Manuscript DS as president, one page, 16 x 11.5, January 5, 1836. President Jackson appoints R. M. Patterson as "Director of the Mint of the United States." Boldly signed at the conclusion by President Jackson and countersigned by Secretary of State John Forsyth. The white paper seal affixed to the lower left remains fully intact. Beautifully mounted, matted, and framed with a portrait and medal commemorating Patterson to an overall size of 39 x 21; a window in the backing allows the medals reverse to be viewed, reading: "A parting token of regard from the officers and clerks of the mint, 1851." The medal is extremely scarce and desirable in its own right, as one of just 28 struck. In fine condition.
The appointee, Robert Maskell Patterson, was the son of former Mint Director Robert Patterson, Sr. (1806-24), and succeeded his brother-in-law, Samuel Moore (1824-35), in the position. Patterson’s term witnessed the introduction of steam power to the coining process, as well as many other mechanical and statutory improvements that made America’s coinage equal or superior to that of European nations. He also oversaw the debut of several new coin issues, including the gold dollar and double eagle in 1849-50, and the silver three-cent piece in 1851. He supervised the creation of new designs for all of the existing denominations, as well as the restoration of silver dollar and gold eagle coinage during 1836-38.
From The Michael Allen Collection.
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