Relating to Flying Eagle small cents of 1856

RogerB

The post titled "Why is this 1856 flyer a VG 10 and not a PF 10?" reminded me of a couple of rarely mentioned letters relating to the small cent and other possible coinage changes in 1856. These two have the same date but one is marked confidential. Treasury Secretary Guthrie was also considering the ideas of J. T. Barclay for means of better protecting coins from adulteration and counterfeiting.

"Treasury Department
February 15, 1856

J. Ross Snowden, Esq.
Director of the Mint
Philadelphia, Pa.

Sir:
For the present the coinage of gold at the Mint, and all the branches, excepting that of San Francisco, should be confined to coins of $10 and less, for home circulation, and I have to request that you will cause the necessary directions to be given.
I think it is proper that we should ask Congress to authorize the coinage of two and one cent pieces, composed of a combination of metals, making the coinage convenient for circulation, and provide for withdrawing the present copper cents. I think it best to have authority to coin two cent pieces of the same metal as the one cent pieces, in order if found convenient and useful, they may be coined and put in circulation with the cent pieces. I have to request you will furnish the draft of the proper section for these coins, giving the component parts of the different metals, with an explanatory letter."

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"Sir:
I transmit herewith a specification of Mr. Lucien Vidie of Paris, France, of an invention of his for the improvements of coins now in use, with two specimens one being combination of copper and silver, then other of silver and gold.

I will thank you to give careful consideration to this matter and furnish me with your views in regard to any practical advantage that would result from the application of this invention to the lower denominations etc., of our gold, silver , and copper coins. As these specifications and specimens have been sent to an agent in this city with a view to obtain for the invention a patent right, I have to request that the matter may be treated by you in a confidential manner, and that the specifications and specimens of coins may be returned to the Department with your report.
It may be proper to add that the agent of the inventor has written for further information specially [sic] as to the means of detecting counterfeits, and the nature, character and cost of the machinery, etc.

I am Very Respectfully
James Guthrie,
Secretary of the Treasury"