Coin purse
Unknown Artist
1799–1820
Medium
silk, metal
Classification
Coin purse
Culture
American or European
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Lee Simonson, 1938
Accession Number
C.I.38.23.396
Art Historical Context
This delicate coin purse, crafted between 1799 and 1820 from silk and metal, exemplifies the personal accessories of the late Federal or early Regency era. Likely American or European in origin, it reflects the refined craftsmanship of a time when women's fashion emphasized practicality blended with elegance. The silk fabric would have provided a soft, texture, while metal elements—possibly forming a frame, clasp, or decorative accents—added durability and a touch of shimmer, making it both functional and fashionable. In an age before modern wallets, such purses were essential for safeguardin...