Log in or Sign up
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
US Coins Forum
>
The 1837 Feuchtwanger Cent
>
Reply to Thread
Message:
<p>[QUOTE="Seattlite86, post: 24598177, member: 59737"]In 1837, Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger proposed a cheaper alternative to the copper Large Cent. The “Feuchtwanger Cent” was made of a metal alloy he called the “Feuchtwanger Composition.” This would have been the first time the US Mint used a nickel-alloy for its circulation coinage. Mint Director, Robert Patterson rejected the proposition, favoring Robert Scot’s design of the Matron Head Large Cent. It’s important to note that Robert Scot also designed the Draped Bust Half Cent, Draped Bust Large Cent, Draped Bust Half Dime, Draped Bust Dime, Draped Bust Quarter, Draped Bust Half Dollar and Draped Bust Silver Dollar (see also: <a href="https://www.usacoinbook.com/encyclopedia/coin-designers/robert-scot/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.usacoinbook.com/encyclopedia/coin-designers/robert-scot/" rel="nofollow">https://www.usacoinbook.com/encyclopedia/coin-designers/robert-scot/</a>). Robert Scott passed away on November 1, 1823, while still serving as the Chief Engraver of the US Mint. These factors likely played a role in Patterson’s decision.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center"><b>The Feuchtwanger Cent</b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]1562610[/ATTACH] </p><p>Source: (<a href="https://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/44358578_230666471_2200.jpg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/44358578_230666471_2200.jpg" rel="nofollow">https://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/44358578_230666471_2200.jpg</a>)</p><p><br /></p><p>The Feuchtwanger Cent contained 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc, also known as “German Silver” and “Nickel Silver.” Diameter: 18.5mm, Weight: 2.45 grams. Note: Due to the high relief of the Eagle’s body, it is common to see strike weakness in the center of the coin.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center"><b>The Matron Head Large Cent</b></p> <p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]1562608[/ATTACH] </p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center">(source: <a href="https://www.usacoinbook.com/us-coins/1837-plain-cord-small-letters-coronet-head-large-cent.jpg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.usacoinbook.com/us-coins/1837-plain-cord-small-letters-coronet-head-large-cent.jpg" rel="nofollow">https://www.usacoinbook.com/us-coins/1837-plain-cord-small-letters-coronet-head-large-cent.jpg</a>)</p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center">Composition: 100% Copper. Diameter: 27.5mm, Weight: 10.89 grams.</p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center"><b>Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Lewis Feuchtwanger was born in Furth, Germany on January 11, 1805. He earned his doctorate at the University of Jena. He emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. In 1829, he opened a German pharmacy at 2 Courtland Street, NYC. Dr. Feuchtwanger was prominent in the fields of minerology, metallurgy, and chemistry. He published popular works such as the <i>Treatise on Gems</i> in 1838, the <i>Elements of Mineralogy</i> in 1839, and the <i>Treatise on Fermented Liquors</i> in 1858. He was an avid collector of minerals and even had part of his collection exhibited at the 1851 World Fair in London.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]1562611[/ATTACH] </p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center">Source: (<a href="https://www.bl.uk/britishlibrary/~/media/bl/global/dl%20romantics%20and%20victorians/collection-items-manual/great-exhibition-068679.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&hash=4EC9540E15EA2A8819C1BF55630C0784" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.bl.uk/britishlibrary/~/media/bl/global/dl%20romantics%20and%20victorians/collection-items-manual/great-exhibition-068679.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&hash=4EC9540E15EA2A8819C1BF55630C0784" rel="nofollow">https://www.bl.uk/britishlibrary/~/media/bl/global/dl romantics and victorians/collection-items-manual/great-exhibition-068679.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&hash=4EC9540E15EA2A8819C1BF55630C0784</a>)</p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]1562609[/ATTACH] </p> <p style="text-align: center">Source: (<a href="https://cdn.mineralogicalrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/titleimage/feuc851.jpg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://cdn.mineralogicalrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/titleimage/feuc851.jpg" rel="nofollow">https://cdn.mineralogicalrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/titleimage/feuc851.jpg</a>)</p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center"><b>Hard Times and the Feuchtwanger Cent</b></p><p><br /></p><p>Though the Feuchtwanger Cent was not accepted as the replacement for the Large Cent, it still found its way into circulation. In 1836, a severe infestation of the Hessian Fly in the United States caused a significant decrease in wheat availability, driving up the price. The Panic of 1837 exacerbated this issue and set off a depression that lasted until the mid-1840s. This period is known as the “Hard Times” in the US. In times of economic uncertainty, banks and citizens tend to hoard money and precious metals. The lack of coinage opened the door for others to introduce coins of their own. The coins/tokens produced in this period are known as Hard Times Tokens (further info here: <a href="http://hardtimestokens.com/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="http://hardtimestokens.com/" rel="nofollow">http://hardtimestokens.com/</a>). The Feuchtwanger Cent was distributed from his pharmacy, and circulated just like the Hard Times Tokens. Below is an advertisement to convince folks to adopt the cent.</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center">[ATTACH=full]1562612[/ATTACH] </p> <p style="text-align: center">Source: (<a href="https://www.novanumismatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NY-The-Evening-Post-Saturday-Nov-18-1837.jpg" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.novanumismatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NY-The-Evening-Post-Saturday-Nov-18-1837.jpg" rel="nofollow">https://www.novanumismatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NY-The-Evening-Post-Saturday-Nov-18-1837.jpg</a>)</p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p> <p style="text-align: center"><b>Conclusion</b></p> <p style="text-align: center"><br /></p><p>I recently purchased a Feuchtwanger Cent and wanted to know more about it. I very much enjoyed learning the history of the cent and the man who created it. For those who wish to learn more about the cent and/or identify which variety they have, please take a look at the following link: <a href="https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/7628/FeuchtwangerOneCent/" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/7628/FeuchtwangerOneCent/" rel="nofollow">https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/7628/FeuchtwangerOneCent/</a>. Here are photos of the cent I purchased.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1562606[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]1562605[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="Seattlite86, post: 24598177, member: 59737"]In 1837, Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger proposed a cheaper alternative to the copper Large Cent. The “Feuchtwanger Cent” was made of a metal alloy he called the “Feuchtwanger Composition.” This would have been the first time the US Mint used a nickel-alloy for its circulation coinage. Mint Director, Robert Patterson rejected the proposition, favoring Robert Scot’s design of the Matron Head Large Cent. It’s important to note that Robert Scot also designed the Draped Bust Half Cent, Draped Bust Large Cent, Draped Bust Half Dime, Draped Bust Dime, Draped Bust Quarter, Draped Bust Half Dollar and Draped Bust Silver Dollar (see also: [URL]https://www.usacoinbook.com/encyclopedia/coin-designers/robert-scot/[/URL]). Robert Scott passed away on November 1, 1823, while still serving as the Chief Engraver of the US Mint. These factors likely played a role in Patterson’s decision. [CENTER][B]The Feuchtwanger Cent[/B][/CENTER] [CENTER][ATTACH=full]1562610[/ATTACH] [/CENTER] Source: ([URL]https://images.pcgs.com/CoinFacts/44358578_230666471_2200.jpg[/URL]) The Feuchtwanger Cent contained 60% copper, 20% nickel, and 20% zinc, also known as “German Silver” and “Nickel Silver.” Diameter: 18.5mm, Weight: 2.45 grams. Note: Due to the high relief of the Eagle’s body, it is common to see strike weakness in the center of the coin. [CENTER][B]The Matron Head Large Cent[/B] [ATTACH=full]1562608[/ATTACH] (source: [URL]https://www.usacoinbook.com/us-coins/1837-plain-cord-small-letters-coronet-head-large-cent.jpg[/URL]) Composition: 100% Copper. Diameter: 27.5mm, Weight: 10.89 grams. [B]Dr. Lewis Feuchtwanger[/B][/CENTER] Lewis Feuchtwanger was born in Furth, Germany on January 11, 1805. He earned his doctorate at the University of Jena. He emigrated to the United States and settled in New York City. In 1829, he opened a German pharmacy at 2 Courtland Street, NYC. Dr. Feuchtwanger was prominent in the fields of minerology, metallurgy, and chemistry. He published popular works such as the [I]Treatise on Gems[/I] in 1838, the [I]Elements of Mineralogy[/I] in 1839, and the [I]Treatise on Fermented Liquors[/I] in 1858. He was an avid collector of minerals and even had part of his collection exhibited at the 1851 World Fair in London. [CENTER][ATTACH=full]1562611[/ATTACH] Source: ([URL]https://www.bl.uk/britishlibrary/~/media/bl/global/dl%20romantics%20and%20victorians/collection-items-manual/great-exhibition-068679.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&hash=4EC9540E15EA2A8819C1BF55630C0784[/URL]) [ATTACH=full]1562609[/ATTACH] Source: ([URL]https://cdn.mineralogicalrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/titleimage/feuc851.jpg[/URL]) [B]Hard Times and the Feuchtwanger Cent[/B][/CENTER] Though the Feuchtwanger Cent was not accepted as the replacement for the Large Cent, it still found its way into circulation. In 1836, a severe infestation of the Hessian Fly in the United States caused a significant decrease in wheat availability, driving up the price. The Panic of 1837 exacerbated this issue and set off a depression that lasted until the mid-1840s. This period is known as the “Hard Times” in the US. In times of economic uncertainty, banks and citizens tend to hoard money and precious metals. The lack of coinage opened the door for others to introduce coins of their own. The coins/tokens produced in this period are known as Hard Times Tokens (further info here: [URL]http://hardtimestokens.com/[/URL]). The Feuchtwanger Cent was distributed from his pharmacy, and circulated just like the Hard Times Tokens. Below is an advertisement to convince folks to adopt the cent. [CENTER][ATTACH=full]1562612[/ATTACH] Source: ([URL]https://www.novanumismatics.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NY-The-Evening-Post-Saturday-Nov-18-1837.jpg[/URL]) [B]Conclusion[/B] [/CENTER] I recently purchased a Feuchtwanger Cent and wanted to know more about it. I very much enjoyed learning the history of the cent and the man who created it. For those who wish to learn more about the cent and/or identify which variety they have, please take a look at the following link: [URL]https://www.ngccoin.com/news/article/7628/FeuchtwangerOneCent/[/URL]. Here are photos of the cent I purchased. [ATTACH=full]1562606[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]1562605[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]
Your name or email address:
Do you already have an account?
No, create an account now.
Yes, my password is:
Forgot your password?
Stay logged in
Coin Talk
Home
Forums
>
Coin Forums
>
US Coins Forum
>
The 1837 Feuchtwanger Cent
>
Home
Home
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Activity
Recent Posts
Forums
Forums
Quick Links
Search Forums
Recent Posts
Competitions
Competitions
Quick Links
Competition Index
Rules, Terms & Conditions
Gallery
Gallery
Quick Links
Search Media
New Media
Showcase
Showcase
Quick Links
Search Items
Most Active Members
New Items
Directory
Directory
Quick Links
Directory Home
New Listings
Members
Members
Quick Links
Notable Members
Current Visitors
Recent Activity
New Profile Posts
Sponsors
Menu
Search
Search titles only
Posted by Member:
Separate names with a comma.
Newer Than:
Search this thread only
Search this forum only
Display results as threads
Useful Searches
Recent Posts
More...
