1836
This year, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson’ vice president, was elected president, Arkansas became the twenty-fifth state, and in Massachusetts, manufacturers can only hire children for their mills for nine months of the year. Children were required to be in school the other three months. In Texas, the Battle of the Alamo, takes place, with the entire garrison dying in the battle. Forty six days later, the Mexicans were defeated by Sam Houston’s army and the Republic of Texas was founded. Samuel Colt patented his six shooter and the first issue of “McGuffey’s First Reader” was published.
In Africa, Boer farmers leave Cape Colony and settle in the Transvaal, Natal, and Orange Free State while in South America, Bolivia conquered Peru. In England, the University of London was founded. This was the first English university that was not connected with a church.
At total of 2,111,000 large cents were delivered this year, some possibly dated 1835. Production of business strike half cents was halted this year. The mint had 539,000 half cents in the vault. Demand was small and spotty. Proofs were struck again in 1840, but business strikes would have to wait until 1849. Seven varieties of large cent (N 1 – N 7) and one variety of half cent (C 1) are known for this date. Four of the large cent and both half cent varieties are known as proofs. It is unknown how many were struck. Half cents are also known in two different restrikes. These restrikes were struck by mint employees in the late 1850’s and early 1860’s to satisfy collector demand. Restrikes come with either large or small berries on the reverse.
The nicest coins in the national numismatic collection include C 1, N 1 (1), and N 6.
HALF CENT
LARGE CENTS