NNP Encyclopedia data is provided in cooperation with Whitman Brands, based on catalog data organized by the Greysheet Identification System (GSID).
Entry Details
PCGS Number: 642001 Coin Date: 1826 Denomination (Short): SC$1 Denomination (Long): So-Called Dollar Variety: Erie Canal, White Metal Variety 2: HK-1 Desg: MS Composition: White Metal Strike Type: Business Coinage Type: So-called Dollar Diameter: 45 Obverse Description: <!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Two full seated figures depicting Pan and Neptune, to r. of Pan is cornucopia; in background is lighthouse and sea; below l. microscopic <em>R</em>. <em>Del</em>, below r. microscopic <em>W. Sc.</em>; above all, around <em>Union of Erie with the Atlantic.</em></p>
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<p>In center is New York State Coat of Arms; to l. is section of Canal; in background is sailing ship and distant view of city; below <em>1826</em> / <em>Presented by the City of New York</em>; above all, around <em>Erie Canal Comm. 4 July 1817 Comp. 26 Oct. 1825</em>; microscopic <em>C. C. Wright Sc</em> just below center design.</p>
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<p>Medal issued by Common Council, City of New York; designed by Archibald Robertson; engraved by Charles Cushing Wright with lettering by Richard Trested on dies prepared by William Williams; struck by Maltby Pelletreau.</p>
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<p>Erie Canal Commission created 1810 by NY Legislature; DeWitt Clinton, later Governor, served as member 10 years without pay. Ground broken July 4, 1817, at Rome, NY. Over 8 years and $7,000,000 later, Canal stretched 364 miles "straight as the lay of the land would permit" from Hudson River to Lake Erie; 83 locks required for "greatest engineering feat of modern times...costliest, most successful project yet undertaken in the New World."</p>
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<p>Originally dubbed "Clinton's Folly" by many, Canal proved one of main factors in our national development by directly opening West to agriculture; reduced freight cost and time, Albany to Buffalo, from $100 per ton and 45 days (by wagon) to $5 and 6 days; passengers paid 5 cents per mile, including 3 meals daily. By 1836, tolls had paid off entire cost; made New York City first seaport in U.S., passing Philadelphia. Now part of NY Barge Canal System, original 40 ft. width and 4 ft. depth have been increased substantially.</p>
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<p>Formal opening was Oct. 26, 1825, with vessel <em>Seneca Chief</em> carrying Governor Clinton departing Buffalo; arrived New York City Nov. 4. Long water-parade behind "moved slowly" with banquets, parades, etc. "at every town" en route; climaxed by huge New York celebration early 1826. Fifty-one Gold medals struck; presented to "crowned heads of world and eminent men" including General Lafayette and 3 surviving signers of Declaration of Independence. "Several hundred" pieces struck in Silver and White Metal (pewter); presented to guests and officials.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph --> PCGS #: 642001 NGC ID: 2DU3
