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Templeton Reid

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Templeton Reid

Birth
Virginia, USA
Death
1851 (aged 63–64)
Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia, USA
Burial
Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia, USA Add to Map
Memorial ID
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1850 Census:
name: Templeton Reid
residence: Columbus , Muscogee, Georgia
age: 61 years
calculated birth year: 1789
unmarked grave

FIRST PRIVATE MINT
TEMPLETON REID MINT
1830-1831
Two hundred yards west, on the north side of Washington St. is the site of the first private mint in the United States to manufacture gold coins in dollar values. During the Georgia gold rush, trade suffered due to a shortage of sound money. There were few coins in circulation and most business was by barter.
Templeton Reid (ca. 1787-1851), Milledgeville silversmith and expert machinist, saw an answer to the problem. He decided to buy raw gold, refine it and stamp coins of proven value, acceptable in any transaction. In 1830 he came to Gainesville, Georgia and opened an assay office. With machines and dies of his design and make he bran to strike coins of $2.50, $5.00, and $10.00 denominations. Although questioned by many, this was legal under the U.S. Constitution. The business was not profitable and closed in 1831. The Reid gold coins minted in Gainesville are extremely rare and are eagerly sought by collectors.

HCHS-2 HALL COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1979
1850 Census:
name: Templeton Reid
residence: Columbus , Muscogee, Georgia
age: 61 years
calculated birth year: 1789
unmarked grave

FIRST PRIVATE MINT
TEMPLETON REID MINT
1830-1831
Two hundred yards west, on the north side of Washington St. is the site of the first private mint in the United States to manufacture gold coins in dollar values. During the Georgia gold rush, trade suffered due to a shortage of sound money. There were few coins in circulation and most business was by barter.
Templeton Reid (ca. 1787-1851), Milledgeville silversmith and expert machinist, saw an answer to the problem. He decided to buy raw gold, refine it and stamp coins of proven value, acceptable in any transaction. In 1830 he came to Gainesville, Georgia and opened an assay office. With machines and dies of his design and make he bran to strike coins of $2.50, $5.00, and $10.00 denominations. Although questioned by many, this was legal under the U.S. Constitution. The business was not profitable and closed in 1831. The Reid gold coins minted in Gainesville are extremely rare and are eagerly sought by collectors.

HCHS-2 HALL COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1979

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