Wreath suggested to replace eagle on 1853 halves.
RogerB
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In this letter to the Engraver, Director George Eckert suggests eliminating the eagle on altered-weight 1853 quarters and halves, and replacing it with a wreath. Sounds similar to the 1859 pattern half dollar reverse J-241.
Would this have been a good change?
"Mint of the United States
Philadelphia
February 22, 1853
James B. Longacre, Esq.
Engraver, etc.
Dear Sir,
In view of the late Act of Congress, reducing the weight of the half dollar, etc., it becomes necessary, in my judgement, to make such a change in the devices or inscriptions as will distinguish the coins of the old from those of the new issue, and I have to request of you to make such suggestions as appear to you pertinent to that subject.
It may perhaps be thought necessary, by the Department to introduce finally, for such coins, entirely new devices; but at present I do not so much ask you to consider that point (though I should be pleased at any time to receive such designs for an alteration as you my have to offer), but rather to point out such minor and easily executed changes in the present dies as will suffice to discriminate the new coins, satisfactorily, from the old.
One suggestion which has been made impresses me favorable; it is to make a change in the reverse of the half- and quarter dollar assimilating them to the dime and half-dime; that is introducing a wreath, with the name of the coin enclosed. It would be well, if this change were made, also to introduce a new design of wreath in the dime and half dime. Such alterations in connection with arrows at the dates, as you had formerly proposed, might suffice. It is probable that we have already punches that would suffice for such borders, or that we could procure such already made, so that the delay in making the alterations need not be very great.
It is probable that you will need some assistance in preparing the new dies. If such should be the case, I will be ready to accede to any request you may make on that subject.
Very truly yours,
George N. Eckert,
Director"
Comments
As a matter of personal preference, I am partial to the Eagle... Wreaths are ok... but just not regal enough for my taste....Cheers, RickO
That much change in design might have accelerated withdrawal of and melting of the old coinage before they had an adequate supply of the newer, lighter coinage to replace it.
That's a very likely scenario.