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.

Date: 1850s

1 Dollar, Bank of Washtenaw Note, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1854

Ann Arbor MichiganThe Bank of Washtenaw in Ann Arbor, Michigan, issued this one dollar note in May 1854. The center of the note is decorated with three allegorical images of women—Liberty, Commerce, and Industry—seated under an eagle.
Description (Brief)
Ann Arbor Michigan
Description
The Bank of Washtenaw in Ann Arbor, Michigan, issued this one dollar note in May 1854. The center of the note is decorated with three allegorical images of women—Liberty, Commerce, and Industry—seated under an eagle. The lower left of the note has an image of two farmers with rakes. The note is signed by the bank’s cashier, C. A. Newton, and its president, E. R. Tremaine.
From 1790 to 1863, states and private banks issued their own currency to supply capital in a young nation without a national currency. This currency was backed by the hard money the banks had on deposit, and was only used locally where the bank and its operators were trusted in the community. However, banks often oversupplied notes, and this overextension caused bankruptcy among private and state banks when financial panic struck, particularly in 1837. Currencies from these failed banks are known as “obsolete bank notes” or “broken bank notes,” and several are held in the National Numismatics Collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1854
maker
Danforth, Wright & Co.
ID Number
2014.0016.005
accession number
2014.0016
catalog number
2014.0016.005
serial number
3203

50 Dollars

Kellogg & Co. was one of the last private coiners to appear in San Francisco, but its double eagles were well made and well engraved.
Description
Kellogg & Co. was one of the last private coiners to appear in San Francisco, but its double eagles were well made and well engraved. One of those responsible for the artwork was Ferdinand Gruner, another Central European emigre who may have also been responsible for some of the fractional gold coinage of the decade of the 1850s.
Kellogg & Co. was an offshoot of a larger firm, Moffat & Co. John Glover Kellogg had served as Moffat's cashier, while the other principal, G. F. Richter, had been its assayer.
Perhaps emboldened by public acceptance of their twenty-dollar coins, Kellogg & Co. put plans into motion to produce a fifty-dollar piece. Eleven coins, all proofs, survive to bear testimony to this idea. But no business strikes resulted, even though a competitor, Wass, Molitor & Co., did succeed in circulating such pieces during that same year.
date made
1855
mint
Kellogg and Company
ID Number
NU.68.159.1149
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1149

100 Dollars, Quassaick Bank, New York, United States, 1854

Bald, Adams & Company of New York printed this 100 dollar proof for the Quassaick Bank of Newburgh, New York, around 1854. The Quassaick Bank was formally adopted on March 31, 1852, taking the aboriginal name of the town of Newburgh.
Description
Bald, Adams & Company of New York printed this 100 dollar proof for the Quassaick Bank of Newburgh, New York, around 1854. The Quassaick Bank was formally adopted on March 31, 1852, taking the aboriginal name of the town of Newburgh. The center of the note has an image of Native Americans pointing toward an industrialized Newburgh. The left side has an image of a man and a boy holding rifles, hiking up a mountain. The punches on the signature lines for the bank’s cashier and president made it unusable. This note is a proof done by Bald, Adams & Company, printed to confirm that the design was suitable for mass printing.
From 1790 to 1863, states and private banks issued their own currency to supply capital in a young nation without a national currency. This currency was backed by the hard money the banks had on deposit, and was only used locally where the bank and its operators were trusted in the community. However, banks often oversupplied notes, and this overextension caused bankruptcy among private and state banks when financial panic struck, particularly in 1837. Currencies from these failed banks are known as “obsolete bank notes” or “broken bank notes,” there are many held in the National Numismatic Collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1854
maker
Bald, Cousland & Co.
ID Number
1992.0281.0524
catalog number
1992.0281.0524
accession number
1992.0281

20 Dollars, United States, 1851

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1851Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1851Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1851
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1851
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 D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM / O
Description
Mintage: 315,000
The 1851-O double eagle was struck in ample numbers and is readily available in circulated grades. A surprising number of examples are offered each year at auction. This is the result of popularity and availability. The issue was widely distributed and heavily circulated with most survivors grading Very Fine or Extremely Fine. The date is scarce in About Uncirculated and very rare in full Mint State. Several examples of the 1851-O double eagle were found on the wrecks of the S.S. Central America and the S.S. Republic. None were of Mint State quality. It is estimated that just 15 to 20 examples would qualify as Mint State by today’s standards.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
mint
U.S. Mint, New Orleans
designer
Longacre, James Barton
ID Number
1984.1046.0420
catalog number
1984.1046.0420
accession number
1984.1046

Ship’s Speaking Trumpet, Bark Laura

The sidewheel steamer George Law was built in 1852/53 at New York by William H. Webb for the United States Mail Steamship Company. Named after the company president, the Law measured 278 ft. long and 2,141 tons.
Description
The sidewheel steamer George Law was built in 1852/53 at New York by William H. Webb for the United States Mail Steamship Company. Named after the company president, the Law measured 278 ft. long and 2,141 tons. It was built to sail the New York-Panama route for the California gold rush. In 43 round trips between 1852 and 1857, the ship carried as much as a third of all the gold found in California. In 1857, the ship went aground and returned to the Webb yard for a major overhaul. The Law's name was changed to Central America during the rebuilding, possibly to reflect its most common route and because its namesake had sold his interest in the company.
On September 3, 1857, the Central America left Panama for New York City with nearly 600 passengers and crew, as well as thousands of new $20 Double Eagle gold coins produced at the San Francisco mint. Nine days later, the vessel sank in a hurricane off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, in the deadliest peacetime shipwreck in American history. Four hundred twenty-five people perished in the wreck, and tons of California gold went to the bottom. The wreck horrified and fascinated the American public and helped fuel a financial crisis known as the Panic of 1857. Without the Central America’s gold, several New York banks were unable to pay their creditors.
In 1858, President James Buchanan gave this ornamental silver speaking trumpet to the captain of the German bark Laura for bringing the Central America’s final three survivors to New York. Actually, the British brig Mary had rescued the men after nine horrific days on the open sea. However, the Mary was bound for Ireland, so it transferred the survivors to the New York-bound Laura. The inscription reads:
“The President of the United States to Capt. Martin Brinckmann of the Bremen Bark Laura for his humane zealous and successful efforts in rescuing one of the Passengers and two of the Crew of the Steamer Central America from the perils of the Sea. 1858”
Date made
1858
ID Number
1980.0464.01
catalog number
1980.0464.01
80.0464.01
accession number
1980.0464

1 Dollar, Dayton Bank, Minnesota, United States, 1853

Mr. Dayton is known to history solely by the currency he had printed for his bank, and it is not known whether the bank ever opened its doors.
Description
Mr. Dayton is known to history solely by the currency he had printed for his bank, and it is not known whether the bank ever opened its doors. But it was his bank, and he had the right, so his grim visage, complete with imposing widow's peak, graces each of the three known denominations: one-, two-, and five-dollar bills.
The Dayton Bank was one of thousands of private issuers, supplying the capital that created the economic miracle of 19th-century America. No government dared issue paper money in those days: Americans had been so badly burned by inflation during one crisis (the Revolutionary War), that they would not countenance another public issue until another crisis (the Civil War).
The imagery on this note is very typical of that found in this period, especially on issues from western banks. Racial and ethnic stereotypes were prevalent and emphasized the dominance of white culture.
Date made
1853
referenced
Dayton Bank
maker
Danforth, Wright & Co.
ID Number
NU.233479.0001
catalog number
NU62181
accession number
233479

25 Cents

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1854
ID Number
NU.77.51.121
catalog number
77.51.121
accession number
1977.0777

20 Dollars, United States, 1853

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1853Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1853Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1853
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1853
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 D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
Mintage: 1,261,326
The mintage for the 1853 double eagle is well below that of the 1851 and 1852 Philadelphia issues. There were still more than one million coins struck, and the 1853 double eagle is fairly common in average grade. Nearly 100 coins of the date were found in the wrecks of the S.S. Central America and the S.S. Republic with a few of them being Uncirculated. Fully Mint State coins are rare, particularly at the choice level.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1853
maker
United States Mint
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
ID Number
1984.1046.0432
catalog number
1984.1046.0432
accession number
1984.1046

20 Dollars, United States, 1851

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1851Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1851Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1851
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1851
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 D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
With the onset of the California Gold Rush, a new coin denomination was authorized - a twenty-dollar gold piece called a double eagle. It depicted the head of Liberty wearing a coronet, surrounded by stars, for the obverse. The reverse bore a heraldic eagle, similar to the Great Seal of the United States.
Mintage: 2,087,155
With gold rushing in from California, the production of double eagles soared to a level that would not be exceeded until 1861. A large number of coins were produced, but the vast majority of 1851 double eagles did not survive. Of the coins seen today, most are heavily worn. Examples were found on the S.S. Central America and the S.S. Republic, nearly all of which were circulated. High-grade 1851 double eagles are very rare, with only two dozen coins known in choice condition. The highest-grade 1851 double eagle certified to date has been MS-64
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
maker
United States Mint
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
ID Number
1984.1046.0419
catalog number
1984.1046.0419
accession number
1984.1046

3 Dollars, United States, 1857

One (1) 3 dollar coin, proofUnited States, 1857Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty head wearing feathered headdress.Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / LIBERTYReverse Image: Wreath made of wheat, corn, cotton, and tobacco.Reverse Text: 3 DOLLARS / 1857Including this one, five
Description (Brief)
One (1) 3 dollar coin, proof
United States, 1857
Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty head wearing feathered headdress.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / LIBERTY
Reverse Image: Wreath made of wheat, corn, cotton, and tobacco.
Reverse Text: 3 DOLLARS / 1857
Description
Including this one, five proof $3 pieces are currently known for 1857.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1857
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
designer
Longacre, James Barton
ID Number
1985.0441.0537
catalog number
1985.0441.0537
accession number
1985.0441

20 Dollars, United States, 1855

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1855Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1855Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1855
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1855
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 D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
Low-grade examples of the 1855 double eagle are fairly common. The issue becomes increasingly rare in high-grade condition. There were examples of the date found on the S.S. Central America and S.S. Republic. Most of these were Extremely Fine or About Uncirculated, but a few were on the low end of the Mint State scale. The 1855 double eagle is a true condition rarity. Nearly all of the known examples of this date are low grade.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
maker
United States Mint
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
ID Number
1984.1046.0446
catalog number
1984.1046.0446
accession number
1984.1046

20 Dollars, United States, 1852

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1852Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1852Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1852
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1852
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 D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
Mintage: 2,053,026
The mintage of double eagles continued in large numbers at the Philadelphia Mint in 1853. The date is one of the more common Type 1 double eagles. The treasure of the S.S. Central America contained nearly 30 coins of the date, and the S.S. Republic yielded nearly 100
examples. Only about a dozen in those two groups are of Mint State quality.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1852
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
maker
United States Mint
ID Number
1984.1046.0426
accession number
1984.1046
catalog number
1984.1046.0426

20 Dollars, United States, 1850

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1850Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1850Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1850
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1850
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 D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
The 1850 double eagle (20 dollar coin) is the first year of the regular issue for the type and denomination.
It is extremely popular as such and is one of the more available dates of the type. A surprising number of coins have been auctioned in the last 15 years; most, however, grade VF (very fine) to AU (almost uncirculated.) Fully Mint State examples of this issue are rare, with fewer than a dozen choice pieces.
The treasure of the S.S. Central America contained 26 coins, but all were circulated.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850
maker
United States Mint
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
ID Number
1979.1263.00182
catalog number
1979.1263.00182
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
CM04996

1 Dollar, United States, 1856

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Liberty with feather headdress, facing left. Reverse: Denomination and date within cereal wreath. James B. Longacre's second attempt at designing a gold dollar proved unsatisfactory.
Description
United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Liberty with feather headdress, facing left. Reverse: Denomination and date within cereal wreath. James B. Longacre's second attempt at designing a gold dollar proved unsatisfactory. His concept had featured a head in fairly high relief, and it soon became apparent that the design did not wear well, and that high relief on one side meant an indistinct strike on the other.
So the Longacre went back to the drawing board and came up with yet a third design, copying the new head from the one he had placed on the three dollar piece two years before. This design wore much better. It was retained for the remaining years of production of gold dollars until 1889. Fewer than ten proof gold dollars are known for 1856.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
designer
Longacre, James Barton
ID Number
NU.68.159.0439
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0439

2 1/2 Dollars, United States, 1856

One (1) 2 1/2 dollar coinUnited States, 1856Obverse Image: Left facing Liberty with hair tied in a bun and wearing a coronet.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 2 1/2 dollar coin
United States, 1856
Obverse Image: Left facing Liberty with hair tied in a bun and wearing a coronet. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1856
Reverse Image: Eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / 2 1/2 D.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1856
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
designer
Gobrecht, Christian
ID Number
NU.68.159.0078
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0078

50 Dollars, United States Assay Office of Gold, United States, 1851

One (1) 50 dollar coinUnited States, 1851Obverse Image: Eagle standing on a rock, holding a shield, with a ribbon in its beak.Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / 880 THOUS.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 50 dollar coin
United States, 1851
Obverse Image: Eagle standing on a rock, holding a shield, with a ribbon in its beak.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / 880 THOUS. / 50 D C
Reverse Image: Engine-turned design.
Reverse Text: N/A
Description
Large octagonal gold ingots, intended to ease transportation rather than function as circulating coins, were the first product of the United States Assay Office in San Francisco. Lacking its own equipment, the Assayer’s office contracted private companies to provide minting services. In 1854 the San Francisco branch mint opened and took over minting duties.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
mint
United States Assay Office of Gold
maker
Humbert, Augustus
ID Number
NU.68.159.1141
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1141

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