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Vermont Coins
In 1777 Vermont became more independent by becoming a sovereign state, minting their own coins and having their own postage. Thomas Chittenden was elected governor of Vermont. This move made the state of Vermont completely independent. That way their safety and welfare was ensured.
Now that Vermont was completely independent they promoted the sale of land within the Vermont borders to individuals to support the new government. This move to an independent state helped protect Vermont from the British but thoroughly angered the neighboring states as Vermont refused to help, in any way, the surrounding states in their bid for independence.
Reuben Harmon in 1785 was granted the right to mint copper coins for the independent Republic of Vermont for two years.
This first coin illustrated was the sun rising over the hills, plow in the foreground, and the legend Vermontensium Res Publica,1786; a radiated eye surrounded by thirteen stars was on the reverse side of the coin.(Bearse 330) These coins were treasured by collectors and were considered valuable.
Harmon lived in Rupert Vermont which was where he kept the mint in a small wooden building.
Photo of baby head’ 1786 copper in Baltimore sale.
