1854 Proof gold coins
Dentuck
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Walter Breen asserted that the United States Mint made a set of Proof gold coins in 1854 to ship to the autonomous German city of Bremen, in exchange for coins needed for the Mint Cabinet collection. According to Breen, the Proof set was "liberated" near the end of World War II and, at some point, broken up.
Various gold Proofs of 1854 have come to market over the years. But I don't think Breen's information about the City of Bremen has ever been substantiated by government documents, newspaper coverage, or other sources.
Does anyone have insight, or a source other than Breen, regarding the alleged City of Bremen connection?
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The timeline is correct, but from what I understand Breen's sources were often dubious.
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David T. Alexander has written about Alexandre (sp?) Vattemare and his connection to these mid-19th century Proof swaps. See what you can find there
Mint of United States
Philadelphia
July 21, 1854
Hon. James Guthrie
Secretary of the Treasury
Washington City
Sir:
In compliance with your request I send to you to-day , per Adam’s & Co. Express, put up in a handsome case, a full set of our coins for presentation to the government of the city of Bremen. Enclosed in the box you will find a statement of the fineness, weight and value of each of our coins.
I have the honor to be with great respect, your faithful servant,
James Ross Snowden
Director
Mr Schleiden the Minister of Bremen had sent a set of coins on behalf of his government to the Mint
Originally I thought Snowden purposed sending Bremen 1 DE 1 QE 1 $3 1gold dollar and some silver and copper coin
100 years older than me.
Interesting story. Apparently not all of Walter Breen's (not to be confused with guitarist Julian Bream) stories were accurate.
Snowden valued the coins received from Bremen at $28,88
Thus he wanted to send
them
1 Double Eagle $20
1 Quarter Eagle 2.50
1 Three dollar piece 3,00
1 gold dollar 1.00
Silver 2 Copper 2,38
$28.88
If the Sec of the Treasury desired that a full US set be sent they could take the difference in the value from the ordinary fund
July 11, 1854
James Ross Snowden to James Guthrie Sec of the Treasury