 Despite the charged atmosphere at the Philadelphia Mint , Longacre avoided conflict with Patterson and Peale until March 1849 , when Congress authorized a gold dollar and double eagle or twenty @-@ dollar gold piece , both new coins . By then , Patterson had come to desire Longacre 's departure as he was deemed a threat to Peale 's medal business , and opposed new coins which would require the chief engraver 's skills . According to Richard Snow in his book on Flying Eagle and Indian Head cents , " having an ethical chief engraver threatened their sideline . " The conflict came over the use of the Contamin portrait lathe , necessary in the making of dies both for Longacre in producing the new coins and Peale in his medal business . When Longacre complained that Peale was monopolizing the device , Peale decided to sabotage Longacre 's coin work and have him removed from his position . 
