Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-04-19
COUNTERFEIT GOLD COIN

AS the amount of gold coin in circulation increases
the liability of all to take base coin, we give the
annexed information the subject of counerfeits fur
nished the Philadelphia Ledger by officer of the
Mint:
"The most important class of counterfeits are the
limitations of our coin, and some have been brought
to light worthy OF especial notice. The varieties in
clude the eagle, halfeage and quarter eagle The die
is very perfect for although coiner might discover
that the impression is not quite so sharp and decided
as the genuine coin, yet but practical eve can
detsct the difference. Even when examined under
microscope, they are found to correspond in the most
minute particular to the genuine coin. This shows that
the dies must have been transferred from coin
by some mechanical process not yet known to honest
workmen, the most accomplished artist in the world
could not take up the graver and make such fac simie
The coins have rather dull sound in ringing, but
not if awed although they actually composed of
three distinct pieces OF metal. Where they full
weight they necessarily thicker than the genuine
but generally the hafeagle RIM as in the good piece,
from IS to 60 thousands of inch within the ased
rim. They appear to be made follows: A thin plan
Chef OF silver Of Spanish standard is prepared nearly
of the right diameter that the subsequent OVERLAPPING Of
the gold plate at the edge will make exact. Two
planchets Of gold are then prepared-one OF them to
correspond with the true diameter OF the coin the other
about quarter of an inch larger These two plates
are sodered upon the silver, the projecting rim Of the
larger is bent up to meet the smaller to cover the
edge of the coin and the pieces finished by blow in
the coiner press.
The hafeages, which are, perhaps, the most nume-
rous bear various dates, such 1884, 1915 and 1847
Ofthe quarter eagle only date lS43 and bearing
the for the New Orleans Mint mark has as vet been
detected but doubtless there others in circulation
The value of the halteagles assayed was from So to
So 49, and the quarter do 81 Is. They are so well
calculated to deceive that they have passed undetected
through the hands OF good judges into the Mint The
only reliable method of detection is by their weight If
they up to the true standard their increased thick
ness will be at once apparent to careful examiner
MESSRS. WEBSTER AND DICKINSON.
Some time since the people of Wilmington North Car
ona rendered to these distinguished members of the
Senate complimentary ball. as tribute of respect for
their eminent services in the public councils We find
in the Wilmington Aurora the following reply to the
COMMITTEES:
WASHINGTON, April 9, 1850
GENTLEMEN We received your obliging commu-
nicaon some weeks ago. written in behalf of the peo-
pie of Wilmington and the djacent countless rendering
to us a com plmentary ball, as mark of respect for
recent services in the Senate, to be given at such time
as might be convenient us. 1t cannot but be graft
flying to receive such invitation. Our duties, how
ever are likely to prevent for some time to come
from enjoying visit to Wilmington for such purpose.
in the of the session, should find that with
out prejudice to the puplc business we could venture
so far from the appropriate place of duties it would
afford real satisfaction to 60 to Wilmington. and
have the pleasure of an unceremonous and friendly inter-
view with you and those who you represent.
With entire regard, you obedient servants,
DANL WEBSTER,
d. S. DICKINSON
To Messrs. S. R. Potter and Henry l. Toole, Will
mington North Carolina.