Regulated "Gold Joe" (to the NY standard of 1789)

Date1748

Mint Bahia Mint

Regulated by John Burger

OriginSouth America, Brazil, Bahia

MediumGold

DimensionsDiameter: 31.5 mm Weight: 215.55 grains

Credit LineGift of the Lasser Family

Object number2004-8,44

Label TextJust as American goldsmiths and silversmiths found clever ways to bring underweight coins up to par, other times they needed to officially bring the weight of a coin down for local use. According to an act of July 31, 1789, Brazilian "gold joes" (of 6400 reis) were to be clipped down slightly to contain the precise amount of gold equivalent to $8 New York money.

Noted New York City silversmith John Burger officially "regulated" this coin with an obvious straight clip at the top left edge of this coin and a blow from his punch over the Portuguese king's eye.
MarkingsScript "B" mark of John Burger struck over Johannes V's eye.