Franklin Mint – History of the US – Uncle Tom’s Cabin – 1852 – 45mm – Proof Bronze Medal. Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” exerts great influence against slavery and hastens its end; July 3 – U.S. Mint at San Francisco authorized by Act of Congress; Nov 2 – Mexican War hero, Winfield Scott, is defeated in the presidential election by Franklin Pierce.