To the EDITOR of the NATIONAL GAZETTE.

SIR,

I HAVE lately heard much respecting the CENTS of the United States, and have obtained somewith difficulty, having called five times at the national bank, and found "no cents to day."

The value of these must increase in general estimation, when it is known that they costthe United States six pence a piece, calculating the salaries of the public and private officersengaged in their manufacture. However, there are many causes to which we may attribute theirscarcity - Connoisseurs have been deputed from different antiquarian societies in Europe tocollect all the varietys of coins issued by this flourishing country; and as it is necessary to givegood impressions, the frequent breaking of the dies must be thus accounted for, and notattributed to the imperfect knowledge of the artists engaged in the work. Another cause of thecoins being in demand, we have lately ascertained to arise from speculation for the French, whowill at any price buy the head of Liberty engraved so freely and unconfined. It representsnatural liberty, which is the most perfect - the face is consequently savage, the hair like wire, orstrong Indian hair never combed, despising the easy wave of ringlets as too foppish forrepublicanism. A chain is on the reverse, shewing clearly that American liberty is the reverse ofslavery. The smallness of the coin may be considered in more advantageous lights than one.

1st. It expends less copper, and consequently gives less encouragement to the miners ofEngland, our political enemies.

2ndly. The coin is more portable, and will not necessitate us to call so soon for silver andgold coins;

And the workmanship is so exquisite that no tiro in engraving will ever think of issuingcounterfeits, through the temptation of gaining by copper; for though the coins are so various thatno person can find two alike, yet the same great masterly touches of the artist, have given them astamp of originality, that can never be perfectly imitated; and we hear it is in contemplation tocut a die in diamond, which will never suffer injury; but if none can be found in our ownmountains, the Regent lately presented by the French to the Emperor of the Turks, will bepurchased by our Ambassador for the purpose.

I am, Sir, your most obedient,
And most humble servant!
A FREE MAN.