America's Copper Coinage, 1783-1857.
Coinage of the Americas Conference
Proceedings No. 1. New York, The American Numismatic Society 1985) illus.
ISBN 0-89722-207-5

ADAMS, JOHN. Benjamin Collins. A Brief Essay On The People And Traditions Of Large Cent Collecting.

The author details the collecting activity of one of the earliest systematic large cent collectors, Benjamin H. Collins (18451928), whose demanding objectives, diligence in assembling a superb set of large cents, and generosity in sharing his hobby all combine to leave a rich heritage for those who have followed.


BREEN, WALTER. Robert Scot's Earliest Device Punches.

Scot's education in the use of device punches to impress dies is traced. It is demonstrated that 1794 large cent obverse dies, previously thought to be hand engraved, were produced with device punches and heavily retooled to bring up detail. The observation is then extended to the relevant reverses.


CLAIN-STEFANELLI, ELVIRA. Copper Coinage And The Monetary Economy Of The Early United States.

The author describes the economic hardships which befell the American colonists due to a lack of coinage and outlines the various attempts to alleviate the situation, including imported and indigenous copper coinage and paper money experiments. The need persisted well into the nineteenth century despite attempts by the U.S. Mint to meet demands for copper coinage.

COHEN, DAVID H. The Randall Hoard.

John Swan Randall, a Norwich, New York merchant, purchased a small keg of large cents in 1869 which were dated 1813-23. The difficulties he encountered in selling the coins, considered by some to be restrikes, are discussed. Four examples are in the ANS.

COHEN, ROGER S., JR. Original And Restrike Half Cents.

The author argues that distinguishing between original and restrike U.S. nineteenth century half cents requires knowledge of differing circumstances of production in three periods: 1825-39; 1839-54; and 1855-60.


EWING, GEORGE E., JR. Origins Of Edge Lettering On Early American Copper Coinage.

The use of edge lettering as an anticounterfeiting and anticlipping measure is traced to the work of Peter Blondeau and Jean Castaing. The difficulties encountered by both inventors in having their edge marking devices accepted in London and Paris respectively are attributed to reluctance of the minting authorities to give up their control of the minting process and its opportunity for illicit profit.

GILLILLAND, CORY. Early American Copper Coinage In Relation To The Art And Taste Of The Period.

The early copper coinage of the United States reflects an evolution of motifs and style similar to that found in printmaking, domestic furnishings, painting, and architecture of the same era and is an important element in the artistic heritage of the country. The evolution of form in various types of artistic work is discussed in relation to coinage, and such comparison of styles demonstrates the development of an American consciousness toward art and taste.

GUTH, RONALD J. The copper coinage of Vermont.

An overview of the principal literature pertaining to variety attribution in the series of Vermont's copper coinage is presented, along with historical and popular anecdotes.

LOPING, DENIS W. Emission sequences of early cents.

This paper outlines the various methods used by the numismatic researcher to determine the emission sequence of a group of early cents. The problem is defined, and the following techniques discussed: die chaining deterioration and repair, design characteristics, edge devices, and planchet quality. Each is specifically illustrated by one or more examples of early cent sequences.


NEWMAN, ERIC P. Circulation of pre-U.S. Mint copper coins in nineteenth century America.

The unwillingness of the public to abandon the shilling and pence denominations in money of account systems as well as the extensive circulation of small Spanish-American silver coins explains the reasons for and the basis of the continued circulation of eighteenth century American and English coppers until the passage of the 1857 exchange legislation by Congress. The difficulties in some areas of convincing people to use cents and half cents coined by the United States Mint is also discussed for the period from 1793 to 1857.

PARTRICK, DONALD G. The Mysterious 1784 "Washington the Great" Coinage.

The author suggests historical reasons for assigning this coinage to the period immediately following the War for Independence and postulates that its origin and makers, yet undiscovered, will probably relate to early coiners and sponsors of coinage in the Hudson Valley during 1784 and thereafter.


REIVER, JULES. Attributing the Late Date large cents.

The techniques for discerning die varieties enumerated in the author's work, Reiver System for the Rapid Attribution of the Mature Head United States Copper Cents, 18431857 (Wilmington, DE, 1980) are highlighted.

RUBIN, P. SCOTT. Auction appearances and pedigrees of the 1792 silver center cent.

The methodology employed in arriving at a census of this coinage is explained.

SMITH, PETER. United States turban cents, 1808-1814.

A brief description of the turban cent struck by the U.S. Mint, 180814, includes comments on the source and quality of planchets, striking variations, die wear characteristics, and a review of the literature. Following a survey by grade and variety of the cents offered at public auction, 1974-84, the 19 known die varieties of the series are described.

TETTENHORST, R. Overstrikes and other anomalies on early half cents.

The variety of overstruck and misstruck half cents as well as recycled planchets which constituted regular mint practice in the production of this series are brought together.