It is always interesting for me to read old publications and see what the “news” was in numismatics at various times. The following was taken from the September 1911 issue of The Numismatist:
“Last month the first U.S. Mint buildings at Philadelphia were razed. When no cornerstone was found a local newspaper investigation took place, and it was discovered that the cornerstone had been removed many years ago.
“Careful observation for “finds” during the demolition of the old structure and the excavation for a new one had no reward. A few early cent planchets, a die trial in copper of the 1795 half dime dies, and cents — one each for 1816, 1817 and 1818 (strange that they were consecutive) were all that was found.
“Mr. Frank Stewart, the owner of the building, offered to present it [the Mint buildings] to the city of Philadelphia and assist in its re-erection on a permanent site. His offer was not accepted and another historical structure is no more.”
