ROBERT SCOT'S Signature: In the early 1800s, the U.S. Mint's chief engraver likely designed several coins depicting Liberty.

This article explores the attribution of coin designs to Robert Scot and John Reich, two engravers at the U.S. Mint in the early 1800s. It challenges the claims made by numismatists Taxay and Breen, who attributed certain coin designs to Reich. The author argues that Scot designed all the coins until Reich's arrival and that Reich had no experience with coinage dies. The article also discusses President Thomas Jefferson's initial reluctance to hire Reich but eventually agreeing based on Mint Director Robert Patterson's recommendation. The author concludes that Reich was not the designer of the Capped Bust coins and suggests alternative explanations for the supposed "signatures" on the coins. They also argue that Scot was the most likely designer based on his previous work and style. [Extracted from the article]