1848
The Mexican War ended with the Treaty of Hidalgo. The United States acquired Texas and more than 500,000 square miles of territory that the southwest. The US gave Mexico more than $18,000,000 as a part of the deal. In New York, the Associated Press (AP) was organized by a group of journalists, the first Chinese immigrants arrived in San Francisco, Wisconsin became the 30th state, and Zachary Taylor was elected president. On January 24, Sutter discovered gold on his estate. This was the start of the California Gold Rush.
Liberal revolutions swept Europe, toppling the monarchies in France and Austria. This year, Switzerland became one federal union, Kelvin originated the absolute temperature scale, and Karl Marx issued the Communist Manifesto.
A total of 6,415,799 large cents were struck and delivered this year. Forty-three varieties are known for this year, N 1 – N 42 and N 44. One variety, N 19, comes as a proof only. Half cents dated 1848 were struck only as proofs. There is no record of how many were struck. Restrikes of these coins were made in the late 1850’s and early 1860’s. Restrikes come with either large or small berries on the reverse.
The nicest coins for this year include C 1 and N 19.
HALF CENT
LARGE CENTS