Opinions Please: Adam Eckfeldt Wikipedia Page Says He Engraved the Wreath Cent, 1792 Half Disme, an

numisma · October 5, 2013 4:38AM

Adam Eckfeldt Wiki Page

Please read through the linked Wiki page regarding Adam Eckfeldt. Most of the sources are attributed to Taxay's works, which could be an issue. Here's an excerpt:

When the Mint's first cents (produced in 1793) were found to be excessively crude and attracted public ridicule, Eckfeldt was called upon to design replacements. He placed a wreath on the back of the cent instead of the original chain, and placed a trefoil under Liberty's head on the obverse. He also engraved the first half cent dies later the same year.

Isn't Henry Voigt recognized as the engraver of both the Flowing Hair cents (Chain and Wreath) and the Liberty Cap (left) half cents? Perhaps Karl Moulton and other experts here should update the Adam Eckfeldt Wiki page for the sake of accuracy.

coindeuce · October 5, 2013 12:29PM

"The Mint did not employ a permanent engraver until 1794. A number of Mint employees cut dies for the early coppers, including Chief Coiner Henry Voigt, whose 1793 linked Chain reverse attracted poorly reasoned criticism and was soon replaced by a wreath design. Wreaths in various forms became standard on cents and half cents. The 1793 Wreath cents and half cents are attributable to Adam Eckfeldt, who later succeeded Voigt as Chief Coiner." *
Perhaps Voigt should be credited only for carrying the Flowing Hair obverse forward for the wreath reverse cents of 1793.

* "The Comprehensive Catalog and Encyclopedia of U.S. Coins" Amos Press 1995.

numisma · October 7, 2013 8:20AM

Thanks for the info coindeuce. I have many references and they are all contradictory. Some say Eckfeldt and some say Voigt. Regarding the 1792 half dismes, there are a couple of contradictory studies in play. I have always agreed with the theory that William Birch designed and engraved the half disme dies. The Wiki page states that Adam Eckfeldt engraved the dies. What is your opinion? Also, wouldn't you agree that the language in the Wiki page should note that the claims are possibilities, as opposed to solid fact?

WillieBoyd2 · October 7, 2013 8:25AM

Somebody should ask Mr. Taxay about this.

Baley · October 7, 2013 9:46AM

<< <i> I have always agreed with the theory that William Birch designed and engraved the half disme dies. The Wiki page states that Adam Eckfeldt engraved the dies. What is your opinion? Also, wouldn't you agree that the language in the Wiki page should note that the claims are possibilities, as opposed to solid fact? >>

Yes, a comparison of the half disme with the Birch cent makes the conclusion that they were designed and engraved by the same person seem obvious, there are remarkable similarities in style and execution.

LanceNewmanOCC · October 7, 2013 3:12PM

<< <i>Somebody should ask Mr. Taxay about this.

>>

i have it on good authority he can be reached via messenger pigeon and/or message in a bottle.

hope you are patient!
.

denga · October 8, 2013 7:18AM

The Congressional report of February 1795 states that the chief coiner (Voight) cut the dies
until a permanent engraver could be hired. That engraver was Joseph Wright who did the
1793 Liberty Cap cent dies but died soon afterwards of the Yellow Fever. Robert Scot was
hired in November 1793. Adam Eckfeldt did not engrave dies; if he had been that talented
he would have been hired as engraver rather than take a job that paid much less..

denga · October 8, 2013 7:21AM

<< <i>Thanks for the info coindeuce. I have many references and they are all contradictory. Some say Eckfeldt and some say Voigt. Regarding the 1792 half dismes, there are a couple of contradictory studies in play. I have always agreed with the theory that William Birch designed and engraved the half disme dies. The Wiki page states that Adam Eckfeldt engraved the dies. What is your opinion? Also, wouldn't you agree that the language in the Wiki page should note that the claims are possibilities, as opposed to solid fact? >>

It is true that there was at one time a belief that William Birch may have cut the 1792 dies but it is
now known with certainty that he did not arrive in this country until mid October 1794.

BillJones · October 8, 2013 7:52AM

Take a look at these two coins. Do you think that they were cut by the same die sinker? I don't think so. I'd say that Birch made the 1792 half disme dies, and Eckfeldt cut the 1793 Chain Ameri. dies.

Opinions Please: Adam Eckfeldt Wikipedia Page Says He Engraved the Wreath Cent, 1792 Half Disme, an

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