Most collectors of the Liberty Seated design are familiar with The United States Half Dimes by Daniel W. Valentine. Yet very little is known about the man who provided us with this enduring reference, which has resulted, at least for me, in so many years of enjoyment and learning of the series that we both love so much. It would seem a fitting tribute to present to the members of the Liberty Seated Collectors Club what little information on this modest and selfless man that I have been able to uncover after several years of research.

It was in 1980 that I first picked up a copy of The United States Half Dimes and began to read of the fascinating series that would so preoccupy my life for the next quarter century. My journey into the study of these beautiful little silver coins resulted directly from the passionate descriptions that Dr. Valentine provided, yet he was acutely aware of the limitations of his efforts in writing about the half dimes, and admonished “…it would be vain to believe that this list is complete. My hope is that it may stimulate others to ‘carry on’”. Certainly, that torch was passed on to Russell J. Logan and John W. McCloskey, who provided us with the masterful reference The Federal Half Dimes 1792 – 1837. It is my hope to provide a similar reference on the Liberty Seated half dimes as a result of my continuing research on the series.

Daniel W. Valentine was born in New York City, on March 7, 1863. Little is known of his early years, except that he was educated in public and private schools, and later received his D.D.S. from the New York College of Dentistry in 1887. After spending one year in Vienna, he practiced dentistry in New York City from 1887 to 1896, and later moved to Englewood, New Jersey, where he practiced for another thirty-five years.

He married Ada Belle Colwell in 1896, with whom he had two daughters, Marion and Margaret Beattie Valentine.

Dr. Valentine became interested in numismatics very early in life, and although he was a general collector, he confined himself primarily to United States issues. He was very active in several numismatic organizations, including the American Numismatic Association, American Numismatic Society, and the New York Numismatic Club, for which he served as President for two terms, in 1918 and 1920. He was commemorated on a New York Numismatic Club Presidential medal, designed by J. M. Swanson, of which there were eight silver and fifty bronze medals struck.

Valentine assembled several notable collections, including a comprehensive collection of United States fractional currency, for which he published Fractional Currency of the United States in 1924. This publication was issued in a cloth bound edition of 225 copies at $5.00 each, and in a limited, leather bound edition of twenty-five numbered copies at $15.00 each. He also assembled a collection of United States one dollar gold coins, complete by mintmark.

Dr. Valentine is perhaps best remembered for his extensive collection of United States half dimes, which he exhibited at the American Numismatic Society in 1914. He published his monograph United States Half Dimes in 1931, with the American Numismatic Society, as #48 in their series Numismatic Notes and Monographs. This work has been reprinted twice, in 1975 by Quarterman Publications, and again in 1984 by Sanford J. Durst. In each of the reprints, the original photographic plates were copied, but were printed as ‘screen’ prints, comprised of a series of dots, like a newspaper photo, which cannot be magnified or enlarged for greater detail. Collectors and researchers are advised to locate a copy of the original ANS NNM #48 for its quality ‘collotype’ prints of the photographic plates, which like a photograph can be magnified for detailed study. For the Liberty Seated series alone, Valentine identified 257 different die marriages, greatly expanding upon the previous work of Will W. Neil, published in The Numismatist in 1927. While some of the die descriptions in the Valentine half dime reference are vague and ambiguous, and it often appears that he was unaware of the distinction between die marriage and die state, he provided us with the most comprehensive reference on the series to date. Critics might argue that his die descriptions, particularly for the post Civil War dates, are so brief as to be almost meaningless, but I suspect that some of this brevity might be attributed to an imposed publishing deadline. Valentine published his monograph late in 1931, and died, evidently of apoplexy, on January 24, 1932. As a medical professional, he would have been acutely aware of his declining health, and apparently rushed to complete his work before health issues would no longer allow him to continue.

All of Dr. Valentine’s collections were sold at public auction prior to his death by Thomas Elder, in three sessions, on December 8, 9, and 10, 1927, in New York City, except for his remarkable collection of half dimes, which remained intact at the time of his death. Interestingly, very few of his half dimes have surfaced in the ensuing years, raising the question as to whether his collection might still remain intact, maybe in some safe deposit box or in the closet of one of his heirs. None of the major half dime collections sold since 1931 are attributed to Valentine by name, nor are any collections identifiable as the Valentine collection, under any name. Of course, his collection could have been sold by private treaty, or under an assumed name, but many of the half dimes, themselves, would be readily identifiable. To date, I have been able to positively identify only two early half dimes from the Valentine collection, and the 1829 V10 Capped Bust half dime, presently residing in the collections of other collectors. Several early half dimes in the Holme’s Collection (Stack’s, 1960) were described as being former Valentine plate coins. The existence of just these few Valentine plate coins could be attributed to normal upgrades during Dr. Valentine’s active collecting years. However, the recent discovery of the Valentine 1802 half dime, in Choice EF grade (now slabbed AU-50), would seem to obviate that theory, as it is unlikely that even Dr. Valentine himself could have located a finer example.

Dr. Valentine has certainly left an indelible mark on the collecting fraternity. Despite subsequent new research, renumbering of his variety sequence, countless new die marriage discoveries, and a few disparaging remarks by his critics, it cannot be disputed that if it were not for the impassioned work of this consummate numismatist, countless collectors like me would have been denied the pleasure of discovering this fascinating series.

Part 1-The Hiring of Christian Gobrecht

During a recent research trip to the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, my research partner, Joel Orosz, had the excellent idea to call for the Robert M. Patterson personal papers. Three letters from Samuel Moore to Robert M. Patterson dated June, 1835 were located. At this time Moore was the outgoing director of the mint; Patterson assumed the Mint directorship in July, 1835. Patterson’s father had also been the Mint director, serving from 1806 to 1824. Tying the family knot even further, the incoming director Robert M. Patterson was the brother-in-law of the outgoing director Moore.

The first letter is dated June 16, 1835 and deals with the issue of hiring Christian Gobrecht as an engraver. Moore wrote to the Secretary of the Treasurer, Levi Woodbury, on the same day regarding the same issue. The Moore/Woodbury letter is largely reprinted in Breen’s Secret History of the Gobrecht Coinages. Between the two letters, it is clear that the outgoing director Samuel Moore dearly wanted to get Gobrecht hired into the Mint, which indeed occurred later in 1835. The first Moore/Patterson letter reads as follows (the second and third letters will follow in a subsequent edition of the E-Gobrecht).

Mint of the United States
Philadelphia, June 16, 1835

Dear Sir:
The necessity of having an additional Engraver in the Mint which has for many years been sufficiently manifest may be considered as imperative now, in order to supply the Branch Mints with the requisite dies [RandyWiley and Michael Fey, in separate articles in GJ #99, noted the situation of the New Orleans mint desiring additional dies]. Since the adoption of the Branch system I have had several conversations with Mr. Gobrecht to ascertain whether there is any hope of associating him with the institution – a mission I have long desired to accomplish. He is at present employed as an engraver of Bank Notes [multiple bank note proofs reside in the Christian Gobrecht personal papers at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania], but could, I perceive, be detached from that pursuit, if a timely assurance could be given him, of continued[?] permanent employment in the Mint, so that he could give due notice to the company now having claims on him. If he could receive the necessary assurance by the 10th or 15th July, it would enable him to devote his full attention to the Mint from the first January next [1836].

No provision was made in the acts of last session [of Congress] for a second Engraver here but all the Branches are left dependant on this source for dies [note Moore’s reference to a “second” , not “assistant” Engraver]. That another Engraver therefore must be assigned to the institution by act of Congress or in [unclear] of that engaged by print contract, is a matter of simple absolute majority and I therefore regard it as a thing virtually done in one of those ways. There is no diversity of opinion here, I think, certainly now at the Mint, as to the peculiar fitness of Gobrecht for the plans.

In a communication to the Department this day [Moore is probably referring to his letter to Treasury SecretaryWoodbury written the same day] I have suggested the strong expediency of adopting timely measures, in order that the commencement of coinage at the Branches may not be delayed for want of dies, and relying on my recollection of your opinion heretofore expressed in regard to Mr. G[obrecht], I took the liberty of referring to you presuming that you will certainly stop through Washington, and have an interview with the President [Jackson] and Secretary of Treasury [Woodbury]. Mr. Gobrecht could not I believe be secured on a less expectation than $1500, nor is it equitable that he should. In mentioning this in my letter to Mr. Woodbury I have taken occasion to impart again the views I entertain in regard to the inconsistency of the present Mint salaries.

Mr. Peale will be here in a few days [Peale had been dispatched in 1833 on a two year tour of Europe to study minting technology at the English, French and German mints]. Certainly, I think, by the [unclear, Moore seems to indicate a European departure of May 16th, expecting Peale’s return by the end of June]. He will have some good suggestions to offer, no doubt, on the subject of [unclear] dies, and Gobrecht has long had a desire to evince his powers in an effort of this character. I hope the spark[?] of the commencement of coinage under the Branch system may be [unclear] by something really beautiful.

On your arrival here you will be able to give an answer to Gobrecht, if it shall have been satisfactory to the President to authorize the requisite assurance in the case, and this will be in time for him to give the warning demanded by his current employment. I am in great regard,

Yours very truly
Samuel Moore

P.S. Afternoon – Mr. Peale has arrived.

The Samuel Moore Letters: Part II

In last month’s episode, the outgoing Mint Director, Samuel Moore, was found lobbying the incoming Director, Robert M. Patterson, and the Secretary of the Treasury, Levi Woodbury, to hire Christian Gobrecht as a second engraver. This month we look at the second letter of the series, from Moore to Patterson, dated June 26, 1835. At this point President Jackson has approved the hiring of a second engraver, and now Moore attempts to finalize the details of Gobrecht’s appointment.

“Received two days since from the Secretary of the Treasury a reply to my communication of the 16th [Moore had written to both SecretaryWoodbury and Patterson on July 16th, 1835] concerning the President’s [Andrew Jackson] approval of the arrangement therein recommended having in view the employment of another Engraver. A reply is enclosed.

The proposed grade of compensation being [unclear] approved by the President, I should feel at liberty to proffer specific terms to Mr. Gobrecht on which he would safely announce to his present employer the termination of their connection by the first of January [1836] relying on being from that period attached to the Mint at a compensation of $1500 [annually]. It seems, however, proper that this should be deferred until you arrive and especially I must first be assured that I have not misconceived your opinion in regard to Mr. Gobrecht before holding any further conference with him touching the employment in question. On this point please drop me a line – I know you can have his [unclear]. And if it shall be conformable to your impressions, I will acquaint him with the probability of his being invited into the Mint, and refer him thereafter to yourself.

The terms ‘assistant Engraver’ as employed by Mr. Woodbury without however appearing to lay any stress on them, as indicating a distinctive station. Certainly the conception of any inferiority of rank, would be very unsupportable[?] to Mr. G[obrecht] and this it will be proper to exclude which can easily be done. No inferiority in this respect was within my contemplation in the arrangement proposed. [The salient point here is whether Gobrecht was to be hired as "assistant" or "second" engraver - clearly it was Moore's intention that Gobrecht be hired as an equal to the current engraver William Kneass.]

It had seemed to me probable that during your [unclear] conferences with the Sec. of the Treasury at Washington he might acquaint you particularly with the views presented in my letter to him of the 16th [July], and this, notwithstanding the President’s prompt decision in regard to the Engraver, he will perhaps still do, if a convenient session[?] should occur. [Moore now moves on to unrelated points.]”

The Samuel Moore Letters: Part III

This is the third and last part of a series covering correspondence in June, 1835 from the outgoing Mint Director, Samuel Moore, to the incoming Mint Director, Robert Patterson, concerning the appointment of Christian Gobrecht as an Engraver to the U.S. Mint. Last time, Moore wanted to present the employment offer to Gobrecht but was awaiting final confirmation from Patterson. This third letter, dated June 27th, 1835 was written one day later. It reads as follows:

“Mint of the United States
Philadelphia, June 27, 1835

Dear Sir,
Yours of the 24th was received last evening [this letter apparently contained Patterson’s final approval of the offer to Gobrecht]. I called this afternoon on the Mr. Gobrecht who had not before heard of the approaching change here [Moore apparently refers to the fact that a new Mint Director will be soon appointed]. He looked concerned on its being [unclear, but the obvious implication is that Gobrecht desired the appointment and felt that his chances of receiving the position under Director Moore were favorable], but when informed of your appointment evinced the utmost gladness of heart.

Having stated to him the satisfactory terms[?] of the communication received from Washington in reply to my suggestions in regards to his being associated with the Mint, I referred the question to be adjusted[?] after your arrival [this possibly refers to the precise title which Gobrecht was to be granted at the Mint]. Render[?] no concern on account of a five days delay in your arrival. No inconvenience will result from it. I will attend to whatever shall require prompt action [Moore refers to the fact that Patterson was delayed in traveling from the University of Virginia to Philadelphia].

Yours truly,
[unclear]
Samuel Moore.”

Although Gobrecht’s appointment was to take effect January 1st, 1836, fate intervened. Chief Engraver Kneass suffered a stroke in August 1835, and the new Director, Patterson, requested permission from the Secretary of the Treasury to immediately hire Gobrecht as a second (not assistant) engraver. Gobrecht thus entered the Mint in September 1835. (See also Rare Coin Review, #126, November/December 1998, pp. 17-25.)

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[Editor's Addition - Bio]

MOORE, Samuel, a Representative from Pennsylvania; born in Deerfield (now Deerfield Street), Cumberland County, N.J., February 8, 1774; pursued an academic course and was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 1791; instructor in the university 1792-1794; studied medicine and practiced in Dublin, Bucks County, Pa., and later at Greenwich, N.J.; spent several years in trading to the East Indies; returned to Bucks County, Pa., and in 1808 purchased and operated grist and oil mills at Bridge Point (now Edison) near Doylestown; later erected and operated a sawmill and woolen factory; elected as a Republican to the Fifteenth Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Samuel D. Ingham; reelected to the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Congresses and served from October 13, 1818, until his resignation May 20, 1822; chairman, Committee on Indian Affairs (Seventeenth Congress); appointed by President Monroe as Director of the United States Mint on July 15, 1824, and served until 1835; moved to Philadelphia, Pa.; became interested in the mining and marketing of coal and served as president of the Hazleton Coal Co. until his death in Philadelphia, Pa. February 18, 1861; interment in Woodland Cemetery.