Coins, Currency, and Medals

$100,000 U.S. Gold Certificate

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.

Resource Type: Medals

Poland - Korzeniowski Medalette, Jeton, Russia

Poland 1897J. Korzeniowski (playwright)Made by Gerlach / MeissnerObverse Inscription: Jozef Korzeniowski / ur. 19 Marca 1797 r. / um. 17 Wrzean 1863 r.Reverse Inscription: PAMIATKA SETNEJ ROCZNICY URODZIN ("Centenary of the birth")/ Warszawa 19 Marca 1897r.Currently not on view
Description
Poland 1897
J. Korzeniowski (playwright)
Made by Gerlach / Meissner
Obverse Inscription: Jozef Korzeniowski / ur. 19 Marca 1797 r. / um. 17 Wrzean 1863 r.
Reverse Inscription: PAMIATKA SETNEJ ROCZNICY URODZIN ("Centenary of the birth")/ Warszawa 19 Marca 1897r.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1897
ID Number
NU.68.263.993
catalog number
68.263.993
accession number
281689

Scovill Centennial Commemorative Medal

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

Catherine II, Academy of Arts Token, Jeton, Russia

Russia 1783Catherine IIComm. Academy of ArtsObverse Inscription: ОКТЯБРЯ 21 1783 ГОААNo Reverse InscriptionCurrently not on view
Description
Russia 1783
Catherine II
Comm. Academy of Arts
Obverse Inscription: ОКТЯБРЯ 21 1783 ГОАА
No Reverse Inscription
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1783
associated person
Catherine the Great
Catherine the Great
ID Number
NU.NU77990
catalog number
NU77990
accession number
252180

Nicholas II Coronation Medal, Jeton

This medal was struck in Russia on May 14, 1896 to commemorate the coronation of Nicholas II who ruled from 1894-1917.
Description
This medal was struck in Russia on May 14, 1896 to commemorate the coronation of Nicholas II who ruled from 1894-1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
Obverse inscription: Н2А ("Nicholas II Alexandra").
Reverse inscription: ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ СВЯЩЕННАГО КОРОНОВАНIЯ / ИХЪ ИМПЕРАТОРСКИХЪ ВЕЛИЧЕСТВЪ 14 МАЯ / ("In Memory of the Sacred Coronation / Their Imperial Majesties, May 14th").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1896
associated person
Nicholas II
ID Number
NU.68.263.1070
catalog number
68.263.1070
accession number
281689

Russia Iran Alliance Token, Jeton, Russia

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 ("Nassr-Ed-Din, Shah of Persia")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 ("Nassr-Ed-Din, Shah of Persia")
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1881-1894
ID Number
NU.69.127.388
catalog number
69.127.0388
accession number
286471

Imperial Alexander Lycee - Class of 1903, Jeton, Russia

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

Kerchezersk Works, Jeton, Russia

Russia 1772Obverse Inscription: КОНЗAB / 1 КOР. УГΛЯ 1772 ГOДAReverse: BlankCurrently not on view
Description
Russia 1772
Obverse Inscription: КОНЗAB / 1 КOР. УГΛЯ 1772 ГOДA
Reverse: Blank
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1772
ID Number
NU.69.129.721
catalog number
69.129.721
accession number
286472

Poland - Silver Wedding Anniversary Token, Jeton

This anniversary token was commissioned in Poland in 1865 to commemorate the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Simon Rosen and Henriette Epstein. It was designed by J.
Description
This anniversary token was commissioned in Poland in 1865 to commemorate the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Simon Rosen and Henriette Epstein. It was designed by J. Minheymer a medalist during the reign of Russian Czar Alexander II (1855-1881) who ruled Poland during this period.
Obverse inscription: XXV / R / D.17 Listo: 1865 (“The 17th of November 1865”).
Reverse inscription: CWIERC’ WIEKU SREBRNA PŁYNIE STRUGA, / NIECH ZŁOTEN TERAZ PŁYNIE DRUGA (“From a quarter-century flows a stream of silver / now let the second flow gold”).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1865
ID Number
NU.68.263.1082
catalog number
68.263.1082
accession number
281689

B Barn S Token, Jeton

This jeton is also called a B Barn S token. Notice the engraved letters.Currently not on view
Description
This jeton is also called a B Barn S token. Notice the engraved letters.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
n.d.
ID Number
NU.68.193.23
catalog number
68.193.23
accession number
281143

Monument at Borodino Medalette, Jeton, Russia

This medalette commemorates the monument built at Borodino, the site of one of the most significant battles against Napoleon in Russian history. The Battle at Borodino took place on August 26, 1812.Obverse inscription: БОРОДИНО 26 АВГУС 1812Г. / ОТКРЫТЪ 26 АВГУС. 1839Г.
Description
This medalette commemorates the monument built at Borodino, the site of one of the most significant battles against Napoleon in Russian history. The Battle at Borodino took place on August 26, 1812.
Obverse inscription: БОРОДИНО 26 АВГУС 1812Г. / ОТКРЫТЪ 26 АВГУС. 1839Г. ("Borodino, 26 August 1812. / Open, 26 August 1839").
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1839
ID Number
NU.68.263.693
catalog number
68.263.693
accession number
281689

YPS Token, Jeton, Russia

Russia 1868YPS Token.Obverse Inscription: УПСReverse Inscription: 1868НToken is semi-circular. Material unknown, but shows extensive white corrosion (possibly contains lead?)Currently not on view
Description
Russia 1868
YPS Token.
Obverse Inscription: УПС
Reverse Inscription: 1868Н
Token is semi-circular. Material unknown, but shows extensive white corrosion (possibly contains lead?)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
ID Number
NU.69.129.716
catalog number
69.129.716
accession number
286472

NAS Token, Jeton, Russia

RussiaNAS TokenObverse Inscription: НАГReverse is blankSideways triangle shape, like a pennant.Currently not on view
Description
Russia
NAS Token
Obverse Inscription: НАГ
Reverse is blank
Sideways triangle shape, like a pennant.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.69.129.712
catalog number
69.129.712
accession number
286472

Institute of Mines Award, Jeton

This Institute of Mines medal was minted in Russia in 1898. The Institute was founded in 1773 by Catherine II and is one of the oldest mining schools in Europe. Catherine II ruled Russia from 1762-1796. Obverse inscription: М.
Description
This Institute of Mines medal was minted in Russia in 1898. The Institute was founded in 1773 by Catherine II and is one of the oldest mining schools in Europe. Catherine II ruled Russia from 1762-1796. Obverse inscription: М. ГАБЕ Р 1871-1898.
Reverse inscription: Image of a pulley above a mine shaft and name of the medal's recipient / ОТЪ СОСЛУЖИВЦЕВЪ (“From Colleagues”).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1898
ID Number
NU.68.263.1155
catalog number
68.263.1155
accession number
281689

N.K. Storecard, Jeton, Russia

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

Gatchina Church Medalette, Jeton, Russia

This medalette was minted in Russia in 1889, to commemorate the erection of a church in Gatchina, in memory of the late Alexander II (1855-1881).
Description
This medalette was minted in Russia in 1889, to commemorate the erection of a church in Gatchina, in memory of the late Alexander II (1855-1881). It was minted during the reign of Nicholas II who ruled Russia from 1894-1917.
Obverse inscription: ХРАМЪ ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ / ИМПЕРАТОРА АЛЕКСАНДРА II ("Church in memory of / Emperor Alexander II"). Reverse inscription: НА ПАМЯТЬ ЗА ТРУДЫ И УСЕРДИЕ / ГАТЧИНА 1888-1889 ("In memory of work and diligence / Gatchina").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1889
ID Number
NU.68.263.974
catalog number
68.263.974
accession number
281689

PZ Token, Jeton, Russia

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

Germany Russia Alliance Token, Jeton

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

Joseph Francis Congressional Gold Medal, United States, 1890

The 19th-century American inventor Joseph Francis received many honors after his metallic life-car rescued 200 stranded passengers from the Ayrshire shipwreck in 1850 and subsequently saved thousands more just from wrecks off the New Jersey shore.
Description
The 19th-century American inventor Joseph Francis received many honors after his metallic life-car rescued 200 stranded passengers from the Ayrshire shipwreck in 1850 and subsequently saved thousands more just from wrecks off the New Jersey shore. He was knighted by kings, emperors, and czars, and received numerous valuable gifts from all over the world. Despite these accolades, decades passed before Francis’ own country recognized his accomplishments.
In 1859, a Captain Douglass Ottinger of the U.S Revenue Cutter Service had applied for a relief grant from Congress for unspecified, unverified and unsupported lifecar inventions. Joseph Francis was in Europe at the time and unaware of Ottinger’s claim. With no information to the contrary, Congress granted Ottinger $10,000 for inventing the lifecar. Francis returned from Europe in 1862, too late to address Ottinger’s claims.
In February 1886, a Congressional resolution for a gold medal for Francis was proposed, but Ottinger’s senator stonewalled the resolution on behalf of his constituent. This delayed debate long enough to prevent a presidential signature on the action. Later, Senator William M. Evarts of New York introduced legislation to award Francis with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the legislative branch upon a particular person. The bill passed without opposition on August 27, 1888, signaling to the U.S. Mint that it should begin creating the medal.
Each Congressional Gold Medal is unique, crafted to specifically commemorate the honoree, and Francis’ was designed by Zeleima Bruff Jackson and modeled by the famous American sculptor Louis St. Gaudens. St. Gaudens is best known for his monumental statuary, which may be locally seen at Washington’s Union Station and the Library of Congress. He was also interested in the art of medals and coins.
Francis’s three-pound medal was forged in solid gold, and valued at $6,000 in 1889. When President Benjamin Harrison presented Joseph Francis with the award in the White House’s Blue Room, he spoke of the thousands of people rescued by Francis’ devotion to improving life-saving equipment. “Not many of these have been able to know or thank the man who saved them,” the President said in his address. “But the nation today voices the gratitude of these and many thousands more who will owe their deliverance to you.”
In 1890, Francis donated his medal to the Smithsonian, together with a diamond-encrusted snuff box from French emperor Napoleon III. Here, they joined his lifecar and associated lifesavings materials given earlier to the people of the United States.
date made
1890
original issue
1888
inventor of metallic life-car
Francis, Joseph
refused to sign declaration for medal
Cleveland, Grover
Introduced legislation to award Joseph Francis the medal.
Evarts, William M.
presenter
Harrison, Benjamin
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
obverse engraver
Saint-Gaudens, Louis
reverse engraver
Saint-Gaudens, Louis
editor
United States Congress, 51st
manufacturer
United States Mint
obverse designer
Jackson, Zeleima
reverse designer
Jackson, Zeleima
ID Number
NU.23240.0002
accession number
23240
catalog number
5694

V Tor Token, Jeton, Russia

This personal token is inscribed with V Tor. Used as calling cards, tokens inscribed with a name would be left as a reminder of a visit. Obverse inscription: В / ТОММ.Reverse inscription: (None)Currently not on view
Description
This personal token is inscribed with V Tor. Used as calling cards, tokens inscribed with a name would be left as a reminder of a visit. Obverse inscription: В / ТОММ.
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.68.263.1636
catalog number
68.263.1636
accession number
281689

Nicholas I Coronation Medal, Jeton, Russia

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

Infantry Regiment Token, Jeton

This infantry regiment token was commissioned in Russia in 1900. Obverse inscription: CTAPИЧКОЪ. / 1700 – 1900 / 25 ІЮНЯ (“Starichov. 1700-1900 / June 25”).Reverse inscription: ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ 200 ЛЬТІЯ 45 ПЬXOTHAГО АЗОВСКАГО ФЕЛЬДМАРЩАЛА ГРАФА ГОЛОВИНА НЬІНЬ Е.И.В.В.К.
Description
This infantry regiment token was commissioned in Russia in 1900. Obverse inscription: CTAPИЧКОЪ. / 1700 – 1900 / 25 ІЮНЯ (“Starichov. 1700-1900 / June 25”).
Reverse inscription: ВЪ ПАМЯТЬ 200 ЛЬТІЯ 45 ПЬXOTHAГО АЗОВСКАГО ФЕЛЬДМАРЩАЛА ГРАФА ГОЛОВИНА НЬІНЬ Е.И.В.В.К. БОРИСА ВЛАДИМІРОВИЧА ПОЛКА. (In memory of 200 years of the 45th infantry regiment now by Field-Marshal Duke Golovin Boris Vladimirovich).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
NU.68.263.1145
catalog number
68.263.1145
accession number
281689

OS+A 50th Anniversary, Jeton, Russia

Minted in Russia in 1887 this medal commemorates the 50th Anniversary of OS+A during the reign of Alexander II. Alexander II ruled Russia from 1855-1881 and was affectionately known as The Liberator because he emancipated the serfs.Currently not on view
Description
Minted in Russia in 1887 this medal commemorates the 50th Anniversary of OS+A during the reign of Alexander II. Alexander II ruled Russia from 1855-1881 and was affectionately known as The Liberator because he emancipated the serfs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1887
ID Number
NU.68.263.1254
catalog number
68.263.1254
accession number
281689

Y.P. Token, Jeton, Russia

RussiaY.P. TokenObverse Inscription: У.П.Reverse inscription: ЉеShape is circular, but with a flattened bottom edge. Metal unknown, but has significant white corrosion (possibly contains lead?).Currently not on view
Description
Russia
Y.P. Token
Obverse Inscription: У.П.
Reverse inscription: Ље
Shape is circular, but with a flattened bottom edge. Metal unknown, but has significant white corrosion (possibly contains lead?).
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.69.129.714
catalog number
69.129.714
accession number
286472

Nobel Prize, Edwin McMillan, Stockholm, Sweden, 1951

Edwin McMillan shared the 1951 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Glenn Seaborg. McMillan discovered element 93, or neptunium, in 1940 while working on the world's largest cyclotron at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Description
Edwin McMillan shared the 1951 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with Glenn Seaborg. McMillan discovered element 93, or neptunium, in 1940 while working on the world's largest cyclotron at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Seaborg's discovery of element 94, or plutonium, was based on McMillan's discovery.
Location
Currently not on view
date on object
1951
original issue
1901
recipient
McMillan, Edwin M.
issuing authority
Nobel Foundation
obverse designer
Lindberg, Erik
reverse designer
Lindberg, Erik
obverse engraver
Lindberg, Erik
reverse engraver
Lindberg, Erik
manufacturer
MJV
ID Number
1992.0538.0004
catalog number
1992.0538.0004
accession number
1992.0538

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