NEW BOOK: THE INCONSPICUOUS GOLD RUSH MINT

Most people have forgotten, or have never heard, that the most important mint of the California Gold Rush period was on Commercial Street in the city of San Francisco. Often when the Old Mint of San Francisco is discussed, thoughts turn to the still extant, magnificent structure, that is the second mint on Mission and Fifth Streets. However, despite having a homely face, the Commercial Street Mint was a very efficient and quite interesting coin factory. Thus the title of our new book, “The Inconspicuous Gold Rush Mint”.

The word “inconspicuous” means something not readily noticeable, or not prominent or striking. It is our belief that this descriptive term fits appropriately for this mint. The building was never thought of as an architectural masterpiece, thus it is quite possible that no photographs were ever taken of it; however, the authors did discover an excellent lithograph of the building which graces the cover of the book.

This is the only book that provides a complete history of the first federal mint of San Francisco, in operation from 1854 until 1874. Five years in the making, this new book contains never before published items of historical interest, i.e. a report of a mysterious, and unknown, so-called ‘fancy coin’ struck during the opening ceremonies on April 1st, 1854, and new information on the ‘real culprit’ of the 1857 theft of gold bullion. It includes historical background information concerning the California Gold Rush period, which determined the need for a mint in San Francisco.

The book contains many unpublished images relevant to the times. Coin rarities, production, employee incidents, and die deliveries are also included. At the end of the book is an alphabetical list of the names of 611 employees discovered to have worked at this mint during its twenty years of operation - you will not find a more complete list of mint employees anywhere else.

The book is softbound, 142 pages in length, and heavily illustrated throughout. Numismatic Researchers/Authors Nancy Oliver and Richard Kelly are offering a 15% discount for E-Sylum readers who are interested in purchasing their newest work. With that discount, the book costs $20, and the authors will pay the postage. If you would like your book signed by both authors, please mention this in your response. Please send a check or money order made out to:

Richard G. Kelly
26746 Contessa St.
Hayward, CA 94545-3150

Wayne Homren, Editor

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