Robert Scot

Robert Scot (1744 – November 1, 1823^[1]) was the first Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from the inception of the United States Mint in 1793 until his death in 1823. He was succeeded by William Kneass. Scot also designed the popular and rare Flowing Hair dollar coinage along with the Liberty Cap half cent.

Scot is perhaps best known for his design, the Draped Bust, which was used on many silver and copper coins.

Early life

Scot was born in 1744 in Edinburgh, Scotland, Scot was a watchmaker and silversmith in England, and learned engraving shortly after. ^[2]

Career

1797 Turban Head eagle $10 gold coin engraved by Scot.

Scot was known for his engraving of flat works, notably banknotes. After moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia by 1775, he engraved plates for subsistence money, bills of exchange, and office scales. In 1780, he was appointed Engraver for the Commonwealth of Virginia, where his work was praised by future President Thomas Jefferson.^[3] Scot moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by 1781.^[1] Scot was appointed Chief Engraver of the newly authorized United States Mint on November 23, 1793 by President George Washington, where he worked under the leadership of David Rittenhouse, first Director of the United States Mint.^[4] Scot was responsible for engraving many of the first American coins, such as the Draped bust, 1804 dollar, Liberty cap half cent, Bust Dollar, Flowing Hair Dollar, Quarter Eagle, Half Eagle, and various large cents. Scot also employed notable engravers such as John Reich of Philadelphia who executed works like the medal in commemoration of the retirement of President George Washington designed by William Sansome.^[5]

Death

Scot died in office on November 1, 1823, and was succeeded as by William Kneass on January 29, 1824.

References