NEW BOOK: THE CHARLOTTE MINT 1837–1861

Kelly & Oliver Publish on the Charlotte Mint

The Charlotte Mint 1837–1861, by Richard G. Kelly and Nancy Y. Oliver, presents a detailed chronological history of the Charlotte Branch Mint based largely on the original correspondence of Superintendent John H. Wheeler and other officials preserved in the U.S. National Archives. Established by the Act of March 3, 1835, the Charlotte Mint was one of three southern branch mints created to process locally mined gold. The volume traces the Mint's formation, its first bullion deposits in 1837, and the long-delayed start of coinage in March 1838. The authors compile the surviving letters between the Superintendent, Mint Director Robert M. Patterson, and key officers like Coiner John R. Bolton and Assayer Dr. John H. Gibbon, revealing the logistical, mechanical, and administrative struggles that marked its early operations—broken rollers, leaking zinc roofs, acid shortages, and personal disputes.

The treatise proceeds year by year through the Mint's turbulent history—covering fires (notably the devastating 1844 blaze), personnel controversies, coinage production issues, and the final Confederate takeover in 1861, after which Charlotte ceased striking coins and later functioned only as an Assay Office until 1913. The editors highlight significant documents on coinage, die shipments, and production discrepancies to correct or clarify historical mintage figures. Intended as a research donation to the Newman Numismatic Portal, the work acknowledges earlier archival efforts by scholars Roger Burdette and Robert Julian and aims to preserve the first-hand administrative record of one of the most historically significant southern U.S. mints, documenting its challenges, personalities, and eventual decline amid the Civil War.

 

Images: 1849-C Open Wreath gold dollar, NGC MS63 CAC. Heritage 2015 CSNS sale, lot 5228, realized $493,500.

Link to The Charlotte Mint 1837–1861 on Newman Portal:
https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/651780

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