Democratic (constitutionalist) President Pierce signs the Coinage Act of 1857 Act, ending the legal tender status of ALL foreign gold and silver Coins (lawful Money).  Foreign coins are still permitted for voluntary transactions between two parties, as no debt is incurred.  But for the settlement of debts, legal tender must be used.

 The act also,

• Discontinues minting of the half-cent token coin; and
• Reduces the size, of the one-cent token coin from 1¹⁄₈ to ¾ inches in diameter, and the weight from 10. 9 to 4.7 grams.

       [updated 9/26/2026] Thanks to Freedoms Phoenix for this entry.