1904 Research Info. - Dec 1903-Dec 1904 posted - 1888-S mintage added.

[RogerB]

I've digitized correspondence for 1904 to Mint HQ from the coinage mints and assay offices.

Here is a little sample. (There is more on the New Orleans Mint in the files.)

NO Mint.jpg (109.84 KiB) Viewed 1101 times

The following boxes have been scanned, including the Cashier's Daily Statements. Files are available on NNP's website.

E-229 Box 207 Dec 1903- Jan 1904
E-229 Box 208
E-229 Box 209
E-229 Box 210
E-229 Box 211
E-229 Box 212
E-229 Box 213
E-229 Box 214
E-229 Box 215
E-229 Box 216
E-229 Box 217
E-229 Box 218
E-229 Box 219
E-229 Box 220
E-229 Box 221
E-229 Box 222

Boxes 223 (Dec-Jan 1905) and 224 (Jan 105) remain in this current group.

[messydesk]

Topics that come to mind for 1904 include the ramping down of production, especially in New Orleans, and the defective date punch.

[RogerB]

OK. Added to my list.

[RogerB]

I've scanned and reviewed archive files for late-December 1903 through May 1904. There is quite a bit of information on Philippine coinage, proof sets, and recoining of Spanish coins, among other topics.

Relating to Messydesk's questions, it appears that the intention was to use all of the remaining Act of 1890 silver before the end of June (FY 1904), but that bullion shortages for Philippine coinage were interfering with the plan. More will be known when the rest of the boxes have been copied.

The material should be on NNP in a few days: RG104 Entry 229 Boxes 207-213 inclusive. Sample for New Orleans Mint 1903 from Box 207.

1903 dies destroyed NO Mint.jpg (159.61 KiB) Viewed 1297 times

[keilg1]

So many additional moving parts that complete the story. Thanks for all your efforts!

[PacificWR]

I've scanned and reviewed archive files for late-December 1903 through May 1904. There is quite a bit of information on Philippine coinage, proof sets, and recoining of Spanish coins, among other topics.

Relating to Messydesk's questions, it appears that the intention was to use all of the remaining Act of 1890 silver before the end of June (FY 1904), but that bullion shortages for Philippine coinage were interfering with the plan. More will be known when the rest of the boxes have been copied.

The material should be on NNP in a few days: RG104 Entry 229 Boxes 207-213 inclusive. Sample for New Orleans Mint 1903 from Box 207.

1903 dies destroyed NO Mint.jpg

For SD, Die usage information and number of Dies destroyed for each mint would be very helpful.

Thanks!

[RogerB]

I will post that info when I have it all from CY 1904.

The New Orleans die table has a 2-page cover letter explaining the all the obverse dies were defaced/destroyed at New Orleans. The cancelled obverse and all reverse dies were shipped to Philadelphia for examination. Usable reverse dies were renumbered and reissued for 1904 coinage.

[PacificWR]

Roger,

Do you have the same info (plus Usage) for the SF and P Mints?

[RogerB]

It should be in the files, also. I pulled New Orleans because of the general interest.

I'll wait until everything is scanned and into NNP. Then everyone can look for themselves. Right now it's taking almost a full day to digitize 1 box.

[Albannach]

Define what you mean by “destroyed”…
Mint definition is likely different.

I believe you are interested in the condemned dies.

[RogerB]

The US Mint had no persistently official term -- the most common was "canceled." This could mean defaced with a chisel after softening, or smashed to design invisibility by the blacksmith -- or both. "Destroyed" could mean these or filing or grinding, or even crushing and shredding (once the machine power was available).

All they meant was that the die could not be used for coinage, or form making a copy die.

[RogerB]

Do you have the same info (plus Usage) for the SF and P Mints?

Came across SF die info, so that's accounted for also.

[RogerB]

URL for NNP use:

https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/archivedetail/527901

More will be posted once they are processed.

[PacificWR]

Do you have the same info (plus Usage) for the SF and P Mints?

Came across SF die info, so that's accounted for also.

Thanks Roger.

[RogerB]

Most of 1904 correspondence ready.

[PacificWR]

Thanks for all your hard work, Roger.

[colwillys]

RogerB
Have you come across letter about how many 1888-S Morgan Dollars were minted .

[RogerB]

I'll check. Is there a discrepancy notice by collectors?

Does this help?

Pages from E-271 Vol 4.jpg (187.71 KiB) Viewed 1074 times

[RogerB]

1888-S dollar mintage by month.

Apr 160,000
May 150,000
Jun 239,000
Jul 28,000
Aug 10,000
Sep 70,000
Total 657,000

Mints were controlled by Fiscal Year not Calendar Year. Therefore, policy or budget changes took effect July 1 and occasionally had a significant effect of mint operations.

This letter might also be helpful.

18880323 SF Coin planchets on hand-roll no more dollar silver_Page_1.jpg (271.21 KiB) Viewed 1069 times

18880323 SF Coin planchets on hand-roll no more dollar silver_Page_2.jpg (57.11 KiB) Viewed 1069 times

[RogerB]

Also, I cross checked the 1888-S mintage against the Annual Assay commission report. There were 329 silver dollars received from SF for 1888. If we start with the monthly coinage and divide by "2,000" (law required selecting 1 coin for every 2,000 struck, or fraction of 2,000) the total is 329 pieces. On this basis there is no discrepancy.

On September 26, 1888 director Kimball stated that coinage of silver was suspended at SF.