Aug
29

August 29, 1838

James Smithson’s legacy, in the form of 11 boxes of gold sovereigns as well as his personal effects, arrive with Richard Rush on the ship “Mediator” in the harbor of New York. The personal effects are deposited with the collector of the Port of New York on September 1. The gold is immediately deposited with the Bank of America, until September 1, when it is transferred to the Treasurer of the United States Mint in Philadelphia. The £104,960 and 8 shillings, 6 pence in gold sovereigns is melted down and reminted into United States coins worth $508,318.46. Smithson’s personal effects remain in New York until June 1841, when the National Institute requests they be sent to Washington.

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Posted: 29 August 2010
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.