The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals (Part I)

U.S.A., James Ross Snowden, 1859, a copper medal by A.C. Paquet, bespectacled bust almost facing, rev. elevation of the U.S. Mint, Philadelphia, 80mm, 289.75g (Julian MT-3; Failor/Hayden 303; BDM VIII, 109; cf. Stack’s/Bowers March 2017, 86). Usual linear die crack in reverse exergue, cabinet friction on nose and a reverse rim nick at 10 o’clock, otherwise about extremely fine, attractively patinated £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Silich Collection of Historical and Art Medals.

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James Ross Snowden (1809-78) was a lawyer, appointed treasurer of the U.S. Mint 1848 and served as its director from 1853 until 1861. During his tenure, an assay office in New York was created; the Mint building, erected in 1832, was made fireproof in 1856; and a medal department was formally established. His advocation of a ‘lighter and more convenient coin for the cumbrous cent’ led to the introduction of the new cupro-nickel ‘flying eagle’ cent in 1857 and to the discontinuation of the half-cent.