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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,049 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4868 Posts |
How was it determined what denominations to have? Why were some denominations ceased? And how was it decided what metals to use and the sizes & weights of coins?
David
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2724 Posts |
The denominations and weights and sizes were determined by the continental congress in 1792 along with the designs. Denominations like the 2 Cent, 3 Cent Nickel, 3 Cent Silver, 5 Cent Nickel, 20 Cent coins were brought later by nickel and silver interests. Other denominations like the Trade dollar were brought by Silver miners who needed an outlet for their silver. You should check out the book the crime of 1873. A great read for every coin collector. |
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Valued Member
United States
421 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2724 Posts |
Here is the most important section: SEC. 10. And be it further enacted, That, upon the said coins respectively, there shall be the following devices and legends, namely: Upon one side of each of the said coins there shall be an impression emblematic of liberty, with an inscription of the word Liberty, and the year of the coinage; an upon the reverse of each of the gold and silver coins there shall be the figure or representation of an eagle, with this inscription, "United States of America" and upon the reverse of each of the copper coins, there shall be an inscription which shall express the denomination of the piece, namely, cent or Half Cent, as the case may require. Now is this confusing to anyone outside of the halls of congress? |
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New Member
United States
41 Posts |
In response to ND, that is why they had trouble getting the cent with Lincoln on it. NOthing emblematic of liberty. Brenner countered that Lincoln was the human representation of liberty. And Congress bought it.
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Forum Mom
 United States
5877 Posts |
Wonder what happened to the nickel, dime, quarter, half, and dollar that enabled them to ignore this law.....  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2724 Posts |
Nickel coins were "new" to the process as they showed up specifically to appease the Nickel producers of the time. Even then, they made the attempt at Lady Liberty. The 5 Cent Nickel was also a "new" coin and it was chosen not to represent anyone. The Quarter turned to Washington in 1932 as a commemorative. This was a 1 year design. No 1933 Quarters. It is claimed that the "people" wanted Washington to remain. The Half Dollar fell in 1946 due to the Lincoln rule. In 1909 the Lincoln Cent was a tribute to the former president. Congress argued that it was "Mint" tradition to refrain from using people on coins. As Stufoe's link shows us, it was not tradition, but LAW. There is currently NO law to change the first one. We allow our leaders to do what they want. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
980 Posts |
quote:
Originally posted by Susanlynn9
Wonder what happened to the nickel, dime, quarter, half, and dollar that enabled them to ignore this law.....[;)
Simple- the coins aren't copper, silver, or gold! Of course they were all silver when the coins were changed..., save for the dollar coins. So much for that theory  |
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Valued Member
United States
307 Posts |
Why was the $1 and the $3 gold coins minted when a $2 wasn't---I like both the $1 and the $3 but they are a little high!!!
Speedy
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Valued Member
United States
421 Posts |
Wasn't the $3 made because of 3 cent stamps (it would be 100 or them)? Same reason the 3 cent pieces were made? Not positive on this as my memmory is always foggy.
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Rest in Peace
United States
2884 Posts |
I always thought some of these denomonations were to fit in with spanish and other circulating foreign coins of the day. Beyond that demomonations like the 3 cent pieces matched stamp costs. Others like the 20 cent piece came about by lobbying from silver and gold interests...same with odd gold denominations...let me own just one Stella! Mike
Edited by Mike
05/18/2005 1:10 pm
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Forum Mom
United States
5877 Posts |
Here is an interesting site with some info about the history of some US coins. Coin Site |
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Rest in Peace
United States
2884 Posts |
Everyone should copy the link Susan has posted. It's in my favorites. What a great reference peice. Mike
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,049 |
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Posted 05/16/2005 7:18 pm
