So-Called Dollars
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Bryan Dollars - 1896, 1900
These medals were made by Eastern silversmiths during Presidential campaigns of 1896 and 1900. They were more dignified in tone than many contemporary pieces issued for the same purpose as latter usually were struck in base metal and were most satirical of Bryan and his cause. These silver medals showed comparative size and ratio of a dollar struck at the then current price of silver with what it would be like if free coinage were to rule. They are much more than mere political pieces as they bore direct reference to the silver controversy and, hence, to our national coinage. See also Part Ill for Bryan biographical sketch and story of Gold and Silver Controversy.
Obverse: In seven straight lines, 776 1/3 / Grains of Silver / 900/1000 Fine / The Equivalent of / One Gold Dollar / in Value / July 1896
UNIFACE.
Originals have smooth surfaces; restrikes of 1910 have matte or frosted surfaces. The words, Tiffany & Co., in small incuse letters on edge, measure 7½ mm. on originals; 8 mm. on restrikes.
HK-777 - Silver. Size 31.
HK-1010 - Silver. Same as 779 except in lettering style and absence of name on edge. Probably made by Tiffany & Co., these pieces were issued by E. Jaccard & Co., St. Louis, MO., jewelry firm. Size 33.
HK-778 - Same, but the words, Tiffany & Co. measure 13½ mm.
Obverse: In seven straight lines, 823 / Grains of Silver / 900/1000 Fine / The Equivalent of / One Gold Dollar / in Value / Sept 14 1896.
Reverse: Within broad, flat circle which springs from outer rim at tap, in six straight lines, Size of / Government Dollar / Containing / 412½ / Grains of Silver / 900/1000 Fine; in curved line near outer rim at bottom, Tiffany & Co.
Restrikes made from these dies can be distinguished in same manner as can those made from dies of No. 777.
HK-779 - Silver. Size 33.
Image provided by John Dean
Image provided by John Dean
Obverse: In nine lines, first and last curved, others straight, A Government Dollar Contains / 412½ Grains / Coin Silver 900/1000 Fine / This Piece Contains / 823 Grains Coin Silver / In Value the Equivalent of / One Gold Dollar / Sept. 16th 1896. / Gorham Mfg. Co., Silversmiths. No rim.
Reverse: On rim of cartwheel, which springs from bottom edge, Size of Government Dollar Containing 412½ Grains of Silver 900/1000 Fine; no rim.
HK-780 - Silver. Size 33.
HK-1011 - Silver. Same as 780 but obverse blank and reverse with wheel only; no inscription.
Image provided by John Dean
Image provided by John Dean
HK-781 - Same obverse, but reverse blank.
HK-1012 - Silver. Same as 781 but
Obverse: In 10 straight lines, A Government Dollar / Contains / 412½ Grains Coin Silver 900/1000 Fine / This Piece Contains / 870 Grains Coin Silver / In Value the Equivalent of / One Gold Dollar / July 4th 1900 / Gorham Mfg. Co. / Silversmiths
Reverse: Cartwheel and inscription on its rim same as on No. 780. (Zerbe 5); in field above wheel, in three curved lines, 412½ Grains Silver 900/1000 Fine is Equal to 47 cents 4 Mills in Gold Value / 870 Grains Silver 900/1000 Fine is Equal to / 100 cents in Gold Value.
No rim on obverse or reverse.
HK-782 - Silver. Size 33.
HK-1013 - Silver. Same as 782 but obverse blank. Size 33.
Image provided by John Dean
Image provided by John Dean
Obverse: In 13 lines, first and last curved, others straight, A Government Dollar / Contains / 412½ Grains / of Silver 900/1000 Fine / This Piece of Silver / is the Size and Weight of / a Government Dollar / Containing / 4122 Grains of Silver 900/1000 Fine / and its Value / July 5th 1900 / was 48 Cents / Gorham Mfg. Co. Silversmiths
Reverse: In five straight lines, Market Value / July 5th 1900—48 Cents / Coinage Value / at the Rate of 16 to 1 100 Cents
No rim on obverse or reverse; reeded edge.
HK-783 - Silver. Size 24.
HK-1014 - Silver. Same as 783 but microscopic Montgomery Bros stamped in with punch below question mark. This Los Angeles firm stamped in its name and distributed a few pieces during the 1900 campaign. Size 24.
Image provided by John Dean
Image provided by John Dean
HK-784 - Similar, but different die is used. On No. 783, the straight lines, A Government Dollar / Containing, are as large as the curved first line, A Government Dollar. On this piece, all straight lines are same size. A Government Dollar extends closer to coin edge than Is the Size and Weight of on No. 783. The reverse is true on this piece. No rims; reeded edge.
HK-785 - Same as No. 780, but Gorham Mfg. Co. Silversmiths under date is replaced by Spaulding & Co., in a straight line; below, in a curved line, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths. Size 33.
HK-786 - Same obverse; reverse blank. Size 33.
Obverse: In seven straight lines, William / Jennings Bryan / "The Boy Orator / of the Platte" / Advocate for Free Silver /1896-1900.
Reverse: In siz straight lines, William McKinley / 24th President of / the United States / Opponent of / Free Silver / 1896-1900.
HK-1015 - Silver. Size 34. Plain edge and rim.
