NNP

Courtesy of Roger Burdette, the identity of an early Mint researcher has been uncovered. In 1899, Philadelphia Mint Superintendent Daniel M. Fox wrote to Mint Director James P. Kimball regarding the research work of Henry W. Crotzer, a cutter in the coining department at the Philadelphia Mint. Prior to the transfer of Mint records to the National Archives in the 1930s, the only way to examine historical records was within the Mint itself, and access would have been much easier for someone who was already a Mint employee. 

Fox first describes Crotzer’s work in processing archival material from the Post Office (where old Mint records were stored) and then writes “he has made up a very large book showing the correct coinage for each year by denominations – which is a very valuable record for reference….in making up this book he made careful examination and comparison, step by step, of books and records in the office of the Coiner of this Mint, especially comparing and verifying the records, checking errors, and when possible harmonizing discrepancies.”

Historical research tends to ask more questions than it answers, and, while the discovery of the identity of Crotzer is an interesting tidbit, one can only wonder as to the disposition of Crotzer’s “very large book.” Is it today preserved in some dusty corner of the Mint or in the Director’s office? 

Link to Daniel M. Fox letter summarizing Henry W. Crotzer’s work: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/642906