In the wake of the initial discovery of gold in the United States at the Reed Gold Mine in North Carolina, the absence of local mints in the Charlotte region posed significant challenges for miners. To transform their gold dust into currency, they had to endure a cumbersome process of sending it to Philadelphia for melting and coining. This method proved to be not only difficult, slow, and expensive but also perilous. Frustrations with this system prompted the establishment of private gold coining operations in Charlotte, although creating local currency posed its own set of challenges, including precise weighing and determining fineness.
In 1831, North Carolina merchants and miners appealed to Congress for a branch mint in the Charlotte area to alleviate the risks associated with transporting gold. Despite an initial lack of response, the United States Treasury eventually acknowledged the necessity for increased federal coinage in North Carolina. The turning point came on March 3, 1835, when the United States Congress passed Act 115, approving the establishment of several branch mints, including one in Charlotte. President Andrew Jackson signed the act into law, authorizing mints in Dahlonega, Georgia, and New Orleans, Louisiana.
Contrary to popular belief that the Gold Rush was synonymous with California in the late 1840s, the first significant gold rush in the United States unfolded in the Carolinas and Georgia during the early 1830s. In response to the booming gold mining industry in the South, the U.S. government commissioned the opening of a branch mint in Charlotte, NC, to facilitate commerce in the region.
By the 1820s, gold mining in the South had reached a fever pitch, but miners faced the challenge of converting raw gold into usable coinage. The Philadelphia Mint, weeks away and across Cherokee Indian Territory, presented a logistical nightmare, with rudimentary roads posing further obstacles. The first documented gold mine in the United States was in North Carolina, triggering a rush, but the closest avenue to convert gold into money was a perilous trip to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.
The discovery of gold in Georgia in 1828 compounded the problem, leading to the realization that transporting gold to the Philadelphia Mint was impractical. The solution was to establish branch mints in strategic locations. In 1835, authorization was granted for three branch mints, including the one in Charlotte, which commenced coin production in 1838, marking its coins with a distinctive “C” mintmark.
Fast forward to 1861, and North Carolina finds itself in a unique position amid the Civil War. Ignored by both the Northern Union Army and the Southern Confederacy, the state, heavily reliant on gold mining, grapples with the challenge of refining raw gold into coins for commerce and trade. As a gold miner in North Carolina during the early to mid-1800s, the options for turning hard-earned gold nuggets into currency were limited and fraught with challenges. Whether paying high transport costs to send gold to the Philadelphia mint, risking the perilous journey via stagecoach, or selling to local banks at a discount, miners faced difficult choices. However, the establishment of the Charlotte Mint provided a safer and more profitable alternative for the conversion of gold into currency.
| Coin Type | Years Produced |
|---|---|
| Gold Dollar | 1849 – 1859 |
| $2.50 Quarter Eagle | 1838 – 1860 |
| $5 Half Eagle | 1838 – 1861 |
$2.50 Quarter Eagle: The first $2.50 quarter eagle was minted in 1838, and production continued until 1860, with some years considered rare or very rar
$2.50 Quarter Eagle coin production at the Charlotte Mint, along with the estimated value:
| Year | Volume Produced | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1838 | 17,179 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1839 | 17,281 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1840 | 23,210 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1842 | 4,595 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1843 | 6,583 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1844 | 6,070 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1846 | 4,808 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1847 | 16,606 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1849 | 13,280 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1850 | 6,966 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1851 | 9,882 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1852 | 7,295 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1853 | 55,246 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1854 | 9,882 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1855 | 9,803 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1856 | 4,808 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1857 | 3,677 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1859 | 7,880 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1860 | 7,469 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Please note that the estimated values are approximate and can vary based on the coin’s condition, rarity, and other factors. It’s recommended to consult with numismatic experts or professional coin graders for precise valuations.
$5 Half Eagle coin production at the Charlotte Mint, along with the estimated value:
| Year | Volume Produced | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1838 | 17,179 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1839 | 17,281 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1840 | 23,210 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1842 | 4,595 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1843 | 6,583 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1844 | 6,070 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1846 | 4,808 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1847 | 16,606 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1849 | 13,280 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1850 | 6,966 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1851 | 9,882 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1852 | 7,295 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1853 | 55,246 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1854 | 9,882 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1855 | 9,803 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1856 | 4,808 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1857 | 3,677 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1859 | 7,880 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1860 | 7,469 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| 1861 | 6,879 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
$10 Gold Eagle at the Charlotte Mint, along with the estimated value:
| Year | Volume Produced | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1838 | – | – |
| 1839 | – | – |
| 1840 | – | – |
| 1842 | – | – |
| 1843 | – | – |
| 1844 | – | – |
| 1846 | – | – |
| 1847 | – | – |
| 1849 | – | – |
| 1850 | – | – |
| 1851 | – | – |
| 1852 | – | – |
| 1853 | – | – |
| 1854 | – | – |
| 1855 | – | – |
| 1856 | – | – |
| 1857 | – | – |
| 1859 | – | – |
| 1860 | – | – |
| 1861 | – | – |
Unfortunately, specific production volumes and estimated values for the $10 Gold Eagle from the Charlotte Mint are not readily available in the provided sources. It’s recommended to consult with numismatic experts or professional coin graders for precise valuations and historical production data for the $10 Gold Eagle from the Charlotte Mint.
The Charlotte Mint archives
The Charlotte Mint records do exist, on the whole, but are missing many of the ordinary letters that make up history. However, the bullion and coinage ledgers are in the Archives and may be consulted by anyone having interest in this area.
The New Orleans and Carson City records are mostly lost. Both were virtually destroyed in this century, probably in 1925, though some may not have been tossed onto the trash heap until the early thirties. One miserable volume of pre-Civil War New Orleans letters exists, but it deals with building repairs and is of little direct use to anyone. Why it was kept and not the more valuable bullion and coinage records is anyone’s guess.
The Founding and Early Years of the Charlotte Mint: A Tale of Gold in North Carolina.
The history of the Charlotte Mint, situated in North Carolina, is intertwined with the golden legacy of the state, dating back to the first authenticated discovery of gold in the United States in 1799. This article explores the fascinating journey leading to the establishment of the Charlotte Mint, its role in gold coin production, and the context of gold mining in North Carolina
Highlights:
- Gold Discovery in North Carolina (1799):
- Conrad Reed’s discovery of a significant gold lump in 1799 marked the first authenticated find in the United States.
- Unaware of its true value, the gold was initially used as a doorstop before its potential was recognized.
- Gold Rush and Private Coinage (1820s-1830s):
- A gold rush ensued, leading to a surge in gold discoveries in North Carolina.
- Christopher Bechtler’s private mint emerged, offering coinage services to locals in the Gold Region.
- Establishment of the Charlotte Mint (1835-1837):
- Despite initial resistance, President Andrew Jackson’s push for Southern mints led to the creation of the Charlotte Mint in 1835.
- Architect William Strickland’s design, overseen by Major Samuel McComb, paved the way for the mint’s construction.
- Operational Challenges and Competing Private Mint (1838):
- The Charlotte Mint faced challenges, including competition from Christopher Bechtler’s successful private mint.
- Despite setbacks, the mint commenced operations in December 1837 and played a crucial role in coin production.
- Significance of Charlotte Mint Coins:
- The coins minted in Charlotte, marked with the distinctive “C” mintmark, remain highly prized by collectors.
- These coins embody a rich history of gold mining and coin production, contributing to the economic landscape of the Gold Region.
Short Summary: The history of the Charlotte Mint is rooted in North Carolina’s gold-rich legacy, beginning with Conrad Reed’s discovery in 1799. A subsequent gold rush, private coinage by Christopher Bechtler, and persistent efforts led to the establishment of the Charlotte Mint in 1835. Overcoming challenges, the mint began operations in 1837, competing with Bechtler’s private mint. Today, coins bearing the “C” mintmark are cherished by collectors, symbolizing a pivotal chapter in American gold mining and coinage.
Gold in North Carolina:
Since its first gold discovery in 1799 by Conrad Reed, a young boy who stumbled upon a large lump of gold on his family farm, North Carolina has played a significant role in American gold history. By 1830, hard-rock mines had become prominent in the state, with Gold Hill emerging as a renowned mining location. The federal government responded to the growing gold output by establishing a branch mint in Charlotte in 1838, which operated until the onset of the Civil War in 1861.
Gold Mining Scenes:
Detailed images from 1857 provide a vivid glimpse into the life of gold miners in Gold Hill. From descending deep shafts to riding iron buckets and engaging in various mining activities, these scenes capture the challenges and innovations of the gold mining industry during this period.
Fluctuations in Gold Production:
While gold production continued sporadically in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the last significant surge was observed from 1954 to 1963 as a byproduct of copper mining. Interest in North Carolina gold revived in the mid-1970s with rising gold prices. However, the late 1990s saw a decline in gold prices, leading to decreased gold activity in the region.
The Gold Rush and U.S. Gold Coins:
The gold rush in North Carolina reached its peak by the time of the Civil War in 1861, with over $10 million worth of North Carolina gold reaching mints. By 1823, North Carolina had sent nearly $50,000 in gold to the Philadelphia Mint. As gold fever spread to the South, the federal government’s resistance to establishing a branch mint led to private coinage efforts by Christopher Bechtler, who operated a successful private mint in the Gold Region.
The Establishment of the Charlotte Mint: Despite initial reluctance, the establishment of a branch mint gained momentum, fueled by the coinage reform movement in Congress. President Andrew Jackson’s determination to create new mints in the South led to the creation of three mints: New Orleans, Charlotte, and Dahlonega (Georgia). Major Samuel McComb oversaw the construction of the Charlotte Mint, and William Strickland designed the building, with operations commencing in December 1837.
Early Challenges and Success:
The Charlotte Mint faced competition from Christopher Bechtler’s private mint, but by the summer of 1838, it was in full operation. Despite initial challenges, the mint struck over 17,000 half eagles and nearly 8,000 quarter eagles in its first year, contributing significantly to the coinage needs of the region.
Conclusion:
The Charlotte Mint’s founding marked a crucial chapter in the history of gold in North Carolina and the broader narrative of American gold coinage. Its establishment, amid a backdrop of gold rushes and private coinage efforts, played a vital role in shaping the economic landscape of the region. Today, the coins minted in Charlotte, marked with the distinctive “C” mintmark, remain highly prized by collectors, embodying a rich history of gold mining and coin production in the heart of the Gold Region.