As to

factured by Rietri Casila, of Lucca, and was presented in 1852 by popular contribution. the history of this image, it may have come from Constantinople in the twelfth or thirteenth centuries, or after the Crusades, as it then displaced the image of St. Peter upon the coinage of Lucca, who had before that time been the patron saint of that city. The Mint of Lucca is stated to have been alluded to in documents dated A. D. 765 and 782, and in records of the ninth and tenth centuries, mention is made of payment in soldi, or money of Lucca, as being the standard currency of Tuscany. The legend narrates that in the transit of the Volto Santo to Italy, the vessel on board of which it was making the voyage was shipwrecked, but the case containing the holy picture was miraculously preserved from destruction, and floated ashore at the old port of Luna, near Lucca, and from that time forth was adopted as the patron saint or talisman of that city. By one legend this work of art is attributed to St. Luke, by another to Nicodemus, although the latter was a ruler of the Jews, among whom graven images were forbidden. The face on the coin, (which bears date 1726), is somewhat similar to the so-called Abgarus portrait in the collection belonging to the late Prince Consort, but here the face is that of an older man, with a sombre, melancholy expression and downcast eyes, and on the coin the head bears a crown. The hair, as in the portrait, is divided in the middle, falling in long ringlets down on each side of the shoulders. The beard is forked, and terminates in two small twisted curls.

A RARE JAPANESE COIN.

Mr. OUTERBRIDGE exhited a very rare and valuable Japanese gold coin, termed "Shinroku Oban," four hundred years old, which excited interest not only from the well-authenticated credentials accompanying it, but also from the manner in which it comes to this country, being the only one which has ever come into the possession of a foreigner. The story of its presentation is briefly told :—

A few years ago the Japanese Ambassador at Washington asked the advice of Colonel Thomas A. Scott in relation to the selection of an American engineer competent to superintend the construction of certain important works contemplated by the Japanese Government. Colonel Scott suggested as the most suitable person Mr. Joseph W. Crawford, of Pennsylvania, then engaged upon the Texas Pacific Railroad. Mr. Crawford accordingly sailed for Japan and immediately commenced the construction of an artillery road around the island of Yesso, the northernmost of the Japanese possessions, bordering on Russia. This road, although primarily constructed for the transportation of troops and cannon, was graded so that rails may be laid at any time. Owing to the precipitous rocky cliffs, the inhospitable climate, and other causes, this undertaking was regarded as exceedingly difficult to accomplish, and had, we believe, been already attempted and abandoned by English contractors as impracticable.

The manner, cost, and celerity with which this road was completed, proved so acceptable to the Japanese Government that Mr. Crawford was next sent to this country to purchase supplies, equipment, and assistants to construct the Polonai Railroad. The road was completed and opened with formal ceremonies last November, on which occasion Mr. Crawford was decorated with the Order of the Rising Sun, and as a particular mark of favor this "Shinroku Oban" was presented to him by the Government, through General Koaoda, Colonial Secretary and member of the Privy Council of the Mikado. The traslation of a portion of the description given of the coin is as follows:-"Shinroku Oban, Diameter, 32-100 foot. Weight, 4 9-10 ounces."

The coin is supposed to be one used at the time of Hiyashiyama, (a Tycoon who reigned over the Empire about 400 years ago) as a reward to any person of an extraordinary merit. The four characters which are stamped upon its surface are Ka Kwan (promotion of rank), Shin Roku (addition of pension,) etc.

In addition to the above a paper illustrating the original ancient characters as they appear on the coin, and their modern equivalents, accompanies the gift, and the whole is enclosed in a curiously shaped Japanese box.

Ar a meeting of the Cambridge Antiquarian Society, [England], there was exhibited a unique small bronze coin, purchased at Athens a few months since; it was struck at Nicæa in Bithynia, and bears on the obverse the youthful bust of Marcus Aurelius, and the legend M. AYP. ANTON; on the reverse Homer, bearded and laureated, seated on a rock, and looking at a scroll which he holds in his left hand; around is the legend OMHPOC NEIKAIE SN.

OBITUARY.

WILLIAM E. DUBOIS.

Among those whose names have been honored by the esto perpetua of the press, how few have really won the distinction! Too often the calling is all that gives lustre to the man, and honors are but titular. But if the life that is a public gift, leaves a vital inheritance in the principle it establishes and exemplifies, surely we may turn a ray upon the name which has so often shielded itself from the lustre of its deeds, and accepted only the honors that are real and the recognition that is eternal.

WILLIAM EWING DUBOIS was born in Doylestown, Pa., December 15th, 1810. His father, a Presbyterian minister of superior attainments and high worth, was descended from Louis du Bois, the leading spirit of a colony of French Huguenot refugees who, in 1660 settled at New Paltz, on the west shore of the Hudson. His maternal grandfather was Robert Patterson, LL. D., Vice-Provost and Professor in the University of Pennsylvania. If this sire was worthy of succeeding Franklin, Rittenhouse, Jefferson, and Wistar, in the Presidency of the American Philosophical Society, it was not unfitting that upon President Jefferson's solicitation he should accept the Directorship of the Mint. This position he held from 1805 until 1824, when ill health compelled his resignation. It was here that Mr. DuBois found his first right to more than an ordinary pride and interest in the Institution which now mourns the loss of its Assayer, numismatist, and, I may add, not invidiously, its genius loci and literary exponent.

Schooled in the classics from the age of six, Mr. DuBois early developed literary, linguistic and antiquarian tastes, which soon proved productive. At sixteen the weeklies welcomed his essays; as a tale writer, he found marked success in his twenties. A law student at twenty-two, he was highly commended for an able report of one of the most famous trials on record. Though soon after admitted to the bar, an encroaching weakness of voice compelled him to relinquish the law. This affection was a cross patiently borne through life; and in recalling his embarrassment, few can forget their own loss in that silent retirement which was so often forced upon him. But his natural sententiousness, enhanced by the vocal cost of words, was reflected in his written speech; this latter being frequently a medium of conversation, and, (especially in technics) his most satisfactory form of answering an inquiry, preventing, as it did, needless repetition and misunderstanding. His pen thus became dear to him as a natural organ. In the retirement of the home circle, however, he enlivened the fullness of his conversation with scintillations of wit, and an overflow of humor.

The

In September, 1833, Dr. Samuel Moore appointed him as Director's Clerk in the Mint. But, at the request of Mr. Eckfeldt, he was transferred, in 1835, to the Assay Department, and in 1836 was appointed Assistant Assayer. Doubtless the civil service was the gainer, five years later, by his becoming the Assayer's brother-in-law. remarkable and perhaps unparalleled partnership between these men continued until 1872, when Mr. Eckfeldt was removed by death, and Mr. DuBois appointed to succeed him. After an illness of several months, attended at times by much suffering, the subject of this sketch peacefully passed away on the 14th of July, 1881; nearly completing forty-eight years of service in the Mint.

Of a life's work we can indicate here but a few general features. A writer in this Fournal, (Vol. IX, p. 67,) credits to Thomas Jefferson the statement that assaying "is the most confidential operation in the whole business of coining;" that is, while the face and general execution of a coin ought to represent a nation's art, that only can be a subject of confidence which represents her honor; and this lies in the scientific maintenance of the standard fineness, for which the assayer's name is the people's security. As to the manner in which Mr. DuBois filled this post, I can do no better than quote from the minute adopted by the officers and employés upon his decease. "The remarkably close conformity of the United States coins to the standard assigned them by law, has been recognized by the highest Mint authorities of the world to be unsurpassed, if quite

equalled, in its uniform exactness. The founding of such a reputation and its continuance during the last half-century, are largely due to the joint labors of the late Jacob R. Eckfeldt and William E. DuBois." We have not room here to dwell upon their office as the oft-chosen appeal of foreign governments; nor yet as the tried enemy of counterfeiters in coin and karat stamps.

Strictly, Mr. Eckfeldt was the scientific centre, while Mr. DuBois expanded the sphere of labor by venturing into new fields, not contemplated in the establishment of the Mint service. To these niches of his own carving repaired the fellow officer and employé as well as the stranger from without, for advice and assistance. The attention was affable, generous; here was nothing hidden, harsh, vindictive or low; vulgarity was silenced by his presence; and he who failed to carry away a scrap of intelligence, lost nothing by contact with that naiveté and modest "old-time courtesy." About this plain old desk centered a world-wide and winning correspondence; hither came book-makers, statisticians, scientists, numismatists, linguists, travellers, miners, fortune-seekers, detectives. Yet our Genius courted no publicity, careless even of his just recognition, — advertising he abhorred. It may not be out of place here to record that our Engraver, (Barber, Sr.,) tried in vain to capture a sitting from his friend and counsellor; but, while Mr. DuBois was the author of many of our most important medals, he persistently denied his own right to medallic honors.

If to Mr. Eckfeldt largely belongs the credit of giving our coin a character, to Mr. DuBois clings the honor of widening its reputation by giving the Institution a voice in literature and a permanent hearing among the nations. For this task he had a prestige in the possession of traditional and manuscript heirlooms, linguistic accomplishments, beside personal research and varied labor. His literary style was pointed, clear, concise; his diction direct, rhythmic, refined. Especially in epistolary writing, was his style as original as that of Lamb or Macaulay. It betrays him a hundred times where he cared for no credit and coveted no publicity. It charms by its good humor and simple strength. Like his handwriting, it typified the individual, bearing that which defies analysis and mocks at imitation. His great gift, in fact, was a genius for expression. In short, he regarded "the art of writing" as the "art of engaging persons to read." In treating so technical a theme as a "Revised System of Weights,"* he unfolds his scheme so clearly and simply that one fancies himself upon the college play-ground rather than in the dark class-room. Again, one might find inducement to read on, when, pendent to the dry bones of coin description, he finds a charm like this:-"Siam may claim originality in the shape of her coin," (speaking of the bullets,) "which will not admit of piling and scarcely of lying still; the lively emblem of a true circulating medium." Once more: the sober-side cabinet label points to a "coin struck in the Philadelphia Mint at least two thousand years ago." The rustic, short in his Bible geography, misses the smile, but unconsciously acknowledges himself a prey to the Curator's wit by paying it the respect of his astonishment or dispute. In his official communications, the manner often effected as much as the thought. To his pen is due. the failure of many a crazy scheme, as well as the framing and enacting of needed law or regulation. It may be said that for more than thirty years no Director ventured on an important step or recommendation without first asking his written opinion.

Between 1842 and 1852 he published, (several editions each,) four works on Coins. and subjects related thereto. Among these was the "Manual of Gold and Silver Coins. of all Nations." If this looked back upon the French of Bonneville and the English of Kelley, it was a new work, fundamental, original, American. It filled a new place in literature; it had no real predecessor, as it has had no successor; it offered the first methodical treatise on bullion, handled counterfeit coins, (of which Mr. D. gathered a large collection, and in which he was pre-eminently an expert,) tabulated specific gravities, money values, and numerous other vital matters in the science of minting. A book with an author, (in the best sense,) its acceptance as authority was world-wide.

While the Mint Cabinet may be regarded as Mr. DuBois's noblest monument, it is that behind which he characteristically and most effectually hides himself from the t "New Varieties," 1852.

* See Banker's Magazine, September, 1869.

See his article on a "Prevention of Fraud," &c., in this Journal of January, 1874.

public eye. It was in June, 1838, with a few valuable pieces given by the Chief Coiner, Adam Eckfeldt, as a nucleus, that he began the collection. It "grew year by year, by making exchanges to supply deficiencies, by purchases, by adding our own coin, and by saving foreign coins from the melting pot, a large part in this way at a cost of not more than their bullion value, though demanding great care, appreciation and study." Valuable donations he also obtained from travellers, consuls, and missionaries. How many of us would have foregone this (legitimate) opportunity to make or enrich a private collection at bullion values? There is something almost heroic in disinterested labor of this sort. The seeing of the opportunity might have inspired many to seize it, but-for whom? Then, as to his motive, we quote his words:-"Beside the appropriate endowment and ornament of the Institution, we have a permanent source of information on the whole subject of coinage; popular curiosity and educated taste are gratified; and researches into antiquities, arts and history are furnished with a new facility and stimulus." The thought of endowing and ornamenting an institution by a life-labor, that hopes for nothing again, in a service that gives no guarantee of tenure, is beyond the ideal of the most ardent reformer. The economy of the scheme may be seen where he says he was "willing to be the first to set an example of moderation in a pursuit which has its temptations to extravagance and excess."

Mr. DuBois was singularly faithful in keeping his note-books of observation and experiment; and these volumes constitute an invaluable legacy. Upon outside subjects he has left large and varied literary remains, including private note-books covering a period of forty years-suggestive at times of Pascal. Some of his principal papers were contributions to the American Philosophical Society, of which he has been an active member since 1844. Between 1845 and 1860 he was laboriously engaged in collecting material for and writing three books of family history and genealogy.

In fine, this was the earnest Christian gentleman,-modest, magnanimous, mild and brave. He was generous and disinterested to a fault. It has been well observed that, had the enterprise and labor which he voluntarily expended for the Government, been thrown into channels of personal aggrandizement, (for which his opportunities were exceptional,) he would have won for himself the applause which adds fame to fortune. But he coveted neither. He further proved his patriotism by keeping his charge free from the finger-marks of party spoilers.

The late Queen's Assay Master, Henry W. Field, Esq., (now retired,) writes:"For about thirty years I have enjoyed and gloried in his correspondence;" and proceeds to speak of his "universal value and irreparable loss." One who was twelve years an assistant to Mr. DuBois, writes: "To find such simplicity and modesty, coupled with such abilities and knowledge, one must look above the vast crowd struggling for notoriety. Such men as Henry, Faraday, and Charles Lamb, have exemplified this truth in the past, and in some ways Mr. DuBois often suggested these great men to me."

Mr. DuBois was an Honorary Member of the Boston Numismatic Society, and Corresponding member of the New England Historic Genealogical, and other learned Societies; he was also a constant contributor to this and other journals and newspapers, displaying his versatility in light and serious subjects, with and without signature.

In his religious faith Mr. DuBois was a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. He long looked forward to death as one who anticipates a summer journey. He was philosophical as he was faithful to the end. His sick bed was eloquent; his deliberation, preparation and cheerful attitude toward all things, were the final attestation of his faith-the sublime sequel to a life that had studied to show itself "approved unto God."

P. D. B.

"WE hear from Salem, that on Friday last William Brown, Esq., the youngest surviving Son of Hon. Col. Brown, deceased, having had Information of some Money conceal'd in a Place which he owned, caused search to be made for the same, where was found five or six Jarrs full of Silver, containing about one thousand ninety-three Ounces of Silver of several Species, among which was about six thousand New-England Shillings, scarcely discolor'd."-Boston Weekly NewsLetter, July 21, 1737.

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COIN SALES.

THE JENISON COLLECTION OF COINS AND MEDALS

THIS sale, Mr. Woodward's 39th, took place June 22d and 23d at the usual place; though it contained many excellent and valuable pieces, the collection as a whole was not up to the usual standard of Mr. Woodward's sales. We have room for but a few quotations. Cents. 1794. $4.25; 99, 16.00; 1804, 8.10; Crosby's Early Coins of America," 8.75; a large and fine collection of Union envelopes, understood to belong to Mrs. Woodward, brought from 1 to 13 cents each. North Western Sanitary Fair Lincoln Medal, 8.50; Wyatt's set of national medals in case, 10.25; a curious and unique silver breastplate, presented by the U. S. Government to Cataw, Chief of the Ottawas, 45. Priced catalogues sold well, especially the rarer ones of Mr. Woodward's sales. Fractional currency went at good prices; four of the fifteen cent Grant and Sherman notes bringing an aggregate of $22.18. A lot of Chinese coins sold for large prices; two pamphlets on Chinese Numismatics brought respectively $7.00 and 3.00. Half Cents. 1842, proof. $11.00; 1843, proof, 10.50; 1847, proof 14.50; a lot of postage and revenue stamps were disposed of at full prices; a Roman As brought $7.10. On the whole, the sale must be considered a

success.

W. ELLIOT WOODWARD'S FORTIETH SALE.

The Jenison Archæological Collection was sold at the same place, June 24th. A few coins, proof sets, &c., brought good prices, but the noticeable feature of this catalogue was the stone and prehistoric implements, and of the sale the extraordinary prices obtained. Implements called indifferently Celts, Chisels, Skinners, Peelers, &c., and various other names, sold for 50c. to $3.60; Grooved axes, of which there were many, $1.60 to 3.75; a grooved hammer, $4.75; Banner stones $3.25 to 19.50 each, an average of about $10; Gorgets and Pendents, $1 to 7; Amulets, of bird form and other varieties, $7 to 15, averaging for eight, about $11 each; Fine Spear-heads from $1.12 to 3.30; Arrow-points brought large prices, from 10 to 18 cts. each; Four pipes brought respectively, $41.00, 25.00, 10.00 and 7.25; others sold equally well. The highest prices were given for Mound Builders' Pipes, and good judges pronounce them even at the price paid, the cheapest articles in the collection. A Shovel of unique form sold for $10.05; Globular Corn-crusher, $4.12; Sledge-hammer, $3.25. This sale is important as showing the growing interest in all that relates to the antiquities of America. A good company from widely distant localities was present, and the bidding was spirited, from the beginning to the end. Mr. Jenison has reason to congratulate himself on the results, so unlike that of some former sales of the same description of property.

CHAPMANS' SALE.-LEFFERTS COLLECTION.

season

It is rather unusual to find any coin sales advertised in July, but the " "—if that can be properly called a season which extends through nine or ten months,-was prolonged till the very last week of July of this year. On the 28th and 29th of that month, the Messrs. Chapman, of Philadelphia, held a sale at Bangs & Company's rooms, New York, when they offered the collection of Mr. M. C. Lefferts; principally American coins, with a few medals, catalogues, etc. The catalogue, 42 pages, contained 1128 lots, and many choice pieces.

66

66

A Canadian token, [McLachlan, LIV] "Maison Jacques Cartier, St. Roch," brought 4.75. Dollars. 1794. v. g. $94; '95, fillet head, 6; '97, six stars facing, unc. 7.60; '98, 13 stars, small eagle, rev. v. f. 8; another, 15 stars, v. f. and r. 8.75; 1800, unc. 6.05; 01, do. 6.60; 36, Liberty seated, rev. flying eagle, v. f. 7.65; '38, do. 52; '39, do. 34; '52, unc. 54; 54, unc. 18.50; 55, 8.50. Half Dollars. Two from different dies, of 1794, 5.25 and 5.30; 1802, fine for date, 6.50; 1806 over 1805, 5; 1815, v. f. 7; '36, Gobrecht head, unc. 8; do. v. f. 5.65; do. v. g. 3.90; 52, Phila mint, 5.30; do. Orleans, v. g. 3.80. Quarters. 1796, v. g. 7.60; 1853, no arrows or rays, v. f. 10.50. Dimes. 1800, f. 8.25; 1804, v. f. 27; 1811, over '09, unc. 16; 1860, S. F. mint, with stars, legend on rev. v. f. and r. 4.25. Half Dimes. 1792, Half Disme," v. f. but pierced, 9;—on this piece, Mr. Chapman has some comments, in which he takes issue with Mr. S. S. Crosby, (who calls it a "pattern" in his "Early Coins of America,”) and would prefer to consider it "the first half dime," because Washington in his address, Nov. 1792, says: "There has been a small beginning [at the mint,] in the coinage of half dismes," etc. We think this is hardly evidence enough to sustain Mr. Chapman's claim that this shows" quite conclusively" that it was regularly issued by the mint for circulation, and an authorized coinage." This is still and probably will always be a quæstio vexata." Snowden thinks that the half dimes which were struck in 1792, amounted in value to $100. and were "evidently intended for circulation," while Hickox says, (American coinage, p. 55, note,) that Washington, visiting the mint, "on one occasion brought with him a quantity of silver bullion to be coined into half dimes, [? half dismes,] not for currency, but intended as presents for friends." From this circumstance, it may be, arose the tradition that the head on the obverse was that of Martha Washington. The first regular return to the Treasurer of the mint from the chief coiner, March 1, 1793, mentions only 11,178 cents, (see Hist. Mag. V. 277,) and while it may be true, that the half dismes were struck at the mint, we cannot yet admit them to have been a "regular issue," or an "authorized coinage." Other half dimes sold as follows: 1795, unc., perfect die, $5.80; do. broken die, 4.25 ; '97, 13 stars, v. f. and r. 7.40; do. 15 stars, 7.80; do. 16 stars,f. 7.30; 1802, poor but guaranteed, 12; 1803, f. but scratched, 6.25; 1805, v. f. 12. Cents. 1793, chain, Ameri. 6.30; Wreath, 7.30; Liberty cap, v. g. 7.60; '94, Maris 27, 9.30; '98, large date, v. f. 9; do. small date, 9; '99, fine for date, 11.25; 1800, perfect date, 9.50; 1805, unc. 14. Half Cents. 1796, from Dr. Edwards' die, 11; 1831, br. pr. 10.25; several from 1840 to 49, two originals and the rest restrikes, of which latter Mr. Chapman says 18 sets only were issued, ranged from $8 to 13 for restrikes and 13.70 and 15, for the originals, 1843 and '44. A Carolina Elephant piece, 22.75; Gloriam Regni, 18.50; a Continental Currency dollar, pewter, E. G. FECIT in the