1886 O VAM 1A2 Top 100 And Wow

Quote:
I love the "E" transfer coins.

Quote:
September 26, 1891
Sir:
Enclosed herewith I return two silver dollars, sent to this bureau for special assay test, from delivery No. 188. Your attention is directed to the fact that upon the reverse of these coins, near the loop in the wreath, the letter "E" is plainly visible, and on one of them part of the letter "B" and the letter "R." It is evident that the dies have been permitted to come in contact in the press without an intervening blank, as the letter "E" has been transferred to the die from the "E" in the word "Liberty" on the fillet on the head of the obverse side.

You will also notice that the coins are fractured, which will be explained by the contract of the die faces.

This defect runs through the deliveries in the latter part of August up to and including the deliveries of September 5th. Evidently all the coins struck with this pair of dies contain the letter "E."

It is hardly necessary for me to say to you that this is a gross piece of negligence.

It is of the first importance that the coinage of the United States should be free from defects of all kinds. This will call for criticism and will be commented upon unfavorably.

In this connection I would say that there have been repeated complaints to the Bureau and to the Treasurer's office in regard to the edges of the dimes being struck at your Mint.

I have exhibited these coins to the Secretary to let him see the character of the work now being turned out from the coining department of your Mint.

I will thank you to make a thorough examination in regard to this matter and report to this bureau in writing how it was that the imperfection upon the dollars was not discovered, and who is to blame. These two pieces will be returned to this bureau with your report.

I will also thank you to report to me whether the Coiner of the Mint gives that personal attention to the supervision of the business of his department which is required by Section 1, Article 29 of the regulations.