Perkins, Jacob, 1766-1849

Jacob Perkins (1766-1849) of Newburyport, Mass., was an engraver, inventor, and silversmith, having produced the first steel plate for bank notes and the dies for minting state coins during the Confederation period. He was a prolific inventor in the fields of steam power and the outfitting of ships. Perkins established a factory in England in 1819 for making plates and printing bank notes, and also produced millions of British postage stamps. His steel plate, a preventive against counterfeiting, was eventually adopted by law throughout this country. Perkins was elected to the London Institute of Civil Engineers and received many awards and medals for his achievements.

From the description of Papers, 1795-1934. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 207163636