457 (1871), was an important case for its time in which the Supreme Court of the United States overruled Hepburn v.

Mr. Knox purchased the sheep from the Confederate army, and Mrs. Lee brought suit for trespass and conversion.

The Court instructed the jury that whatever amount they awarded could be paid with legal tender notes of the United States.

Mr. Knox appealed, as he contended that this instruction was equivalent to telling the jury to add a premium for the discount of paper currency relative to specie.

Davis paid United States notes, but Parker refused to execute a deed and claimed that he was entitled to receive coin.