Observing by the proceedings of Congress, that they are
about to establish a coinage, I think it my duty to inform them, that a
Swiss, of the name of Drost, established here, has invented a method of
striking the two faces and the edge of a coin, at one stroke. By this,
and other simplifications of the process of coinage, he is enabled to
coin from twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand pieces a day, with
the assistance of only two persons, the pieces of metal being first
prepared. I send you by Colonel Franks three coins of gold, silver, and
copper, which you will perceive to be perfect medals: and I can assure
you, from having seen him coin many, that every piece is as perfect as
these. There has certainly never yet been seen any coin, in any country,
comparable to this. The best workmen in this way acknowledge that his
is like a new art. Coin should always be made in the highest perfection
possible, because it is a great guard against the danger of false
coinage. This man would be willing to furnish his implements to
Congress, and if they please, he will go over and instruct a person to
carry on the work: nor do I believe he would ask any thing unreasonable.
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