Historical Quotes about Shield Nickels
"... the diameter of the coin being too small for its weight, it has an awkward and lumpy appearance, and is entirely devoid of resonance. The design of its face strongly suggests the old fashioned pictures of a tombstone surmounted by a cross and overhung by weeping willows, which suggestion is corroborated by the religious motto. It is a curiously ugly device."
Joseph Wharton, 1877, in his publication Memorandum Concerning Small Money and Nickel Alloy Coinage. Wharton is largely responsible for the introduction of nickel into our nation's coinage, using his influence with members of Congress to make it happen. Wharton owned a nickel mine and profited handsomely from the deal.
Though collectors have long ceased to regard the true issues of the "Government copper-head factory," better known, perhaps, as the United States Mint, as of any value, they may be interested in the information that the ugliest of all known coins, the new five cent piece, is out, as oysters are served in some places "in every style."
Though specimens are refused to Societies and individuals, they are readily procured in Philadelphia through the agents of the young gentleman at the head of that department.
At present the price of a set of four, struck in "putty" and various metals, with copper gold dollar included, is $35, though the expected purchaser is informed in every case, that as the owner is very anxious to sell (somebody?) he will take $30. Collectors are advised to wait a little, when it is expected that the owner's anxiety will increase to such an extent that he will be glad to take any amount, however small, above their legal value.
Editor, American Journal of Numismatics, August 1866, criticizing the many patterns and varieties of the new nickel that were available (as quoted by Taxay, The U.S. Mint and Coinage, 1966).
"On the obverse of this remarkable coin, the first thing that attracts the attention, is a very elaborate and highly ornamented gridiron, the clumsy handle of which appears to be broken from the body, thus rendering this culinary utensil almost useless. The upper part and sides of this gridiron are hung with leaves of some sort, strongly reminding one of the savory bunches of herbs displayed in a market-house in autumn, or of a green-grocer's sign in huckleberry time. Perhaps the same accident that severed the handle of the gridiron also fractured the lower part, for we notice that it is there skewered by two arrows, pointing in opposite directions. The motto 'In God we Trust' is very opportune, for the inventor of this coin may rest assured that the devil will never forgive him for such an abortion.
The reverse of this thing is less objectionable, for the inventor appears to have almost exhausted his remarkable skill on the obverse. However, he has made a 'bold push' and brought forth something. Here we have a circle of stars intersected by thirteen bars of three scratches each, (perhaps he never saw a Nova Constellatio) around the top of which are the words "United States of America," in very delicate letters. The make-up of this coin is completed by the insertion in the field, of a big, loud 5, with 'cents' in the exergue, which must be pronounced in the peculiar oyster saloon style, thus: 'Five cents!'
Mr. Editor, did we ever have another such coin?"
Letter to the Editor of the American Journal of Numismatics in September of 1866
Approval of diameter of shield nickel:
May 23, 1866
James Pollock
Director of the Mint
Sir,
Your letter of the 21st instant is received requesting a certified copy of
the Act to authorize the coinage of five cent pieces [of copper-nickel], which
is herewith enclosed.
You also enclose planchets of the proposed new five cent piece of the weight required by law, and of the diameter selected showing the size of the coins; the diameter being, as you say, just two “centimeters” or twenty “millimeters,” so that fifty pieces laid in a straight line will make the meter or unit of French measure; each piece being so nearly eight-tenths of an inch in diameter, that no ordinary measurement would detect the difference.
The diameter of the coin is hereby approved, and you are authorized to prepare the planchets and forward specimen coins for approval, as required by the Act, and proposed in your letter.
Hugh McCullough
Secretary of the Treasury
Letter provided courtesy of Roger W. Burdette.
May 30, 1866
James Pollock
Director of the Mint
Sir,
Your letter of the 28th instant is received transmitting for selection and
approval three specimens of five cent pieces, the coinage of which has been
recently authorized.
The specimen distinguished in your letter as “No. 1 – Obverse, the Union Shield resting on tied arrows, [xxxx] etc., motto, ‘In God we Trust’ and date.”
“Reverse, - 13 stars set in rays, U.S. of America and figure, etc. ‘5 cents,’ ” is selected and approved, and you are hereby authorized to cause to be struck coins of this denomination in accordance with the Act approved May 16, 1866.
Hugh McCullough
Secretary of the Treasury
Letter authorizing removal of the rays. Not often we see William Millward mentioned.
January 21, 1867
Hon. William Millward,
Director of the Mint
Your letter of the 19th instant is received requesting my approval of the proposed changes in the five cent die in conformity with the specimen submitted to you by the Chief Coiner.
The five cent coin proposed to be changed is the copper and nickel coin authorized by act of May 16, 1866, the reverse of which now contains upon it the words “United States of America” and “cents" surrounding thirteen stars in circular form set in rays, with the figure “5” in the center of the coin.
You propose to efface the rays between the stars upon the reverse dies leaving the coin in other aspects as it now is.
The proposed change is approved and you are hereby authorized and directed to strike all nickel & copper coins of this denomination hereafter with the rays omitted.
Hugh McCulloch
Secretary of the Treasury
Letter provided courtesy of Roger W. Burdette.
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