UNITED STATES SILVER COINAGE.
In 1794, the first Silver Dollar of the United States Government was issued. Obverse: A female bust, facing to the right, with flowing hair. Legend: "LIBERTY." Round the edge fifteen stars, eight to the left of effigy and seven to the right. Exergue : " 1794." Reverse : Eagle, as if about to fly, surrounded by a wreath. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." On the edge: "ONE DOLLAR; OR, UNIT, HUNDRED CENTS."
In 1795 a slight change took place on the Obverse: The bust of Liberty made larger and partly draped, the hair tied with a ribbon at the back of the head. Reverse : Eagle reduced in size, but better proportioned, and is standing on clouds Exergue: "1795."
ONE DOLLAR.
ONE DOLLAR.
In 1798 the Obverse remained unchanged except Exergue: "1798." Reverse: Eagle, raised wings, holding in its beak a scroll, inscribed " E PLURIBUS UNTTM " upon it, grasping in its right talon a bundle of four arrows, in its left an olive branch, upon its breast the United States shield ; above the eagle, clouds and thirteen six-pointed stars. Legend : " UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
ONE DOLLAR.
In 1799 and up to 1804 no change was made. In 1804 only a few dollars were struck, and they have become so exceedingly rare, that during 1877 the one sold at auction brought seven hundred dollars.
ONE DOLLAR.
The weight of the Silver Dollar was established by Act of Congress on the 2d day of April, 1792, and the quantity of pure silver fixed at 371| grains, and that of the standard metal at 416 grains, being of 900 fineness, and up to 1805 it continued unchanged. Between 1805 and 1836 no dollars were coined.
In 1836 a new pattern was prepared ; it had on the Obverse: Liberty seated beside a .United States shield, holding in her left hand a staff, with liberty cap, in the right a scroll, upon which "LIBERTY" is inscribed. Legend: "Thirteen stare." Exergue: "1836." Reverse: Eagle flying across a field, studded with twenty-six stars. Legend : " UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue: "ONE DOLLAR." Fineness: 900.
Weight: 416 grains.
ONE DOLLAR.
In 1837, January the 18th, Congress enacted a change in the standard weight by abstracting therefrom 3 grains of the alloy, reducing 416 grains to 412^ grains; but still retaining 371 J grains ofpure silver. No dollars were issued that year.
ONE DOLLAR.
In 1838 the first reduced 412| grain silver dollar was issued: it bore the device of the dollar of 1836, excepting on the Reverse the stars were omitted.
In 1839 no change occurred. In 1840 the Obverse same as 1 838-1839, except Exergue, changed to u 1840." The Reverse was changed to an eagle about to fly, wings expanded, United States shield upon its breast, right talon an olive branch, left a bundle of three arrows. Legend : " UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue: "ONE DOL."
ONE DOLLAR.
In 1866, the motto, " IN GOD WE TRUST," was added upon the Reverse.
ONE DOLLAR.
From this date up to 1873 the Dollar was regularly issued, and always of the same device; until Congress in that year demonetized silver.
In 1873 the first Trade Dollar was coined, of 900 fineness, and of 420 grains weight. Obverse : Goddess of Liberty, facing to the left, and seated on a bale of merchandise, against which leans a sheaf of wheat; in her right hand she holds an olive branch, in the left a scroll, upon which "LIBERTY" is inscribed; on the base of seat the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST;" surrounding which are thirteen stars. Exergue : "1873."
TRADE DOLLAR.
Reverse: Eagle with expanded wings, holding in its right talon a bunch of three arrows, left, an olive branch; underneath, "420 GRAINS, 900 FINE;" over the eagle's head a scroll, with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" inscribed. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue : "TRADE DOLLAR."
This Trade Dollar has been ever since regularly issued, with the Exergue on Obverse, the date of the year of issue.
ONE DOLLAR.
In 1878, after considerable debate in both Houses, the bill for the remonetization of silver was passed ; but vetoed by the President; nevertheless, the Senate and House of Representatives passed the bill over the veto by a Constitutional majority, and the Silver Dollar of 41 2 grains Troy became once more a legal tender, and appeared in its new form on the 13th day of March, 1878. Trade Dollars not legal tender.
Obverse: Head of Liberty, facing to the left. Legend: "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and thirteen stars, seven to the left, and six to the right. Exergue: "1878." Reverse: An eagle as if about to fly; above the eagle, "IN GOD WE TRUST." Olive branches, crossed and tied at the ends. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue :" ONE DOLLAR." Weight: 412 J grains. Fineness: 900. Value: $1.00.
The Dollar is equal in value to:
2 Florins, 20 3/4 Kreutzers of Austria.
5 Francs, 18 13/100 Centimes of Belgium.
1 Dollar, 9 65/100 Centavos of Chile.
6 Mace, 2 Candareens, 1 Cash, 1 Hao, 8 Tse, of China.
1 Dollar, 8 93/100 Centavos of Costa Rica.
1 Dollar, 8 1/10 Centavos of Cuba.
1 Dollar, 8 93/100 Centavos of Ecuador
20 Piasters of Egypt.
5 Francs, 18 13/100 Centimes of France.
5 Drachmas, 18 13/100 Leptas of Greece.
1 Dollar, 8 93/100 Centavos of Guatemala.
1 Dollar Silver of Haiti.
2 Guilders, 10 Stivers of Holland.
1 Dollar, 8 93/100 Centavos of Honduras.
2 Rupees, 4 Annas, 9 Pice of India.
5 Lires, 18 13/100 Centissimi of Italy.
1 Yen, 3/16 of a Sen of Japan.
1 Dollar, 2/10 of a Centavo of Mexico.
1 Dollar, 8 93/100 Centavos of Nicaragua.
1 Dollar of Paraguay.
1 Dollar, 8 93/100 Centavos of Peru.
1 Dollar, 8 1/90 Centavos of Porto Rico.
5 Lei, 18 13/100 Ban Paras of Romania.
1 Rouble, 36 1/4 Kopecks, Silver of Russia.
1 Dollar Silver of San Domingo.
5 Pesetas, 18 13/100 Centimes of Spain.
5 Francs, 18 13/100 Rappens of Switzerland.
1 Patacon, 5 1/10 Centavos of Uruguay.
1 Dollar, 28 7/10 Centavos of Venezuela.
HALF DOLLARS.
The first Half Dollar was issued in 1794, and resembled the Dollar of that year. Weight: 208 grains. Fineness: 892.400.
HALF DOLLAR.
In 1795 the Half Dollar was similar in designs to 1794.
HALF DOLLAR.
In 1796 the Half Dollar resembled the Dollars of that year. But 2,918 Half Dollars were coined in 1796, and about an equal number in 1797.
In 1798, 1799, and 1800 no Half Dollars were issued.
In 1801, and up to 1807 inclusive, the issues resembled the Dollars of these years respectively.
HALF DOLLAR.
In 1808 a complete change was made. Obverse: Liberty facing to the left, wearing a loose cap with " LIBERTY " on the band, having seven stars in front of effigy and six behind, with date of issue in the Exergue. Reverse : Eagle with expanded wings, United States shield upon its breast, right talon holding an olive branch and left three arrows ; over its head a scroll with "E PLURIBUS UXUM" inscribed. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue : " 50 C." This device continued until 1814 inclusive.
HALF DOLLAR.
In 1816 no Half Dollars were coined.
In 1817 the coinage of Half Dollars was resumed, and continued to be issued regularly down to the year 1836 inclusive, without any change, except that in 1826 the stars on the Obverse were small, and in 1827 large again. In the issue of 1834 the dates varied in size on the Exergue of Obverse.
In 1837, by act of Congress, January the 18th, the weight of the Half Dollar was reduced to 206.25 grains, and raised to the standard of 900 fineness.
HALF DOLLAR.
In 1837 the scroll, "E PLURIBUS UNUM," was removed from the Reverse, and " 50 CENTS " replaced the " 50 c." on the Exergue. From this time on the edges were reeded.
HALF DOLLAR.
In 1838 and 1839 no change in device; in 1840 it resembled the Dollar of that year. Exergue on the Reverse: "HALF DOL." This device continued without change, except date on Exergue, up to 1852 inclusive.
In 1853, the 21st day of February, Congress reduced the weight of the Half Dollar, fixing the weight at 192 grains, but making no change in fineness, which has remained 900 fine up to this date.
In 1853 the device was slightly changed ; a barbed arrow was placed on each side of the date on the Exergue of the Obverse, and background of the Reverse was covered with rays.HALF DOLLAR.
In 1854 the rays were again removed, as also the barbed arrows, and continued so till 1866 inclusive. In the latter part of 1866 a scroll was placed over the eagle's head on the Reverse, bearing the motto, " IN GOD WE TRUST." No change occurred till 1873, when Congress changed the weight of the Half Dollars to 12| grammes or 192.9 grains in weight; fineness: 900. In that year, and in 1874, an arrowhead was placed ou each side of the date on the Exergue.
HALF DOLLAR.
In 1875, 1876, and 1877, the arrow-heads were removed; no other change was made.
QUARTER DOLLAR.
The first Quarter Dollar was issued to the public in 1796: the device resembling the Dollar of 1796. In 1797 no change!
QUARTER DOLLAR.
In 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1802, and 1803 no Quarter Dollars were issued.
In 1804 the Quarter Dollar resembled the Dollar of that year. In 1805, 1806, and 1807 no change.
QUARTER DOLLAR.
In 1808 to 1815 no Quarter Dollars were issued.
In 1815 a new device was adopted resembling the Half Dollar of that year. In 1817 no Quarter Dollars were coined.
QUARTER DOLLAR.
In 1818 the Quarter Dollar resembled that of 1815, and was issued with that device till 1823 inclusive.
QUARTER DOLLAR.
In 1824 no Quarter Dollars issued. In 1825 device of 1815 used. In 1826 no Quarter Dollars issued. In 1827 and 1828 device of 1815 used. In 1829 and 1830 no Quarter Dollars issued.
QUARTER DOLLAR.
In 1831 the diameter was reduced, the stars on Obverse made smaller; on the Reverse, the scroll with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" was omitted, and the edge raised.
In 1831 and up to 1837 the Quarter Dollar was coined of the same device, having the original weight of 104 grains and a fineness of 892.400, as established in 1796. By act of Congress, January 18th, 1837, the weight of the Quarter Dollar was reduced from the original 104 grains, to 103.125 grains ; the fineness being raised at the same time from 892.400, as at first, to the standard of 900 fine.
In 1838 and 1839 the Quarter Dollar coinage bore the same device as that of 1831.
In 1840 an entire change was made. Obverse: Liberty seated, holding liberty-cap in left, and resting right hand oti the Umted States shield: on the Reverse, the Exergue was "QUAR. DOL."
QUARTER DOLLAR.
This device continued for each year down to 1853, when, March 31st, Congress again reduced the weight from 103.125 to 96 grains, still retaining 900 fineness.
QUARTER DOLLAR.
In 1853 the device of 1840 was continued, except upon the Exergue an arrow was placed on each side of date ; the Reverse was slightly changed; rays in abundance filled the background of the American eagle.
In 1854 the same device, with the exception of the rays having been withdrawn from the Reverse. Weight : 96 grains, and of 900 fineness. No change occurred until 1866, when, by order of Congress, on the Reverse overhead of the eagle a scroll appeared with the motto : " IN GOD WE TRUST." The arrrtw* beside the date were also removed. Weight: 96 grains and 900 fineness.
In 1873 another slight change was made. Congress wishing to approximate the United States coinage to the decimal French system, ordered the weight to be increased ninetwentieths of a grain, and make the Quarter Dollar weigh 6 grammes or 96.450 grains, retaining the old standard of 900 fineness.
In 1874 a slight change was made upon the Obverse of the Quarter Dollar, the arrows being again replaced on each side of the date.
QUARTER DOLLAR.
TWENTY CENT PIECE.
In 1875 Congress for the use of the Pacific States authorized the coinage of the Twenty Cent piece. Several pattern pieces were struck in advance. Device, Obverse: Liberty seated, holding in her right hand a staff surmounted by a liberty-cap, left resting on a United States shield. Legend : Thirteen stars. Exergue: " 1873." Reverse: A rather high-shouldered eagle, resembling the one on the Trade Dollar, holding three arrows in right talon, and olive branch in left. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." ExergUC : "* TWENTY CENTS.*" Weight: 77.160 grains and of 900 fineness. Edges not reeded.
In 1874 a few Twenty Cent pieces were coined with a change in device on the Obverse, viz.: Seated Goddess of Liberty of a more modern type and facing to the left ; back of her and by her right side, sheaves of wheat ; in her right hand she holds a staff surmounted by a liberty-cap, her left resting on a globe instead as usual upon the United States shield; the word "LIBERTY" is inscribed upon a band surrounding the globe.
TWENTY CENT PIECE.
Exergue: "1874." Reverse unchanged. Weight: 77.160 grains and of 900 fineness.
In May, 1878, by act of Congress, the Twenty Cent pieces were abolished.
DIMES, OR TEN CENT PIECES.
The first Dimes, or Ten Cent pieces, were struck in France from old silver family plate furnished by President Washington, and from a supposed resemblance, between the head of Liberty and Washington's wife, were known as the "Martha Washington Dismes" (see Half Disme 1792). The circulation was very limited, and but few examples are now known.
Obverse: A head, facing left, hair unconfined, floating backward in flowing locks. Legend : " LIBERTY PARENT OF SCIENCE & INDUS." Within the legend and beneath the head the date 1792.
Reverse : A small eagle, flying toward the left, though looking to the right. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue : An inscription : " DISME." Border, milled ; edge, milled; size 10 1/2; weight, silver, 40 to 57 grains; copper, 58 grains. Extremely rare.
The next issue and really the commencement of the regular coinage appeared in 1796. Obverse : Bust of Goddess of Liberty, facing to the right. Legend : Seven stars on the right of the word " LIBERTY," and eight on the left of it. Exergue : " 1796." Reverse : Eagle, with a small shield upon its breast, wings expanded, as if about to fly ; surrounded by a laurel wreath. Legend : "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Weight: 41.6 grains. Fineness: 892.400.
In 1797 the Legend bore thirteen instead of fifteen stars; otherwise no alteration was made on the Obverse.
DIME.
Upon the Reverse a complete change was made, viz. : Eagle with expanded wings, a United States shield upon its breast ; in his beak a scroll with "E PLUBIBUS UNUM" upon it; right talon, bunch of arrows ; left, an olive branch ; over his head sixteen stars, surmounted by clouds. Legend : " UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
In 1798 no change in device except Reverse. Exergue: " 10c,"
DIME.
In 1799 no Dimes were coined for circulation.
Up to 1806 no change but to thirteen stars on Reverse.
In 1806 no Dimes were coined for circulation.
In 1807 the device resembled Quarter Dollar of that year.
DIME.
In 1808 no Dimes were coined for circulation.
In 1809 the device resembled that of the Half Dollars of that period, except Exergue on Reverse : " 10 c."
DIME.
In 1812 and 1813 no Dimes issued. Coinage resumed, 1814.
In 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818, and 1819 no Dimes were issued.
Coinage resumed 1820, device same as of 1809 and intermediate coinages. Weight: 41.600 grains. Fineness: 892- .400. In 1824 no dimes issued. In 1825 same device used.
In 1826 no dimes issued. In 1827 same device used; so continued to 1837.
January 18th, 1837, Congress reduced the weight of the Dime from 41.600 grains to 41.250 grains, and also raised the standard of the coinage to 900 fineness. A change was also made in the device: upon the Obverse: Goddess of Liberty seated, staff with liberty-cap in left hand, and right resting upon United States shield. Exergue: "1837." This issue is conspicuous by the absence of the usual thirteen stars. The Reverse has the inscription, "ONE DIME," surrounded by a wreath. Legend : " UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."
In 1838 the Obverse bears the thirteen stars. Exergue: " 1838 ;" no other change took place. The New Orleans Mint still coined the 1838 issue with starless Obverse. Weight: 41.250 grains. Fineness: 900.
From 1838 down to 1860, inclusive, the device remained as illustrated, save the Exergue on Obverse, bearing the date of the year of issue. Weight : 41.250 grains. Fineness : 900.
DIME.
In 1860 the stars were dispensed with (in this year the dimes appeared both with and without stars), and the Legend : " UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," appeared on Obverse. DIMES.
In 1853, February 21st, Congress reduced the weight to 38.400 grains, retaining still 900 fineness. The device was still the same of 1838 ; but an arrow-head was placed on either side of date on Exergue, and retained during 1854 and 1855, but again removed in 1856; since which time the Dime has been issued every year with device unchanged, except in 1873 and 1874, when the arrows reappeared; and, in 1860, when the Legend : " UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," was substituted for the stars.
In 1873 Congress ordered the Dime to weigh 2 grammes, or 38.580 grains. Fineness : 900.
In 1875 a slight change was made on the Reverse; the laurel wreath was replaced by one composed of oak, ivy, and tobacco leaves, corn in the ear, and sheaves of wheat. Weight: 38.580 grains. Fineness: 900.
Excepting the changes of 1873 no change has been made up to the present day, with the exception of changing the date of issue upon the Exergue of the Obverse.
HALF DIME, OR FIVE CENT PIECE.
The Half Dime was the first coin struck by the United States Mint, located in Seventh street between Market and Arch streets, Philadelphia, Pa. The coin-presses, three in number, were imported from abroad, and arrived at the Philadelphia Mint on Friday, the 21st of September, 1792, were put in operation on the 9th of October, and first used for striking the Half Dimes of 1792.
The Obverse bore the Bust of Liberty, surrounded by thirteen stars. Exergue: 1792. Reverse : Eagle, expanded wings, surrounded by a laurel wreath. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Weight: 20.800 grains. Fineness: 892.400.
In 1793 only a few more were coined ; but no change was made either in device or Exergue.
In 1794 and 1795 the device of 1792 was well preserved, with the exception that instead of the thirteen, fourteen stars were put upon the Legend, and the Exergue bore the date of the respective years of issue. Obverse: A head, facing left, hair unconfined, disposed in short tresses or tufts. Legend : " LIB- PAR- OP SCIENCE & INDUSTRY." Within the Legend, and beneath the head, the date 1792.
Reverse : A small eagle, flying and looking toward the left. Legend: "UNF STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue: An inscription: "HALF DISME" in three lines. Border, milled; edge, reeded ; size, 10 ; weight, 21 grains. Extremely rare.
These Half Dismes were coined from a quantity of silver plate furnished by Washington, and, although pronounced by numismatic writers "pattern pieces," undoubtedly went into general circulation fora time; hence should be considered a regular coinage, and commence the series of Half Dimes, dies were of French origin. The following article taken from Washington's 4th annual address, 1792, explains fully the facts connected herewith :
" In execution of the authority given by the legislature measures have been taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of our Mint. Others have been employed at home. Provisions have been made for the requisite buildings, and these are now being put into proper condition for the purposes of the establishment. There has been a small beginning in the coinage of half dismes, the want of small coins in circulation calling the first attention to them."
The 1792 Half Dismes were called "Trial Pieces:" the dies cut and struck in France. These pieces are very rare and valuable. The bust is popularly supposed to represent Martha Washington, but the portraits extant hardly bear out the supposition. No Half Dimes were issued after this until 1794, which date is also rare and valuable.
HALF DIMS.
In 1796 the hair of Goddess of Liberty was tied with ribbon, back of the head. Legend : Thirteen stars. Exergue : " 1796." Reverse : Eagle, reduced in size, and further from the knot with which the wreath is tied, otherwise no change was made. Weight: 30.800 grains. Fineness: 892.400.
In 1797 the same device was used, with the exception tluit instead of thirteen, fifteen stars were on the Obverse. Reverse : Eagle, United States shield upon its breast ; scroll, with " E PLURIBUS UNUM" in its beak; stars and clouds above its head. Legend : "UNITED STATES OP AMERICA."
In 1798 and 1799, no Half-Dimes were coined. In 1800, the stars were again reduced to thirteen, six facing the bust of Liberty, and seven were behind it. This device was continued through 1801, 1802, and 1803, inclusive.
In 1804, no Half-Dimes were coined or issued, and those of 1805 bore the device of 1800.
HALF DIME.
From 1806, and up to 1828, inclusive, the Half-Dimes were discontinued.
In 1829, a new device appeared. Obverse: Bust of Goddess of Liberty. Legend: Thirteen stars. Exergue: "1829." Reverse : Eagle, wings expanded ; a United States shield upon its breast; left talon a bunch of arrows; right, olive branch; over its head a scroll, with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" upon it. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue: "5 c."
In 1830, and up to 1836, inclusive, no change was made in the device.
HALF DIME.
In 1837, and the early part of 1838, a new device was coined ; k bore on the Obverse: Goddess of Liberty, seated ; staff, with liberty-cap in left hand; right resting on United States shield. The Legend is starless. Exergue: "1837 and 1838." Reverse: "HALF-DIME," surrounded by a wreath. Legend: " UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Weight : By Act of Congress, January 18th, 1837, reduced to 20.625 grains; and the Fineness raised to the standard of 900.
In 1839, the thirteen stars were again replaced on the Obverse, and with the exception of date of issue upon the Exergue, no change was made up to 1853, inclusive.
In 1853, February 21st, the Half-Dime, by order of Congress, was reduced to 19.2 grains, but retained its 900 fineness. A slight change was also made on the Obverse; upon the Exergue, an arrow was placed each side of date ; this was retained during 1854 and 1855, but was again absent in 1856, and up to 1872, inclusive, reappearing again 1873, when the issue of Half Dimes or Five Cent silver pieces ceased.
HALF DIME.
THREE CENT SILVER PIECES.
In 1851, March 3d, Congress authorized the issue of Three Cent silver pieces, and required them to be composed of threefourths silver, and one-fourth copper. The device adopted bears on the Obverse, a large six-pointed star, with United States shield in the middle of it. Legend : "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue: "1851." Reverse: A large ornamental "C," with the Roman numerals, "III" in the centre. Legend : Thirteen stars.
THREE CENT SILVER PIECE.
No change was made in 1852. Weight: 12.375 grains. Fineness: 750.
On March 3d, 1853, Congress changed the fineness from 750 to 900; namely, 900 parts silver, and 100 parts copper; and reduced the weight from 12.375 down to 11.520 grains. The device was also altered, on the Obverse, the plain star of 1851 was edged with three distinct Hues, the Legend exhibited the words: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," in more modern and clearer type. Exergue: "1853."
On the Reverse, within the letter "C," and above the Roman numerals, "III," an olive branch was inscribed, and a bunch of arrows placed below.
THREE CENT SILVER PIECE.
This last device, Weight, and Fineness, was continued without change, down to 1873, when, by order of Congress, the coinage of the silver Three Cent piece was discontinued.