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: 1870s

Plate wrapper, June 20, 1862

On June 22, 1862, U.S. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase received this package that came from Union-occupied New Orleans. General Benjamin Butlerr’s wax seals covered the front ensuring that the valuable contents would remain undisturbed.
Description
On June 22, 1862, U.S. Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase received this package that came from Union-occupied New Orleans. General Benjamin Butlerr’s wax seals covered the front ensuring that the valuable contents would remain undisturbed. The package contained four engraved steel plates used to print Confederate notes, the South’s financial lifeblood. The loss of those plates, seized after New Orleans fell in late April 1862, was a blow to Confederate sovereignty and solvency. Butler had quickly sent them to Washington, D.C. as trophies.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-06-20
associated person
Butler, Benjamin Franklin
Chase, Salmon Portland
maker
unknown
ID Number
NU.35531
catalog number
NU35531
accession number
91728

20 Dollars, United States, 1876

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1876Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1876Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1876
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1876
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. / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / CC
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Carson City
ID Number
NU.68.159.0992
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0992

Civil War Token

This Civil War Token depicts a portrait of General G. B. McClellan on the obverse and the Knickerbocker Currency logo on the reverse. Knickerbocker Currency was stuck by William H. Bridgens, the same man who was the die-cutter for Lindenmueller Currency.Currently not on view
Description
This Civil War Token depicts a portrait of General G. B. McClellan on the obverse and the Knickerbocker Currency logo on the reverse. Knickerbocker Currency was stuck by William H. Bridgens, the same man who was the die-cutter for Lindenmueller Currency.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
NU.72.118.75
accession number
302411
catalog number
72.118.75

20 Dollars, United States, 1870

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1870Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1870Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1870
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1870
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 of sun above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY D. / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1870
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.255927.0230
accession number
255927
catalog number
NU85777

Proof sheet for $5-5-5-5 of the Farmers & Mechanics National Bank of Georgetown in Washington, DC, 1872

National bank note proof of the Farmers & Mechanics National Bank of Georgetown in Washington, DC, Charter 1928. $5-5-5-5, 1872. The image on the left is Christopher Columbus approaching land.
Description
National bank note proof of the Farmers & Mechanics National Bank of Georgetown in Washington, DC, Charter 1928. $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 January 24, 1872 and closed on December 15, 1928. It changed its name to the Farmers & Mechanics National Bank of Washington, DC in 1925 and was absorbed by Riggs Bank when it closed. There are fifty-six notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
ID Number
NNC.297219.00540
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00540

Proof sheet for $50-100 of the Traders National Bank of Washington, DC, 1890

National bank note proof from the Traders National Bank of Washington DC, $50-100. Charter number 4244. 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 Traders National Bank of Washington DC, $50-100. Charter number 4244. 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 27, 1890. This proof sheet was certified for use six weeks later on April 18. There are seven notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
1920
1899
1890
ID Number
NNC.297219.00545
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00545

Civil War Token, 1863

In the beginning of 1862, citizens went on a hoarding frenzy as high inflation plagued the market after the outbreak of the Civil War. Their target: coins of gold, silver, and copper.
Description
In the beginning of 1862, citizens went on a hoarding frenzy as high inflation plagued the market after the outbreak of the Civil War. Their target: coins of gold, silver, and copper. The hoarding problem was so extreme that the government halted the minting of coined money and by the end of 1862 there were hardly any metallic coins in circulation. This was acutely felt by business men and customers alike since coinage in small denominations was most commonly tendered at that point in time. In order to alleviate the situation, merchants and tradesmen sought alternatives to government issued small change. Privately issued tokens, typically one cent and made of copper and similar in size to government issued coinage, were used instead and by late 1862 these Civil War Tokens were circulating in Cincinnati and New York. This particular token’s text, “FOR PUBLIC ACCOMODATION,” reflects the pecuniary problem that was happening at that time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1863
ID Number
NU.72.118.76
accession number
302411
catalog number
72.118.76

50th Jubilee of German Regiment Medal, Jeton

This medal was issued in Russia to commemorate the German regiment that fought in the Russo-Turkish War, 1828-1829.Obverse inscription: ZUM ANDENKEN ("In Memory").Reverse inscription: KON. PREUSS KAISER ALEX V. RUSSLAND ULANEN REG.
Description
This medal was issued in Russia to commemorate the German regiment that fought in the Russo-Turkish War, 1828-1829.
Obverse inscription: ZUM ANDENKEN ("In Memory").
Reverse inscription: KON. PREUSS KAISER ALEX V. RUSSLAND ULANEN REG. (1 BRAND) N 3 / 1829 / 1879 ("King of Prussia Kaiser Alexander of Russia Lancers Regiment").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
associated person
Alexander II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.41
catalog number
68.21.41
accession number
276536

Italy/Russia Mule Coin Sample, Jeton

This is an Italian/Russian mule coin sample from Russia. It was originally an older Italian coin, minted in 1863, that was later used to demonstrate a new minting technology to the Russian government in 1876.
Description
This is an Italian/Russian mule coin sample from Russia. It was originally an older Italian coin, minted in 1863, that was later used to demonstrate a new minting technology to the Russian government in 1876. The obverse of this coin is in its original Italian, while the reverse is the later demonstrations sample from 1876.
Obverse inscription: VITTORIO EMANUELE 1863
Reverse inscription: (None)
Location
Currently not on view
date reverse mint
1876
date obverse mint
1863
ID Number
NU.68.21.521
catalog number
68.21.521
accession number
276536

20 Dollars, Pattern, United States, 1879

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Liberty head left, date below, weight and fineness around. Reverse: Eagle as on normal twenty-dollar coin, but Latin motto DEO EST GLORIA in place of IN GOD WE TRUST.
Description
United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Liberty head left, date below, weight and fineness around. Reverse: Eagle as on normal twenty-dollar coin, but Latin motto DEO EST GLORIA in place of IN GOD WE TRUST. This pattern came from the same impetus that led to the creation of the four-dollar gold coin, or Stella. The aim was to give American coinage a greater competitiveness and convertibility in international markets. Nine of these pieces are accounted for in gold including this one. [reference no. Judd 1643]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1879
maker
U.S. Mint
ID Number
1994.0371.0001
accession number
1994.0371
catalog number
1994.0371.0001

Proof sheet for $10-10-10-20 of the Commercial National Bank of Washington, DC, 1904

National bank note proof of the Commercial National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 7446. $10-10-10-20, 1904.
Description
National bank note proof of the Commercial National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 7446. $10-10-10-20, 1904. 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 October 18, 1904 and the plate that produced this proof sheet was approved for use on November 3. This bank absorbed the National City Bank of Washington, Charter 7936, in 1911. The Commercial National Bank itself went into receivership on February 28, 1933. That was a few days before Franklin Roosevelt was inaugurated President and promptly declared a bank holiday to prevent further runs on banks nationwide.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
1904
ID Number
NNC.297219.00548
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00548

20 Dollars, United States, 1877

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1877Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1877Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1877
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1877
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
1877
maker
United States Mint
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.255927.0306
catalog number
NU*255927.0306
accession number
255927

25 Rubles, Alexander II, Russia, 1876

One (1) 25 ruble coin, Alexander IIRussia, 1876Obverse Image: N/AObverse Text: ЧИСТАГО ЗОЛОТА 7 ЗОЛОТНИКОВЪ 3 ДОЛИ / 25 / РУБЛЕЙ / 1876 / С.П.Б. [25 Rubles / 1876 / SPB / 7 zlotn.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 25 ruble coin, Alexander II
Russia, 1876
Obverse Image: N/A
Obverse Text: ЧИСТАГО ЗОЛОТА 7 ЗОЛОТНИКОВЪ 3 ДОЛИ / 25 / РУБЛЕЙ / 1876 / С.П.Б. [25 Rubles / 1876 / SPB / 7 zlotn. / 3 shares of pure gold]
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: N/A
Description
This coin worth 25 rubles was minted in 1876 during the reign of Alexander II, Emperor of Russia from 1855 - 1881. He was known as "The Liberator" because of his Emancipation Reform of 1861.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1876
head of government
Alexander II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.153
catalog number
69.128.153
accession number
286473

Proof sheet for $10-10-10-20 of the National City Bank of Washington, DC, 1905

National bank note proof of the National City Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 7936. $10-10-10-20, 1905.
Description
National bank note proof of the National City Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 7936. $10-10-10-20, 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. 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 in October, 1905 and was liquidated on May 1, 1911. Only one note is known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
1904
1905
ID Number
NNC.297219.00549
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00549

20 Dollars, Proof, United States, 1874

One (1) 20 dollar coin, proofUnited States, 1874Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1874Reverse 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, 1874
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1874
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. / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
maker
United States Mint
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
1985.0441.0807
catalog number
1985.0441.0807
accession number
1985.0441

Civil War Token, 1864

Although most Civil War Tokens were made out of copper, like this specimen, they were struck in other materials as well. Tokens made out of brass, silver, lead, and rubber are known to numismatists.Currently not on view
Description
Although most Civil War Tokens were made out of copper, like this specimen, they were struck in other materials as well. Tokens made out of brass, silver, lead, and rubber are known to numismatists.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1864
ID Number
NU.71.167.45
catalog number
71.167.45
accession number
296443

20 Dollars, United States, 1878

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1878Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1878Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1878
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1878
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 / CC
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Carson City
ID Number
NU.68.159.0998
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0998

20 Dollars, United States, 1872

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1872Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1872Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1872
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1872
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. / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.68.159.0981
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0981

5 and 10 Dollars Plate, Made in New York, Captured in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 2, 1861

After the war began and the Union cut off trade with the South, Confederate Treasury Secretary Christopher G. Memminger found that he could no longer rely on Northern printers.
Description
After the war began and the Union cut off trade with the South, Confederate Treasury Secretary Christopher G. Memminger found that he could no longer rely on Northern printers. He turned instead to the New Orleans branch of the American Bank Note Company, the only shop in the South with the skilled engravers and printing equipment required to produce high-quality bills that were hard to counterfeit. Samuel Schmidt, general manager of the New Orleans branch, changed the name of the bank to the Southern Bank Note Company and was contracted to produce notes using this plate, which was made in New York for the Confederacy. Just two weeks before the capture of New Orleans, Schmidt finished his contract and shipped the last batch of 2,760 notes to Memminger. But, soon after the Confederate city fell, the plate was confiscated by Union forces.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861-07-02
maker
unknown
ID Number
NU.35527
catalog number
35527
accession number
91728

1 Cent, Encased Postage Stamp, August 12, 1862

All told, thirty-one merchants would use the advertisement space on the back of Gault’s encased postage stamp device to promote their products. The company that used this form of advertisement most was J.C. Ayer & Co. of Lowell, Massachusetts.
Description
All told, thirty-one merchants would use the advertisement space on the back of Gault’s encased postage stamp device to promote their products. The company that used this form of advertisement most was J.C. Ayer & Co. of Lowell, Massachusetts. This example advertises Ayer’s Sarsaparilla.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1862-08-12
ID Number
NU.71.306.3
accession number
207949
catalog number
71.306.3

5 Cents, Fractional Currency Note, 1862-63

Francis E. Spinner became the Treasurer of the United States in March of 1861. He conceived the idea of “emergency” money by using groups of stamps pasted onto treasury paper. On July 17, 1862 Congress authorized the use of postage stamps as payment.
Description
Francis E. Spinner became the Treasurer of the United States in March of 1861. He conceived the idea of “emergency” money by using groups of stamps pasted onto treasury paper. On July 17, 1862 Congress authorized the use of postage stamps as payment. This five-cent postage stamp currency looks like a regular stamp, but it had no adhesive backing and could not be used on mail.
date made
1862-1863
ID Number
1979.1263.0407
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
1979.1263.0407

certified proof

Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
plate date
1873-08-15
issuing authority
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Wyman, Albert Uriah
Register of the Treasury
Allison, John
issuing bank
German National Bank of Evansville
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.007680
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.007680
bank charter number
1772

certified proof

Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
BEP certification date
1890-11-29
plate date
1872-02-15
issuing authority
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
Huston, James Nelson
Register of the Treasury
Rosecrans, William S.
issuing bank
Nokomis National Bank
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.005582
catalog number
297219.005582
accession number
297219
bank charter number
1934

certified proof

Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteersCurrently not on view
Crowdsourcing
Transcribed by Smithsonian digital volunteers
Location
Currently not on view
plate date
1876-04-10
issuing authority
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Treasurer of the United States
New, John Chalfant
Register of the Treasury
Allison, John
issuing bank
Second National Bank of Dubuque
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.009169
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.009169
bank charter number
2327

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