British coins and medals sent to Sully to aid US coin design
RogerB
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This little letter shows that Director Patterson was actively assisting Thomas Sully in design concepts for US coins. The work ended up with the Seated Liberty and Flying Eagle silver dollar design of 1836 - the one we incorrectly attribute to Christian Gobrecht.
"Mint of the United States
Philadelphia
September 5, 1835
Thomas Sully
Dear Sir:
I sent you by the [river packet] Beaver, a case containing a series of the British Coins, a Coronation Medal of George IV, and British Crown piece, and a impression a seal by Mr. Gobrecht. If I can find any thing else at the Mint likely to assist you in your work, I will take care to have it put into your hands without delay.
Most truly yours,
R.M. Patterson"
[E-1 box 016 Sep 1835]
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Comments
Our mint could take pointers from the Queen's Beast designer, Jodi Clark I think, I will check on that. Edit that's Jody.
Was this Thomas Sully the artist/painter?
Yes.
Wow. I never knew his numismatic connection. I have a painting attributed to him.
Larry Briggs' book on seated quarters (c. 1991) contains sketches of Liberty Seated by both Sully and Kneass. The Sully sketch is dated 1835, Gobrecht didn't start in the Mint until 1836.
Great information, thanks Roger. Cheers, RickO
Hiring of Gobrecht is mentioned in the turn-over letter from Samuel Moore to Robert Patterson at the end of June 1835.
June 24, 1835. Patterson to Moore (excerpt):
I expect to see the Secretary on the 8th, and also the President if he be then in Washington. I shall not fail to urge, with earnestness, the employment of Mr. Gobrecht, as I am convinced that his taste and skill fit him peculiarly for the situation to which you have recommended him.