Test of pure nickel blanks 0

[RWB]

This letter is one of several indicating that the Mint Bureau continued testing pure nickel for use in coins and small medals. The letter suggests a test using 50-cent diameter brass planchets for a small medal. At higher-than-coin-relief, the hydraulic press tonnage of 130 is reasonable for a single strike on copper alloy. (This is a net 107.9 tons on the planchet.)

Edited June 5, 2023 by RWB

[RWB]

PS: In a 1905 report on his visit to European mints, Engraver Barber consistently degrades pure nickel coinage and takes a dig at Joseph Wharton.

[Just Bob]

Would it be safe to assume that the Exposition mentioned in the letter was the St. Louis World's Fair, held April 30 - December 1, 1904? 

[RWB]

On 6/5/2023 at 8:22 PM, Just Bob said:

Would it be safe to assume that the Exposition mentioned in the letter was the St. Louis World's Fair, held April 30 - December 1, 1904? 

Yep. The Treasury Dept was going to display a selection of coining equipment that would go the new Denver Mint after the expo. There was also the Mint's 2 commem gold dollars (ugly trolls) being hawked by loser Farran Zerb-blat. The Bureau of Insular Affairs (War Dept.) sponsored special Philippine coins plus proofs sales of which The Zerber also screwed up.

(Denver was not getting a hydraulic coin press - this was one bought for Philadelphia.)