Details
Title Coins from the Cornerstone.
Date Ca. 1773-1788
Physical Description Framed: 8 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 5/8 inches.
Notes Framed collection of medals and coins. Inscribed plate on the frame: “These coins and medals were deposited in the Cornerstone of the Old Philadelphia Library on Fifth St., 1789 and were removed on the demolition of the building in 1888.” Within the frame are the following: 1.) British Half Penny 1773 2.) Connecticut Cent 3.) New Jersey Cent 1787 4.) Bronze Medal of Washington N.D. 5.) Franklin Plaque N.D. 6.) Medal Commemorating the Peace of 1783 7.) Nova Constellatio Cent 1785. The first U.S. coin 8.) Massachusetts Cent 1788
LCP Minutes vol. 3. Sept. 3, 1789, p. 179-180, “The following medals were deposited in the Stone-- A Pewter Coin 2 inches diameter, a figure [illegible] with a Helmet – Right hand a Spear – left hand a Knot, or Cord, from where suspends 4 Shields, being the Arms of 4 Crowns vizt. 1st England –On the right 2d three fleur de Lis/France/below on the right 3d a Lion rampant with a Sword in the right Paw, grasping a Bundle of Arrows in the other – Fourth—a Shield with a Lion rampant at two opposite corners of the Shield, the other two are confused. At the bottom is a detached Shield, as if lying on the ground, unconnected with the other four – The Figure appears to be a large head covering the whole Field—Round the inner Edge is Communi consenu-1789 stamped on this side by Rue – On the other side is a handsome Figure in Robes, sprinkled with Fleur de Lis, sitting in an armed Chair, resting on a raised Step, sprinkled also with Fleur de Lis- The left hand painting to a Pillar, with a Cap of Liberty on it – A female Figure in light Robes is hanging up a Shield on the Pillar having 13 Stripes – Round the inner Edge the Motto Libertas American, 1783. 1789 Stamped – A Copper Inch Coin. A Star radiating with thirteen small stars between the points of the Rays – The Motto Nova Constellatio – On the other Side a circular Wreath with the Letters U.S. – The Motto Libertas et Justitia 1785--1789 Stamped. – A Copper large Inch Coin, a Shield with thirteen Stripes – The Motto e pluribus unum – On the reverse a Plough with a Nags head over it –The Motto Nova Caesaria 1787 – 1789 Stamped –
A George the third half penny 1773. Stamped 1789 – Inch Copper Coin—on one side a Spread Eagle with Massachusett on the inner civil Date 1788 – on the reverse an Indian with a Bow in his Right, and an Arrow in his left hand Motto Commonwealth –Stamped 1789 -- Inch Copper Coin – a Casar’s (sic) head on one side with Vermont: Auctoritas on the inner Circle—On the reverse a Figure like Brittannia date 1785. Motto Inde:e4 Liber: Stamped 1789 – 1 3/4 inch a Medal – Roman head of Genl Washington—round the inner Edge G. Washington General of the Continental Army in America – On the Reverse a Trophy – Cannon, mortar, Trumpet & Rays shooting out all round Washin:reunit par un rare assemblage les talens du Guerrier, les Vertus du Sage.”
Subject Library Company of Philadelphia.
Coins, American.
Cornerstone laying.
Genre Coin.
Location OBJ 054
Accession number OBJ 054