Elisha Gallaudet, Engraver

A Patriot of the American Revolution for NEW YORK - NEW JERSEY. DAR Ancestor # A204491

Elisha Gallaudet was the engraver of the first US coin, the 1776 "Continental Dollar."

Engraver of the first Continental Dollar.

http://gallaudetfamily.com/second_generation.htm

Most notable is Elisha’s work in colonial and, later, “American” currency.  Elisha was selected to do the engraving for the 1771 New York State currency, the New York City “Water Works” notes of 1774 to 1776, as well as the “fractional notes” authorized by the Continental Congress on February 17, 1776.  His most lasting work, however, is the so-called “1776 Continental Dollar.”  Named for its size as its true denomination likely was never established, the coin was apparently created as a demonstration for the Continental Congress.  When Congress, as well as the State of New York, stopped issuing one-dollar paper notes, it is believed that Elisha’s coins were meant to take their place. 

The silver that was to be used to make these coins was expected to come as a loan to the “United Colonies” from France, but the deal was never completed.  Elisha’s work on the coin was based on sketches apparently provided to him by Benjamin Franklin, who worked with others.  Several varieties of the coin were made, with Elisha leaving his mark on one of them, noting “EG FECIT,” meaning “Elisha Gallaudet made it.”  Today the “1776 Continental Dollar” is considered the pinnacle of any collection of American coinage.  Authentic pieces typically sell for over $25,000.  Elisha and his family moved to Freehold, New Jersey sometime in the summer of 1776, to escape the anticipated British occupation of New York City, and possible bombardment by British naval forces