NNP

(John) Adam Eckfeldt

Biography

Born in Philadelphia, son of John Jacob Eckfeldt and Marie Magdalina. Married Maria Hahn April 3, 1792. Married to Margaretta Bausch, parents of Jacob Reese Eckfeldt, Adam C. Eckfeldt, Anna S. Eckfeldt, Sarah Eckfeldt Perkins and Susanna Eckfeldt DuBois. Grandfather of Patterson DuBois.

Employed to do blacksmith work at the mint in 1792. He produced the dies for the 1793 half cents. Employed to do piecework at the mint about July 1, 1795. Employed as assistant to the chief coiner beginning January 1, 1796. He was appointed by President Madison as chief coiner in February 15, 1814, and remained for 25 years until 1839. He designed and built much of the equipment for the new mint. He directed the establishment of the mint cabinet in 1838. He recommended Franklin Peale as his replacement. After retirement he continued to visit the mint and work without compensation.

Upon his retirement Eckfeldt was honored with a 51 mm gold medal from the mint (Julian MT-18). The obverse die was by Moritz Furst. The reverse may have been done by Franklin Peale. Inducted into the ANA Hall of Fame in 1996.

bio: Evans; P-F; Stewart; NUM/NIN 1/97