Use of outside engravers/die cutters by the Philadelphia Mint - 1853 sample

RogerB

We commonly think of the US Mint Engraving Department as being self-contained. However, the extract from a Congressional report of 1854 shows that at least during part of 1853, the Philadelphia Mint used outside contractors for hubs, dies and punches, among other things. Notice also, the $435 spent for “specimens” for the Cabinet. These could have been coins, ore samples, medals or other items.

Unknown

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RogerB

There certainly were people with the die cutting skills to make false dies.