Lewis & Clark: A Lasting Numismatic Legacy

Instructor: Phil Vitale

The Louisiana Purchase of 1803 doubled the size of our young country; however, the boundaries of this territory and what it contained were somewhat unknown. President Jefferson chartered the “Corps of Discovery”, led by Lewis & Clark, to explore the region, establish an American presence, establish trade with the native tribes, and document the flora and fauna that were previously unknown. Although relatively unheralded in the 1800s, the centennial and bicentennial anniversaries of the momentous undertaking spawned numerous examples of numismatic heralding as well as tokens. This presentation provides a historical background examples of numismatic interest.