As the Civil
War got rolling, the cost of that war became a reality. Most precious metals available in the
Confederacy were sent to Europe to buy military equipment, but a few coins were
minted. In early March 1861 the
Confederacy commissioned Robert Lovett Jr of Philadelphia, PA to design and
engrave a one cent piece. Some of the
coins were minted using the then standard cupronickel, however the thought of
being held for helping the enemy made Lovett stop his work, and he hid the dies
for the coin. There were some half
dollar coins minted by orders of Christopher Gustavus Memminger the Confederate
Secretary of the Treasury, on a hand press at the New Orleans Mint, with a die
made by engraver AHM Peterson. There
were also gold dollars minted in Dahlonega, GA, as well as half eagles in
Dahlonega and Charlotte, NC. Do to the
difficulty of getting metals, all the mints within the Confederacy were closed
June 1st 1861.
The
Confederacy solved their problem of coinage by making United States silver
coins up to $10 legal, as well as English, French, Mexican and Spanish coins.
1 comment:
SilverGoldBull is a highly trusted bullion dealer. You will be provided with bargain, up-to-minute rates and they will make sure that your gold & silver is delivered to your door discreetly and safely.
Post a Comment