As the Mint Supplied the Copper To Build USS Constitution in 1797-Should She Straight Grade/Bean?

JCH22

In 1794 George Washington observed:

"It follows then as certain that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force, we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious."

Washington signed into law The Naval Act of 1794 on March 27th which authorized the building of six frigates, including USS Constitution.

On July 2, 1797, just before Constitution was to be launched, Secretary of War James McHenry directed:

“It being of importance to the United States that the Frigate Constitution should be coppered on the Stocks before she is Launched into the Water – you will therefore be pleased to cause the said Ship to be coppered as high as light water mark as soon as the Bottom is prepared, as it will prevent heaving down afterwards and a Consequent heavy expense… “

To meet this urgent need for cooper, the Naval Department turned to the Mint, which supplied five (5) tons of cooper for fitting out the USS Constitution:

[War Office
January 24, 1798
To: Tench Francis
War Department
Sir,
Be pleased to inform the Secretary of War of the five tons of copper had from the Mint for the Frigate Constitution has been paid for out of the monies appropriated for the Naval Department; …… ]

Does raise the questions whether:
1) Should the USS Constitution straight grade?
2) If so, bump for rarity?
3) Will she bean?

USS Constitution in 1875 with hull exposed:

Morgan13

I live just outside of Boston. The last time they restored it they did find a few coins. I remember reading the story in the newspaper.

Nysoto

Straight grade and sticker for the USS Constitution. Pugnando!

Second US President John Adams said on May 16, 1797: "A naval power, next to the militia, is the natural defense of the United States."

Adams and Congress enacted on July 6, 1797 "Laying duties on stamped vellum, parchment, and paper." Robert Scot was assigned to engrave this first federal issue of revenue stamp dies, and Adam Eckfeldt was assigned to fabricate 18 stamp screw presses to emboss the designs into the vellum, parchment, and paper. The federal revenue stamps provided funds for additional warships to fight the Quasi-War.

M4Madness

https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/2015/05/11/the-wooden-walls/

I live a stone's throw from Constitution Grove.

Ebeneezer

Proof 70, without the appproval of CAC. Never needed.

tincup

She is in a class of her own. One of a kind, and no need to grade/bean or anything else. Was able to tour the ship at one time, and a very memorable event.

CRHer700

I can see it as a VF 20.

donzme

Unique. I don't think it will straight grade as I think I see a scratch. Need better pictures.

CascadeChris

VF Details, Repaired