William Kneass (/ˈniːs/ "niece"; September 25, 1780 – August 27, 1840) was the second Chief Engraver of the United States Mint from 1824 until his death in 1840.

[1][2] He served in the War of 1812 as a volunteer associate of the field engineers, and helped construct fortifications on the western front of Philadelphia.

[2] He ran an engraving office in Philadelphia on Fourth above Chestnut Street, which was a popular meeting place for "leading wits and men of culture".

In 1835, Mint director Samuel Moore wrote of him: "Mr. Kneass, our present engraver...is an acceptable, popular and very useful Officer, perhaps one of the most rapid in execution in the U.

[2] Kneass was remembered as "a warm gentleman of the old-school, who had the rare quality of engaging and winning the esteem and affection of children and youth.