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.

A decade or so after the California Gold Rush began in the late 1840s, gold was discovered on the South Platte River, near the future city of Denver.
Description
A decade or so after the California Gold Rush began in the late 1840s, gold was discovered on the South Platte River, near the future city of Denver. As with the earlier strike, this one occasioned disputes over the value and purity of gold dust, as well as great difficulties in getting the precious metal all the way to Philadelphia to be coined there, and shipped back again.
Matters would be greatly simplified if a coiner, either private or public, could set up shop near the gold fields. A good candidate existed-Clark, Gruber & Co. Up to now, the firm had acted as brokers, bankers, and assayers. But if a coinage was wanted, Austin and Milton Clark and Emmanuel Gruber were up to the challenge and had the resources to do it right.
Milton Clark went back East to get the necessary machinery, three lots were purchased in Denver, and a two-story brick building soon went up on the property. Trial strikes of the four denominations to be coined ($2.50, $5, $10, and $20) were ready for inspection by mid-July 1860, and formal coinage began about a week after that.
One of the firm's most famous products showed a marvelous, if unrealistic, image of Pikes Peak, beneath which Denver-and the Clark, Gruber enterprise-sat. The facility remained in operation through 1862, although all of its coins were dated 1860 and 1861. It was elbowed out of the coining business in April 1863. It turned first into a federal assay office, then 43 years later, into another branch of the United States Mint.
date made
1860
mint
Clark, Gruber & Co.
ID Number
1985.0441.2226
catalog number
1985.0441.2226
accession number
1985.0441
One (1) 10 dollar coinUnited States, 1860Obverse Image: Pikes Peak mountain.Obverse Text: PIKES PEAK GOLD / TEN D. / DENVERReverse Image: Heraldic eagle with shield clutching arrows and olive branch.Reverse Text: CLARK GRUBER & CO.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 10 dollar coin
United States, 1860
Obverse Image: Pikes Peak mountain.
Obverse Text: PIKES PEAK GOLD / TEN D. / DENVER
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with shield clutching arrows and olive branch.
Reverse Text: CLARK GRUBER & CO. / 1860
Description
Austin Clark and his brother Milton joined forces with a merchant named Emanuel Gruber to create the most successful private coiner in Jefferson Territory (today's Colorado), Clark, Gruber & Co. The partners had enough resources among them to ensure that any mint they set up would have the best in modern machinery and metallurgy. While Milton Clark hurried back east to purchase dies and presses in New York and Philadelphia, Austin Clark and Emanuel Gruber stayed behind, purchasing three lots in Denver City and erecting a fine brick building for a fine new territorial mint.
Coining got under way in July 1860. The first pieces struck featured one of two designs. For quarter and half eagles, the designs of regular federal coinage were carefully copied: Liberty head on the obverse, eagle on the reverse. For the larger denominations, the eagle and double eagle, a radical departure was offered, at least for the obverse. An inaccurate representation of Pike's Peak graced that side, along with a description of the origin of the gold contained in the coins, and the name of the place where they were struck. This was the first Denver mint mark, and the most complete as well.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860
maker
Clark, Gruber & Co.
ID Number
1985.0441.2227
catalog number
1985.0441.2227
accession number
1985.0441
One (1) 5 dollar coinUnited States, 1860Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet. Stars around.Obverse Text: CLARK & CO.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 dollar coin
United States, 1860
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet. Stars around.
Obverse Text: CLARK & CO. / 1860
Reverse Image: Eagle with shield over chest clutching arrows and branch.
Reverse Text: PIKES PEAK GOLD DENVER / FIVE D.
Description
Produced by the Clark, Gruber & Company's mint, Denver, Colorado. For its half eagles, Clark, Gruber & Co. abandoned the Pikes Peak motif that it used on its larger coins. The company brought the designs for the five dollar pieces into conscious imitation of regular United States coins.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1860
mint
Clark, Gruber & Co.
ID Number
1985.0441.2228
catalog number
1985.0441.2228
accession number
1985.0441
One (1) 5 dollar coinUnited States, 1861Obverse Image: Quartz reduction mill.Obverse Text: JNO PARSON & CO.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 dollar coin
United States, 1861
Obverse Image: Quartz reduction mill.
Obverse Text: JNO PARSON & CO. / ORO
Reverse Image: Eagle with shield clutching arrows and olive branch.
Reverse Text: PIKES PEAK GOLD / FIVE D.
Description
The other pioneer mint in Colorado was the brainchild of an Indiana metallurgist, Dr. John D. Parsons. He appeared in Denver in the summer of 1858, and soon headed for Oro City with his assaying tools. He set up a business at Tarryall Mines, midway between Tarryall and Hamilton.
John Parsons's chosen trade was now that of coiner. He struck quarter and half eagles, whose obverses depicted a stamping mill, that essential piece of equipment for separating gold from its quartz matrix. A somewhat crude rendition of the American eagle held sway on the reverses of his coins. Parsons's products look primitive compared with Clark, Gruber's wares, and they may have been struck by hand.
However they were created, very few have survived. Six of John Parsons's quarter eagles are known, and only five of his halves.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1861
maker
John Parsons & Co.
ID Number
NU.68.159.1179
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1179
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1923Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1923
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1923 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923
maker
United States Mint
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
NU.255927.1813
catalog number
NU*255927.1813
accession number
255927
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2010.0019.133
accession number
2010.0019
catalog number
2010.0019.133
serial number
0603
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1906Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1906Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1906
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1906
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 / D
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1906
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
NU.68.159.1044
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1044
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1924Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1924
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1924 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1924
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
NU.68.159.1076
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1076
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1909Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1909
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1909 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle flying through rays of sun.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1909
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
NU.68.159.1057
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1057
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1927Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1927
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1927 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle flying through rays of sun
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN / GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Description
Of the approximately ten known survivors of this type of coin, this is one of three in the National Numismatic Collection.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1927
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
ID Number
NU.68.159.0391
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0391
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1908Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1908
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1908 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle flying through rays of sun.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908
maker
United States Mint
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
NU.255927.1469
catalog number
NU*255927.1469
accession number
255927
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1931Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1931
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1931 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1931
maker
United States Mint
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
1985.0441.1600
catalog number
1985.0441.1600
accession number
1985.0441
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1913Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1913
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1913 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle flying through rays of sun.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1913
maker
United States Mint
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
NU.255927.1715
catalog number
NU*255927.1715
accession number
255927
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1925Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1925
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / D / 1925
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
NU.68.159.0387
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0387
One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1926Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1926
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1926 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Description
This is one of a fairly small number of survivors of these coins. It is in exceptional condition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1926
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
ID Number
1985.0441.1505
catalog number
1985.0441.1505
accession number
1985.0441
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1892-05-17
plate date
1892-04-25
series date
1882
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Nebecker, Enos H.
Register of the Treasury
Rosecrans, William S.
issuing bank
Aspen National Bank
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002455
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002455
bank charter number
4733
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1915-11-03
plate date
1915-09-01
series date
1902
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Burke, John
Register of the Treasury
Teehee, Houston Benge
issuing bank
Hugo National Bank
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002729
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002729
bank charter number
10786
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1911-02-21
plate date
1911-04-18
series date
1902
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
McClung, Thomas Lee
Register of the Treasury
Vernon, William Tecumseh
issuing bank
First National Bank of Pueblo
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002248
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002248
bank charter number
1833
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1905-12-21
plate date
1906-01-24
series date
1902
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Treat, Charles Henry
Register of the Treasury
Lyons, Judson Whitlocke
issuing bank
Trinidad National Bank
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002360
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002360
bank charter number
3450
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1912-01-10
plate date
1909-08-22
series date
1902
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Treat, Charles Henry
Register of the Treasury
Vernon, William Tecumseh
issuing bank
Mercantile National Bank of Pueblo
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002413
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002413
bank charter number
4108
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1909-04-13
plate date
1907-09-21
series date
1902
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Treat, Charles Henry
Register of the Treasury
Vernon, William Tecumseh
issuing bank
First National Bank of Lafayette
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002672
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002672
bank charter number
8909
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1902-11-10
plate date
1902-09-02
series date
1902
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Roberts, Ellis Henry
Register of the Treasury
Lyons, Judson Whitlocke
issuing bank
Citizens National Bank of Sugar City
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002522
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002522
bank charter number
6472
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
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Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1884-09-19
plate date
1884-09-08
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Wyman, Albert Uriah
Register of the Treasury
Bruce, Blanche Kelso
issuing bank
Boulder National Bank
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002340
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002340
bank charter number
3246
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
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Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1908-12-21
plate date
1903-05-20
series date
1902
issuing authority
Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Roberts, Ellis Henry
Register of the Treasury
Lyons, Judson Whitlocke
issuing bank
First National Bank of Idaho Springs
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.002330
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.002330
bank charter number
2962

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