Object Details
Description
In the mid-1800s, after being cleaned and stretched, beaver skins were transformed into beaver pelts such as this one. Dark brown in color, this beaver pelt is rather large, being almost two feet in diameter. Prized for their water-repellent fur, pelts traded at a premium. In the early 1800s, “Made Beaver” was a unit of trade; 12 pelts purchased a four-foot gun; one, a one-pound kettle.
Credit Line
Chase Manhattan Bank
date made
mid 1800s
ID Number
1979.1263.00759
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.OC81
collector/donor number
OC81
Object Name
alternative currency
Physical Description
leather, fur (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 4 in x 23 in x 8 in; 10.16 cm x 58.42 cm x 20.32 cm
place made
United States
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
American Enterprise
Coins, Currency and Medals
Exhibition
Value of Money
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_835175