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: 1880s

Germany Russia Alliance Token, Jeton

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. This token was designed by Otto Oertel.
Obverse inscription: ALEXANDER III KAISER VON RUSSLAND ("Alexander III Emperor of Russia”).
Reverse inscription: FRIEDRICH DEUTSCHER KAISER KÖNIG V. PREUSSEN ("Frederick, German Kaiser, King of Prussia").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888
associated person
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.21.212
catalog number
68.21.212
accession number
276536

20 Dollars, United States, 1883

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1883Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1883Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1883
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1883
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 / S
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
maker
United States Mint
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.71.316.372
accession number
297954
catalog number
71.316.372

Proof sheet for $10-10-10-10 of the Dupont National Bank of Washington, DC, 1918

National bank note proof of the Franklin National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 10825. $10-10-10-20, 1918.
Description
National bank note proof of the Franklin National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 10825. $10-10-10-20, 1918. 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 chartered in February, 1916 and liquidated on April 1, 1922. Only five notes are known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1872
1920
1899
1890
1909
1922
1904
1905
1885
1896
1893
1891
1914
ID Number
NNC.297219.00553
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00553

Souvenir of the Opening of the East River Bridge, May 24, 1883

By the late 19th century, the United States had established itself as a world leader in the area of civil engineering.
Description
By the late 19th century, the United States had established itself as a world leader in the area of civil engineering. Perhaps no project better symbolized America's technical prowess than the awe-inspiring Brooklyn Bridge, which connected the nation's largest and third largest cities—New York and Brooklyn, respectively—in 1883 across the turbulent tidal strait known as the East River. The main 1,600-foot (490-meter) span of this towering suspension bridge exceeded the world's longest span by fifty percent.
The bridge's opening prompted a huge celebration. This white metal medallion was struck to commemorate that occasion. Its obverse proudly proclaims the motto, "Two Cities As One," while the legend on its reverse reads: "Souvenir of the Opening of the East River Bridge, May 24th 1883."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1883
associated date
1883-05-24
ID Number
1981.0079.01
accession number
1981.0079
catalog number
1981.0079.01

1,000 Dollars, Legal Tender Note, United States, 1880

One (1) 1,000 dollar noteUnited States, 1880Obverse Image: Portrait of DeWitt Clinton in center. Christopher Columbus seated in his study at left.Obverse Text: THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS / 1000 / WASHINGTON, D.C.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 1,000 dollar note
United States, 1880
Obverse Image: Portrait of DeWitt Clinton in center. Christopher Columbus seated in his study at left.
Obverse Text: THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS / 1000 / WASHINGTON, D.C. / THE UNITED STATES WILL PAY TO BEARER ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS / DEWITT CLINTON / ENGRAVED & PRINTED AT THE BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING. / UNITED STATES NOTE / SERIES OF 1880. / B10050 / ACT OF MARCH 3D. 1863
Reverse Image: Floral and geometric designs in green ink.
Reverse Text: 1000 / SERIES OF 1880. / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. / $1000. / M / ENGRAVED & PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING / THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER AT ITS FACE VALUE FOR ALL DEBTS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, EXCEPT DUTIES ON IMPORTS AND INTEREST ON THE PUBLIC DEBT. / COUNTERFEITING OR ALTERING THIS NOTE OR PASSING ANY COUNTERFEIT OR ALTERATION OF IT, OR HAVING IN POSSESSION ANY FALSE OR COUNTERFEIT PLATE OR IMPRESSION OF IT, OR ANY PAPER MADE IN IMITATION OF THE PAPER ON WHICH IT IS PRINTED IS FELONY, AND IS PUNISHABLE BY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS FINE, OR FIFTEEN YEARS IMPRISONMENT AT HARD LABOR OR BOTH.
Description
The U.S. Treasury issued this 1,000 dollar note around 1880. The center of the note features an inset portrait of DeWitt Clinton (1769–1828), who during his career served as mayor of New York City, governor of New York, and New York state senator. The note depicts explorer Christopher Columbus in his study at the left. The back shows the obligation and the Roman numeral M, for 1,000, with the text printed vertically on the left. DeWitt Clinton spent much of his tenure as governor urging development of a canal that would bridge the commercial markets between western Lake Erie and the eastern Hudson River. While critics called it “DeWitt’s Ditch,” the Erie Canal turned out to be a stroke of economic genius. It reduced the cost and risk of shipping goods and brought welcome revenue to New York City from canal toll fees. The New York politician’s prestige was so great that his likeness appeared on the 1,000 dollar note.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1880
depicted
Clinton, DeWitt
vignette
Columbus, Christopher
Register of the Treasury
Vernon, William Tecumseh
Treasurer of the United States
Treat, Charles Henry
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.78.5.226
accession number
1978.0941
catalog number
78.5.226
serial number
B10050

20 Dollars, United States, 1889

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1889Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1889Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1889
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1889
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
1889
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Carson City
ID Number
NU.68.159.1016
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1016

10 Dollars, Demand Note, United States, 1861

One (1) 10 dollar noteUnited States, 1861Obverse Image: Bust of Abraham Lincoln at the left. Eagle with a shield in center. Allegorical representation of Art at right.Obverse Text: 10/ X / AMERICAN BANKNOTE CO. NEW YORK / WASHINGTON AUGUST 10TH, 1861.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 10 dollar note
United States, 1861
Obverse Image: Bust of Abraham Lincoln at the left. Eagle with a shield in center. Allegorical representation of Art at right.
Obverse Text: 10/ X / AMERICAN BANKNOTE CO. NEW YORK / WASHINGTON AUGUST 10TH, 1861. / A / ACT OF JULY 17, 1861 / ON DEMAND, THE UNITED STATES PROMISE TO PAY TO THE BEARER TEN DOLLARS / PATENTED 30 JUNE 1857. / NO. 42821 / PAYABLE BY THE ASST. TREASURER OF THE U.S. AT PHILADA. / RECEIVABLE IN PAYMENT OF ALL PUBLIC DUES
Reverse Image: A star in a circle at each of the four corners. A grid of X's create the background.
Reverse Text: TEN DOLLARS / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / X / 10 / TEN
Description
This ten-dollar “greenback,” given this name because of the fraud-deterrent green ink on the back of the bill, features Abraham Lincoln and was redeemable for coinage. Demand notes, like this one, were released in August 1861, the first time government paper money was issued since the Revolutionary War. Although this money was distributed by the government, it was made by the American Bank Note Company, the same company that produced private bank notes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1861
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
American Bank Note Company
ID Number
NU.78.5.747
accession number
1978.0941
catalog number
78.5.747
serial number
42821

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

Lighting and Naphtha Exposition Prize, Jeton, Russia

This medal was awarded in 1888 by the Imperial Russian Technical Society for an exposition on lighting and naphtha production.
Description
This medal was awarded in 1888 by the Imperial Russian Technical Society for an exposition on lighting and naphtha production. Naphtha is a flammable liquid, with properties similar to gasoline, used as a crude oil in Russia.
Obverse Inscription: ВЪЫСТАВКА ПРЕДМЕТОВЪ ОСВЕЩЕНИЮ И НЕФТЯНОГО ПРОИЗВОДСТВА (Roughly "For exposition of lighting and naphtha production").
Reverse Inscription: ИМПЕРАТОРСКОЕ РУССКОЕ ТЕХНИЧЕСКОЕ ОБЩЕСТВО 1887-1888 ("Imperial Russian Technical Society").
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1888
ID Number
NU.68.263.975
catalog number
68.263.975
accession number
281689

Proof sheet for $10-10-10-20 of the National Bank of the Republic of Washington, DC, 1885

National bank note proof from the National Bank of the Republic of Washington DC, $10-10-10-20. Charter number 875. The $10 note features the image of Ben Franklin flying a kite on the left and an image of an eagle and Liberty grasping a lightning bolt on the right.
Description
National bank note proof from the National Bank of the Republic of Washington DC, $10-10-10-20. Charter number 875. The $10 note features the image of Ben Franklin flying a kite on the left and an image of an eagle and Liberty grasping a lightning bolt on the right. The $20 note features an image of the Battle of Lexington on the left and Liberty marching with a flag on the right. The bank was chartered on March 10, 1865 and liquidated on August 11, 1897. This proof sheet is from the Series of 1882. There are five notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
ID Number
NNC.297219.00537
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00537

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

Ruble, Russia, 1883, Alexander III

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
ruler
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
issuing authority
Alexander III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
2001.0009.0034
collector/donor number
535-111
accession number
2001.0009
catalog number
2001.0009.0034

Proof sheet for $5-5-5-5 of the First National Bank of Sturgis, Dakota Terrirory. 1887.

National bank note proof from the First National Bank of Sturgis, Dakota Territory. Charter 3739. $5-5-5-5, 1987. The image on the left is President James Garfield who was assassinated in 1881 soon after he was elected. This note was from the Series of 1882.
Description
National bank note proof from the First National Bank of Sturgis, Dakota Territory. Charter 3739. $5-5-5-5, 1987. The image on the left is President James Garfield who was assassinated in 1881 soon after he was elected. This note was from the Series of 1882. This bank was first chartered on June 29, 1887. It was liquidated on February 15, 1897. There are no notes known among collectors for this bank.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1887
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NNC.297219.00569
accession number
297219

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

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

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

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

Hunting Arms and Tools Exposition Token, Jeton, Russia

Russia 1886Old Cyrillic Inscriptions both sidesReverse Inscription: 1886Currently not on view
Description
Russia 1886
Old Cyrillic Inscriptions both sides
Reverse Inscription: 1886
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
ID Number
NU.69.127.363
catalog number
69.127.0363
accession number
286471

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

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

Proof sheet for $5-5-5-5 of the National Metropolitan Bank of Washington, DC, 1896

National bank note proof from the National Metropolitan Bank of Washington DC. Charter 1069. $5-5-5-5, 1896. The image on the left is President James Garfield who was assassinated in 1881 soon after he was elected. This bank was first chartered in 1865.
Description
National bank note proof from the National Metropolitan Bank of Washington DC. Charter 1069. $5-5-5-5, 1896. The image on the left is President James Garfield who was assassinated in 1881 soon after he was elected. This bank was first chartered in 1865. The bank changed its name to the National Metropolitan Citizens Bank in November 1904 and changed again to the original title in January 1906.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
ID Number
NNC.297219.00538
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00538

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

Proof sheet for $5-5-5-5 of the Citizens’ National Bank of Washington, DC, 1891

National bank note proof of the Citizens’ National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 1893. $5-5-5-5, 1891. The image on the left is President James Garfield who was assassinated in 1881 seven months after he was elected.
Description
National bank note proof of the Citizens’ National Bank of Washington, DC, Charter 1893. $5-5-5-5, 1891. The image on the left is President James Garfield who was assassinated in 1881 seven months after he was elected. This bank moved from Hagerstown, Maryland to Washington, D.C. in 1874. It is one of fewer than a half dozen national banks that moved to a different jurisdiction. It was chartered on October 18, 1871 as the Citizens’ National Bank of Hagerstown and relocated on May 1, 1874. The bank liquidated on November 7, 1904. There are seven notes known among collectors for this bank in its D.C. location, and none known from the period when it was in Maryland.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1885
1896
1893
1891
ID Number
NNC.297219.00539
accession number
297219
catalog number
NU*297219.00539

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.