U. S. Mint Medals Presented to Mint Director Robert M. Patterson ** 2012 ANA EXHIBIT **
1851 J-MT-2,AE 65mm ROBERT M. PATTERSON DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. MINT ex. Robert M. Patterson

Owner Comments:

Also from the estate of Robert M. Patterson is this splendid United States Mint Medal honoring his term of service. The portrait of Patterson was executed by famed engraver Charles Cushing Wright and signed by him below the truncation. Not an official issue of the U. S. Mint as authorized by Congress, instead it was created by Chief Coiner Franklin Peale as a testimonial to Patterson for his outstanding leadership and his support of Peale’s activities. Such an honor had been given to just one Mint official previously, when longtime Chief Coiner Adam Eckfeldt had received a similar medal in 1839.

The olive branch and snake device seen on the reverse of this medal was borrowed from an earlier Mint medal (Julian MI-20), and Julian speculates that the accompanying inscription may have been punched by Peale himself. Its words indicate that Peale was not alone among the Mint’s officers and personnel in his respect for the retiring Director. The Latin legend MONEX MONETAE and the date 1837 both refer to Patterson’s signal achievement in office, his drafting of important reforms to the Mint’s standards and procedures which became law on January 18 of that year. It is presumed that Patterson was also presented with a gold impression from these dies, but this piece, if it did exist, has never surfaced.