should become subject of real inquiry
seems too absurd. It is always a little rash to say that ground had never been
ploughed before, and it certainly seems that this particular piece of land must
have been turned up not very long before. The following miscellaneous ex-
tracts hardly need any notes :

Rare Coin. — Mr. John Pierce, of this city, has in his possession two of the original " Wash-
ington cents," coined in 1783, having upon one side the head of Washington, with the words
" Washington and Independence," and upon the other the words " Unity States of America —
one cent" It is well known that as soon as the fact of the manufacture of this coin came to the
knowledge of Washington, he caused it to be stopped, and forbid its issue. But a very limited
number got into circulation, and it is now held in high estimation by collectors of coin. Those
which Mr. Pierce has were found by him among coppers taken in trade about twenty-five years ago.

For Coin Fanciers. — The Washington cent of 1 783 is not very rare or valuable, as they make
them in England now. The Washington cent of 1791 is quite rare, and is worth from $$ to $25,
according to the state of preservation the specimen is in ; but the copper Washington coin of
1792 is more valuable than all, and is of great rarity.

Mr. Festus Campbell of the Western Railroad, says the Pittsfidd Eagle, who by the by is
exceedingly zealous as a collector of old coins, recently sold a genuine " Washington Penny ,r
for $10.50.

Counterfeit Coin. — A large number of counterfeit cents of 1793 and 1799, Massachusetts
half cents of 1787 and 1788, Washington cents, etc., are in the market for sale. They can
readily be detected, as they are made by the electrotype process, and when dropped on a hard
surface do not have the clear ring of the genuine.

1874-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 59

Brass vs. Copper. — Mr. Editor : I have observed some queries in regard to the cents of
1815, in your paper. An old antiquarian friend used to tell me in my youth, this story, which
may account for the tradition of their containing gold : A wag, knowing that no cents were
coined that year, offered a high price for any cents marked 181 5, — and enjoyed the excitement
produced among all classes of persons, who searched diligently for them, supposing that the
advertiser had secret information of their containing a portion of gold. A.

I had thought this article ended here, till the following astounding item
appeared in the Daily Evening Traveller for November 18, 1873 :

At the desk of C. Robinson, Esq., in the rotunda of the Custom House, may be seen a
silver medal, presented by George III. to an Indian chief, for services rendered in the French
and Indian war, more than a century ago. Four others were struck off at the same time for
other chiefs, but this is the only one known to be extant It is three inches in diameter, and
weighs three ounces. Qn one side is seen the British coat of arms in bas-relief, and upon the
other the bust of the king. It was presented more than fifty years ago to a white lady in the
Northwest Territory by a dying Indian chief. It is now owned by Mr. I. D. Stoddard, of
Vermont. It is understood that he is negotiating for its sale to an English Historical Society
for one thousand pounds.

Mr. Robinson informed me that Mr. Stoddard really attaches to this
medal the value of one thousand pounds. I have a specimen of the same
medal in perfect preservation, and do not consider it worth more than ten
pounds.. It is certainly somewhat rare, but not remarkably so. I do not think
any one can possibly have the certain knowledge that only five were struck.

W. S. Appleton.

COIN IN CHINA.

A Shanghae letter to the London Daily Telegraph contains the following : " The subject
of coinage is again becoming generally discussed, for really coppers and bad dollars are a dread-
ful, indeed a disgraceful, nuisance. All civilized countries from time immemorial have had a
coinage for the purpose of barter. The only real coinage belonging to the great Chinese Empire
is copper cash, about twelve hundred of which go to a dollar, and these, having a hole in the
centre, are strung together like beads. History tells us of an ancient emperor, who had an iron
coinage made in order to check avarice among his people, and certainly this ultra-barbaric
method of exchange is very nearly as inconvenient. To carry any quantity of Chinese cash fa
a physical impossibility ; wheelbarrows are constantly seen going through the settlement heavily
laden with strings of copper cash. In consequence of this cumbersome method of exchange
foreigners have had to introduce the Spanish dollar, which have subsequently been for the most
part replaced by the Mexican dollar, and as these are not legal or current coin of the realm, as
sovereigns are in England, a host of villains have manufactured dollars, some only slightly less in
value to the Mexican ; but other makers, with india-rubber-like consciences, have made some of
iron with a coating of silver, some of brass, copper, and a judicious admixture of different metals ;
to say nothing of an extensive system of electro-plating that is carried on by certain rascals. A
feeble attempt on the part of the Colonial Government of Hong Kong to introduce a better
coinage was made, and an extensive mint erected in the colony ; but strange to say, from mis-
management and incompetency on the part of somebody or other, the establishment did not
work well, and was finally closed and sold to the Japanese, who, it must be added, soon erected
a beautiful mint at Osaka, and placed a competent staff of native and foreign officials to work it,
and now the Japanese are turning out their dollars by the thousand. The annoyance and incon-
venience caused by having dollars in circulation of different value is indescribable, to say nothing
of the loss it occasions many* local traders, and not the least of the evils is, that it necessitates
every payment being examined by a native skilled in the touch and value of dollars. This indi-
vidual we call a shroff and the rascality and villainy carried on by them and by compradores %
who have to disburse money to sailors and others who are not in a position to keep a , skilled
official to receive their dollars for them, is enormous. Poor Jack's hundred dollars are not really
worth more than eighty. Heavy payments are made in lumps of silver ; this, again, is in the hands
of experts ; woe to the foreigner who attempts to handle what is known as sycee or lump silver. It

60 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

has been wisely urged, in order to get rid of this very unsatisfactory state of affairs, that when
the treaty is next revised, k should be made compulsory for the Chinese Government to issue a
reliable coinage, which certainly would materially facilitate many commercial transactions, for the
loss in exchange now forms a very considerable item in many establishments. I have used the
expression ' made compulsory,' because no one who knew anything of the Celestial character would
dream for a moment that the Chinese would better the coinage of their own accord. Copper
cash has sufficed them for two thousand or three. thousand years, and it might just as well con-
tinue to do so for another similar period. It is contrary to native instinct and tradition to alter
or improve anything. Therefore, in our own interest, as well as in theirs, the matter of a new
coinage should be insisted on."

EARLY COPPER COIN FOR MASSACHUSETTS.

[From the Records of the Council of the Province, 1 703.]

17 March. A Memorial of William Chalkhill, One of the Moneyers ot
Her Majesties Mint in the Tower of London now resident in Boston pro-
posing That if the Government think fitt, He would undertake to bring over
hither Ten Thousand Pounds in Copper Money, at such prises and Values as
shall be agreed upon, was sent up from the House of Representatives, and
read.

19 March. Proposals Offered by William Chalkhill, One of the Moneyers
of her Maj ties Mint in the Tower of London to furnish the province from
England with Small Money of Copper to the Value of Ten Thousand pounds
sent up from the Representatives were read And Resolved, That John Walley,
Penn Townsend, and Andrew Belcher Esq™ be a Committee of the Board
to joine with such as shall be named by the House of Representatives to con-
sider of the said proposals, And to make their report thereupon. Which Re-
solve being sent to that House for their Concurrence, was returned Agreed to
And M r Nehemiah Jewett, Capt Samuel Checkley, and Capt Samuel Phips
named to be of the Committee for that Affair.

26 March. The Report of the Committee upon the proposals offered by
M r William Chalkhill, was brought in by JohnJVValley Esq r Chairman, and
read, and laid upon the Table, The said report being- ip favour of an Agreement
for ^5000 only and y 1 in pence. "\

27 March. The Report of the Committee upon the Proposals offered by
M r William Chalkhill Tor Furnishing of the Province with small Money of
Copper was sent down to the Representatives at their Desifo & return'd
again from that House with their Resolve thereupon, Viz., v

That the Report of the Committee be Accepted, And Johrt Walley,
Andrew Belcher & Samuel Legg Esq" & Cpt Samuel ChecWey be
appointed & impowered a Committee forthwith to draw Articles of -Agree-
ment with the said M r Chalkhill accordingly, And the Covenants & Engage-
ments of the said Comm** in this Affair shall be ratified and made good by
this Court ; \

W* Resolve being read at the Board, & the Question put for Concur-
rence, It was not Consented to, But refer'd to Consideration at the next Co#rt,
if then Offered. \

•

i«74-3 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 61

COMPOSITION OF ROMAN COINS.

The composition of ancient Roman coins and medals has been examined by M. Com-
maille, who has published a memoir on the subject, giving the composition of thirty-seven
different medals, in the Journal de Pharmade. The basis of toe metal employed by the Romans
was pure copper, alloyed with different proportions of tin, lead, zinc, silver, etc. Formerly
Bomisiiiatists were agreed in believing that the ancients never employed pure copper in the man-
ufacture of their coins, and Mongez asserts that no antique coin of pure copper has ever been
found ; bat Pelouze now states that he has not only met with Roman medals with very small quanti-
ties of a foreign metal combined with copper, but that he has analyzed several coins of copper
so pure that the reagents could not reveal the smallest trace of another metal. M. Commaille
gives the description and analysis of the following among other Roman coins found in Algeria :
Augustus — copper, with traces of tin and lead; another — pure copper; Claudius I. — pure
copper; Vespasian and Marcus Aurelius — copper, with traces of tin; Titus — copper 966,
zinc 2*71, iron 085, traces of antimony; the Roman as, — copper 69*65, lead 24*37, ^ n 5*9** ;
a coin of Constantine — copper 83*55, lead 1476, tin 1*42, iron 0*27, traces of cobalt. The com-
parison of the analyses of M. Commaille shows that the metal employed varied from pure cop-
per to ten per cent of tia, and nearly twenty-eight per cent, of lead. In twenty-eight coins the
three metals were found combined. In some the lead and tin were certainly present by accident.
M. Pelouze found cadmium in some medals, and M. Commaille found gold in the medals of two
princes, who occupied the imperial throne about the same time. In one coin he found traces of
cobalt, in another of antimony, and in a third of a metal which be believed to be bismuth. His
memoir will, undoubtedly, be of much interest to scientific antiquaries.

ASSYRIAN DISCOVERIES-

Among the numerous minor clay documents and objects in the collection
there are, of course, several others of interest

Two of these are lumps of clay, which have evidently been moulded on
a string attached to a linen roll, and the under side of the lumps still bears
the impression of the texture of the material. These pieces of clay are
stamped with the impression of a circular seal, representing a king slaying
a lion ; and round the edge of the impression I have read the legend :

u Assur-bani-pal, King of Assyria, son of Esarhaddpn, King of Assyria,
grandson of Sennacherib, King of Assyria."

So that this is the veritable Royal Seal of Assur-banipal, the great
Sardanapalus of the Greeks. Such clay impressions were probably attached
to treaties,, or other diplomatic documents, by a cord tied round the roll, and
passing through the clay. — Smith's Discoveries in Assyria.

MEDAL OF THE PRETENDER.

Eds. Journal of Numismatics :

In a rare little book which I have, I find a description of a medal which
may perhaps be of interest to some of your readers. The book is an account
of the adventures of the young Pretender. It is entitled, " Ascanius, or the
Young Adventurer ; a True History. Translated from a Manuscript privately
handed about at the Court of Versailles ; Containing A particular account of

62 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

all that happened to a certain person during his wandering in the norths from
his first arrival there August 1745, to his final escape on September 19th, in

the following year." etc " Edinburgh Printed for the company of

Stationers and R. J. in Dublin 1779." Pp. 180. Lowndes does" not mention
this edition, but mentions an earlier one which sold for £i.

The prince arrived in France on the 29th of September, 1746.

It was apparently within the year after his arrival that the following
occurred, which I quote from pp. 127 and 128:

" During this time, he neither went so frequently nor stay'd so long at
Versailles, as he had been accustomed to do ; and rather avoided than sought
any private conference with the king. The first publick indication he gave
of his disgust, was to cause a great number of medals, both of silver and
copper, to be cast with his head and this inscription,

CAROLUS WALLLE PRINCEPS,

And on the reverse, Britannia and shipping, with this motto :

AMOR ET SPES
BRITANNIA.

Everybody was surprised at the device, as France was reduced to the
condition of making peace, entirely by the bravery and successes of the
British fleet: the device gave great offence to the French ministry and
to several of the nobility and others."

This medal seems to have greatly aggravated the feeling against him, if
it was not the cause of his arrest and final removal from France shortly after,
in December, 1748. William John Potts.

Camden, New Jersey, Nov. 25, 1873.

THE COINING PRESS FOR THE NEW TRADE DOLLAR.

We were shown yesterday at the works of Messrs. Morgan & Orr, No. 12 19
Callowhill Street, the new coining press, just built by them for the purpose of
coining at the San Francisco Mint all denominations of silver and gold
coinage, but especially the new silver trade dollar ordered by the Department
of the Mint.

This new machine weighs eighteen thousand pounds, and is made
entirely of the best steel, iron, and brass produced in Philadelphia. The steel
plate above the coinage stamp is home-made, and equal, if not. superior, to the
finest English, a fact that speaks well for our Philadelphia steel industry. The
beautiful heavy brass beam was cast seven times over to secure its accuracy and
exactness, as well as finish and strength. The large fly-wheel is cast hollow,
and loaded with base metal so as to give it additional weight to counterbalance
the heavy brass beam. This fly-wheel was cast in sections and securely
united. In the front of the machine is a finely made brass cylinder to hold the
unstamped coin, which, as the wheel revolves, slip down one at a time upon
the sliding bed-plate of iron with apertures made to receive a single coin, then
drawn into the machine, the stamp descends, and the new trade dollar is

1874-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 63

carried out complete by an interior inclined plane. The heavy brass beam
referred to of course controls the stamp. Perfect simplicity characterizes the
machine, which is two and a half times beyond the capacity of any other
coining machine that the firm ever made for the government. It is capable
of striking eighty twenty-dollar gold pieces, equal to #1,600, per minute, or
twenty silver trade dollars in a minute. — Philadelphia North American,
October 16, 1873.

THE SEWARD MEDAL.

George F. Robinson yesterday received the medal awarded to him by
Congress in 1871 for saving the life of Secretary Seward, when attacked by
the assassin Payne, on the night of the 14th of April, 1865. The medal was
made at the United States Mint in Philadelphia, at a cost of fourteen hundred
dollars. On the obverse side of the medal, Mr. Seward is represented lying
in his bed, with the curtains drawn. Standing at the side of the bed is Payne,
with an uplifted dagger in one hand, arid with the other clutching the throat
of Robinson. On the reverse side of the medal is a bust of Robinson ; above
his head a wreath of flowers, and on each side the following inscription : " For
his heroic conduct on the 14th day of April, 1865, * n saving the life of the
Hon. W. H. Seward, then Secretary of State of the United States." — Washing-
ton Chronicle, November 17, 1873.

COINS IN FOUNDATIONS.

The following passage shows this practice to have prevailed as early as
1658, though it may probably be traced to an earlier date :

" But the ancient custome of placing coyns in considerable urns, and the
present practice of burying medals in the noble foundations of Europe, are
laudable ways of histoncal discoveries in actions, persons, chronologies ; and
posterity will applaud them." — Browne's Hydriotaphia, ch. iv.

From London Notes and Queries, No. 159, Nov. 13, 1852, p. 470.

CONNECTICUT COUNTERFEITING AND COINING COPPERS.

Abel Buell, an uncommonly ingenious mechanic, wa£ a native of this
town [Killingworth, Conn.]; he was apprenticed to Ebenezer Chittenden, a
gold and silver smith in this place, previous . to the Revolution. Buell was
married at the age of nineteen years, and at the age of twenty, altered a five-
shilling colony note to five pounds. His neighbors had suspected that
something was going on in his house which was wrong, as a light had been
seen in his chamber at unusual hours of the night. He was discovered by
some person, who, mounting a ladder, looked in at the window, and saw him
in the act of altering the bills. So ingeniously was it done, that it could only

64 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

be discovered by comparing the stumps of the letters with those left in the book
from which all the colony bills were issued. Matthew Griswold, the King's
attorney, afterwards governor, conducted the prosecution against Buell. As
it was his first offence, and he otherwise sustained a good character, Mr.
Griswold granted him every indulgence which he could consistently with his
duty as a public officer* Buell's punishment appears to have consisted of
imprisonment, cropping, and branding. The tip only of Buell's ear was
cropped off: it was held on his tongue to keep it warm till it was put on the
ear again, where it grew on. He was branded on the forehead as high up as
possible. This was usually done by a hot iron, in the form of a letter
designating the crime, which was held on the forehead of the criminal till he
could say the words

«God save the King/*

Upon the conclusion of the Revolutionary war, Mr. Buell and some
others were employed by the State in coining coppers. Mr. Buell constructed
all the apparatus for this purpose ; and to such perfection did he bring it, that
he was able to coin 1 20 in a minute. Soon after, he went to England, for the
ostensible purpose of procuring copper for coining, but in reality to gain some
knowledge of the machinery used for the manufacturing of cloths of various
kinds. — Barber's Connecticut Historical Collections, pp. 531, 532.

*,m M a

EASTERN COINS.
Eds. Journal of Numismatics :

The London Athen&um has a letter from Mr. Eugene Schuyler, dated
" Bokhara," in which, after iterating his belief of the existence of Timour's
Library, he says he has u picked up some very rare works on Bokharan history,
as also good specimens of the coins of Demetrius, Euthydemus, and Antilo-
chus, also of subsequent Bactrian dynasties of Sultan, Sandjar, Tamerlane, and
recent Emirs. The market has been spoiled by the Russians, and prices are
very high."

Apropos of the above, three very interesting papers on Bactrian Coins,
by Edward Thomas, of the London Numismatic Society (and formerly of the
Bengal Civil Service), describing many of the above mentioned coins, will be
found in a volume entitled " Collection of Miscellaneous Essays on Oriental
Subjects, by Edward Thomas, Esq.," printed by Triibner. The Essays were
papers read at different times before the Numismatic Society, and published
in brief in the Numismatic Chronicle, etc. The volume is illustrated with
plates from the Chronicle, and contains articles on " I ndo- Parthian Coins,"
" Early Mohammedan Coinage," " Ancient Indian Weights," " Coins of the
Gupta Dynasty," etc., etc. I. F. W.

To make money —-Get an appointment in the mint.

1874*] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 65

THE UNITED STATES MINT CABINET,

" Very many of the coins were obtained at bullion value, by the (then)
Assistant Assayer, watching deposits, and rescuing pieces of great value and
scarcity from being melted up. An equal number, perhaps more, were
procured at market prices; sometimes singly, and sometimes by the lump.
Coins of the United States (except in a few instances) cost us merely their
intrinsic value ; and medals struck here cost nothing.

" We can, however, give the cost of the whole, coins, medals, ores, eta,
which, I am happy to say, would probably bring almost double, in the present
market.

" The whole number of coins and medals at this time is 6,484 ; and the
whole cost of these, and of the minerals, gems, ores, nuggets, etc., is $12,443."

Eds. ^American Journal of Numismatics :

I can, with entire propriety, give you the foregoing extract from a letter
of the Superintendent of this Mint, in reply to a call from the Director at
Washington. It appears to be of sufficient interest to appear in your Maga-
zine.

The collection was begun in 1838, shortly after the accession of Dr.
Patterson to the Directorship. The business was confided to me, as having
an antiquarian taste, although I had plenty of ordinary official work to attend
to. It has been a great pleasure, and a means of gaining and fastening
information of various kinds.

I would like to know whether any large or general collection, in this
country, had an earlier beginning.

W. E. D.,

October 25, 1 873. United States Mint> Philadelphia.

PREVENTION OF A FRAUD UPON OUR GOLD COINS.

The Hon. H. R. Linderman, Director of the Mint, has just presented an
admirable report- on the condition and work of the institution under his
charge. It will attract attention from numismatists throughout our country,
and is a valuable contribution to our knowledge on the subject of the coinage.
Dr. Linderman requested the assayer, Mr. Wm. E. DuBois, to supply him
with information as to certain experiments made at the Mint, several years
ago, having for their object the better protection of the gold coin, by making
them thinner and concave. In response to that request, Mr. DuBois submit-
ted the following interesting paper :

United States Mint at Philadelphia,

Assayer's Office, October 15, 1873.

I take pleasure in responding to the inquiry contained in a letter from
the Director, on the steps that were taken here, some years ago, toward a
prevention of the fraud of " filling " our gold coins.

VOL. VIII. o

66 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

These examinations and experiments were made September to November,
i860, thirteen years ago. I may state that it mainly fell to my lot to conduct
them, but I had the indispensable counsel and cooperation of Mr. Eckfeldt,
the late assayer, and Mr. Longacre, the late engraver.

They were brought about by the startling discovery, at the treasury of
the United States in New York, of our gold eagles (ten-dollar pieces) having
their interior taken out and replaced with a disk of platinum, a heavy and
high-priced metal, of about one third the value of standard gold.

This was neatly covered in by a soldered rim of gold, the whole present-
ing a genuine surface, and without fault as to weight, diameter, thickness, or
sonority. Along with these pieces we had the benefit of experiments by Dr.
Torrey, the late assayer of the United States assay office at New York, so far
as determining the composition of the pieces, and afterward we conferred
with him personally as- to the best means of prevention and detection.

Before stating our results and conclusions at that time, allow me here to
insert that, just now, I am engaged in the examination of other filled pieces
of larger and smaller denominations lately sent to me by the able and vigilant
chief of the coin department in the United States treasury at New York,
George Ashley, Esq., along with other pieces of fraudulent make, but of a
different sort. This was the first time that I was aware that the platinum
filling had been practised upon any other size than the eagle, although we
had found silver fillings in the half-eagle and quarter-eagle many years ago.

The platinum-filled pieces now on hand are the double-eagle, the eagle,
and the half-eagle. The first-named was detected at the Bank of England
and thence sent over. Another double-eagle comes from the New York
treasury and was detected there. Mr. Ashley remarks, " this is the worst
fraud we have, to contend with."

It seems this trouble is not confined to our coins. Some of the British
sovereigns, it is stated, have been filled in the same way. That the large,
thick double-eagles sihould be thus tampered with is not surprising, but we
are compelled to wonder at their operating on half-eagles and sovereigns.

Now, without spreading abroad the way in which this thing is done (for
that would serve no good purpose), let us look at the make-up of one of these
filled coins. What with the two genuine outsides, the false inside, the new
ribbed rim, and the solder, there are present no less than four separate pieces
and five distinct metals, all put together with such nicety that none but an
expert can tell the bad coin from the true.

Not to alarm the government, or the public, we have good evidence, so
far, that the fraud is not much practised, and does not ordinarily go long
undetected.

First, it is a slow way of making money, even for a consummate work-
man, and no second-rate man can do it ; and, secondly, most of our coins
soon find their way to the government treasuries, and there they have experts
who can throw these pieces out at a glance or a touch, without being fully
aware of the reason why. This remarkable faculty, possessed by Mr. Tandy
of "the New York treasury, more than by any other man we know of, reminds
me of what was said of a money-changer in ancient Rome,*that "he could
see brass through silver." And it is some comfort to know that this over-
laying art is not a new thing. Even the barbarous Germans, among whom

1874.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 67

the Roman denarii were current, were so suspicious of it that they made
notches all around the coin to see what was inside ; and some of these pieces,
looking much like a circular saw on a small scale, have been handed down to
our day and may be seen in rare collections. The Roman or Greek counter-
feiter, however, was not to be named, in point of skill, with the rascals of
modern times.

I- should also mention that, with all the vigilance of Mr. Ashley and Mr.
Tandy in New York, of similar officers in Philadelphia and elsewhere, so few
of these altered pieces have yet appeared as to justify us in concluding, as
above remarked, that the fraud is not extensively practised. Still it is very
mischievous and injurious, and every means should be used to protect the
treasury and the community from these losses of several dollars on a single
piece of money.

Before proceeding to offer some suggestions in regard to the best mode
of prevention, I would say a few words as to the best mode of detection.
When, as already remarked, it is found that these filled pieces are right, or
very nearly so, in weight, size, and sound, and have a genuine exterior, it
must be apparent that our resources are very much cut down. There is
usually, however, a slight discoloration, probably arising from heat during
the soldering process. This cannot be much relied on, for a good piece may
be discolored in the same way.

The test of specific gravity is one which they have not been able, and
perhaps have not tried, to set at naught. Filling with plates of silver was
abandoned by these artists because that motal is not much more than half as
heavy as gold, and so the reformed coin was feither too light or else too thick.
Platinum is a little heavier than gold, and although a scarce and dear metal,
and hard to work, it was found to answer the purpose. However, this addition
invariably makes the specific gravity of the coin too great, and that by a dif-
ference so considerable that the fact of filling can be assured without laying
the piece open or impairing it in any way.

To come to figures : a genuine gold coin of the United States (of any
size, of course), will show the specific gravity about 1 7.20 ; or, if somewhat
paled with silver alloy, as they were many years ago, perhaps as high as 17.30 ;
that is to say, by way of explanation to those who have forgotten how specific
gravity is found, between the weight of the coin in air and its weight in
water there is a difference, which, as a divisor for the first weight, gives a
dividend as above..

But we find that the double-eagle when filled shows a specific gravity
18.76, while the eagle and the half-eagle show specific gravity about 17.75
to 17.95. These differences are to be expected. We have no suggestions
to make for the use of the criminals who are thus employed ; they know very
well that to attempt to adjust the specific gravity along with all the other
points would increase their work and render it unprofitable.

Still, this sure method calls fbr very good apparatus, some skill and
practice, and a little time, say five minutes, more time than a teller can spare.
So that, in a public office, it is extremely desirable to have such a man as Mr.
Tandy, or our Mr. Cobb. ( No doubt a larger acquaintance would enable us
to give other names, if needful.)

While I am on this point, allow me to repeat what was said in a former

6S AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

communication, that we find the difference of specific gravity quite as wide
in the case of the new class of counterfeits, the five-dollar piece of 1872, reg-
ularly made and struck, but debased about six per cent. These pieces show
specific gravity about 16.46 ; say, in round terms, 16.50. Thus, while the filled
piece is too high, this is as much too low. It would be a very difficult matter
indeed to elude this test.

Now, in regard to the prevention of the fraud of filling, only two modes
seem to be worth considering.

First, the door to this business is at the rim or periphery of the coin ;
the place where the reeding stands as a sort of chevaux-de-frise to keep out
intruders. It would be a good thing to strengthen the defences at this cir-
cumvallation ; in plainer terms, to fashion the rim so that it cannot be
tampered with or imitated without easy detection. Formerly we milled a
legend, in sunken letters, on this part of our silver half-dollars.

In France and Belgium, and recently in Spain, the gold coins are pro-
tected in the same way, but with raised letters ; while in the German Empire,
and some other countries, the thing is done as we used to do it.

Undoubtedly, it would be far more difficult to imitate or renew this let-
tering, whether raised or sunken, than the rib or reeding. They do that by
making a. new band, and going over it by the mechanical operation of a
" nurling machine." Men of great skill may make the lettered edge, so as
to be a fac-simile, according to the truism, " What one man can do, another
man may do ; " but I am strongly of the opinion that it would take too much
time and labor to pay well. At any rate it seems worth while to make the
experiment.

The other mode to be considered, is to return to thin gold coins, and
cease (or nearly cease) from issuing any of a larger denomination than ten
dollars.

This may displease those who deal in large sums, and like to count by
twenties. But if gold is ever to be a real currency it must be made to suit
the man of one piece, no less than the man of a million. And with a ch^ap
counting machine, such as we have in the Mint, the great objection will vanish.

I speak of it as a return. Formerly our gold coins were thin pieces ; so
were those of England, and the European continent generally. The ducat,
or sequin, a small, thin piece, was for ages the current coin of civilized and
barbarous nations. The fourfold ducat of Austria is so thin as to be out of
proportion to its broad diameter ; yet it is a coin of great beauty, and well
struck up.

There is, it is true, a sightly and scientific proportion in the diameter
and thicknesses of our gold coin since the remodelling in 1834, and especially
in 1837. But this proportion has been twice set aside without offending good
taste. The gold dollar had to be made thinner, to escape popular complaint ;
and the three-dollar piece had to be spread out to make it distinctive.

A very thin coin would be easily bent and abused ; but that is an extreme
not contemplated. The coin should only be thin enough to make it trouble-
some and unprofitable to be sawed through (on edge), to insert a plate* In
fine, instead of attempting to get up an artistic impossibility, the writer would
take advantage of an economic inexpediency, and there find the remedy.

A few words and figures as to dimensions. How thin should our gold
coin be, and what should be the largest?

1874-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. . 69

They should be made thinner at or about the centre, than they are at the
edge. To a slight degree this is done already, but not enough ; and this
concavity should be double : that is, on both sides of the coin. Of course,
it will be understood that this is to be produced by convexity of the dies.

It has long been the usage here to measure or regulate coins by twen-
tieths of an inch for diameter, and by thousandths of an inch for thickness.
Then it is proposed, — '

1 . The ten-dollar piece, or eagle, to be of the diameter of 29 twentieths
(145), which is one-twentieth less than the silver dollar, and two-twentieths
more than the double-eagle ; to be 35 thousandths thick at the edge, curving
down to 25 toward the centre. At 25 we have the thickness of the old gold
dollar.

No wider gold coin than this would be admissible, or desirable ; but to
comply with the law, and for special purposes, we might strike pieces of $20,
as they are now; the holders to run the risk of the evil we are fighting
against.

2. Five-dollar piece, or half-eagle, diameter 21 twentieths (1.05), which is
the same as the present eagle. Double concave, 30 thousandths at edge, 25
at centre.

3. Three-dollar piece, diameter 18 twentieths, at present 16; thickness,
25 thousandths, at present 34. This coin, and the lesser ones, need not be
of the dishing-shape.

4. Quarter-eagle, diameter, 16; thickness, 25.

5. Gold dollar as at present. • •

It is further suggested, that this extension of diameter should not be in
lieu of lettering on the edge, but that the latter should also be used, or tried,
as far as thickness will admit.

It may be objected, that increase of surface exposes to increased abrasion.
Numerous experiments here, not necessary to detail, prove that this is not
the fact. It is also opposed to the philosophy of the case. As was stated
by . Mr. Longacre, formerly our engraver, a thin steel plate for bank-note
engraving outlasts a thick one, from the fact that it has received a greater
compression and condensation in preparing it. More than that, a compact,
thick coin falls more heavily, and rubs more intensely, than an expanded, thin
coin of the same weight. It is the far more frequent use of small coins which
makes them wear* more than large ones.

At the time we were experimenting, a five-dollar pattern was made, in
copper, according to the shape proposed.

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

Wm. E. DuBois,

Assayer.

P. S. — Since the foregoing was in print, I have been asked by Mr. Ashley,
" Would the concavity of a coin injure its sonority ? The latter quality is
an almost indispensable consideration. I should prefer to resort to almost
any other expedient, rather than impair this quality. It is the first test usu-
ally applied, when a piece is in doubt/'

In view of this just remark, it gives me much satisfaction to add, that we
made some planchets of standard gold, of different sizes, and of the dish

70 . AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January,

shape ; and found their sonority more marked, than in pieces of the flat form.
Indeed, the ring was beautiful, somewhat resembling that of a bell ; and for
the reason that this shape is slightly similar, although hardly observable.

TRANSACTIONS OF SOCIETIES.

BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

July 3. A monthly meeting was held this day. In the absence of the
President, Mr. Sprague was called to the chair. The Secretary read the
report of the last meeting, which was accepted. Mr. Crosby exhibited a
Spanish bronze medal on the restoration of Ferdinand VII. The Secretary
exhibited a large lead medal of Washington, struck on the occasion of the
"Metropolitan Carnival" at Washington, February 20 and 21, 1871. The
Society adjourned at 4 3-4 p. m. Wm. S. Appleton, Secretary.

October 2. A monthly meeting was held this day. The Secretary read
the report of the last meeting, which was accepted. The President read a
letter from Judge Putnam, communicating to the Society a silver medal of
Edwin Forrest, a donation from Mr. David R. Whitney. Mr. Crosby ex-
hibited a very good specimen belonging to Hon. N. B. Shurtleff, of the rare
medal of William Pitt, with the inscription Britannia et America Junct^e.
The Society adjourned shortly before 5 p. m.

Wm. S. Appleton, Secretary..

November 6. A monthly meeting was held this day. The Secretary
read the report of the last meeting, which was accepted. Messrs. Thomas
Wilson of Manchester, N. H., and Lorin G. Parmelee of Boston, were elected
Resident Members. The Secretary was ordered to ascertain if Mr. Phinehas
Adams of Manchester, N. H., accepts the membership to which he was
elected some time ago. In consequence of the ill health of the Treasurer,
Mr. Pratt was requested to take charge of that officer's accounts. Mr. Cros-
by exhibited an impression of an old steel die of the State Treasurer of
Rhode Island for a stamp of $2.00. The Society adjourned shortly before
5 p. m. Wm. S. Appleton, Secretary.

December 4. A monthly meeting was held this -day. The Secretary read
the report of the last meeting, which was accepted. The President announced
a donation from Mr. Thomas Cleneay 6f Cincinnati, of four tin medals
of the Cincinnati Exposition of 1873, f° r which the thanks of the Society
were ordered. Messrs. Pratt and Green were appointed a committee to nom-
inate, at. the annual meeting in January, officers- for 1874. On motion of the
Secretary, it was voted that the Society subscribe for a copy of the work
on American coins, which Mr. Crosby is publishing on behalf of the New
England Numismatic and Archaeological Society. Mr. Parmelee exhibited
three curious little pieces : a German jetton, a copper coin of Cartagena,
and a silver coin, probably of Christian IV. of Denmark. Mr. Crosby

J874J AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 71

exhibited two Italian bronze medals, one of Cardinal Francis de Medici, the
other of a Barnabite friar. The Secretary alluded to a paragraph in the
Boston papers a few days back concerning a medal of George III., for which
the owner expected to get ;£ 1,000, and exhibited a. better specimen of the
same medal, the value of which is at most ^10. The Society adjourned
at 4 3-4 p. m. Wm. S. Appleton, Secretary.

EDITORIAL.

A Descriptive Catalogue of the Seavey Collection of American Coins \ the property of Lor in G.
Parmelee, of Boston. University Press, Cambridge : Welch, Bigelow, & Co., 1873.

We obtained a copy of this volume at the owner's price of three dollars, and have seldom
felt as if we had received less for pur money. The work is well printed, except for the exceed-
ing irregularity in the use of small capitals in the legends of the coins, probably not a fault of
the printer. We wish we could add something more of praise, but so far as concerns the con-
tents, criticism can hardly be anything but adverse.

We must first take exception to the words in the introduction, " This incomparable cabinet
of national coins," which may be true, but which certainly will not be thought so by some other
owners of valuable collections. The catalogue contains several pieces which have no place in it,
as a catalogue of American coins. Among them are Nos. 54 and 55, the small medal of William
Pitt, 67, the small Dutch medal of Rhode Island, which, is made to point a joke, wholly out of
place in such a catalogue, and others having no connection whatever with America. The Vir-
ginia cent, No. 61, would be a piece of rare interest, if it were not, as we feel sure, the usual
halfpenny struck on a larger planchet No. 404 is a piece, to the rarity of which especial atten-
tion should have been called ; a cent of 181 5, the Otho in first bronze of the American series.
Verily, if genuine, here is a hitherto unknown gem. What shall we say of No. 836, the
description of which we must quote at full length ? " Dollar. A pattern from design made
by Benj. Franklin, and familiar from impressions in tin, struck from the dies for distribution
among the patriotic friends of the first Congress ; the only one known in silver" Truly this
is descriptive with a vengeance. The piece is undoubtedly that known as the " Continental Cur-
rency," and in silver is a treasure ; but if a pattern, Nos. 63-66, should be placed with it, or if
they are really coins (which can hardly be assumed from their metal), surely the fact of this
one being in silver is not enough to place it in the rank of patterns. We have indeed great
fault to find with the use of the word pattern in this catalogue. In what sense can Nos. 849,
850, 851, 853, 875, 876, 894, 909, 932, 933, 934, and some others be called patterns? They
are at best trial-pieces of dies, certainly not of designs, and many of them were probably struck
simply as curiosities. We are astonished at the absence of historical- notes as to the origin
and ownership of the^ rarer coins, which would have given great value to the catalogue, even
after the publication of the large work which is now in press, under the auspices of the New
England Numismatic and Archaeological Society, and which leaves nothing to be desired in the
matter of fulness. We cannot yet review that work, but promise to do so at its completion,
with many regrets for the delays attending the appearance of the successive parts.

Light in Masonry. A monthly journal of sixteen pages. Published at one dollar per annum :
strictly in advance. Rob. Morris, Editor and Proprietor. Office 626 Broadway, New York:
July, 1873. Nos. 1, 2, 3.

We have received the first three numbers of the above journal. Each issue is to contain an
illustrated article on Ancient Coins, in addition to the subject for which the publication is spe-

72 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [January, 1874,

daily devoted. The editor has been a generous contributor to our journal, and we wish him
much success in' this undertaking. In a recent number he makes the following comments on
ancient bronze coins :

" The enormous number of bronze coins washed out of ruined cities in the old world, will
not surprise any one if he will estimate how much of the cheap copper money is used at the pres-
ent day in Europe, and still more in such densely populated countries as China. Some facts in
the history of modern copper coinage go to illustrate this matter. . For instance, when the copper
coinage of England was made by contract, at Birmingham, a few years since, the coining mill
worked eight machines, which were capable of making 8,000 pieces an hour, equal to 192,000
per day ! "

The second number of the yournal of the Liverpool Numismatic Society has been received.
It is issued in Liverpool and London, July, 1873 \ edited by J. Harris Gibson, well printed on
good paper, and the articles are carefully prepared. It treats of the following topics, namely :
Silver Tickets of the Theatre Royal ; Actors' Checks ; Theatre Royal Copper Checks, or Medal-
lets. ; Local Numismatic Waifs and Strays ; Sefton Park Medal ; Medal awarded to Deputy-
Superintendent Moore; Isle of Man Token; Shah of Persia, — Medallets. Illustrations:
Proprietors' Ticket, Theatre Royal ; Arms of the Blackbiirnes and Mores ; Map of North Meols
Coast ; Vertical Section of the Sea Beach of Cheshire, showing its Archaeological Contents.

The leading articles in this number will be found exceedingly interesting to the historical as
well as the numismatic student

Mr. Isaac F. Wood, of New York City, has just issued the following Medal, the fourth of
the series. Obverse: Within two circles, a fac-simile of the Seal of the Boston Numismatic
Society, [on which is represented the rare New EnglandjThree-pence, a Pine Tree, the early Sym-
bol of Massachusetts, and the three hills representing those on which Boston was built : Fort
Hill, Beacon Hill, and Copp's Hill, and, Instituted i860.] On the outer circle " Presidency of
Ulysses S. Grant, 1873 ; " on the inner, "Boston Numismatic Society. Incorporated 1870." Re-
verse : Facsimile of the Seal of the New England Historic, Genealogical Society, — a Shield on
which is a Pine Tree, representing New England, surrounded by a belt bearing the motto, " In
Memoriam Majorum ; " at the sides " Inc. 1845 ; " above, a hand issuing from clouds holding a
volume of Records ; the whole encircled by the name of the Society. On the outer edge, u Twin
Del vers in the Garden of History ; " below, (Isaac F. Wood's Memorial Series). Brass and Cop-
per. Size 20.

For sale by Edward Cogan, 408 State Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., and J. W. Haseltine, 1343
Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, at sixty cents each, or one dollar in both metals.

Mr. John Robinson, of Salem, informs us that a Pine Tree Shilling in fine condition was
found in the spring of 187 1, in the garden of Mrs. Slueman of Salem, who lives at No. 17 Cam-
bridge Street, in that city. Another specimen, which was of a larger size, was found the year
previous on the estate of the Plummer Farm School by one of the boys.

CURRENCY.

The boy who had been taught that time is money appeared at the bank, the other day, and
remarked that he had had an hour given him, and he would like to spend a quarter of an hour
and would take the change for the other three-quarters.

Just because a young man in Evansville coughed up a gold dollar, recently, that he swal-
lowed some time ago, the citizens of that place speak boastingly of their " coughers of gold."

A Dubuque banker dropped a two-cent piece in the contribution box, and took out a cent
for " discount."

PAYMENTS FOR THE JOURNAL.

Payments for the Journal will be acknowledged in this place.

Boston, E. F. Slafter, Athenaeum, Massachusetts Historical Society,
Public Library, N. B. Shurtleff, State Library, 'H. Davenport, G. W. Pratt;
JBrookline, Mass., Theodore Lyman, Public Library; Lowell, G. M. Elliot;
Springfield, C P. Nichols, James Parker, A. S. Bryant; Exeter, N. //., C.
H. Bell ; New Haven, Conn., J. Edwards, Jr. ; New York City, E. C. Samp-
son, Union League Club, R. O'Brien, Astor Library ; Alfred, N. K, J.
Allen; Netv Rocltelle, N. Y., Charles Pyer; Buffalo, N. Y., E. S. Ralph;
Philadelphia, Pa., Wm. Fewsmith ; Elizabeth, N. J., E. J. Cleveland ; San
Erancisco, Cat, H. O. Greenhood ; Montreal, Canada, R. W. McLachlan.

THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA.

The Committee of Publication of the New England Numismatic and
Arch/EOLogical Society are now publishing a work on the early coinage
of America.

It will include the Sommer Islands pieces ; all the silver coinage of New
England ; the Rosa Americana coins ; the Granby tokens ; the colonial
pieces of Virginia; the early coins of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey,
and Massachusetts ; the Washington issues ; together with the pattern
pieces of the Mint previous to its regular issues of 1793 ; also many tokens
struck in Europe for circulation in this country, etc., etc.

It is the intention of the Committee to make it a more complete and
thorough work on the early Numismatic history of America than has ever
been published; and to accomplish this, time, labor, and money have been
freely given, as the book will abundantly testify.

Price, One Dollar per number. Owing to the heavy outlay attending its
production, subscribers are required to accompany their orders with Five
Dollars, one half the estimated amount of subscription.

Receipts for payments in advance will be sent with the first number,
which was issued in January, 1873, and is to be followed by the others in
monthly parts till the work is completed.

The names of subscribers to the work will be published in the last number.

All communications should be addressed to Sylvester S. Crosby, 240
Washington Street, Boston, Mass.

Boston, Mass., July, 1873.

EDWARD COGAN,

DEALER IN

Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals,

No. 408 STATE STREET,
BROOKL YN, N. Y.

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

DEALER IN

Coins, Medals, Tokens, sialographs, Continental, Colonial^ and
Confederate Paper Money and Books relating to the same.

Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, Post free, . . $1.60
Field Medal, Bronze " 1.25

1343 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA.

CANADIAN ANTIQUARIAN

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NUMISMATIC JOURNAL.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY

The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada.

Subscription, $1.50 Canadian currency \ per annum, in advance, payable
to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86£, Montreal.

WM. PARSONS LUNT,

Historical and Genealogical Works,

102 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON.

He has on hand a few copies of My Campaigns in America ; a Journal kept
by Count William de Deux-Ponts, 1780-81. Translated from the French
manuscript, with an Introduction and Notes, by Samuel Abbott Green.

A. WILLIAMS & CO.

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135 WASHINGTON, corner of SCHOOL STREET,

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AMERICAN

Journal of Numismatics

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BULLETIN OF AMERICAN NUMISMATIC AND

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETIES.

April* 1874.

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY THE BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

QUARTERLY.

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All Communications to be addressed to Jeremiah Colburn, 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

CONTENTS.

•

The Copper Coinage of the Earl of

PAGE

Newspaper Cuttings

PAGE

Stirling

Time . . . . , .

Gold Penny of Henry IIJ. .

A Word on Numismatics

Civilization of the Incas

Work at the Mint

Higley Coppers

New Nickel Coinage

An Indian Medal

The Trade Dollar the Standard in

Boston in ye Old Time

China

Church Medal

-82

Sacramental Tokens

Greek Coins

Numismatic Items

The Treasure Trove

Notes and Queries

Transactions of Societies :

Wood's Memorial Medal

Boston Numismatic Society

Coming Coin Sales

9*4

Lost Possibilities of American

Shreveport Medals

Coinage

Obituary . . . . .

Aborigines of California

Editorial

Large Booty

Currency

HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL REGISTER,

AND ANTIQUARIAN JOURNAL.

ISSUED QUARTERLY BY THE HEW ENGLAND HIBTOBIO, GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY,

IN JANUARY, APRIL, JULY, AND OCTOBER. '

Each number contains matter interesting to the Historian and Antiquarian,

and is embellished with one or more portraits, engraved on steel.
Subscription, $3.00 per annum. Application can be made at the Society's

Building, No. 18 Somerset Street, Boston.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY, — THE NINTH VOLUME

BEGINS JULY 1st, 1874.
Subscription, two dollars per Volume, in advance.

Communications desired from those interested in the Science.

Address

JEREMIAH COLBURN,

April 1st, 1874. 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.

NOW READY

A descriptive catalogue of the medals struck in honor of Abraham Lincoln.
A large 8vo pamphlet, handsomely printed oh heavy paper.

Only seventy-five copies issued. Price #1.50.
Sent by mail, post-paid, on receipt of price, by the author,

A. C. ZABRISKIE,

1 2 East $otk Street, N. Y. City.

AMERICAN

JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS,

AND

Bulletin of American Numismatic and Archaeological Societies.

Vol. VIII. BOSTON, APRIL, 1874. - No. 4.

THE COPPER COINAGE OF THE EARL OF STIRLING.

BY ?HE REV. EDMUND F. SLAFTER, A. M.

The coining* of copper in England, at a very early period, was farmed
out to private persons under a royal grant or charter. If we are rightly in-
formed, this coinage is still conducted in that country in a somewhat similar
manner. The coining of small pieces by the Earl of Stirling was in s6me
sense, as will appear in the sequel, a private enterprise, authorized neverthe-
less by royal mandate and limited by the usual restrictions.

But before entering upon the historical account of that coinage, as pro-
posed in this paper, it will be necessary for the better understanding of the
subject to pause in the outset, and answer the inquiry, which the numismatic
student has a right to make, for some general outline of the life and character
of the Earl of Stirling. Our statement shall be as brief and compact as
possible.

The Earlof Stirling was a Scotch nobleman, born in 1580, at Menstrie,
an unimportant hamlet a few miles east of Stirling, of which his father was
the fifth laird or baron. The family name was Alexander, and, as the earl
came to the peerage late in life, he is more familiarly known in history as Sir
William Alexander.

He early developed scholarly tastes, and to a wide familiarity with the
Greek and Latin languages, he added a knowledge of the more important
Europeao tongues, as the French, Italian, and Spanish. After spending some
time in foreign travel, at the age of twenty-three he attracted the attention
of the literary world by the publication of a small volume of poetry, and
volumes continued to appear from his pen almost yearly for more than a
decade. He was the most voluminous Scotch poet of his period, and one
of the first who discarded the rough dialect of Scotland for the more highly
cultivated and refined English.

"His tastes and learning and other attractive qualities made him a great
favorite of James I., as likewise of his successor, the unfortunate Charles.

By the royal favor he was advanced to many important official stations,
and among others was appointed Master of Requests for Scotland, in which

VOL. VIII. IO

74 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

office it became his dilty to see that all Scottish petitions were suitable in
matter and couched in proper language, before they were brought to the ear
of the sovereign. He was likewise for many years Secretary of State for
Scotland ; in this office he was responsible for the legality of all documents
relating to Scotland, which were to pass under either the privy or the great
seal.

It will be seen that in the former office he was the adviser of the people, '
and in the latter the counsellor of the king.

As early as 1620 he became actively interested in American colonization.
His influence at court rendered it not difficult for him to obtain all the privi-
leges, in any enterprise of this sort; which the royal bounty could bestow.
He accordingly obtained a charter, under the great seal, of what he called
New Scotland, a vast domain embracing the present Nova Scotia, New Bruns-'
wick, and the territory lying immediately north of the last named province,
and south of the river St. Lawrence. At a later period, when the French
were expelled, in 1628, for a short time from Canada, then known as New
France, he obtained another charter, covering a belt of land three hundred
miles wide, lying on both sides of the St. Lawrence, and extending from its
mouth to the Pacific Ocean. And' lastly, he received a grant from the Coun-
cil for New England, of which he was a member, of Long Island, and a part
of the present State of Maine.

• He made several attempts to plant colonies in his New Scotland. In
1628 he established a Scotch settlement at Annapolis, in Nova Scotia, but
after three or four years this colony, greatly to his disappointment, was re-
moved, agreeably to the terms of a treaty entered* into by Charles I. with
the King of France. In 1639 he sent an agent to Boston, to encourage set-
tlements on Long Island, and many of the early planters^ on the eastern part
of the island obtained the title to their lands from the Earl of Stirling.

He was elevated to the Scottish peerage in 1630, as Viscount of Stirling,
and in 1633 was advanced to the Earldom of Stirling. He died in London
in February, 1641,

While there is much in the history and character of this nobleman at-
tractive to the general reader, that, part of his career connected with American
colonization will always be studied with a special interest on this side of the
Atlantic.

From this brief outline we shall not fail to see that he was a man of
extraordinary energy and* enterprise, and that he possessed a great personal
.influence, certainly in regard to Scottish affairs, at the court of Charles I.

Near the beginning of the year 1631, a proposition was made from Scot-
land, favored by the Earl of Stirling if not originating with him, that small
copper coins should be struck for circulation in that kingdom ; and it was es-
pecially urged on account of the scarcity of money at that time, and the great
convenience of small coin for the poor, and for the payment of small sums.

The petition of the Scots was favorably entertained by the King and the
Privy Council, and the requisite order having been* issued, Charles addressed
a note, on the 30th of June, i63i,to Nicholas Briot, directing him to pre-
pare the dies and other instruments necessary, for coining copper farthings,
and to send them, under the direction of the Earl of Stirling, to the royal
Mint at Edinburgh, and to repair thither himself to establish and superintend
the works.

1874.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 75

Nicholas Briot, to whom this order was given, was at that time the chief
graver of coins and medals in England, having held the same office in France.
He was esteemed the most distinguished artist of his time in this department.
He left France in 1628 in disgust, and repaired to England, where he was
cordially received, and wlhere his skill was duly appreciated. He was there-
upon immediately advanced to the high position to which we have referred.
* We are informed by Martin Folkes that he was the first who exhibited in
. Britain the specimen of a piece with letters upon the edge. This was a medal
in gold, struck on the occasion of the King's coronation at Edinburgh, on
the 18th June, 1633.

On the edge of the medal the following inscription was " most elegantly
impressed " : —

EX . AVRO . VT . IN . SCOTIA . REPERITVR . BRIOT . FECIT . EDINBVRGI . 1 633.

On the 10th of July, 163 1, the King directed the Treasurer of Scotland
to pay over to the Earl of Stirling, in acknowledgment of the good and
faithful service rendered by him, the royalty, or what properly belonged to
the king, in the coinage of the copper coins.

Oa the 13th of December following, the King, in. a note to the Privy
Council of Scotland, gave directions that the coins to Be issued should be in
three different pieces, specifying the weight and title of each ; and he also
laid down the mottoes and devices which they were to bear. The original
project of coining farthings was abandoned, on the ground that coins of the
same denomination, but varying in weight and value, would be more " con-
venient for exchange and reckoning," in which we seem to see the germ of
the decimal system, but which has remained latent in Great Britain even
down to the present day. The Council were directed to take such order in
regard* to the change of the weight of the pieces, as they might think fit, or
as the necessities of the country should require.

The royalty* on these coins was granted by the King to the Earl of Stir-
ling, for the space of nine years, and longer if necessary, in payment of a
precept for 6,000 pounds sterling granted to him by James I., and another of
10,000 pounds by Charles I., upon very good considerations.

The precept for 10,000 pounds sterling granted by Charles, was in re-
muneration for losses sustained in the removal of the Scotch colony, already
referred to, planted by the Earl in 1628, on the present site of Annapolis in
Nova Scotia. It is interesting to the student of American history to observe,
that this coinage is thus intimately connected with the public recognition of
the great indebtedness of the Scots to the enterprise of Stirling in attempting
an American colony, two years before Winthrop founded the town of Boston,
the present metropolis of New England, and when- the Episcopal clergyman,
the Rev. William Blaxton, was the sole proprietor as well as the sole inhabitant
of the peninsula of Shawmut.

Authority was at first given for the coining of 1,500 stone- weight. After
the work had been in progress two years, this amount having been apparently
nearly exhausted, authority was given for 6,000 stone-weight in addition, and
as much more as should be needed to discharge the royal indebtedness, issu-
ing from year to year about the same quantity as during the first two, until
the expiration of his patent at the end of nine years.

76 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

Whether all or the bulk of the 16,000 pounds sterling due to the Earl
was finally discharged by this enterprise, history is silent.

The work was commenced in 1632, but we have no complete evidence
as to when it terminated, or the exact quantity of.coin struck. We shall
refer to these two points, however, in the sequel.

No treatise upon numismatics, either Scotch or English, with which we
are acquainted, has given any account of the Earl of Stirling's connection
with this coinage. It is, however, proper to add that this omission is not
remarkable, since the contractors for the coining of copper are not usually
mentioned by writers on this subject, except in an incidental way. We have
seen several engraved representations of these coins in illustrated works, but
in no case identified as of the Stirling coinage.

Mr. Henry F. Brown of the Numismatic Society of Liverpool, England,
very kindly forwarded to the writer, by mail, in
1872, through the Secretary of that Society, Mr.
Heywood Chapman, several of the small copper
coins of Scotland, of the period of Charles I., be-
longing to his private collection. Two of them
we were able to identify as of the Stirling coinage.
For the accurate engravings of them, which we here present, we are indebted
^K?2v ^fn&jfc. *° tne courtes y °f tne Prince Society, at whose expense
j^Pgr-SN. 0^Mftys. they were made to illustrate a brief notice of this coin-
gVr^f^j t=5 ' t8»' fr) a S e m a m emoir of the Earl, prepared by the present
^SSrSb' "fi5r?y wr iter, an ^ recently published by that Society, under
XftQtV ^t&toiy tne title " Sir William Alexander and American Colo-
nization." The original drawings are from the delicate and skilful pencil of
Miss Louise M. Hill, of Boston.

The devices and mottoes ordered by the King in a communication to the
Privy Council of Scotland, December 13, 1631, were as follows: —

On one side a figure to indicate the value, under an imperial crown, with
the royal inscription.

On the other the thistle with the motto, —

NEMO.HE.IHFUNE.LACESSET.

The coins were to be of three denominations. One weighing thirty-two,
grains, another weighing sixteen grains, and a third weighing eight grains ;
the latter, the King adds, "being- the weight formerlie allowed by yow to the/
farthings."

The smaller of Mr. Browns coins, above represented, weighs exactly
eight grains, and the II under the imperial crown indicates its value to be
two farthings. The larger weighs precisely thirty-two grains, and the value
is indicated to be two pennies, or four times that of the smallest coin. .

The reader will observe that they conform in type and weight strictly to
the King's direction, and their identity, as of the Stirling coinage, could hardly
be more completely established, although the value" enstamped upon them
appears to be but half that originally intended.

It will here be proper to remark that when the investigation for the pur-
pose of identifying the Stirling coinage was in progress in 1872, and a
correspondence with the officers of the Liverpool Numismatic Society was

1874.]. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 77

solicited and cordially granted, Mr. William S. Appleton, the Secretary of
the Boston Numismatic Society, was absent in Europe, and his rich collection
was not accessible at that time, as it usually is for all historical purposes. On
Mr. Appleton's return, he at once placed in the hands of the writer two speci-
mens of the Stirling coins of exactly the same type as those belonging to
Mr. Brown's private collection, already described. Both of them were found
to be somewhat heavier than the royal license required, the larger weighing
thirty-seven grains instead of thirty-two, and the smaller weighing nine grains
instead of eight. At that early period little care was taken to secure exact-
ness, the chief concern being that they should not fall below the required
weight, and the excess in this case was, undoubtedly, accidental. The smaller
one is in fine preservation, scarcely less perfect than when it came from the
mint, abbreviated by the occasional suppression of a letter, or by causing two
to occupy the same space, one being struck over another in several instances.

Of the intermediate coin, weighing sixteen grains, ordered to be struck,
we have seen no specimen, nor any engraved illustration of it, in any work
which we have examined relating to the coinage of Scotland.

The Stirling coins were undoubtedly struck at the old Scotch mint, or
Cunyie House, still standing in the little court at the foot of Gray's Close, in
Edinburgh, where are also the more . spacious buildings in which were the
offices of the Scottish mint before the Union; but now for a long time ap-
propriated to other uses.

In the common parlance of the people they were called Turners, from
Tournois, a term originally applied b^ the French to coins struck at Tours.

For several years the Earl of Stirling's coins appear to have been accept-
able to the people of Scotland, and were circulated throughout the kingdom,
nearly to the exclusion of other small coins. But at length circumstances
arose which developed serious objections to them, the popular indignation
was aroused, and they were denounced with acrimony and bitterness.

While the weight was apparently precisely that established by the govern-
ment, and in this respect there was no violation of law, a change had never-
theless been introduced, which could not be easily reconciled with the habits,
customs, and associations of the people.

The farthing no longer found its place in the coinage, and a piece of
, the same weight as the farthing was legalized to pass as two farthings, and
the change extended, in the same ratio, to all the pieces issued. Whether the
commercial value of the material had increased in the same proportion, so
as to render the change necessary, it is not easy, at this distance of time, to
determine ; perhaps it had, and perhaps it had not But however this may
have been, the change was inconvenient and disagreeable ; it interfered with
old associations, and caused a visible ripple in the small currents of trade.
Even under the most popular government and in the most peaceful times,
a change in the nomenclature of the coinage, or moneys of account, especially
if it break in upon associated values, inevitably meets with resistance, and
is submitted to only with hesitation and reluctance. Whatever gets out of
the grooves of cherished habit and established custom among men, must wait
long and patiently, and be subjected to many a strain, before it can move on
smoothly and without friction. For more tnan forty years after the United
States adopted the decimal system in our coinage and moneys of account,

78 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [,April,

shillings and pence, with all their inconveniences, could not be forced out of
use, and even now are terms sometimes heard among the small traders and
shopkeepers.

The Earl of Stirling's coinage had at least the infelicity of employing
old terms with a new meaning ; the change was irritating and vexatious, far
more so than would be possible at the present time, reaching as it did, every
person in the kingdom, who had the means of buying a loaf of bread or a
horn of beer. This alone could 'not fail to render these coins distasteful and
obnoxious to the whple population.

But the more active cause of their unpopularity may be found in the
hostility of the Scotch people generally to the arbitrary and despotic govern-
ment of Charles I., under whose authority they were emitted.

The year 1637 was the crisis in Scotland of this monarch's fate. He
had attempted, under the inspiring influence of the narrow and bigoted Laud,
to impose upon the Scotch, without their consent, a mode of worship, that
should be uniform, or nearly so, with that of England. A book of' common
prayer for Scotland was accordingly prepared, attached to which was a ver-
sion of the Psalms into metre, which had been partly executed by King
James, but revised and completed by the Earl of Stirling, and as a remuner-
ation of his services, as editor and author, a copyright was granted to him
for twenty-one years. His pecuniary interests and his ambition as a poet,
were accordingly both involved in the successful introduction of this Service-
book. And when the King sent out a proclamation resting solely on the
authority of his royal prerogative, requiting the use of the book in all the
churches of Scotland, if by the magic of his kingly power he had kindled
volcanic fires beneath the surface of that entire kingdom, he could hardly
have thrown the whole population into a more violent state of excitement
The publio worship was interrupted, the clergy were assaulted, even missiles
were hurled at them when performing their most sacred offices, and nowhere
was the new service permitted to be used. From this time onward, the King
and all associated with him, were hated and mistrusted by the bulk of the
Scottish people. It was not possible for anything that fell within the domain
of the royal prerogative, to be regarded with friendliness or indulgence. The
Earl of Stirling's connection with the Service-book and the coinage, was of
this character, and he shared the popular distrust and disapprobation. The
wits of the day were ready with their keenest weapons ; and burlesques and
satires and lampoons were employed to exhilarate the hearts of the people,
and mould them at the same time into a permanent hatred of the royal cause.
The Earl of Stirling had placed upon his palatial house, erected in 1632, at
Stirling, and still standing, a monument both of his ambition and of his taste,
his family arms, with the motto, Per mare per terras. This was travestied
into Per metres per turners, with the implication, that the house had been
erected from the anticipated proceeds of the coinage and the metrical version
of the Psalms, both of which, as we have seen, were, directly or indirectly,
subjects of popular complaint.

An old chronicler of the times records that, in November, 1639, two
years after the imposed Service-book had been successfully resisted, King
Charles's turners, struck by the Earl of Stirling, were, by proclamation at the
Cross of Edinburgh, cried down from " twa pennies to ane penny." The

1874.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 79

effect of this was to withdraw the obnoxious coins from circulation, indicating
very clearly that prices had already, in the seven years that had elapsed since
their introduction, adapted themselves, in some degree at least, to the new
coinage. This proclamation was shortly recalled, " because," says the same
authority, " there was no other money passing to make change."

But the irritation of the people*had not yet reached its height, but was
destined to go on, gathering new impulses and additional strength, until it
came to its ultimate intensity in the King's tragical death.

In a few weeks after the recall of the proclamation " crying " down its
value, the indignation of the people became so intense that they determined
utterly to abandon the new coinage, and to have nothing to do with it what-
ever. " Now," says the annalist, " they would give nothing, penny nor half-
penny for King Charles's turfters ; but King James's turners only should pass.
Whereby all change and trade was taken away through want of current money,
because their slight turners was the only money almost passing through all
Scotland." This absolute and total rejection of the legal coinage of the
country at any value whatever, renders it obvious, that the naturally warm
blood of the Scots was how at a boiling heat, that reason was no longer on
the throne, that passion had seized the sceptre, and was in triumphant and
despotic command.

How long this restraint continued, we have not been able to determine ;
perhaps no record exists which can throw any light upon this point. Doubt-
less this coinage was not looked upon with favor for the next twenty years,
or until the restoration of Charles II.

The issue of the Earl of Stirling's coins from the mint must have ceased
iii 1637, when the hostility of the Scots was aroused against the King by the
imposition of the Service-book, which was about five years from the beginning
of the issue in 1632. In 1634 an order was granted by the King for the coin-
age of 6,000 stone-weight of copper, as we have already stated, from which
it may be inferred that the 1,500 stone- weight previously ordered, had been
nearly exhausted in the two years which had then elapsed, and it was proposed
to continue the coinage at about the same rate annually. If then not far
from 700 stone-weight was coined annually for five years, it would amount
to about 49,000 pounds of copper. If this estimate approximates the truth, it
will be easy to imagine the vast number of these coins that were thus thrown
into circulation.

Specimens of the Stirling coinage are not at the present day common,
nor indeed are they on the other hand of the greatest rarity. By the original
order it was provided that* only one fifteenth part of the copper should be
made into the smallest. pieces, and consequently, if this order was carried out,
a much smaller number of the piece of eight grains was struck than of the
others, but this would not probably, at this distance of time, affect their rarity
to any perceptible degree. That the largest coin or the two penny piece was
struck in the greatest number, may also be inferred from the proclamation at
the Cross of Edinburgh, which cried down the " twa pennies to ane penny,"
while the smaller coins were not mentioned at all. Those that have come
down to us are probably of the number that were laid aside, near the time of
their issue, by antiquaries, and more especially by the loyalists, who preserved
and cherished these coins as mementoes of Charles I. The royal inscription

So AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

and the imperial crown reminded the cavalier of the King whom he venerated
and loved as his sovereign by a divine right, whose memory was more dear to
him and more tenderly cherished because he had been snatched from the
throne by a violent and tragical death.

GOLD PENNY OF HENRY III.

" Until the commencement of the last century, it was the generally re-
ceived opinion that Edward III. was the first English monarch who coined
gold money in this kingdom. About 1730, however, attention was drawn to a
passage in a manuscript chronicle of the city of # London, which states that in
1257 this king coined a penny of fine gold, of the weight of two. sterlings
(silver pennies of the time), and ordered that it should pass for twenty pence.

" These coins, nevertheless, do not seem to have been popular, as Mr.
Carte, in his History of England, says that the citizens of London made a
representation against them on the 24th November, in the same year, and
that ' the king was so willing to oblige them, that he published a proclamation,
declaring that nobody was obliged to take it (the gold penny), and whoever
did, might bring it to his exchange, and receive there the value at which it
had been made current, an half-penny only being deducted, probably for the
coinage.'

" By a proclamation of his 54th year, quoted by Snelling, the value of this
coin was raised from twenty pence to twenty-four pence, or two shillings.

■ " These gold pennies are extremely rare, two or three specimens only
being known. One of the two in the British Museum was purchased for £41
\os. Another sold for^i40 at Captain Murchison's sale, in June 1864. They
bear, obv., the king crowned, seated on his throne in royal robes, and holding
in his right hand a sceptre, and in his left the orb. Henric\ Rex III., Rev. a
long double cross or cross voided, extending nearly to the edge of the coin ;
with a rose between three pellets in each angle. Willem. on Lvnd., Lvdne.,
or, Lvnden. The workmanship is much superior to that of the silver coins
of the same period.

" Weight. — 45 1-5 grains.

" Fineness. — Pure or fine gold, without alloy.

" Between the issue of this gold penny in 1257, anc * *he fi rs * issue of Ed-
ward III. in 1344, an interval of nearly ninety years, no coinage of gold money
is known to have taken place." — Henfrey's English Coins, London, 1870.

CIVILIZATION OF THE INCAS.

•

" The subjects of the Incas .... with all their patient perseverance, did lit-
tle more than penetrate below the crust, the outer rind, as it were, formed over
those golden caverns which lie hidden in the dark depths of the Andes. Yet
what they gleaned from the surface was more than adequate for all their., de-
mands, for they were not a commercial people, and had no knowledge of
money. In this they differed from the ancient Mexicans, who had an established

1874.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 81

currency of a determinate value. In one respect, however, they were superior
to their American rivals, since they made use of weights to determine the
quantity of their commodities, a thing wholly unknown to* the Aztecs. This
fact is ascertained by the discovery of silver balances, adjusted with perfect
accuracy, in some of the tombs of the Incas." — Prescott's Conquest of Peru,
Vol. I. pp. 154, 155. •

HIGLEY COPPERS.

A coin made from this ore, called " Higley's Coppers," was at one time in
some circulation in the vicinity of the mines. It is said to have passed for two
and sixpence (forty-two cents), in paper currency it -is presumed, though com-
posed chiefly, if not entirely, of copper.

One of these coins, dated 1737, is in the cabinet of the Connecticut
Historical Society. Its inscription on one side is, " I am good copper; " on
the other, " Value me as you please." These coppers were much used for
melting up with gold in the manufacture of jewelry, and for this purpose
were considered vastly preferable to ordinary copper coin. They were not
in circulation as a currency after the peace of 1783. The inventor and maker
is supposed to have been Doctor Samuel Higley, who a few years before this
had attempted to manufacture steel, and was somewhat distinguished for
enterprises of this character. — From the History of Simsbury, Granby, and
Canton \ConnI\, by Noah A. Phelps. Hartford, 1845.

AN INDIAN MEDAL.

One of these four Mozeemleks had a medal hanging around his neck
of a kind of reddish copper, something like the figure which you see on the
map. I had it melted by Mr. de Tonti's gunsmith, who had some knowledge
of the metals ; but it became heavier and more deeply colored than before
and withal somewhat tractable. I desired them to give me a circumstantial
account of these medals. They told me that the Tahuglauks, who are their
artisans, put a great value on them. Besides this, I could learn nothing of
the country, commerce, or customs of these distant people. — From Baron
La Hontans Travels in North America, made in 1689. Hague edition, 1703,
chapter 1 6.

BOSTON IN YE OLD TIME.

There is less paper money in this colony [Massachusetts Bay] than in
any other of America ; the current coin is chiefly gold and silver ; and Boston
is the only place, I believe, where there ever was a mint to coin money.

From Burnaby's Travels in North America, in 1759 and 1760.

VOL. VIII. II .

82 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

CHURCH MEDAL.

Mr. George H. Lovett, die-sinker, of 181 Broadway, N. Y., has recently
issued a very neat medal for the "American Church Missionary Society."
It is intended for distribution among members of their branch in Mexico.

Obv. Within a circle, and surrounded by rays of light, an open Bible on
which lies the Cross. Around this, outside the circle, the legend " American-
Church-Missionary-Society.* "

Rev. A dove, with wings spread, holding in its beak a sprig of olive, and
sustaining an irregular convoluted scroll covering the field, on which rests an
open volume, marked " Biblia Sacrada;" rays of light from the doves beak
cross the scroll and underlie the volume. Legend, " Cree-en-el-Seiior-Jesus-
y-Seras-Salvo " — " Iglesia<le-Jesus-Mexico."

Size 25. White metal. W.

GREEK COINS.

The collection of coins deposited in the Medal Room of the British Museum is the finest,
if not the largest, in Europe. Kept there as in 'the national strong-tx>x, and filtered through the
adjacent or so-called Ornament Room by the display of a typical set of electrotypes or the
march past of a few trays of real coins at a time, its beauty, size, and importance can scarcely
be appreciated by the visitor to its casual ward. The access to the collection, or rather the iron-
doored room in which it is preserved, is limited to a few, and to them a portion only is shown at
a time under a glass tray ; yet this grand collection -continues to grow unseen, and the glimpse
of a fraction of it through the pages of a catalogue is like the revelation of a mystery to the
general public. The grants for its enlargement have been on the most liberal scale, the acces-
sions to its cabinets of the choicest and finest specimens. The .strength of the Greek section
lies in the autonomous coins struck by the free towns and petty republics of Greece, Asia Minor,
the Isles, and the Colonies. The cabinets*- of the Rue Richelieu had more examples and rarer
types of the Kings and Tyrants, yet even in this branch they are now equalled, if not excelled,
by the suits in Bloomsbury.

The Lydian or Argive, who first stamped gold or silver, was a genius. Clay and leather
and other plastic substances bad been stamped before, but it was the hand of a giant mind which
first impressed on a lump of metal its weight, its origin, and its responsibility. It converted the
uncertain ingot into the decided coin, and the man of the Old World no longer required the
scale, like the pedantic Chinese, to measure every ounce he paid. Greece and Asia contended
for the honor of the invention. The difference lay in the metal. Asia issued gold, Greece silver.
Crcesus, b. c. 560, struck gold, and Pheidon of Argos silver, according to the Parian chronicle,
three centuries before. Later, Asia coined silver also ;* declining Greece gold ; and when Philip
of Macedon found the gold mines of Mount Pangaeum and issued gold staters, their seductive
influence corrupted the orators of Athens and the statesmen of Greece.

Once invented, the improvement was rapid. /"XTfirst, the device of an animal was seen on
one side, the other had the irregular indentation, apparently the impress of the projection of the
lower die to hold the gland-shaped lump while struck ; for the Greeks were aware how the coin
slipped under the hammer, although they could not invent either the ring or the collar to clutch
the piece. This little trick was one of the last discoveries of the modern mint. By degrees,
however, the irregular indentation became the regular square, and a device within it completed
the reverse. Nor were the pieces regular in shape or exact in weight ; they were sometimes
double struck or cracked at the edge. The high relief of their devices, which gave them artistic
beauty, impaired their public utility. They could not be piled or stacked, but could, only be
heaped, while the friction of daily use rapidly deteriorated their value. Hence coins like "them
are unsuited for modern civilization. They have no more relation to it than the arrangements
of Greek temples have to the requirements of churches or other public buildings. They were

1874-]. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 83

the counters of a nation of artists, in whose mind was deeply impressed the love of the beautiful,
occasionally to the neglect of the useful. To the modern die engraver they have proved an in-
valuable aid to his art, and guided his taste as soon as it had emancipated itself from the thral-
dom of the imitation of Byzantine coinage.

For about eight hundred years, from the first coin of Greece or Asia to the days of the
Roman. Emperor Gallienus, the states of Greepe enjoyed the right of coinage, while free, in all
metals ; after their subjection to the Imperial eagles of Rome, in brass and copper only. Coin-
age in the precious metals, an Imperial privilege, was the badge of a centralized sovereignty ;
the contemptible copper was left to the control of the local municipality. The eonquests of
Alexander the Great had before this partly suppressed the civic devices, as in the principal
towns of Europe and Asia, one type, his own regal one, was adopted, and the place of issue
indicated by a device, a letter, or a monogram. His Greek successors continued the system
as far as their power extended, and the Romans followed up the plan. The Greek series exhibits
during the eight hundred years coins of more than 1,000 towns and republics, and above 300
kings, and of each of those many varieties, supposed to amount to 60,000 pieces.

The monetary system, too, had its difficulties, as each town had its local issue ; rarely does
a countermark attest the adoption of the coinage, of a city by its neighbor or its rival. The
ancient traveller must in the course of a short journey have passed a small collection through
his hand, and constantly applied to the money changer, unless, as in some states of Europe, the
change was given in miscellaneous pieces which were taken at their nominal value. The prin-
cipal denominations were the drachm, didrachm, and tetradrachm, with a rarer oktodrachm and
dekadrachm, and their subdivisions. The drachm of the iEginean standard weighed 96 grains,
its didrachm about 192. The Attic drachm was 67.5 grains, its didrachm 135, and tetradrachm
270 grains. The kings of Macedon used a drachm of 58 grains, and a tetradrachm of 232 grains.
These are the principal monetary systems.

The coins principally found in cabinets are the didrachms and tetradrachms ; the drachms
are rarer ; the smaller denominations, the obolos and its multiples, are still more so. Some
are so small that they have been preserved with difficulty, or have escaped the eye. The devices
of the mints were the beads of deities or heroes, sacred animals, arms, and weapons. They often
had relation to each other. In the silver coinage the skill of the artist was best shown in the
tetradrachm, which is about the size of a # florin or half-crown ; but it is wonderful what merit
the Greek engraver evinced in Asiatic coins'of electrum not larger than a sixpence. The name
of the town always, of the annual magistrate often, of the artist seldom, appeared on the coins
of the free states. When the space became too narrow, monograms were used, and at a later
period, and exceptionally, dates. Kings, indeed, allowed the names of magistrates and cities on
their coins, but artists were carefully excluded, and few Jiave left their names behind them. Their
names can be counted on the fingers, and one only, Theodotos of Clazomenae, asserts his char-
acter. Yet they must have been as well known as the engravers of gems or hard stones, long
lists of whom appear in classic authors and on works of ancient art. The Greek, occupied in
political struggles and metaphysical discussions, cared little for the history of the processes of
the art, and the mint in particular was forgotten ; a few scattered notices about coins are to be
found in Hellenic literature, but no treatise on the subject.

Artists and their dies have alike passed into oblivion ; for, although tens of thousands of
these appliances must have been engraved, no certain ancient Greek die is known. Allowing
that the same public authority which made them also as certainly cancelled them, and admitting
that they were easily broken and constantly renewed, yet the problem of their absence still
remains unsolved. Iron, indeed, might perish through the oxidization of time, but bronze sur-
vives. Accident, fire, vicissitudes, and public calamities must have often buried the matrix
and the mould as well as the coin in the depths of the earth.

• Every small republic and principal town had its circulation, and the state of the whole Greek
coinage was like that of the copper issue of England in the seventeenth and eighteenth centu-
"ries, when any tradesman might be his own mint master and issue his peculiar token. To this
is due the infinite variety of beautiful Hellenic coins, which, regarded as works of art, are
metallic camei of a high order of merit ; not so indestructible as engraved stones, but public
and authentic productions of ancient art produced by rival artists.

The revival of the arts in Europe brought with it the desire of collecting. Petrarch, in the
fourteenth century, had collected a few Roman coins, which he presented to the Emperor Charles
IV. Later the De Medici collected the museum and cabinets of Florence. The passion ex-
tended to kings and princes, and rich persons followed the fashion. In the middle of the
sixteenth century there were 1,000 known collections in Europe. The first important cabinet in
England was that of Charles I., but the civil war dispersed or melted it. There were several

84 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

collections in the seventeenth century, but the eighteenth was the period when the largest were
formed.

The principal collectors were physicians. Meade had a celebrated collection, which went
to the hammer ; Sir Hans Sloane another, which was absorbed by the British Museum ; William-
Hunter a third, now at Glasgow. Besides these the Pembroke and Devonshire collections were
of later growth and less importance. In the present century the national collections were en-
riched by the additions of the coins of Cracherode and Payne Knight, distinguished for their
fine conaition, selections from those of Lord Northwick and Burgon, recently from that of Wigan,
and the slow, but continuous, purchases at public sales, to which all the older collections have
succumbed. If the taste for coins has not declined, the fashion of collecting them has, and the
last of important private collections is that of the late General Fox. Cabinets may be as numer-
ous, but their contents are less complete. Public museums ultimately attract all the unique and
finer specimens. The private collector feels he cannot contend against national exchequers,
and the pride of accumulating is thus extinguished. The coin once pigeon-holed never reappears
in the market, and the collector might as well hope to obtain a lost Pleiad.

The study of Greek numismatics began with the publication of Goltzius in the sixteenth
century, but it was not tilt 1762 that Pellerin engraved the first plate, in which the size, flaws,
and condition of the coin were indicated. Subsequent writers followed the example of this
numismatist. Catalogues of the principal cabinets were also published — that of Dr. William
Hunter, in 1782, with excellent engravings and descriptions by C. Combe ; that of the national
collections, in 18 14, by Taylor Combe, his son, the plates drawn by Corbould and engraved by
Moses. The collection bequeathed by Payne Knight was published from his own descriptions
in Latin in 1830, since which time no catalogue has appeared from the Museum till the present
year. Similar in plan, but with more critical remarks interspersed, Leake gave in 1854 his
"Numismata Hellenica," an account of his coin and electrotypes unaccompanied by en-
gravings.

The catalogue of his coins of Italy of the Greek series of the Museum, published by Mr.
Poole, follows the same general method of arrangement as the older catalogues, with the ex-
ception of outline wood-cuts of the coins, introduced into the text. These are fairly executed,
but are certainly not finer as works of art than the figures of the coins of the Syrian kings, by
Bartolozzi, or the engravings of the older catalogue by Moses. It seems to have been agreed
among numismatists that the literature of the subject should be neglected, the compiler being
content with describing each coin without tracing the history of the assignment, or the works in
which each specimen has been successively published or engraved. It is to be regretted that
numismatists have not followed the example of naturalists in this respect, as mere skeleton de-
scriptions afford no clue to the learned labyrinth of the study. Another important point is the
condition of a coin indicated in some catalogues by letters imperfectly seen, being marked by
fainter lines.

In this country the refinement of collectors has attached great value to condition, and
increases the price of those in a beautiful state of preservation from pence to pounds. The
sixteen volumes of Mionnet, published from 1806-1837, are, notwithstanding the disparaging
observations passed on them, the best guide to the collector. This work, originally compiled to
aid the sale of sulphur impressions, although not so highly scientific, contained all that was
required — the style, the size, the rarity, and the market value. In this the author was assisted
by Rollin, the celebrated French coin dealer of the Rue Vivienne, at Paris.

Undoubtedly the most beautiful of the Greek series are the coins of Italy, especially those
of Southern Italy, where the Greek colonist founded a new Hellas in the seventh century b. c.
There are noble specimens of art in the Peloponnesian coinage, and exquisite gems in those of
Asia Minor, but the series of Italy and Sicily excel both. 'The standard of the currency was
Attic, the art of the finest Greek, the tone the softest Italian. The earlier coins are remark-
able. A thick bracteate kind of didrachm prevailed at the earliest period at Crotona, Meta-
pontum, Sybaris, Posidonia or Paestum, and Tarentum. The type on one side was in relief, and *
the same in cuse or in intaglio on the other. Tlje latter coins rapidly improved, and their art
was.only rivalled, if excelled, by that of Sicily. A series of numerous didrachms, no two alike,
was issued in the third and fourth centuries b. c, from the mint of Tarentum. Taras, son of
Neptune, and founder of the state, is represented by sea and land, riding on a dolphin or
mounted on a horse in several attitudes. The gold staters are also remarkably fine, and that
on which the young Taras runs out of the sea to his father Neptune is as beautiful as it is rare.
The didrachms of Heraclea, with the head of Pallas and Hercules strangling the Nemaean lion,
are fine in style and wonderful in execution. Thurium, which succeeded Sybaris, and was
founded by Athens, b. c. 444, struck didrachms of exquisite beauty, with Scylla on the helm
of Minerva's heajd, and a bull rushing to butt,

1874.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 85

Charming examples of the engraver's art are also found on the didrachms of Terrina, where
Iris or Nike appears in many devices. The copper coins of Neapolis or Naples are remarkable
for the beauty of their blue patina, produced by a volcanic soil. The coins of Northern Italy,
Etruria, Latium, Umbria, are unwieldy masses of brass or copper, cast, not struck. The his-
torical As of Servius Tullius is not found ; it is a myth of the Lays of Rome. The heavy and
inconvenient copper of Etruria and the surrounding territory is, after all, not much older than
the third century a c. Silver is limited to the town of Populonia ; the rest is doubtful ; Greek
language disappears from the coins; the Etruscan appears. The coins of Samnium, issued
during the Social or Marsic war, are silver, with Oscan legends, and belong to anQther system.
There was no unity. The coins of Italy have been well engraved and amply illustrated. The
Italians Borghesi, Carelli, Cavedoni, and Tessieri, were excellent numismatists, while the English
Millingen has illustrated the history and types, and the German Mommsen the Etruscan, Oscan,
and Roman monetary systems.

The science of numismatics has been so far explored that great discoveries are exhausted,
but the labor of cataloguing coins has not diminished. Catalogues are chiefly useful as sub-
sidiary to the labors of the master minds, like Eckhel or Mommsen, who generalize such subjects
and group together the meaning of the devices and other minor points of these microscopic
objects of antiquity. Surrounded by an apparently eternal civilization, it is too often forgotten
that so much of it is perishable. A coin may represent a reign, a space in time, or a people ;
it is buried, forgotten, and reappears. Not explaining itself, history, science, and literature are
required for its illustration. It may add the name of an obscure town pr an unknown prince to
our knowledge, but no more. It satisfies curiosity with a portrait In art, however, it is a little
jewel. Its value has attracted the attention of forgers, and the discrimination of the difference
between the true old specimen and its fictitious substitute demands a special gift of mind or a
long experience. — London Times.

THE TREASURE TROVE

Discovered at the Bay of Fundy is briefly mentioned by telegraph, but
the finders refuse to reveal .the spot where the buried treasure was discovered.
The St. John Daily Telegraph gives a long account of the affair, although
omitting names and localities.

The finder # and his associates tell of marks found on large rocks now on
the shore, which were deciphered, and pointed to the fact that treasure was
buried in the vicinity. Old excavations in a bank which had been partially
washed away by the waters were quite numerous. Further from the shore
and near the edge of a fir and spruce thicket, on the side of a rock which is
some ten feet high, is the following, cut with <i chisel, but nearly obliterated :

L ORE I INE, VE AND WA HA SEC AND

YE DE.

The above was interpreted as follows :

Labore is vaine, ye grave and waters have taken ye secrete

and ye golde.

Not long ago the son of the man and woman who offered the coins for
sale was out gunning, and as he passed along the shore he observed that the
high* clay bank, in which the excavations had been made, had caved away
considerably.

His joy may, perhaps, be imagined when he discovered a piece of brokeft
pottery, and scattered near it a quantity of coin. The vessel, which had evi-

S6 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

dently contained the gold, had lain mouth downward. A piece of copper
had been fitted to the bottom, inside, and on a piece of vellum, inclosed in
a wrapper of the same material, and placed between the copper and the
bottom, was the following, written quite evenly :

Ye men of ye goode shippe Royal Harrie took ye Spaniard Ferdinande in ye maine sea near
to Hispaniola with much treasure. She hadde an anker of silver, which we buried in ye banke
twelve pikes 9 lengthes due northe, and a goldene heade like to a manne's buried fortie pikes'
lengthes to the northe. Thys treasure is putte here bye Johnne Morgane, ye captaine of syd
Harrie, ye Spanyard's beinge in ye Baie.

The writing and vellum were in a remarkable state of preservation,
presenting the appearance of being not more than twenty years old.

The coins are of two kinds, both of which are quite ancient, and of a
pattern not in use at the present day. Several of them are evidently Hin-
doostaijee. The majority of the pieces are Spanish pistoles and half
pistoles; the date of their issue being thought to be about 1556. The tra-
dition has been handed down from father to son, that in olden times* an English
pirate, having plundered and burned a Spanish galleon, was chased up the
Bay of Fundy, and buried money on the spot where the coins in question
were found.

[We should be glad to hear something more of this remarkable discovery.
The story reads as if from the Daily Telegraph of April 1. — Eds.]

TRANSACTIONS OF SOCIETIES.

BOSTON NUMISMATIC SOCIETY.

yanuary 1. The annual meeting was held this day. The Secretary
read the report of the last meeting, which was accepted, and two letters from
Mr. Isaac F. Wood of New York, accompanying donations %)f medals from
Mr. Wood himself, and of the rare and beautiful French bronze medal of
President Lincoln from M. E. Caylus ; for both of these gifts thanks wfcre
voted. The Secretary also read a short notice of Mr. John Y. Akerman of
England, an Honorary Member, whose death had come to our knowledge
since the last meeting. Mr. Henry W. Holland of Cambridge was elected a
Resident Member. Mr. Pratt from the committee appointed to nominate
officers for the present year, reported as follows : For President, Jeremiah
Colburn ; Vice-President and Curator, Henry Davenport ; Treasurer, John
Robinson ; Secretary, William S. Appleton. The report was accepted, and
the persons named were voted to be officers of the Society for 1874. Mr.
Crosby exhibited the copy belonging to Mr. Jules Marcou of the French-
American coin with inscription "double de l'amerique fran§oise." The
Secretary exhibited a plated medal of Washington, struck in anticipation of
the Centennial Celebration, and dated 1876; he spoke in terms of strong
condemnation of the practice of placing a false date on coins or medals, as
overthrowing one of the most faithful evidences of history. The Society
adjourned at 4 3-4 p. m. • Wm. S. Appleton, Secretary.

1874.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 87

February 5. A monthly meeting was held this day. The Secretary
read the report of the last meeting, which was accepted, and a letter from Mr.
Henry W. Holland, accepting membership. Mr. William F. Johnson of
Newton .was elected a Resident Member. Dr. Green read a memoir of Mr.
James Parker of Springfield, a Resident Member, who had died since the last
meeting. Mr. Crosby exhibited an engraved copper piece of 1776, belonging
to Mr. C. M. Hodge of Newburyport, and supposed to be a pattern for a coin
of New Hampshire. Mr. Parmelee exhibited several choice pieces, including
the token of Richard Dawson of Gloucester Co., Virginia, the " continental
currency " in silver, rare Washingtons, etc. The President exhibited some
pieces belonging to Mr. C. P. Nichols of Springfield, among which were the
two French- American medalets, described in report of meeting of November,
1869, and some curious tickets or checks for theatres. Mr. Pratt communi-
cated the set of six patterns for the trade dollar, bought for the Society at
their standard value instead of the market price of fifteen dollars. The -Secre-
tary read an extract from a Massachusetts Spy of 1 784, containing sugges-
' tions for malcing the coins of the United States serve also as memorial medals.
Mr. Slafter read a paper on the connection of Sir William Alexander, Lord
Stirling, with the coinage of Scotland, and exhibited specimens of two of the
coins belonging to the Secretary. It was voted by the Society that Mr. Slaf-
ter be requested to prepare the paper for publication in the Journal of Numis-
matics. The Society adjourned at 5 1-4 p. m.

Wm. S. Appleton, Secretary.

March 5. A monthly meeting was held this day. The Secretary read
the report of the last meeting, which was accepted. Mr. George C. Creamer of
Salem was nominated for membership, and under a suspension of the sixth
by-law was immediately elected a Resident Member. Mr. Crosby exhibited
one of the Washington Season Medals in silver, and the "immune Columbia "
with head of George III. Mr. Parmelee showed several rare pieces, the
curious little " n$:w yorke in America " in brass in beautiful preservation, two
specimens of the token of Richard Dawson of Gloucester Co., Virginia, one
of which was just bought, a very fine "immunis Columbia" with New Jersey
shield, two Washingtons, etc. Mr. Holland exhibited a specimen in bronze
of the medal presented to G. W. Robinson, for saving the life of Secretary
Seward, and a curious copper medal of 1589, with Dutch "inscription and some
men shooting arrows at a woman who is bound to a tree ; the men are by Mr.
Holland thought to be Indians, showing that the medal has some connection
either with the East or West Indies. The Secretary showed a curious silver
medal, concerning which information is much desired. It has on one side an
Indian standing near a wigwam, over which flies a dove with olive-branch
toward the Indian ; inscription, " tyranis in perpetuum abeit terra " ; rev.
" juvenus confederatio Americana " ; in the centre a G in a circle of fifteen
stars, around which are fifteen rays, pointing inwards. It is not certainly
known to be more than a few years old, and the number of stars and rays
have suggested a possible connection with the Southern Confederacy. The
Society adjourned at about 5 p. m. Wm. S. Appleton, Secretary.

88 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

LOST POSSIBILITIES OF AMERICAN COINAGE.

To the PRINTER.

The custom of the Greeks and Romans, in prepetuating the great
atchievements of their patriots and heroes, by significant inscriptions on their
current coin, was a policy very worthy of imitation. Perhaps the hints here
suggested, may not be altogether useless, when Congress think proper to
establish an American coinage.

The piece of greatest value, might have on one side, General Washing-
ton, in armour, with a wreath around his head : His right hand pointing to a
globe, supported by liberty with her spear and cap ; and on the globe, the
continent of North-America. Circular inscription; WASHINGTON, the
FATHER of his COUNTRY. — On the reverse a shepherd reclined under
a pine, playing on a reed, with oxen before a plough, and sheep near him. Cir-
cular inscription— PEACE, the FRUIT of GLORIOUS WAR.— 1783.

On another coin, may be depicted an escalade of a city. — A hero in the
principal light, advancing to the walls. Inscription. — MONTGOMERY
SOUGHT and FOUND the GOAL of HONOUR. On the reverse; a
cottage, &c. a hero in armour, between Liberty and Justice, looking back as he
is leaving it. Inscription — GLORY and MY COUNTRY CALLS.— 1 775.

It is said that General Warren was sensible of the perilous situation of

the party on Bunker's Hill, when contending with a superiour British army ;

yet thought there was a propriety at the commencement of hostilities, that

the foes to his country, should feel and dread the American resistance ; and

' he fell a sacrifice to that sentiment

A warriour with his sword drawn, standing near a slight fortification, from
which might rise clouds of smoke ; just before it, the enemy flying, and some
lying dead. Inscription. WARREN, AMERICA'S FIRST MARTYR.
— On the reverse; the hero's bust, and over it FAME, with her trumpet in
one hand, and a wreath in the other. Inscription, HE LIVES IN CO-
LUMBIA'S WARM REMEMBRANCE.— 1775.

The important event at Saratoga, may be delineated by a General sur-
f rendering his sword into his conqueror's hands. Inscription, GATES VIC-
TORIOUS. — On the reverse ; Columbia encircling the brows of her soldier
with laurel. Inscription — AMERICA IS GRATEFUL.— 1777.

General Greene's very important services to the southward, might be
represented • by a leader pointing with his sword to a flying enemy, their
standard under his feet Inscription — GREENE, the TERROUR of HIS
COUNTRY'S FOES. — On the reverse ; a warriour entering the temple of
fame. Inscription — COLUMBIA EXULTS IN SUCH SONS.— 1782.

Thus the noble fall of Mercer, the gallantry of Wayne, and the intre-
pidity of Jones, might be handed down to posterity, in the most diffusive and
permanent manner. Current coin is more or less in the hands of all ; and
endures when statues of marble lie prostrate in the dust.

The foregoing paragraphs were printed in the Massachusetts Spyiox$
February, 1 784, being copied from The New York Journal. The " hints

I874-] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 89

here suggested " were of course derived from the Romans, with whom every
coin was a medal. The coins of many emperors therefore celebrate the events
of his reign, the members of his family, and the whole array of Gods and
Goddesses. The same plan has been somewhat followed in modern times,
notably by the Popes, successors to the home of the Emperors. After them,
a long series of medal-coins was issued by Louis I., the art and antiquity lov-
ing king of Bavaria ; other countries have also struck occasional excep-
tional pieces answering the double purpose, and many of the German states
have commemorated the last war by a victory-thaler.

But this article from the Spy particularly suggests to us the loss of the
opportunity of a coinage, which might have rivalled in interest that of Rome,
though it is perhaps hardly safe to say that it would have equalled hers in
beauty. Even this, however, might have been, and the neglected geniuses,
who are only known by a few medals, especially Furst and Gobrecht, might
have found a wider field in life, and left greater names in death. Poor and
inartistic as our coinage has been, our series of medals contains some exqui-
site ones, mostly the work of the two men just named. But had this medallic
Elan been adopted, what a historic succession of coins we should certainly
ave. The heroes and statesmen of the Revolution would have been followed
by the adoption of the Constitution, bringing with it the succession of Presi-
dents inaugurated and States admitted. The victories of the War of 181 2-15
would be celebrated in a shape familiar to all, instead of only by the medals
now known to a few. The visit of Lafayette, the introduction of the tele-
graph, and the Mexican War, would have brought the series nearly to the
date when the necessary issue of national paper would have caused a suspen-
sion in another sense than that of most importance. The commemoration in
this method of the deaths of men thought worthy of it, would have given us'
a familiar memorial of all the great, such as we may well regret, even with the
risk of 'finding among them some whom History would have declared unwor-
thy of such prominence, As it is, we can only weep over our lost possibili-
ties, for no true American and numismatist would wish to see the work begun
under such men as now rule, and among such events as now distinguish the
course of affairs of the United States of America.

ABORIGINES OF CALIFORNIA.

In the southern provinces of China, the grave is generally made in the
shape of the Greek letter fl ; the Indians usually dig it round. In the Prov-
ince of Fuhkien in South China (from which part the ancestors of the In-
dians appear to have come), a piece of silver is placed in the mouth of the
corpse. Not long ago, on the occasion of the death of a rich Sanfel chief, two
gold coins were put in his mouth as he lay on the funeral pyre (this is given
on the testimony of a worthy farmer, Mr. Willard, who witnessed it;, and other
smaller coins were placed in his ears, in his hands, on his breast, etc., which,
together with the other property, burned, were estimated at $500 value.
The California Indians are worthy of th^ir State in one regard at least ; they
are no niggards. And it is this extraordinary regard for the dead, coupled

vol. viii. i a

90 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

with their indifference and even cruelty to the living, which stamps them so
strongly as of Chinese origin.

From the March number of the Atlantic Monthly \ p. 320.

LARGE BOOTY.

The business of melting down the plate was intrusted to the Indian
goldsmiths, who were thus required to undo the work of their own hands.
They toiled day and night, but such was the quantity to be recast, that it con-
sumed a full month. When the whole was reduced to bars of a uniform
standard, they *were nicely weighed, under the superintendence of the royal
inspectors. The total amount of the gold was found to be one million three
hundred and twenty-six thousand five hundred and thirty-nine pesos de oro y
which, allowing for the greater value of money in the sixteenth century, would
be equivalent, probably, at the present time, to near three million and a half
of pounds sterlings or somewhat less than fifteen millions and a half of dollars.
The quantity of silver was estimated at fifty-one thousand six hundred and ten
marks.

History affords no parallel of such a booty, and that, too, in the most
convertible form, in ready money, as it were — having fallen to the lot of a
little band of military adventurers, like the Conquerors of Peru. — Prescott's
Conquest of Peru, vol. I. pp. 466-468.

NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS.

The following was cut out just too late to be printed on page 59 of

this volume. It is almost needless to say that there are no coins of a date
1000 b. c, except perhaps Chinese.

Under circumstances not related there has been discovered in Columbus, Ga., a shekel coined
in King Solomon's time, one thousand years before the Christian era. On one side is a represen-
tation of a vase, or probably a sacrificial altar, and the inscription in Hebrew, " Shekel of Israel."
On the reverse side is a representation of a tree, and the inscription, " Holiness of Jerusalem. "
It is about the size and weight of what we have known as the " Spanish " or " Mexican quarter."

TIME.

BY TEMPUS.

" Time is money," the economist cries,
Take care of the precious minutes,
Lose not a golden second as it flies,
For an age is made of minutes.

" Time is money," the prodigal replies,
And then he scatters what he gets.
To care for expense is unwise,
We will take time to pay our debts.

1874.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 91

A WORD ON NUMISMATICS.

Hitherto, our American collectors, especially young men, have devoted
themselves almost exclusively to the coins and medals which relate to Ameri-
can history. The natural consequence of such special attention to a very
narrow field of study and investigation, has been the enormous advance of
prices for rare specimens, possessing little or no historical interest, and only
sought because of their rarity, or to fill vacancies in long series. The sale of
a dollar of 1794 a few weeks ago, at a price twenty times its value for any col-
lection, was but the natural effect of the operating cause. The list of Ameri-
can coins may well be a subject of moderate interest to the young collector,
and some specimens are worth large prices. . But the genuine lover of the sci-
ence of numismatics understands that it is a world-wide subject, and its great-
est points of interest are in connection with the grand historic events which
are recorded only in bronze or in marble, as well as with those of which men
have written in the few books that survive to us from ancient times. It cer-
tainly seems ridiculous that at a sale in New York two pieces of silver should
be offered, one a shekel of Jerusalem, of the time of the Maccabees, and the
other a dollar of the United States of America, and the dollar bring more
than ten times as much as the shekel. Yet, just this occurred at the last great
sale held by Bangs, Merwin, & Co.

There is a common apprehension in relation to ancient coins that they may
be counterfeits. This fear need not deter any collector from entering on the
field. There are not as many counterfeits of ancient coins as of modern.
The fact that such enormous prices are paid for modern coins has led to the
manufacture of many. But such prices are not paid for ancient coins, except
of the extremest rarity, and on these the judgment of the best numismatist
can always be obtained before purchasing. The young person who desires to
make a collection of ancient coins should limit his field to one series at a
time, and perfect that as well as he can. The silver denarii of Rome would
alone be sufficient to engross his spare time for years. The ordinary speci-
mens can be purchased at prices varying from fifty cents to a dollar each, in
fine condition and of undoubted genuineness. The English dealers supply
them in quantities, and they are there so regular a matter of trade that prices
are fixed and do not vary for years. A series of silver coins of the Emperors
is one of the most interesting that can be made, and without going into sub-
varieties, can be made up with ease and without too great expenditure. There
is of course a very large variety of the coins of each Emperor, and it is fre-
quently necessary to pay 'a very high price to secure a particular variety. —
New York Journal of Commerce, December 14, 1863.

WORK AT THE MINT.

The officers of the Philadelphia Mint have been instructed to use two
thirds of its entire capacity in the coinage of silver, until otherwise ordered.
Under this arrangement the Mint can turn out from #1,000,000 to #1,500,000
per month.

9« AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

NEW NICKEL COINAGE.

The German Mint, as we learn from a recent English paper, has issued
five and ten penny pieces composed of "nickel, some of which are already cir-
culating in Mecklenburg. Much interest has been excited by an account
given by Dr. Flight of the British Mjiseum, of some experiments made by
im on coins of the Indo-Greek Kings, Enthydamus (200 b. c), Pantaleon
(135 b. a), and Agathokles (120 b. c). The analysis of the coins of these
three reigns gave the same result. They contained 20 per cent, of nickel, 77
per cent, of copper, and 3 per cent, of iron, tin, cobalt, and sulphur. Dr.
Flight then analyzed the new Belgian nickel coins. These contained 70.4
copper, 25.55 nickel, apd 4.41 iron, etc., the difference in the mixture being,
therefore, but slight. The Chinese have, according to the same authority,
long used a metal which they call white copper. It is composed of 79.4 cop-
per, 16.02 nickel, and 4.58 tin. Nickel was not, however, known in Europe
till 1 75 1, when it was discovered by Cronstedt. This metal has for sonie time
past been coined in North America, Peru, Belgium, and Switzerland, and the
introduction of nickel coinage into Brazil and Honduras is now contemplated.
This appears to show a far more extensive use of this metal in ancient
coinage than has heretofore been suspected.

THE TRADE DOLLAR THE STANDARD IN CHINA.

The Treasury Department have received advices from Pekin, China^ that
the new trade dollar of the United States has been assayed by the commis-
sioner of the Chinese empire, and reported to be of more intrinsic value than
the Mexican or Dutch dollars, which have been the standard coin among the
Chinese for more than a century, and an imperial edict has consequently been
issued making the United States silver dollar a dollar for all the Chinese.
The demand in this country for Mexican silver dollars to use in the China
trade has sometimes been so great that they have sold higher than gold, and
are now at par and a little better in San Francisco, being exported to China
and Japan by every steamer. — Boston Daily Advertiser.

SACRAMENTAL TOKENS:

I take the following note in reference to these tokens mentioned on page
44 of this volume, from a pamphlet, " Communication of Samuel Hazard,
Esq., to the Board of Trustees of the Second Presbyterian Church, Phila.
John G. Clarke & Son, Printers, &c, 1864. Pp. 16." On page 7, Mr. Hazard
says, giving an account of his recollections of the Church, " On the Saturday
evening preceding the Sacramental occasions, the minister and elders distrib-
uted from the circle around the pulpit to communicants small pieces of metal
called c tokens/ the object of which was to prevent persons frdm improperly

1S74O AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 93

communing ; on one side of these tokens was impressed a heart ; the reverse
side was plain or impressed with the name of the congregation ; the use of
these tokens was, however, in a few years dispensed with." W. j. P.

Camden, New Jersey \ March 24, 1874.

NUMISMATIC ITEMS.

The following interesting items have been kindly furnished us by Mr.
William John Potts, of Camden, N. J., an enthusiastic student in numis-
matics. — EDSi

Mass. .Mag. for May, 1789. — " His Excellency the Governour and His Honour the Lieu-
tenant Governour, when they appeared to take the oaths of office, were in complete suits of
American manufactured Broadcloth. The buttons on the coat of his Excellency were of sil-
ver, and of American manufacture. Device a shepherd shearing his sheep — Motto, ( You
gain more by our lives than by our deaths.'

" The Secretary and Treasurer of the Commonwealth, and a number of the members of the
Legislature, have also evinced their patriotism by encouraging the manufactures of their country."

Mass. Mag. for March, 1790. — The Boston News has the following under the title of
M The Arts * : u Nothing gives us more satisfaction than to note the happy advancement of the
Arts and Sciences in our Country. At present we have the peculiar pleasure of announcing
to the citizens of America, the completion, by Mr. Gullager, of an elegant bust of the Presi-
dent of the United States in Plaister of Paris, as large as life — in which the beholder, at first
view, recognizes the Great Deliverer of our Country. The Connoisseurs who have visited Mr.
Gullager's room to examine this beautiful piece of Statuary, are unanimous in pronouncing its
merits, and the merits of the ingenious artist who has produced it

" Medals of the President of the United States are now a striking at Philadelphia which are
said to convey great likenesses of our illustrious chief."

Mass. Mag. for May, 1791.' "France. The national assembly have decreed, that the
judges of the tribunal of appeal, shall enjoy salaries of 8,000 livres per annum. They are to be
dressed in black, to wear a black coat faced with the same, and a ribbon at the button hole,
formed of the three national colours, to which shall be pendant a medal, with this inscription
« La Lou'"

Mass. Mag. for June, 1791. " Hfs Majesty's effigies is to appear on all the gold coin of
the kingdom, surrounded by the motto Louis 16th, King of Frenchmen. The reverse is to be
adorned with a figure representing the Genius of France, standing before an Altar, and engraving
the new Constitution on it by means of the Sceptre of Reason, which is particularized by an eye
at its extremity. At one side of the altar a cock is to appear as the symbol of vigilance and on
the other a bundle of Rods, in the manner of the Roman Fasces, as an emblem of the union of
an armed republick. The legend surrounding this is the reign of the Law, and on the edge ' the
Nation, the Law, and the King* "

* •

Mass. Mag. for JM., 1793. "Medals. We have authority to inform the publick, that in
the month of January, the school committee distributed 21 silver medals, with suitable in-
scriptions and devices, to the most deserving boys in the upper classes of the Free Schools in
Boston. These medals are the, amount of the annual income of the donation made by the late
Dr. Franklin ; and were bestowed agreeably to his direction, as honorary rewards for the en-
couragement of scholarship in free schools."

The dollars issued by General Morelos, of the Mexican revolution, 1812 and 1813, on one
side of which is a bow and the word Sud, and on the other " M°., 8 R.," are seldom found.

Early French crowns, in fine condition, are quite scarce ; they contain a small amount of
gold which has been parted profitably in years past

Platinum was discovered by Wood, an assayer in Jamaica, in the year 1741. •

Palladium was discovered by Wollaston, in 1803 $ it is found with platinum and in combina-
tion with gold.

94 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April,

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Editors American yournal Numismatics :

If any reader of the yournal is cognizint of any medal or token relating to the " Mar-
tyr-Spy " of the Revolution, as he is often called, Captain Nathan Hale, I should be greatly
obliged for a full and accurate description through your columns, or reference to any such
description if already published. Yours, Isaac F. Wood.

New York, March 18, 1874.

"Am I not a man and a brother?" From a medallion, by Wedgewood (1768), represent-
ing a negro in chains, with one knee on the ground, and both hands lifted up to heaven.
This was adopted as a characteristic seal by the Anti-slavery Society of London. — Bartlett/s
Familiar Quotations,

While partially removing the old building at the corner of Washington and Warren streets,
Boston Highlands (once the residence of Governor Sumner), a coin was found between the
floors of a rare and curious workmanship. It was of copper, and bore on one side the in-
scription, " A Norwich farthing, 1668." On the reverse, a crown, underneath which was a fox.

The total coinage of the United States mints for the last fiscal year amounted to 32,523,670
coins, and to $38,689,183 in value.

American educational authorship has been honored at the Vienna Exposition by the award
of a Medal of Progress to Professor Arnold Guyot, of the College of New Jersey, at Prince-
ton, for his geographical works. This medal is the highest medal awarded. It ranks next to
the " Grand! Diploma of Honor," and above the " Medal of Merit"

WOOD'S MEMORIAL MEDAL.

Of the Memorial Medal, issued by Mr. I. F. Wood, of New York City, which was no-
ticed, in the January number of the yournal, twenty-Jive only were struck in silver, price $2.00
each. For sale by Edward Cogan, 408 State St, Brooklyn, N. Y.

The dies of the above medal are to be cancelled : — the obverse to be deposited with the
Boston Numismatic Society, and the reverse with the New England Historic, Genealogical
Society.

COMING COIN SALES.

The sale of the " Groux Collection," containing many interesting ancient medals and coins,
announced some time since, will take place in New York, April 7U1, 8th, and 9th, at the rooms
of Messrs. Leavitt, auctioneers, in Clinton Hall.

Mr. Edward Cogan, of Brooklyn, will sell the Collection of the late James Parker, of
Springfield, Mass., about the first of May.

SHREVEPORT MEDALS.

A very interesting ceremony took place at the Board of Trade Rooms in Shreveport, on the
occasion of the presentation of medals by the Howard Association to the ladies who distinguished
themselves during the late epidemic by their noble and self-sacrificing conduct On one side of
the medals was engraved the name of the lady, and " From the Howards of Shreveport, La." On
the reverse, " For Christian Kindness and Heroic Conduct. Epidemic, 1873." *

1874.] AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. 95

OBITUARY.

Mr. James Parker of Springfield, a member of the Boston Numismatic Society, died at his
residence on the second day of last January, at the age of 58 years. Few men in Western
Massachusetts were known more widely, or had a larger circle of friends. He was born in
Hollis, New Hampshire, and was descended from one of the earliest settlers of Groton, Massa-
chusetts. In early life he was a stage-driver for a short time, after which he became connected,
as a conductor, with the new railroad then building between Worcester and Albany. In this
capacity he accompanied the first passenger train that ever entered Springfield. This proved the
beginning of a long and honorable service, lasting continuously through a period of thirty years.
He resigned this position in 1869 to take the superintendency of the sleeping cars between Boston
and New York, and in 1872 he became the superintendent of the express line on the same road
with the entire charge of all the cars. He was a member of the House of Representatives in
1872, and at the election in November last was again chosen to the Legislature now in session.

The simple statement of these facts gives, however, no full idea of Mr. Parker's character as
he was known to his friends. A man of genial disposition, he possessed the happy faculty of
attracting others around him, an.d winning in no common degree their confidence and friendship.
He had refined tastes, and was always an earnest student in American history. During many
years, and from many sources, he had been collecting a remarkable library illustrating the subjects
in which he was most interested. He was never so happy as when under his own roof he was
showing his friends the rare editions, the fine engravings, or the autographs, in which* his library
abounded. While yet a young man he took a decided interest in Numismatics, and began to
make a collection of coins and medals. His zeal in the subject never tired, and he was adding
to the collection during his whole life. Mr. Parker was chosen a member of this Society, Feb-
ruary 2, 1865. O n account of his business engagements his attendance at the meetings has not
been frequent He often expressed his regret that this was the case. In his death many friends
mourn the loss of one who was always true to the better and finer feelings of his nature. James
Parker will not soon be forgotten. •

John Yonge Akerman, F. S. A., died at Abingdon, Berkshire, 18th November, 1873. He was
born in 1806, and from his early youth began to pay attention to Numismatics, for the knowledge
of the Anglo-Saxon and English branch of which he acquired a just reputation. In 1836 he
started mainly at his own cost the first Numismatic Journal, and on the institution of the Numis-
matic Society fn the following year became its Secretary, and till i860 Editor of the Journal of
the Society. 1848-60 he was Secretary of the Society of Antiquaries. He was the author of many
valuable works, and papers relating to numismatics and archaeology, among which may be noticed
Descriptive Catalogue of Rare and Unedited Roman Coins, 2 vols. 1834, Observations on
the Coinage of the Ancient Britons, 1837, A Numismatic Manual, 1840, Tradesmen's Tokens struck
in London and Vicinity 1648-167 1, 1843, Coins of the Romans relating to Britain, 1844, Ancient
Coins of Cities and Princes, comprising those of Spain, France, and Britain, 1846, Numismatic
Illustrations of the New Testament, 1846, Examples of Coffee-House, Tavern, and Tradesmen's
Tokens, 1847, Introduction to the Study of Ancient and Modern Coins, 1848, List of Tokens issued
by Wiltshire Tradesmen in the Seventeenth Century. For his Coins of the Romans relating to Brit-
ain, Mr. Akerman received the medal of the French Institute, and his services generally to differ-
ent branches of Archaeology were acknowledged by his election as an honorary member into
many foreign societies. He was chosen an honorary member of the Boston Numismatic Society,
4th April, 1862.

96 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUMISMATICS. [April, 1874.

EDITORIAL.

A correspondent of the New York Times, suggests that the government strike a commem-
orative dollar, with a suitable inscription, to mark the first step taken toward a resumption of
specie payment by the exchange of silver for greenbacks.

The well-known collector, Mr. M. Moore, of Trenton Falls, N. Y., writes us that he has one
of the George III. medals described on page 59 of our January number, in superb condition.

We should have mentioned in our last number that the article by the late Mr. Champion and
the illustrations, were kindly furnished by Dr. Jona. Edwards, Jr., of New Haven, Conn.

Coffee: Its History, Cultivation, and Uses. By Robert Hewitt, Jr. Illustrated with original
designs, etc., etc. New York : D. Appleton & Co. 1872. Sm. 8vo. pp. 102.

The author of the above work was at one time an enthusiastic collector of Medals and Coins,
and although at present engaged in business pursuits he has not lost his interest in Numismatics,
believing with a celebrated writer, that "relaxation from worldly occupation, both bodily and in-
tellectual, so that it be rational in its object and reasonable in its duration, is essential to man's
existence." He has given an interesting account of the Coffee-plant, its cultivation in Arabia,
East Indies, and South America, and the various methods of its preparation as a beverage, from
its introduction in 1554 to the latest Parisian mode. The binding is emblematical of the plant,
and the illustrations and map of the coffee growing countries add much to the value of the book.

While making some repairs in the Broadway House, Carabridgeport, Mass., a short time
since, on taking down an old chimney, there were found in it, in good condition, a Spanish dollar
of 181 1, an American cent of 1798, and bills of various denominations to the nominal value of
five hundred dollars.

We are informed that from 1822 up to 1827 the following gentlemen were the prominent
collectors in the city of New York : Mr. Philip Hone, Mr. John Allan, Mr. Pierre Flandin, Mr.
James Thornton, and Messrs. A. D. and M. Moore ; the last named gentleman still continues
the pursuit. Ajnerican coins were but little sought for at that time.

CURRENCY.

Financial writers say there is no currency so elastic as gold, for it passes as money in all
countries.

Many young Americans will not believe that silver coin is money, so accustomed are they to
scrip and nickels.

The Potosi silver mine, in the Andes of Peru, is eleven thousand three hundred and seventy-
five feet above the level of the sea.

I think there is a great affinity between coins and poetry, and that your medallist and critic
are much nearer related than the world generally imagines. — Addison.

One of our exchanges speaks of " a gentleman who was arrested on the charge of counter-
feiting nickels." It is impossible to believe that any " gentleman," in possession of his five centses,
would engage in so base a business.

A generation of school-children are on the stage, to whom an American silver coin is about
as great a curiosity as an English sovereign*

The early dollars of Peru coined at the mint at Cuzco, which name they bear, are scarce.

Cast. coins or medals have a blurred and coarse appearance; they are deficient in the
smoothness and sharpness of the stamped coin.

Half dollars of Mexican coinage are scarce. In 1824 dollars and parts were struck, on
which the head of the eagle was turned downward.

PAYMENTS FOR THE JOURNAL.

Payments for tlie Journal will be acknowledged in this place.

Boston, W. F. Johnson, Joseph Leonard, H. S. Adams, D. R. Child, Mrs.
J. S. Fay, Francis Gardner, L. G. Parmlee, Winslow Lewis, S. S. Crosby,
W. G. Salisbury, Num. & Arch'l Society, R. M. Lawrence, M. D., T. E.
Bond, C. Chaplin, Mrs. Bruen ; Ware, Mass., W. C. Eaton ; Springfield,
W. Clogston ; Biddeford, Me., J. A. Gooch, F. Haines ; Norwalk, Conn., G.
W. Cram; New York City, R. Hewitt, Jr., A. R. McCoy, C. Lightbody;
Brooklyn, N. Y, }. C. Brevoort, J. A. Nexsen, Benjamin Betts ; Syracuse,
N. Y, A. W. Fay ; Canton, N. Y., L. A. Lee ; Trenton Falls, N. Y., M.
Moore; Philadelphia, V) . E. DuBois, J. J. Mickley, U. S. Mint; Grand
Rapids, Mich., T. W. Porter ; Nashville, Tenn., G. P. Thruston.

THE EARLY COINS OF AMERICA.

The Committee of Publication of the New England Numismatic and
Archaeological Society are now publishing a work on the early coinage
of America.

It will include the Sommer Islands pieces; all the silver coinage of New
England ; the Rosa Americana coins ; the Granby tokens ; the colonial
pieces of Virginia; the early coins of Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey,
and Massachusetts; the Washington issues; together with . the pattern
pieces of the Mint previous to its regular issues of 1793 ; also'many tokens
struck in Europe for circulation in this country, etc., etc.

Price, One Dollar per number. Owing to the heavy outlay attending its
production, subscribers are required to accompany their orders with Five
Dollars, one half the estimated amount of subscription.

Receipts for payments in advance will be sent with the first number,
which was issued in January, 1873, and is to be followed by the others in
monthly parts till the work is completed.

The names of subscribers to the work will be published in the last number.

All communications should be addressed to Sylvester S. Crosby, 240
Washington Street, Boston, Mass.

Boston, Mass., July, 1873.

EDWARD COGAN,

DEALER IN

Gold, Silver, and Copper Coins and Medals,

No. 408 STATE STREET,
BROOKL YN, N. V.

JOHN W. HASELTINE,

DEALER IN

Coins, Medals, Tokens, Autographs, Continental, Colonial, and
Confederate Paper Money and Books relating to the same.

Book on Continental and Colonial Paper Money, Post free, . . $1.60
Field Medal, Bronze, " " 1.25

1343 CHESTNUT STREET, PHILADELPHIA.

CANADIAN ANTIQUARIAN

AND

NUMISMATIC JOURNAL.

PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY

The Numismatic and Antiquarian Society of Montreal, Canada.

Subscription, $1.50 Canadian currency, per annum, in advance, payable
to R. W. McLACHLAN, Box 86£, Montreal.

WM. PARSONS LUNT,

Historical and Genealogical Works,

102 WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON.

He has on hand a few copies of My Campaigns in America ; a Journal kept
by Count William de Deux-Ponts, 1780-81. Translated from the French
manuscript, with an Introduction and Notes, by Samuel Abbott Green.

A. WILLIAMS & CO.

Publishers, Booksellers, and Importers,

135 WASHINGTON, corner of SCHOOL STREET,

BOSTON.

ALEXANDER WILLIAMS. r _ rlIDDIP( . CHAS. L. DAMRELL.

ROBERT WILLIAMS. >' u - MUFFLES. HENRY M. UPHAM.

[Established 1841.]

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