Coins, Currency, and Medals

The museum possesses one of the largest and most diverse numismatic collections in the world. Its diverse holdings represent every inhabited continent and span more than three millennia. The collection includes coins, paper money, medals, tokens, commodity and alternative currencies, coin dies, printing plates, scales and weights, financial documents and apparatuses, credit cards, and objects that reflect established and emerging digital monetary technologies worldwide.

National bank note proof from the Columbia National Bank of Washington DC, $10-10-10-20. Charter number 3625. The $10 note features the image of Ben Franklin flying a kite on the left and an image of an eagle and Liberty grasping a lightning bolt on the right.
Description
National bank note proof from the Columbia National Bank of Washington DC, $10-10-10-20. Charter number 3625. The $10 note features the image of Ben Franklin flying a kite on the left and an image of an eagle and Liberty grasping a lightning bolt on the right. The $20 note features an image of the Battle of Lexington on the left and Liberty marching with a flag on the right. The bank was chartered on January 1, 1887. There are thirty-two large size notes and thirty-nine small size notes issued after 1929 known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
1920
ID Number
NNC.297219.00543
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00543
Numismatists, people who study or collect coins, generally categorize Civil War Tokens into three themes: patriotic, store cards, and sutler tokens. As with this coin, patriotic themed coins displayed patriotic slogans and images. Advertisements were not printed on these tokens.
Description
Numismatists, people who study or collect coins, generally categorize Civil War Tokens into three themes: patriotic, store cards, and sutler tokens. As with this coin, patriotic themed coins displayed patriotic slogans and images. Advertisements were not printed on these tokens. This specific token has an image of the Union flag with the words, “THE FLAG OF OUR UNION” on one side and another popular patriotic statement on the other side, “IF ANYBODY ATTEMPTS TO TEAR IT DOWN/SHOOT HIM/ ON THE SPOT.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
ID Number
2001.0009.0343
accession number
2001.0009
catalog number
2001.0009.0343
One (1) Civil War tokenUnited States, 1861Obverse Image: Man with a large hat, bandanna around his neck, and a shirt decorated with stars.Obverse Text: I AM READY / 1861Reverse Image: Approximately forty (40) stars.Reverse Words: THE UNION MUST & SHALL BE PRESERVEDEdge: SmoothThe
Description (Brief)
One (1) Civil War token
United States, 1861
Obverse Image: Man with a large hat, bandanna around his neck, and a shirt decorated with stars.
Obverse Text: I AM READY / 1861
Reverse Image: Approximately forty (40) stars.
Reverse Words: THE UNION MUST & SHALL BE PRESERVED
Edge: Smooth
Description
There are numerous examples of Civil War Tokens that display sentiments in favor of the Union. Many of the patriotic series Civil War Tokens were issued in New York. The lack of tokens in the South has been attributed to the fact that the majority of private minters were located in the North. This token depicts a pro-Union stance: “I AM READY” and “THE UNION MUST & SHALL BE PRESERVED.” Once these tokens were circulated, they would remind their user of the Union’s justifications for war and buoy up nationalist spirits.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861
ID Number
2013.0023.006
accession number
2013.0023
catalog number
2013.0023.006
This particular Civil War Token depicts a patriotic theme.
Description
This particular Civil War Token depicts a patriotic theme. The obverse, front of the coin, depicts a profile image of George Washington while the reverse, back, shows two hands shaking between laurel sprigs and the words “PEACE FOREVER.” One hand is labeled as the North and the other hand is labeled as the South.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
ID Number
1977.0779.108
catalog number
1977.0779.108
accession number
1977.0779
This “memorandum for change” was Mt. Pleasant Apothecary’s solution to the coin shortage. By making customers redeem the value of these notes in sums of a one-dollar or more, the business could expect returning clientele.Currently not on view
Description
This “memorandum for change” was Mt. Pleasant Apothecary’s solution to the coin shortage. By making customers redeem the value of these notes in sums of a one-dollar or more, the business could expect returning clientele.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863-01-01
maker
L. Prang & Company
ID Number
NU.NU46192.0003
accession number
170666
serial number
240
catalog number
NU46192.0003
Approximately one million pieces of Lindenmueller Currency were struck during the course of the Civil War Token’s short lifespan. Tokens were generally used for buying goods and fares on trains. Since Civil War Tokens could not be redeemed for U.S.
Description
Approximately one million pieces of Lindenmueller Currency were struck during the course of the Civil War Token’s short lifespan. Tokens were generally used for buying goods and fares on trains. Since Civil War Tokens could not be redeemed for U.S. currency, the system had inherent flaws. This was evident when New York’s Third Avenue Railroad requested that Lindenmueller redeem his tokens which they accepted as payment for fares. Lindenmueller laughingly declined to pay out the Third Avenue Railroad who then took their issue to the Federal Government. In 1864 Congress passed an act that forbade any private businesses or individuals to produce money. This act essentially shut down the production of Civil War Tokens.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
associated date
1863
ID Number
2001.0009.0661
accession number
2001.0009
catalog number
2001.0009.0661
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1885Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1885Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1885
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1885
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.255927.0704
accession number
255927
catalog number
NU85796.02
In lieu of coined change, this card with stamps totaling five-cents was issued to customers to use at a store in Newport, Rhode Island.
Description
In lieu of coined change, this card with stamps totaling five-cents was issued to customers to use at a store in Newport, Rhode Island.
date made
1862
ID Number
NU.71.306.4
accession number
207949
catalog number
71.306.4
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN + 15.6.1888. ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
Friedrich III King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany
ID Number
NU.68.263.698
catalog number
68.263.698
accession number
281689
This jeton or token commemorates the alliance between Germany and Russia in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Wilhelm I, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia.
Description
This jeton or token commemorates the alliance between Germany and Russia in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Wilhelm I, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: WILHELM DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN +9/3 1888. ("William, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Wilhelm I
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.204
catalog number
68.21.204
accession number
276536
National bank note proof of the Merchants National Bank of Deadwood, Dakota Territory. Charter 2461. $5-5-5-5, 1880. The image on the left is Christopher Columbus approaching land.
Description
National bank note proof of the Merchants National Bank of Deadwood, Dakota Territory. Charter 2461. $5-5-5-5, 1880. The image on the left is Christopher Columbus approaching land. On the right is an Indian Princess representing America being presented to the Old World as engraved by W.W. Rice based on a work by T.A. Liebler. This bank was chartered on March 4, 1880 and liquidated on June 8, 1894. There are two notes known among collectors for this bank when Dakota was a territory, and one note known among collectors when the jurisdiction became South Dakota.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NNC.297219.00570
accession number
297219
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1881Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1881Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1881
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1881
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.68.159.1003
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1003
This token was minted to commemorate the meeting of Alexander III (Emperor of Russia), Umberto I (King of Italy), and Wilhem II (Kaiser and King of Prussia) in Berlin, Germany in 1889. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token was minted to commemorate the meeting of Alexander III (Emperor of Russia), Umberto I (King of Italy), and Wilhem II (Kaiser and King of Prussia) in Berlin, Germany in 1889. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: (None)
Reverse inscription: KAISER WILHELM II – KÖNIG UMBERTO I (“Emperor Wilhelm II – King Umberto I).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
associated person
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
Wilhelm II King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany
Umberto I
ID Number
NU.68.21.236
catalog number
68.21.236
accession number
276536
When the Civil War began the Confederate Government still accepted United States currency. Initially they printed a million dollars’ worth of notes, like this one thousand-dollar note.
Description
When the Civil War began the Confederate Government still accepted United States currency. Initially they printed a million dollars’ worth of notes, like this one thousand-dollar note. Notes like this were treated more as bonds than bills since they were issued in such large denominations including $50, $100, and $500. At this time much of the Confederate currency was produced in New York City. Eventually other printing firms such as the Southern Bank Note Company in New Orleans would fill the void.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861-05-28
ID Number
NU.73.11.0008
catalog number
73.11.0008
accession number
305034
During the American Civil War, Gen. Benjamin F. Butler so appreciated the heroic actions of African American soldiers under his command at the 1864 battles of Fort Harrison and Fort Gilmer that he commissioned a special medal for them. Designed by Anthony C.
Description
During the American Civil War, Gen. Benjamin F. Butler so appreciated the heroic actions of African American soldiers under his command at the 1864 battles of Fort Harrison and Fort Gilmer that he commissioned a special medal for them. Designed by Anthony C. Paquet and realized in silver by Tiffany, the U.S. Colored Troops medal had no official status. After General Butler was relieved of his command in 1865, the 300 U.S. Colored Troops who had received the medals were forbidden to wear them on their uniforms.
Location
Currently not on view
commissioner
Butler, Benjamin Franklin
maker
Tiffany & Co.
ID Number
1985.0612.01
catalog number
1985.0612.01
accession number
1985.0612
National bank note proof of the Second National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 2038. $5-5-5-5, 1925. The portrait on the left is Benjamin Harrison, twenty-third President of the United States.
Description
National bank note proof of the Second National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 2038. $5-5-5-5, 1925. The portrait on the left is Benjamin Harrison, twenty-third President of the United States. His grandfather was also President and his father was a member of the House of Representatives. This bank was chartered on September 3, 1872. There are forty-seven large size notes and thirty-three small size notes issued after 1929 known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
ID Number
NNC.297219.00541
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00541
Bank notes, such as this one, were issued from private banks in the South. During the Civil War the South suffered from crippling inflation in part from the massive amount of Southern money in circulation.Currently not on view
Description
Bank notes, such as this one, were issued from private banks in the South. During the Civil War the South suffered from crippling inflation in part from the massive amount of Southern money in circulation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860-05-17
maker
American Bank Note Company
ID Number
1979.1263.01449C
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
1979.1263.01449C
serial number
No. 798
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker.
Description
This token commemorates the Germany and Russia Alliance in 1888. It was minted in Germany under Frederich III, German Kaiser and King of Prussia and Alexander III, Emperor of Russia. Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881-1894 and was affectionately known as The Peacemaker. Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia").
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Friedrich III King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.210
catalog number
68.21.210
accession number
276536
National bank note proof from the American National Bank of Sioux City, Iowa.. Charter 3940. $5-5-5-5, 1888. The image on the left is President James Garfield who was assassinated in 1881 soon after he was elected. This note was from the Series of 1882.
Description
National bank note proof from the American National Bank of Sioux City, Iowa.. Charter 3940. $5-5-5-5, 1888. The image on the left is President James Garfield who was assassinated in 1881 soon after he was elected. This note was from the Series of 1882. This bank was chartered on November 14, 1888. It was liquidated on March 3, 1891. There are no notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NNC.297219.00562
accession number
297219
In order for John Gault, the inventor of the encased postage stamp, to make any profit off his creation, he sold advertisement space on the back of the stamp encasements.
Description
In order for John Gault, the inventor of the encased postage stamp, to make any profit off his creation, he sold advertisement space on the back of the stamp encasements. The production of these encased postage stamps was done solely by the Scovill Manufacturing Company located in Waterbury, Connecticut. This particular encased postage stamp advertised “H.A. COOK/ EUREKA BAZAAR,” which was a grocery store in Evansville, Indiana.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-08-12
ID Number
NU.71.306.2
accession number
207949
catalog number
71.306.2
National bank note proof of the American National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 6716. $5-5-5-5, 1922. The portrait on the left is Benjamin Harrison, twenty-third President of the United States.
Description
National bank note proof of the American National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 6716. $5-5-5-5, 1922. The portrait on the left is Benjamin Harrison, twenty-third President of the United States. His grandfather was also President and his father was a member of the House of Representatives. This bank was chartered in April, 1903 and closed on October 31, 1922. There are twenty-six large size notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
ID Number
NNC.297219.00547
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00547
National bank note proof from the Merchants Exchange NB of Muscatine, Iowa, $50-100. Charter number 1577. The $50 note features the image of Washington crossing the Delaware River on the left; a soldier praying beneath the allegorical figure of Victory on the right.
Description
National bank note proof from the Merchants Exchange NB of Muscatine, Iowa, $50-100. Charter number 1577. The $50 note features the image of Washington crossing the Delaware River on the left; a soldier praying beneath the allegorical figure of Victory on the right. The $100 note features the image of sailors in a longboat approaching two ships labeled Lawrence and Niagara on the left; an image of winged Victory standing with fasces and the motto "Maintain it!" on the right. The bank was chartered in 1865. It changed its name to FNB of Muscatine on June 8, 1886. It liquidated on July 8, 1933. There is one note known among collectors for the first title, and three large size and forty-eight small size notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NNC.297219.00558
accession number
297219
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1883Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1883Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1883
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1883
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / CC
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Carson City
ID Number
NU.71.316.365
accession number
297954
catalog number
71.316.365
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1880Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1880Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1880
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1880
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.68.159.1002
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1002

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