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.

One (1) 20 dollar coin, proofUnited States, 1890Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1890Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin, proof
United States, 1890
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1890
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
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
designer
Longacre, James Barton
maker
United States Mint
ID Number
1985.0441.1046
catalog number
1985.0441.1046
accession number
1985.0441
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
One (1) 5 ruble coin, pattern, Nicholas IIRussia, 1895Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicolas II facing left.Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 ruble coin, pattern, Nicholas II
Russia, 1895
Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicolas II facing left.
Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС. [Nicholas II the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia]
Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure (Saint George), the imperial crowns on each head stand for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's talons are traditional heraldic symbols.
Reverse Text: [1/3 of Imperial / 5 rubles / 1895]
Description
This pattern 5 ruble coin was struck in Russia in 1895, under Nicholas II who ruled from 1894 - 1917. Last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895
head of government
Nicholas II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.392
accession number
286473
catalog number
69.128.392
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this Nicaraguan five centavos coin around the 1898. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this Nicaraguan five centavos coin around the 1898. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, and coins.
Obverse: Image of the Nicaragua coat of arms, consisting of a triangle, a Phrygian cap and five volcanoes. The legend reads: ESTADO DE NICARAGUA.
Reverse: Floral wreath around the rim. Legend reads: 5/CENTAVOS/1898
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1898
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1582
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1582
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this Nicaraguan five centavos coin around the 1898. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this Nicaraguan five centavos coin around the 1898. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, medals, and coins.
Obverse: Image of the Nicaragua coat of arms, consisting of a triangle, a Phrygian cap, and five volcanoes. The legend reads: ESTADO DE NICARAGUA
Reverse: Floral wreath around the rim. Legend reads: 5/CENTAVOS
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1898
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1601
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1601
National bank note proof from the National Bank of the Republic of St. Louis, Missouri. $50-100. Charter number 4232. 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 National Bank of the Republic of St. Louis, Missouri. $50-100. Charter number 4232. 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 on February 13, 1890. It liquidated on May 18, 1897. There are no notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NNC.297219.00574
accession number
297219
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
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
One (1) 15 ruble coin, pattern, Nicholas IIRussia, 1895Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicholas II facing left.Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 15 ruble coin, pattern, Nicholas II
Russia, 1895
Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicholas II facing left.
Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС. [Nicholas II the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia]
Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure (Saint George), the imperial crowns on each head stand for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, the orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's talons are traditional heraldic symbols.
Reverse Text: [Imperial / 15 Rubles / 1895]
Description
This pattern 15 ruble coin was struck in Russia in 1895, under Nicholas II who ruled from 1894 - 1917. Last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895
head of government
Nicholas II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.394
accession number
286473
catalog number
69.128.394
Available for transcription
Crowdsourcing
Available for transcription
date made
1892
issuing authority
U.S. Department of the Treasury
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.045583
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.045583
National bank note proof from the National Capital Bank of Washington DC, $50-100. Charter number 10316. The $50 note features the portrait of John Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury from 1877 to 1881, and Secretary of State from 1897 to 1898. The $100 note depicts John J.
Description
National bank note proof from the National Capital Bank of Washington DC, $50-100. Charter number 10316. The $50 note features the portrait of John Sherman, Secretary of the Treasury from 1877 to 1881, and Secretary of State from 1897 to 1898. The $100 note depicts John J. Knox, Comptroller of the Currency from 1872 to 1884. National bank notes usually had four signatures on the faces; two Treasury officials and two signatures of officers in the bank that issued the notes. This proof sheet shows an interesting feature that occurred occasionally during the 1920’s where the bank would instruct the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to engrave the bank officers’ signatures, in this case Charles Boyer as Cashier and John Poole as President. This bank was organized on January 15, 1913 and changed its title to Federal-American on October 31, 1922 when this bank absorbed the American National Bank, Charter 6712 on that date. The title change was certainly the occasion for producing this plate a month after the change occurred. This was the only bank in D.C. to issue Series of 1902 plain backs in these denominations of $50 and $100. The bank went into receivership October 31, 1933. There are eleven large size notes with the new bank title and twenty-five notes with the earlier title known among collectors.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
1904
1905
1885
1896
1893
1891
ID Number
NNC.297219.00551
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00551
National bank note proof from the National Metropolitan Bank of Washington DC. Charter 2382. $5-5-5-5, 1906. 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 National Metropolitan Bank of Washington DC. Charter 2382. $5-5-5-5, 1906. 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 first chartered on April 15, 1878. It was liquidated on March 28, 1907. There are fourteen notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
1904
1905
1885
1896
1893
1891
1914
1906
ID Number
NNC.297219.00554
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00554
National bank note proof of the Franklin National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 10504. $10-10-10-20, 1914.
Description
National bank note proof of the Franklin National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 10504. $10-10-10-20, 1914. The $10 note shows a portrait on the left of William McKinley, twenty-fifth President of the United States, who was shot at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo and died September 14, 1901. The $20 note shows a portrait of Hugh McCulloch who was Comptroller of the Currency during the Civil War and later served as Secretary of the Treasury. These notes were from the Series of 1902. This bank was organized on April 3, 1914. Twenty-four large size notes and twenty-eight small size notes after 1929 are known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
1904
1905
1885
1896
1893
1891
1914
ID Number
NNC.297219.00552
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00552
National bank note proof of the National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 3425. $10-10-10-20, 1920.
Description
National bank note proof of the National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 3425. $10-10-10-20, 1920. The $10 note shows a portrait on the left of William McKinley, twenty-fifth President of the United States, who was shot at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo and died September 14, 1901. The $20 note shows a portrait of Hugh McCulloch who was Comptroller of the Currency during the Civil War and later served as Secretary of the Treasury. These notes were from the Series of 1902. This bank was chartered in 1885. Fifty-three large size notes and 117 small size notes after 1929 are known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
1920
ID Number
NNC.297219.00542
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00542
National bank note proof of the Lincoln National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 4247. $10-10-10-20, 1909.
Description
National bank note proof of the Lincoln National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 4247. $10-10-10-20, 1909. The $10 note shows a portrait on the left of William McKinley, twenty-fifth President of the United States, who was shot at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo and died September 14, 1901. The $20 note shows a portrait of Hugh McCulloch who was Comptroller of the Currency during the Civil War and later served as Secretary of the Treasury. These notes were from the Series of 1902. The Financial Panic of 1907 prompted Congress to pass the Aldrich-Vreeland Act of 1908. This emergency law permitted banks issuing national bank notes to substitute “or other securities” for United States Bonds deposited with the Treasurer to back up the national bank notes between 1908 and 1915. It was intended to increase the supply of circulating money during that period. The phrase “or other securities” appears on the face to reflect this change. The Lincoln National Bank was chartered in 1909 on the centennial of Lincoln’s birth. Seventeen large size notes and 53 small size notes after 1929 are known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
ID Number
NNC.297219.00546
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00546
National bank note proof of the German American National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 2358. $5-5-5-5, 1872. The image on the left is Christopher Columbus approaching land.
Description
National bank note proof of the German American National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 2358. $5-5-5-5, 1872. 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 May 14, 1877 and went into receivership on November 1, 1878. Only two notes are known among collectors for this short-lived bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
1904
1905
1885
1896
1893
1891
1914
1906
1877
ID Number
NNC.297219.00555
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00555
This token commemorates the Russia-Moscow French Exposition in 1891 conducted under Alexander III (1881-1894).
Description
This token commemorates the Russia-Moscow French Exposition in 1891 conducted under Alexander III (1881-1894). This exposition was one of two World’s Fairs to take place in 1891.
Obverse inscription: PAX LABOR / MOSCOU PARIS (Peace and Labor/ Moscow Paris).
Reverse inscription: ФРАНЦУЗСКАЯ ВЫСТАВКА / ВЪ МОСКВЯ 1891("French show to Moscow in 1891").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1891
ID Number
NU.68.263.1066
catalog number
68.263.1066
accession number
281689
This medal was minted as a cycling prize for a touring event between Russia and Poland in 1899, during the reign of Nicholas II (1894-1917). Obverse inscription: WYSCIG OBJAZDOWY ("Touring Event") / P.Z. T.Z. / 1899.Reverse inscription: (None)Currently not on view
Description
This medal was minted as a cycling prize for a touring event between Russia and Poland in 1899, during the reign of Nicholas II (1894-1917). Obverse inscription: WYSCIG OBJAZDOWY ("Touring Event") / P.Z. T.Z. / 1899.
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1899
ID Number
NU.68.263.1842
catalog number
68.263.1842
accession number
281689
GermanyAlexander III (Russia) & Naser al-Din (Persia)Obverse Inscription: ALEXANDER III. KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III, Emperor of Russia")Reverse Inscription: NASSR-ED-DIN SCHAH VON PERSIEN ("Nasser-Ed-Din, Shah of Persian")Currently not on view
Description
Germany
Alexander III (Russia) & Naser al-Din (Persia)
Obverse Inscription: ALEXANDER III. KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III, Emperor of Russia")
Reverse Inscription: NASSR-ED-DIN SCHAH VON PERSIEN ("Nasser-Ed-Din, Shah of Persian")
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881-1894
ID Number
NU.69.127.389
catalog number
69.127.0389
accession number
286471
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1894Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1894Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1894
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1894
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
1894
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.297035.0034
catalog number
NU*297035.0034
accession number
297035
National bank note proof from the National Capital Bank of Washington DC, $50-100. Charter number 4107. 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 National Capital Bank of Washington DC, $50-100. Charter number 4107. 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 on August 30, 1889. This proof sheet was certified for use six weeks later on October 16. There are twelve notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
1920
1899
ID Number
NNC.297219.00544
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00544
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Carson City
ID Number
NU.71.316.380
accession number
297954
catalog number
71.316.380
This Russian cycling prize was minted in 1899, during the reign of Nicholas II who ruled Russia from 1894-1917.
Description
This Russian cycling prize was minted in 1899, during the reign of Nicholas II who ruled Russia from 1894-1917. It is inscribed with a quote from Seneca, a late Roman philosopher.
Obverse inscription: 19 IO/YL 99 / Res Sacra Miser ("The wretch is sacred" - Seneca).
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1899
ID Number
NU.68.263.1843
catalog number
68.263.1843
accession number
281689
National bank note proof of the National City Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 9545. $10-10-10-10, 1905.
Description
National bank note proof of the National City Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 9545. $10-10-10-10, 1905. The $10 note shows a portrait on the left of William McKinley, twenty-fifth President of the United States, who was shot at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo and died September 14, 1901. These notes were from the Series of 1902. The Financial Panic of 1907 prompted Congress to pass the Aldrich-Vreeland Act of 1908. This emergency law permitted banks issuing national bank notes to substitute “or other securities” for United States Bonds deposited with the Treasurer to back up the national bank notes between 1908 and 1915. It was intended to increase the supply of circulating money. The phrase “or other securities” appears on the face to reflect this change. This bank was organized on September 8, 1909 and went into receivership on November 11, 1933. Forty-eight large size notes and forty-seven small size notes after 1929 are known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
1904
1905
1885
1896
1893
1891
ID Number
NNC.297219.00550
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00550

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