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Direct scan of object
Washington "Non Vi Virtute Vici" copper
Direct scan of object

Washington "Non Vi Virtute Vici" copper

Date1786
Mint Uncertain
OriginAmerica, New York, New York City
MediumCopper
DimensionsDiameter: 29 mm
Credit LineGift of the Lasser family
Object number2003-22,7
Label TextTraditionally, a newly formed nation produces its own money as a proclamation of sovereignty. Since there was a lag of ten years between the end of the Revolution and the opening of the first United States Mint, there was an opportunity for private "for profit" coin producers on both sides of the Atlantic. One way to ensure the success and profitability of a coinage for the new republic was to put George Washington on it.

"Non Vi Virtute Vici," meaning "Not by violence but by excellence have I conquered," couldn't be more appropriate for the first coin produced in America depicting Washington. It was struck in New York City in 1786.
Exhibition(s)