The revised edition of The Early Years of the Louisiana Mint, 1837-1861 by Richard G. Kelly and Nancy Y. Oliver, recently brought to the Southern Gold Society’s attention through correspondence with the authors earlier this year, is available on the Newman Numismatic Portal here. This expanded 158-page treatise builds on the original 75-page version, first noted in our December 5, 2023 post, offering a richer exploration of the New Orleans Mint’s formative years.
This comprehensive work incorporates newly acquired archival records from the Philadelphia Archives, addressing gaps in the initial edition. Drawing from Mint Record Group 104, handwritten letters, and records from the National Archives in Philadelphia and College Park, Maryland, with contributions from numismatic researchers Robert Julian and Roger Burdette, the authors have crafted a detailed chronological narrative. Their two-year research effort, supplemented by contemporaneous newspapers and Newman Portal resources, vividly captures the Mint’s construction, workforce, and coinage production during this pivotal era.
Kelly and Oliver, also known for their work on the San Francisco Mints, have donated this revised edition to the Newman Numismatic Portal, ensuring free access for all. Their dedication extends to ongoing research, including a Charlotte Mint treatise where they’ve uncovered a corrected 1838 half eagle mintage of 12,886 pieces, not 17,179 as listed in the Red Book. This commitment to accuracy underscores their contributions to numismatic scholarship.
Southern Gold Society members and numismatic enthusiasts are encouraged to explore this work here. Additionally, a class on New Orleans coinage is scheduled for the 2025 ANA Summer Seminar (see the 2025 Summer Seminar Catalog, class no. 16). This revised edition is a testament to the authors’ dedication and a treasure for anyone interested in America’s numismatic heritage.