Joseph Wharton, 1877, in his publication Memorandum Concerning Small Money and Nickel Alloy Coinage. Wharton is largely responsible for the introduction of nickel into our nation's coinage, using his influence with members of Congress to make it happen. Wharton owned a nickel mine and profited handsomely from the deal.

Though collectors have long ceased to regard the true issues of the "Government copper-head factory," better known, perhaps, as the United States Mint, as of any value, they may be interested in the information that the ugliest of all known coins, the new five cent piece, is out, as oysters are served in some places "in every style."

Though specimens are refused to Societies and individuals, they are readily procured in Philadelphia through the agents of the young gentleman at the head of that department.

At present the price of a set of four, struck in "putty" and various metals, with copper gold dollar included, is $35, though the expected purchaser is informed in every case, that as the owner is very anxious to sell (somebody?) he will take $30. Collectors are advised to wait a little, when it is expected that the owner's anxiety will increase to such an extent that he will be glad to take any amount, however small, above their legal value.

Editor, American Journal of Numismatics, August 1866, criticizing the many patterns and varieties of the new nickel that were available (as quoted by Taxay, The U.S. Mint and Coinage, 1966).

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"On the obverse of this remarkable coin, the first thing that attracts the attention, is a very elaborate and highly ornamented gridiron, the clumsy handle of which appears to be broken from the body, thus rendering this culinary utensil almost useless. The upper part and sides of this gridiron are hung with leaves of some sort, strongly reminding one of the savory bunches of herbs displayed in a market-house in autumn, or of a green-grocer's sign in huckleberry time. Perhaps the same accident that severed the handle of the gridiron also fractured the lower part, for we notice that it is there skewered by two arrows, pointing in opposite directions. The motto 'In God we Trust' is very opportune, for the inventor of this coin may rest assured that the devil will never forgive him for such an abortion.

The reverse of this thing is less objectionable, for the inventor appears to have almost exhausted his remarkable skill on the obverse. However, he has made a 'bold push' and brought forth something. Here we have a circle of stars intersected by thirteen bars of three scratches each, (perhaps he never saw a Nova Constellatio) around the top of which are the words "United States of America," in very delicate letters. The make-up of this coin is completed by the insertion in the field, of a big, loud 5, with 'cents' in the exergue, which must be pronounced in the peculiar oyster saloon style, thus: 'Five cents!'

Mr. Editor, did we ever have another such coin?"

Letter to the Editor of the American Journal of Numismatics in September of 1866