THE 1863 ALUMINUM POSTAGE CURRENCY PATTERNS

In last week's E-Sylum, David Lange wrote:

I have no information on US pattern coins struck prior to 1863. What I do have is proof that in May and June of 1863, a few aluminum pattern Postage Currency coins were struck. The dates of striking and the quantities were well documented. As to dating the striking of these coins, May 19, 1863, S.H. Chapman & H. Chapman in the George Eavenson Collection were documented from the Mint Director Chase’s “Mint Report of 1863.” Usppcc pg. 121

Plate 8, page 142 of my book “United States Pattern Postage Currency Coins” (published 2007) pictures the original wrappers containing the information in the handwriting of Mint Assayer, William E. DuBois presented to Mint Director, James Pollock, and then to Salmon P. Chase, Secretary of the U. S. Treasury during the administration of President Abraham Lincoln. “No. 3 Aluminum 2 pieces. 10 cts each weight 8 grains, value about 5 cents, each.”

The ten coins pictured on five wrappers were discovered in the early 1960s hidden in a time capsule that was discovered when a Dallas bank was remodeled. Milton R. Friedberg bought the coins and wrappers and later sold them at auction. Quoting:

The first recorded sale of these aluminum coins was by Ed Cogan who catalogued the sale on June 29-30, 1864, Lot 758, Aluminum.

On October 16 thru 20, 1865, Ed Cogan sold Lot 2057 as an Aluminum coin. Although unpictured, the written description of these coins is that of a Postage Currency ten cent coin.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
WHEN ALUMINUM COINS WERE STRUCK (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v18n01a12.html)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web