Artheon MuseumArtheonMuseum

Coin purse

Unknown Artist

1799–1820

Coin purse by Unknown Artist

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...

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