By CoinWeek …..
Big things are always happening at the United States Mint, but the month of April sees the beginning and end of some very important moments in American monetary and social history. You can’t get any bigger than the passage of the Mint’s founding documents, can you? Similarly significant are the seizures of three Mint facilities by the southern states in rebellion at the start of the Civil War. Major coin designs are introduced in April. Legislation authorizing a number of commemorative issues wound its way through Congress this month. We also see major hires and retirements.
Without any further adieu, here’s a CoinWeek snapshot of a month in American money.
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April 1, 1807: John Reich hired as the assistant engraver and begins work designing a new coinage series. His salary was set at $600 per year.
April 1, 1873: The Coinage Act of 1873 takes effect. On the same day, President Grant appointed Coinage Act author Henry Linderman to the position of Director of the Bureau of the Mint.
April 1, 1881: Carson City Mint ceases coining operations. Temporary closure.
April 1, 1977: U.S. Mint begins to accept orders for 1977 Proof Sets. Price increased to $9. Mint cites escalating costs.
April 2, 1792: Coinage Act authorizing the establishment of the U.S Mint is signed into law.
April 2, 1799: Matthews Boulton writes to Mint Director Elias Boudinot to inform him that he was unable to ship planchets to Philadelphia because the waterways in Wales were frozen over. He also noted a 20% rise in the price of copper due to the French Revolution and increased demand for military use.
April 2, 1807: Patterson informs President Jefferson that Reich is at work to redesign the coinage. He states that no eagles have been struck in 1805-1806.
April 3, 1854: The San Francisco Mint begins to receive deposits for coinage operations.
April 4, 1793: The Wreath cent enters production.
April 4, 1891: Mint Director Leech issues circular to artists of the United States, inviting them to submit designs for a proposed new coinage.
April 4, 1972: Mint releases new White House medal.
April 4, 2017: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site quarter dollar launch ceremony held at the site. Five-ounce silver version released on May 2.
April 4, 2017: U.S. Mint releases the 2017 Congratulations! Set, which included a 2017-S American Silver Eagle Proof. Mintage was limited to 75,000 pieces. With no household order limit, the set sold out in two minutes.
April 5, 1836: Diplomatic Proof Set including 1804 novodel dollar and $10 gold piece delivered to the King of Siam by Ambassador Edmund Roberts.
April 5, 1880: Mint delivers 100 Stella sets. This batch struck on normal coin presses.
April 5, 1933: President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 6033, which calls for the surrender of all privately held gold bullion and Gold Certificates to the government. Despite this order, the Philadelphia Mint would go on to strike 200,000 double eagles between April 7 and 27.
April 6, 1839: New Orleans Mint delivers 64,000 half dollars. Its first batch of 1839s.
Insight: Historical Significance of April Events
April 6, 1962: The U.S. Mint ships a million silver dollars in two semi-trucks to Seattle for the Seattle World’s Fair exhibit. This event highlights the historical connection between the Mint’s operations and national exhibitions, showcasing the country’s currency.
Evolving Coin Designs and Commemorative Issues
April 12, 2021: The Mint announces that Sally Ride and Maya Angelou will be the first two women featured on the new quarter series. This decision marks a pivotal moment in U.S. numismatic history, honoring the contributions of influential women on the nation’s currency.
COVID-19 Impact on Mint Operations
April 15, 2020: Coin production at the West Point Mint is suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The temporary closure sheds light on how external factors can disrupt the minting process and affect the availability of coins and commemorative items.