There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
Description:
The first silver dollars-and the first silver half dollars-were delivered on the same day, October 15, 1794. Chief coiner Henry Voigt was responsible for 5,300 half dollars that day, and they apparently went into commerce as soon as they were released.
The dollars were another matter. Precisely 1,758 of them were coined on the fifteenth, and they were immediately delivered to Mint Director David Rittenhouse for distribution to dignitaries as souvenirs.
The VIPs were not impressed with what they saw. The dollars were struck on the largest press the mint possessed, but the machine was originally intended for cents and half dollars. The only way it had proved adequate for striking the copper pattern was by striking the piece twice.
The impressions it gave with a single blow were weak, a situation not helped by the fact that the obverse die was damaged early on and had to be polished down along one part of its circumference. This resulted in its making an even weaker impression. So the new federal dollar was not a brilliant success. But it was a first-and sometimes that's success enough.
Precisely 1,758 of these silver dollars, the first ever minted for circulation by the United States, were coined on October 15, 1794. All were immediately delivered to the Mint Director for distribution to dignitaries as souvenirs. The largest press the mint possessed still was not big enough to give a strong impression with a single blow, hence the weak relief on these coins.
Date Made: 1794
Mint: U.S. Mint, PhiladelphiaObverse Designer: Scot, RobertReverse Designer: Scot, Robert
Location: Currently not on view
Place Made: United States: Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaCity: United States: Pennsylvania, PhiladelphiaProvince: United States: PennsylvaniaCountry: United StatesPolitical Area: United States
See more items in: Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection, Coins, Numismatics, Coins, Currency and Medals, Legendary Coins
Exhibition:
Exhibition Location:
Related Web Publication: http://americanhistory.si.edu/coins/glossary.cfm
Related Publication: Zoomable Image and Details, Glossary of Coins and Currency Terms
Credit Line: Chase Manhattan
Data Source: National Museum of American History
Id Number: 1979.1263.00334Accession Number: 1979.1263Collector/Donor Number: CM01510Catalog Number: 1979.1263.00334
Object Name: coin
Physical Description: silver (overall material)Measurements: overall: .23 cm x 3.88 cm; 3/32 in x 1 17/32 in
Metadata Usage: CC0
Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-8470-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
Record Id: nmah_835252
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach tosharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian'sTerms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visitRights and Reproductions.