FUGIO CENT DIES USED AS PAPERWEIGHTS

My Dear Sir ;—In your publication, The American Numismatist for September, a sample copy of which you have so kindly sent me, I find an article on page 8 relating to the dies of the first U. S. Cent, viz., “ Franklin or Fugio,” stating that “ they were now used for paper weights in a counting room in this city.” Allow me to correct this statement.

The dies, five in number, were sold about the year 1862 by Mr. Hughes, a hardware merchant here, to some party now unknown, for $25, they having come into his possession a number of years previously, being found in a small safe which he had purchased when the old building (where the coins had been struck off) was demolished, and until the dies were sold, were used by him as paper weights. Mr. H. died in 1864.

The safe is now in the possession of Messrs. J. E., Bassett & Co., his successors. The store being the oldest hardware store in the state, having commenced business in 1782. Mr. .J. E. Bassett is the gentleman from whom I have obtained the above information. 1 trust you will make the correction. Wishing you success in your undertaking, I remain, Yours Very Truly,
H. P. Allen.

P. S. Mr. B. also informed me that he understood coins had been struck from the dies, since leaving Mr. Hughes’ possession.

To read the complete article, see:
http://www.archive.org/stream/americannumismat01n3leal#page/22/mode/2up

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