Proclamation—Reduction in Weight of the Copper Coin

By George Washington, President of the United States
A Proclamation

Whereas by an act supplementary to the act entitled "An act establishing a mint and regulating the coins of the United States,” passed on the 3d day of March, 1795, "the President of the United States is authorized, whenever he shall think it for the benefit of the United States, to reduce the weight of the copper coin of the United States, provided such reduction shall not in the whole exceed 2 pennyweights in each cent and in like proportion in a half cent; of which he shall give notice by proclamation;” and

Whereas, on account of the increased price of copper and expense of coinage, I have thought it would be for the benefit of the United States to reduce the weight of the copper coin of the United States 1 pennyweight and 16 grains in each cent and in like proportion in each half cent, and the same has since the 27th day of December last been reduced accordingly:

I hereby give notice thereof and that all cents and half cents coined and to be coined at the Mint of the United States from and after the said 27th day of December are to weigh, the cents each 7 pennyweights and the half cents each 3 pennyweights and 12 grains.

In testimony whereof I, the said George Washington, President of the United States, have caused the seal of the United States to be hereto affixed and signed the same with my hand.

Done at the city of Philadelphia on the 26th day of January, A.D. 1796, and of the Independence of the United States the twentieth.

Go. WASHINGTON

By the President:

Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State.