Ancient, British and World Coins and Banknotes

Autograph signed Directive by J.C. Herries, Master of the Royal Mint, dated 16 June 1829. “That Mr. Wyon and Mr. Merlin be desired to report forthwith to the Master of the Mint what progress has been made in the preparation of the new dies upon which they have been engaged many months, & to explain the cause of the very great delay which has occurred in the completion of that service… …That Mr. Brande to be requested to furnish without delay to Mr. Herries the account of the comparative failure of the dies prepared within the last few years as contrasted with the failure of the dies in antecedent periods.” 23 x 32.3cm (double). A few folds, clean (£250-300)

“Mr. Merlin” was undoubtedly Jean-Baptiste Merlen (1769-1850), Assistant Engraver under Wyon. William Thomas Brande (1788-1866), the distinguished chemist, was superintendent of machinery and clerk of the irons from 1825