The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-07-27
MINT OF THE UNITED STATES, !
PHIL .Julv IL. lS5R.

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE MINT IN REFE-
RENEE TO THE ALTERATIONS IN THE CENT COIN
AGE
MINT OF TIE UNITED STATES,
PHILADELPHIA, July III, 1853.
SIR-In former communication respecting
alteration of the cent coinage took occasion to say
that had requested the meter and refner to pro-
secute further experiments, with view to the ascer
tainment of the most suitable alloy for that coinage
These experiments were NOT completed chiefly be-
cause the mint was in dismantled confederation
the bill relating to the coinage Of cents prepar
ed, in the 9Th section of which it was proposed
to allow the proportion of metals in the new coin
to be determined hereafter, in the manner therein
stated. Subsequently, the department and the
Finance Committee Of the Senate deemed it proper
that the proportion OF metals should be authortatvely
fixed by law; whereupon the section was amended as
the bill subsequently passed the Senate in which il
is enacted that the proportion Of other metals than
copper shall not exceed five per cent.
Recent experiments have induced us to prefer an
alloy in which the proportion OF other metal than
copper shall be greater than Is above stated-name
y an admixture in which in every hundred parts Of
weight of metal there shall be eightyeght of copper
and twelve of nickel This alloy seems to possess all
the desirable characteristics for cent piece have
accordingly caused some specimens to be struck,
fifty pieces OF which send you by Mr.. Colmesnil an
agent Of the department. To prevent expense and
delay we have used the half cent dies. The speci-
will show that the mixture receives good i'm
preston from the dies, and exhibits its color and
general appearance.
1t will be seen that, in its external character, it
differs entirely from gold, silver and copper, pre-
serving the pure red tone Of the latter with the light
color Of nickel The color is peculiar and ii is be-
eved will be more acceptable than any of the gray
white or brassy mixtures, or that in which the cop
per more largely prevais for 1t seems to be desired
BY the public that not only smaller cent than the
one now in circulation should be struck, but that we
should get rid OF copper account of its liability to
blacken and become foul.
The infusion Of twelve per cent Of nickel-which
is metal of considerable elevates the char
acter OF the material, and, besides the advantages
OF color and general appearance, will enable US to
make the cent OF less weight and at the same time,
preserve some just proportion between the intrinsic
| and the nominal value OF the coin. The present
| legal cent weighs one hundred and sixtyeight
| grains the specimens ] send you weigh about
seventy-two grains, and propose that as a proper
weight. 1t gives sufficient seignorage, and is rep
] resented by convenient decimal-namey, fifteen
| U5) hundreths OF an ounce--whch will afford pro-
| per facility in the calculations OF the mnt-they
being kept as you are aware, in troy ounce and de-
The value OF the metal in rolled sheets, is fifty
four cents per pound; the piece to weigh seventy
two grains, (ffteen hundredths Of an onnce,) the
seignioragc, without estimating the cost of cutting
| and striking, would be eighty per cent. This is
considerably less than the seigniorage the pieces
| as proposed ly the bill as 1t passed the Senate
butt is large enough 10 effect the re coinage con-
templated and the withdrawal Of the small Spanish
coin and old cents, rs Is provided In other parts OF
the proposed law.
cannot speak with certainty, In the absence of
actual Irlhls, OF eject Oh wear ana keeping on
the color Of the metal but will certainly tarnish
less from keeping than the alloy which Is proposed
in the bill which passed the Senate, and far less
than pure copper: and In the pocket II will proba
bly, maintain nearly the color which IL now presents
becoming rather OF n darker reddish hue. II can
not be easily initiated by the cheaper brass or
bronze, as these have decided yellow, instead Of
red tone, and know Of no other alloy which can
readily be substituted for IL.
To carry into effect the views herein presented IL
will be necessary to amend the Senate bill now
pending In the House in the 9TH section by striking
ont "ninety-sx grains, or twotenths OF an ounce"
and insert sevcntytwo grains, fifteen hundredths
of an ounce; strike out "four grains" aud in.
sert three grains Gas that will be sufficient remedy
for the diminished plcce); and strike out "ave per
centum in weight OF metals" and insert oneeighth
In weight OF other metals.
The section would then read az follows
Sec. S. And be IL further enacted, That the
stan d1rd weight of the cent coined at the mint shall
be seyentytwo grains, or fifteen hundredths Of one
ounce troy, with no greater deviation than three
grains in each piece; that said cent shall be COM
posed Of copper, with an admx'ure not exceeding
oDe-eighth in weight Of other metals, which may
render il suitable for the purposes of coinage,
and Of such shape and device may be fixed by the
Director Of the Mint, with the appreciation OF the
Secretary Of the Treasury.
submit this matter to your consideration, and for
such action upon II a. you may deem expedieni.
have the honor to be, with great respect, your
faithful servant
JAMES Ross sSowpES, Direstor Of the Mint.
Hon. JAMES GUTHRIE, Secretary Of the Treasury,
Washington City.