WHEREAS by an act, supplementary to the act entitled, "An act establishing a mint, and regulating the coins of the United States," passed on the third day of March, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety Five. "The President of the United States is authorized, whenever he shall think it for the benefit of the United States, to reduce the weight of the copper coin of the United States, provided such reduction shall not in the whole exceed two penny weights in each cent, and in like proportion in a half cent, of which he shall give notice by proclamation:" 

And whereas on account of the increased price of copper and expense of coinage, I have thought it would be for the benefit of the United States to reduce the weight of the copper coin of the United States, one penny weight and sixteen grains in each cent, and in like proportion in each half cent, and the same has, since the 27th of December last, been reduced accordingly: I hereby give notice hereof; and that all cents and half cents, coined, and to be coined at the mint of the United States, from and after the said 27th of December, are to weigh, the cents, each seven penny weighs, and the half cents, each three penny weights and twelve grains. 

By the President, 

TIMOTHY PICKERING 

Secretary of State.