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c. 1780 JOSEPH RICHARDSON Goldsmith in PHILADELPHIA Gold Coin Type Weight Scale

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,400.00 - 3,200.00 USD
c. 1780 JOSEPH RICHARDSON Goldsmith in PHILADELPHIA Gold Coin Type Weight Scale
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Colonial America
“JOSEPH RICHARDSON Goldsmith, in PHILADELPHIA” Colonial to Revolutionary War Era Gold Coin Scale
c. 1780 Revolutionary War Era, Gold Scale, Balance in its Original Wooden Case, with Printed Label of “JOSEPH RICHARDSON Goldsmith, in PHILADELPHIA.” Extremely Fine.
Historic “JOSEPH RICHARDSON Goldsmith, in PHILADELPHIA” Revolutionary War Era Gold Scale, in its original simple wooden case. There is a secondary smaller paper label under Richardson’s, this scale set being apparently repurposed for advertising Joseph Richardson’s own workmanship and attracting business. Attached Paper Label upon the inner top lid reads:

“A TABLE of the VALUE and WEIGHT of COINS, as they now pass in PENNSYLVANIA. -- (Central printed text listing of various coins and their weights) -- Gold Scale and Weights, Sold by Joseph Richardson, Goldsmith, in Philadelphia.”

The Brass Balance Scale and its wooden case are in excellent condition, individual weights are not present. The case measures approximately 6” x 2.5” x 1” with its working latch intact. A remarkable numismatic and American Indian Peace Medal related item, that would prove an important historical addition to any numismatist’s or rare Medal collection, from one of the most notable Goldsmiths and Silversmiths of the era, and designer of 1793 and 1795 Silver Oval Washington Indian Peace Medals.
Joseph Richardson, Jr. was born into a long line of Silversmiths. His father, Joseph, Sr. inherited his father’s silversmith shop in 1729 and became one of the leading silversmiths of Philadelphia. Joseph, Sr. set an example that his son was later to follow by helping organize in 1756 the Friendly Americans for Regaining and Preserving Peace with Indians, and he presented jewelry to Indian leaders.

Richardson Junior continued the tradition. He was responsible for engraving some of the historic 1793 and all of the 1795 Oval George Washington Indian Peace Medals. Later, he became Assayer at the United States Mint. Evidence indicates he enjoyed a close association with George Washington and David Rittenhouse, who became First Director of the United States Mint.