1800’s Proof Coins
Electricity
Posts: 318 ✭✭✭✭
So I was thinking today about the 2nd half of the 1800’s Proof coinage. Seems like most of the Silver and copper issued coins were in the 400-1000 Minted range.
Do you guys think it was the same 400-1000 people ordering these coins from the mint?
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US Mint proof (or master) coins from 1858 forward were made in batches of a few hundred (except gold). As these were sold, additional pieces were made in the Medal Department. Many people were repeat purchasers, but there were always new ones. The majority of proofs were sold at the Philadelphia Mint from the Treasurer's office (later Cashier) for coin or currency depending on relative rates of greenbacks, silver and gold.
If you search posts within the last year you'll find one with copies of pages from the proof sales summary for several years in the mid-1890s.
Lists of purchasers of proof coins by mail and Treasury transfer order were kept, but none for purchases by visitors until 1897. Dealers often bought 10 or 20 sets.
I wonder if anyone purchased Gold Double Eagles in 1933 at the cashiers office??
Cheers, RickO
Proof coinage is a poser. In actuality the proof coins are the history of US numismatics. Actual collectors bought them.
The ones that survive tell their own story. Not of who spent them but who saved them and admired and studied them.
The concentration of interest in proofs of course is why ....now.... the business strikes are the object of such hunting.
We have a strange hobby.
@Traz inspired me with his NEWP and I even ordered a proof $5 gold.
We have a strange hobby.
1933-date DE from the 1932 DE replacement might have been among the Cashier's supply. Payment records for deposits are not specific about coin date. Doesn't matter - the Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal. The Langboard coins are now innocents incarcerated.