Introduction

In this publication, we present the papers delivered at the first Coinage of the Americas Conference. As will be seen, they represent a number of approaches to the phenomenon of copper coinage in the early United States. Some articles are of a general nature, embracing the entire period. Elvira Clain-Stefanelli discusses the question of copper coinage itself, and its historical role as the circulating medium of the masses. She draws interesting parallels between copper's use in ancient times and in the young Republic. Eric P. Newman examines a question most of us had never asked—how long into the federal period did pre-federal copper coinage circulate? He emerges with some surprising answers. Cora Lee Gillilland addresses our early coppers from the standpoint of an art historian, and she finds parallels between the imagery employed on early American copper coins and that seen in the wider world of art and fashion.

Other speakers focus on more circumscribed themes. In state coinage, Ronald Guth discusses the issues of the "Vermont Republic"—the state did not formally loin the Union until 1791, and all of its issues were struck while it was independent. Donald Partrick speculates on the origins of one of the least understood coppers of all American History—the "Washington the Great" issue.

As we move into federal coinage, John Adams sets the scene with a sympathetic look at one of the first collectors of American copper coinage, Benjamin H. Collins. Other speakers discuss federal coinage itself, and most do so from two approaches, the methodological and the technological.

In methodology, P. Scott Rubin sheds light on the establishment of pedigrees for early coppers, using the 1792 silver center pattern cent as his example. Roger Cohen explains the problems inherent in determining the emission pattern for "original" and "restrike" half cents, suggesting possible solutions. Jules Reiver demonstrates a new method for determining die identity in the late date cent series— effectively showing that there are several less varieties than commonly supposed. Denis Loring examines effective ways of understanding emission sequences, stressing the use of tools such as die deterioration, design characteristics, and planchet quality to establish order in difficult series.

Other speakers emphasized early Mint technology in their presentations. George Ewing examined the Castaing edgemarking device, used on American cents and half cents during the first two years of the mint operation. From an examination of superimposed images, Walter Breen concludes that a primitive sort of "dubbing"— mass production of dies—was a Mint concern from the earliest days of its operation, rather than a later consideration, as was generally supposed. R. Tettenhorst concentrates on the half cent, demonstrating that Mint practice resulted in much overstriking and recycling of planchets in this coin series.

Among our remaining speakers, Peter Smith examined the entire Turbin Head large cent series, especially from the viewpoint of die deterioration, while David Cohen shed new light on some of the most famous members of the succeeding Coronet series, the Randall Hoard.

Richard G. Doty Conference Chairman