Gold.

Denomination.

Fine gold contained.

Alloy contained.*

Weight.

Grains.

Grains.

Grains.

One dollar ($1).....

23.22

2.58

25.80

Quarter eagle ($2.50)............

58.05

6.45

64.50

Three dollars ($3) ......

69.66

7.74

77.40

Half eagle ($5) ........

116.10

12.90

129.00

Eagle ($10) ...........

232.20

25.80

258.00

Double eagle ($20)......

464.40

51.60

516.00

* The alloy neither adds to nor detracts from the value of the coin.

Silver.

Denomination.

Fine silver contained.

Alloy contained.

Weight.

Grains.

Grains.

Grains.

Standard dollar......................

371.25

41.25

412.50

Half dollar .......................

173.61

19.29

192.90

Quarter dollar........................

86.805

9.645

96.45

Dime.....................................

34.722

3.858

38.58

Prior to the act of February 21, 1853, all silver coins were legal tender in all payments whatsoever. The act of February 21, 1853, reduced the weight of all silver coins of less denomination than the silver dollar about 7 per cent, to be coined on Government account only, and made them legal tender in payment of debts for all sums not exceeding $5.

Minor.

Denomination.

Fine copper contained.

Alloy contained.

Weight.

Grains.

Grains.

Grains.

Five cents*................................

57.87

19.29

77.16

One cent...................................

45.60

2.40

48.

* Seventy-five per cent copper, 25 per cent nickel. Ninety-five per cent copper, 5 per cent tin and zinc.

Troy weights are used, and while metric weights are by law assigned to the half and quarter dollar and dime, troy weights still continue to be employed, 15,432 grains being considered as the equivalent of a gram, agreeably to the act of July 28,1866.

The weight of $1,000 in United States gold coin is 53.75 troy ounces, equivalent to 3.68 pounds avoirdupois. The weight of $1,000 in standard silver dollars is 859.375 troy ounces, equivalent to 58.92 pounds avoirdupois, and the weight of $1,000 in subsidiary silver is 803.75 troy ounces, equivalent to 55.11 pounds avoirdupois.

"There is many a man who would be deterred from dishonesty by the frown of a banker, though he might care but little for the admonitions of a bishop." - Gilbart.