U. S. Mint Medals Presented to Mint Director Robert M. Patterson ** 2012 ANA EXHIBIT **
1836 J-MT-21 27mm FIRST STEAM COINAGE, GILT MARCH 23RD, ORIGINAL ex. Robert M. Patterson

Owner Comments:

Given the significance of this occasion to the United States Mint and to the nation as a whole, it’s not surprising that at least this one copper example was gilded. Unlisted in R. W. Julian’s reference book on U. S. Mint medals, this specimen is likewise pedigreed to Director Robert M. Patterson, and it comes with a charming wooden presentation case. In all other respects it is similar to the regular copper impressions from the same dies. Note Christian Gobrecht’s use of the same date punches and roundel stops as seen on his landmark silver dollars of 1836. Justifiably proud of the Mint’s achievement, Director Patterson wrote to Treasury Secretary Levi Woodbury: “I also send, by this mail, some copper pieces struck at the mint today on our new press by steam. They are the first ever struck by this power in America. We must consider this day, therefore, as marking an epoch in our coinage.”