The Franklin Mint History Of The United States, 1776-1973
Manufacturer
The Franklin Mint
DateNo Date
MediumSilver
DimensionsOverall: 1 3/4 in. (45 mm.)
ClassificationsDecorative arts
Credit LineGift of Dr. Eugene F. Poutasse
Object number76.81.33
On View
Not on viewThe 1808 medal: Importation of Slaves Prohibited
The United States Constitution does not mention slavery although over a sixth of the population at that time it was approved in 1787 consisted of Negro slaves. An important reference to slaves may be found in Article I, Section 9, which states "The migration or importation of such persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each person."
By the Act of March 2, 1807, Congress served notice that it would exercise its right under the Constitution to end legal importation of slaves after January 1, 1808. On the medal for this year, a government official is shown forbidding a slave trader to land slaves brought from Africa. The Act did not stop slaves being smuggled into the country, however, and it is estimated that as many as 15,000 were annually brought in illegally.
At the time of the Revolution, slavery was on the decline and several States freed their slaves wholly or partly. Then came the cotton gin in 1793, which revived the use of slavery for cotton growing. Although the practice was fought on moral and other grounds by many persons, both North and South, it took the Civil War to completely end what was a profitable, if despicable trade.
Oddly enough, the importation of slaves was prohibited by the Constitution of the Confederate States.
