First half eagle from the new Charlotte Mint.

[RWB]

Something special for Southern Mint gold collectors.

First coins struck on March 28, 1838.

 

[BillJones]

Thanks for posting this Roger!

 

This 1838-C half eagle was among the last of its kind to be struck with the reverse die broken in two at its head. Who knows? Maybe it was being held together with bailing wire and tobacco juice?

 

 

Some have speculated that the first 1838-C half eagle was struck in December of 1837. I guess this letter puts that speculation to reast.

 

 

 

[CaptHenway]

Where is that coin??

[greysoldier]

The Philadelphia mint was not having great luck with their Liberty Seated dime dies in 1838 either...

 

 

 

 

[RWB]

"Where is that coin??"

 

No idea. Possibly spent by the Sec of Treasury or given to the President so he could buy a Slurpee...?

[BillJones]

Where is that coin??

 

No one saved Charlotte Mint or any other branch mint coins in those days unless something lucky happened.

 

 

[RWB]

Slight chance it ended up in the National Collection.....? (The Philadelphia Mint Cabinet as it was back them.)

[BillJones]

Probably not. From what I've read Adam Eckfeld, who was forming the national collection in its early days, didn't have any interest in the branch mint coins, and according to Jeff Garrett and Ron Guth the best one in the national collection is an AU-58.

[RWB]

You're likely right on that. I'll check with the ghost of Wally Breen - maybe there was a secret public celebration when the first coin was struck....

[CharlotteDude]

[Zebo]

Very nice - Charlotte Dude. 

[Hornets Nest Collection]

Here are two to celebrate the Charlotte Mint and its 1st productions!