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.

Theodore Roosevelt met sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the 1890s, when T.R. was an aspiring young politician, and Saint-Gaudens was establishing a reputation as a brilliant artist.
Description
Theodore Roosevelt met sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the 1890s, when T.R. was an aspiring young politician, and Saint-Gaudens was establishing a reputation as a brilliant artist. When Roosevelt was elected President in 1904 and needed an inaugural medal, he gave the commission to Saint-Gaudens after rejecting the standard, unmemorable medal typically produced for this occasion by the United States Mint.
Saint-Gaudens's results shattered precedent. The piece was modern in all senses of the word. There was no attempt to beautify or romanticize the President's head on the obverse, yet the image clearly conveyed vision and power. The reverse was, if anything, even more groundbreaking. The magnificent, left-facing eagle epitomized authority and presence, while displaying a classical ancient style. (The same eagle is used on the Saint-Gaudens $10 in 1907). This bird unquestionably ruled all it surveyed.
Saint-Gaudens's success with this medal convinced Roosevelt that the artist was the partner he needed to collaborate on a pet project: the redesign of America's money. Saint-Gaudens signed on, and the plotting began. But the potential for trouble hovered on the horizon: this medal had been struck, not by the United States Mint in Philadelphia, but by Tiffany & Company in New York. If the Mint hadn't produced Saint-Gaudens's medal, would it agree to produce any of his coins?
date made
1905
associated date
1905-03-05
associated person
Roosevelt, Theodore
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
Weinman, Adolph A.
maker
Tiffany & Company
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
ID Number
2005.0142.02
accession number
2005.0142
catalog number
2005.0142.02
James Smithson was born in 1765, the illegitimate son of Sir Hugh Smithson, later known as Sir Hugh Percy, Baronet, 1st Duke of Northumberland, K.G., and Elizabeth Hungerford Keate.
Description
James Smithson was born in 1765, the illegitimate son of Sir Hugh Smithson, later known as Sir Hugh Percy, Baronet, 1st Duke of Northumberland, K.G., and Elizabeth Hungerford Keate. Elizabeth Keate had been married to James Macie, and so Smithson first bore the name of James Lewis Macie.
His mother later married Mark Dickinson, by whom she had another son. When she died in 1800, he and his half-brother inherited a sizable estate. He changed his name at this time from Macie to Smithson. James Smithson died June 27, 1829, in Genoa, Italy. His will left his fortune to his nephew, son of his half-brother, but stipulated that if that nephew died without children (legitimate or illegitimate), the money should go "to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men."
The nephew, Henry Hungerford Dickinson, died without heirs in 1835, and Smithson's bequest was accepted in 1836 by the United States Congress. Smithson never visited the United States, and the reason for his generous bequest is unknown. But his gift was the foundation grant for the Smithsonian Institution.
In 1817, while living in Genoa, Italy, Smithson commissioned a gifted Italian sculptor named Antonio Canova to create his portrait in the form of this medal. Smithson evidently approved of Canova's efforts: he scratched his name on the other, otherwise blank side of his medal. It is still visible today, very faint after the passage of nearly two centuries.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1817
maker
Paris Mint
obverse engraver
Tiolier, Nicholas P.
ID Number
1991.0009.0393
catalog number
1991.0009.0393
accession number
1991.0009
Founded in 1904 by wealthy financier Andrew Carnegie in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission (CHFC) exists to honor acts of individual civilian heroism in the United States and Canada.
Description
Founded in 1904 by wealthy financier Andrew Carnegie in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission (CHFC) exists to honor acts of individual civilian heroism in the United States and Canada. It is still active today; recipients include both the living, the dead, and persons directly affected by the loss of a heroic relative.
The emotional impact on the general public of the April 1912 loss of the ocean liner Titanic was astonishing, and the continually updated story lasted for months in the contemporary newspapers. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Commission felt inspired to honor all the heroes who had risked their lives in the rescue of the 700 passengers, so at their April 26, 1912 meeting they authorized a nine-oz. 22-k gold medal to be struck, mounted in an elaborate bronze base, inscribed and presented to the Smithsonian. The Smithsonian accepted the gift and displayed it before adding it to the National Numismatic Collection in the National Museum of American History.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1912
maker
Flanagan, John
ID Number
NU.13650
accession number
54893
catalog number
13650
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1902. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1902. 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.
Obverse: Bust of James Mitchell Lamson Scovill and William Henry Scovill. The legend reads: SCOVILL MANUFACTURING COMPANY/ J.M.L. SCOVILL-Wm. H. SCOVILL/1802-1902 WATERBURY, CONN.
Reverse: The legend reads: CENTENNIAL OF THE FOUNDING OF THE SCOVILL MANUFACTURING CO./PRESENTED BY THE COMPANY TO GEO.E.HART/1802/ABEL PORTER & CO./1811/LEAVENWORTH HAYDEN & SCOVILL/1827/J.M.L. & W.H. SCOVILL/1850/SCOVILL MFG. CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1902
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1596
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1596
MK2 storecard. Obverse Inscription: "MK2 1814"Currently not on view
Description
MK2 storecard. Obverse Inscription: "MK2 1814"
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1814
ID Number
NU.69.129.725
catalog number
69.129.725
accession number
286472
RussiaPZ tokenObverse Inscription: П:З:Reverse is blankCurrently not on view
Description
Russia
PZ token
Obverse Inscription: П:З:
Reverse is blank
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.96738
catalog number
Nu*96738
accession number
263997
Russia 1903Obverse Inscription: NoneReverse Inscription: LIX / 28 MARTA 1903Currently not on view
Description
Russia 1903
Obverse Inscription: None
Reverse Inscription: LIX / 28 MARTA 1903
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1903
ID Number
NU.68.263.1318
catalog number
68.263.1318
accession number
281689
Y.P. RussiaObverse Inscription: У.П.Reverse Inscription: БсpcCurrently not on view
Description
Y.P. Russia
Obverse Inscription: У.П.
Reverse Inscription: Бсpc
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.69.129.719
catalog number
69.129.719
accession number
286472
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
Russia 1903St Petersburg 200th AnniversaryObverse Image: The "Bronze Horseman" statueObverse Inscription: Петру I / Екатерина II / Лѣта 1782 / 200 / СПБ ("Peter I / Catherine II / in 1782 / 200 / Saint Petersburg") Reverse: blankCurrently not on view
Description
Russia 1903
St Petersburg 200th Anniversary
Obverse Image: The "Bronze Horseman" statue
Obverse Inscription: Петру I / Екатерина II / Лѣта 1782 / 200 / СПБ ("Peter I / Catherine II / in 1782 / 200 / Saint Petersburg") Reverse: blank
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1903
ID Number
NU.69.127.238
catalog number
69.127.0238
accession number
286471
This token commemorates a cycling event held in Kielse, Poland, attended by Russian and Polish cyclists.Obverse inscription: C.K..Reverse inscription: КЂПЕЦКОЕ ОБЩЕСТВО ВЕЛОСИПЕДИСТОВЪ / KIELECKIE TOWARZYSTWO CYKLISTOW ("Kielse Cyclist Society" in Russian and Polish languages).Cu
Description
This token commemorates a cycling event held in Kielse, Poland, attended by Russian and Polish cyclists.
Obverse inscription: C.K..
Reverse inscription: КЂПЕЦКОЕ ОБЩЕСТВО ВЕЛОСИПЕДИСТОВЪ / KIELECKIE TOWARZYSTWO CYKLISTOW ("Kielse Cyclist Society" in Russian and Polish languages).
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.68.263.1790
catalog number
68.263.1790
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
This N.K. storecard was made in Russia in 1814, during the reign of Alexander I who ruled Russia from 1801-1825. Storecards were used as a form of payment employers would use to pay their workers.
Description
This N.K. storecard was made in Russia in 1814, during the reign of Alexander I who ruled Russia from 1801-1825. Storecards were used as a form of payment employers would use to pay their workers. An employer would give the storecard token to their workers and the token could then be redeemed at any of the employer’s establishments. These were personal to specific employers.
Obverse inscription: 1814 ГO / ГOДA.
Reverse inscription: NK / УГOAT.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1814
ID Number
NU.68.263.1617
catalog number
68.263.1617
accession number
281689
This medal, commissioned in Poland in 1875, commemorates the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Florian and Sophie Rakowskich. The Old Village, a town owned by the Rakowskichs, was the site of a Russian battle against Polish rebels in 1863.Obverse inscription: D.29 CZERWCA 1875 ROKU.
Description
This medal, commissioned in Poland in 1875, commemorates the Golden Wedding Anniversary of Florian and Sophie Rakowskich. The Old Village, a town owned by the Rakowskichs, was the site of a Russian battle against Polish rebels in 1863.
Obverse inscription: D.29 CZERWCA 1875 ROKU. / W STAREJ WSI. ("29th of June 1875. / In the old village.").
Reverse inscription: NA PAMIATKE / SLOTEGO WESELA / FLORYANA I ZOFII RAKOWSKICH ("Commemorating / Golden Anniversary / Floriana and Sophia Rakowskich").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
ID Number
NU.68.263.1081
catalog number
68.263.1081
accession number
281689
This Y. M. K. storecard was made in Russia in 1824, during the reign of Alexander I, who ruled Russia from 1801-1825. Storecards were used as a form of payment employers would use to pay their workers.
Description
This Y. M. K. storecard was made in Russia in 1824, during the reign of Alexander I, who ruled Russia from 1801-1825. Storecards were used as a form of payment employers would use to pay their workers. An employer would give the storecard token to their workers and the token could then be redeemed at any of the employer’s establishments. These were personal to specific employers.
Obverse inscription: H:3 1824гo Г.
Reverse inscription: Y. M. K.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1824
ID Number
NU.68.263.1609
catalog number
68.263.1609
accession number
281689
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
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1902. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1902. 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.
Obverse: Bust of James Mitchell Lamson Scovill and William Henry Scovill. The legend reads: SCOVILL MANUFACTURING COMPANY/ J.M.L. SCOVILL-Wm. H. SCOVILL/1802-1902 WATERBURY, CONN.
Reverse: The legend reads: CENTENNIAL OF THE FOUNDING OF THE SCOVILL MANUFACTURING CO./PRESENTED BY THE COMPANY TO (blank) 1802/ABEL PORTER & CO./1811/LEAVENWORTH HAYDEN & SCOVILL/1827/J.M.L. & W.H. SCOVILL/1850/SCOVILL MFG. CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1902
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1589
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1589
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1902. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1902. 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.
Obverse: Bust of James Mitchell Lamson Scovill and William Henry Scovill. The legend reads: SCOVILL MANUFACTURING COMPANY/ J.M.L. SCOVILL-Wm. H. SCOVILL/1802-1902 WATERBURY, CONN.
Reverse: CENTENNIAL OF THE FOUNDING OF THE SCOVILL MANUFACTURING CO./PRESENTED BY THE COMPANY TO C.M. DE MOTT JR./1802/ABEL PORTER & CO./1811/LEAVENWORTH HAYDEN & SCOVILL/1827/J.M.L. & W.H. SCOVILL/1850/SCOVILL MFG. CO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1902
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1590
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1590
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
This Institute of Commerce medal was minted in Russia in 1877 under the reign of Alexander II. Alexander II ruled Russia from 1855-1881 and was affectionately known as The Liberator because he emancipated the serfs.Obverse inscription: 1877 / С.
Description
This Institute of Commerce medal was minted in Russia in 1877 under the reign of Alexander II. Alexander II ruled Russia from 1855-1881 and was affectionately known as The Liberator because he emancipated the serfs.
Obverse inscription: 1877 / С. ПЕТЕРБУРГСКОЕ КОММЕРЧЕСКОЕ УЧИЛИЩЕ (“S. Petersburg Business School").
Reverse inscription: ТРУДЪ И ЧЕСТНОСТЬ ("Work and Honesty").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
ID Number
NU.68.263.1248
catalog number
68.263.1248
accession number
281689
Russia 1826Nicholas I CoronationObverse Inscription: H -I (Nicholas I)Reverse Inscription: КОРОНОВАНЪ ВЪ МОСКВЪ 1826 ("Coronation at Moscow")Currently not on view
Description
Russia 1826
Nicholas I Coronation
Obverse Inscription: H -I (Nicholas I)
Reverse Inscription: КОРОНОВАНЪ ВЪ МОСКВЪ 1826 ("Coronation at Moscow")
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1826
ruler
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.71
catalog number
69.128.71
accession number
286473
This Russian medal is a tisnenija (or seal) used to represent an individual or a family.Obverse inscription: ОПЫТ Ъ ТИСНЕНІЯ ("Experience, Embossing"). Reverse inscription: Eagle with a laurel in its talons.Currently not on view
Description
This Russian medal is a tisnenija (or seal) used to represent an individual or a family.
Obverse inscription: ОПЫТ Ъ ТИСНЕНІЯ ("Experience, Embossing"). Reverse inscription: Eagle with a laurel in its talons.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.68.263.1605
catalog number
68.263.1605
accession number
281689
RussiaP Z U bl token, squareObverse: a quartered circle containing the following letters in each quarter, clockwise from top: З / Ы / У / ПReverse is blankCurrently not on view
Description
Russia
P Z U bl token, square
Obverse: a quartered circle containing the following letters in each quarter, clockwise from top: З / Ы / У / П
Reverse is blank
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.69.129.723
catalog number
69.129.723
accession number
286472
This personal token is inscribed with 2m’ev zavod. Used as calling cards, tokens inscribed with a name would be left as a reminder of a visit.Obverse inscription: ЗMЬEB. ЗABOA.Reverse inscription: (None)Currently not on view
Description
This personal token is inscribed with 2m’ev zavod. Used as calling cards, tokens inscribed with a name would be left as a reminder of a visit.
Obverse inscription: ЗMЬEB. ЗABOA.
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.68.263.1628
catalog number
68.263.1628
accession number
281689

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