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: Coins (money)

5 Dollars, United States, 1852

One (1) 5 dollar coinUnited States, 1852Obverse Image: Left facing Liberty with hair tied in a bun and wearing a coronet.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 dollar coin
United States, 1852
Obverse Image: Left facing Liberty with hair tied in a bun and wearing a coronet. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1852
Reverse Image: Eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest with vertical stripes on bottom part and horizontal stripes on top part.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / FIVE D. / C
Description
The half eagle, or $5 coin, was the first gold coin actually struck for the United States. The $5 gold piece was authorized by the Act of April 2, 1792, and the weights and fineness for gold coins were revised with statutes during the 1830s. The occasion for new laws was the discovery of gold in North Carolina and Georgia. Prior to 1830, the scarcity of precious metals was one reason why there was less than one U.S. coin per capita in the United States. Foreign coins, paper bank notes, and privately issued tokens served as money for transactions.
The development of the newly discovered gold fields was encouraged with a law in 1834 that effectively put the United States on a gold standard. Branch mints in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Dahlonega, Georgia were established in 1838 to handle the new gold near the source. Dies were manufactured in Philadelphia and transported to the functioning branch mints in Charlotte (1838-1861) and Dahlonega (1838-1861). Both branch mints handled only gold coins.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1852
mint
U.S. Mint, Charlotte
designer
Gobrecht, Christian
ID Number
NU.255927.0112
catalog number
NU85579
accession number
255927

Spanish Silver Half Dollar, 1788

One (1) 8 real coin, cut in halfMexico, 1788Obvese Image: Half of a portrait of Charles III.Obverse Text: DEI / GRATIA / 88Reverse Image: Pillar and half a shield with castle on top and lion on bottom.Reverse Text: REX / M / R / F / MThis Mexican silver coin was minted in 1788.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 8 real coin, cut in half
Mexico, 1788
Obvese Image: Half of a portrait of Charles III.
Obverse Text: DEI / GRATIA / 88
Reverse Image: Pillar and half a shield with castle on top and lion on bottom.
Reverse Text: REX / M / R / F / M
Description
This Mexican silver coin was minted in 1788. It was cut in half and bears half a portrait of Charles III, the former King of Spain, and is engraved with the unfinished inscription “Dei Gratia 88.”
date made
1788
ruler
Charles III
mint
Mexico City Mint
ID Number
NU.NU62286
accession number
235063
catalog number
NU62286

California Gold Dust, United States, n.d.

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1991.0009.0988
catalog number
1991.0009.0988
accession number
1991.0009

1 Stater, Kushan Empire, 3rd century CE

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
260-300AD
ID Number
2008.0108.0027
accession number
2008.0108
catalog number
2008.0108.0027

1 Dollar, Lafayette, United States, 1900

One (1) dollar coin, LafayetteUnited States, 1900Obverse Image: Portraits of George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette facing right.Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / LAFAYETTE DOLLARReverse Image: Statue of Lafayette on horseback.Reverse Text: ERECTED BY THE YOUTH OF THE
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar coin, Lafayette
United States, 1900
Obverse Image: Portraits of George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette facing right.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / LAFAYETTE DOLLAR
Reverse Image: Statue of Lafayette on horseback.
Reverse Text: ERECTED BY THE YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES IN HONOR OF GEN LAFAYETTE / PARIS / 1900
Description
This coin was struck in connection with the Paris Exposition of 1900—specifically, to defray part of the cost of creating a statue of Lafayette on horseback to be shown at the fair. Fifty thousand pieces were struck in mid–December of 1899. One proof has been reported as well. This coin is not a proof, but a regular business strike in extraordinary condition.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1900
maker
U.S. Mint
obverse designer
Barber, Charles
reverse designer
Barber, Charles
ID Number
1994.0288.0002
catalog number
1994.0288.0002
accession number
1994.0288

20 Dollars, United States, 1873

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1873Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1873Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1873
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1873
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
1873
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Carson City
ID Number
NU.68.159.0984
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0984

Birch Cent, United States, Pattern, 1792

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Head of Liberty with flowing hair facing right, date below. Reverse: Denomination in wreath, fraction (1/100) below. This design has been traditionally ascribed to a British artist named William Russell Birch.
Description
United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Head of Liberty with flowing hair facing right, date below. Reverse: Denomination in wreath, fraction (1/100) below. This design has been traditionally ascribed to a British artist named William Russell Birch. Patterns with these designs were struck towards the end of 1792. By the time the cent entered formal production, however, its weight and size had been reduced, and another artist was brought in to design the coin.
[reference no. Judd 4]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1792
maker
U.S. Mint
ID Number
1993.0532.0001
accession number
1993.0532
catalog number
1993.0532.0001

Bohemia Joachimstaler, Bohemia, 1526

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1526
ID Number
2008.0108.0036
accession number
2008.0108
catalog number
2008.0108.0036

1 1/2 Ruble, Russia, 1836

Minted in Russia in 1836, this family one and one-half ruble was issued during the reign of Nicholas I. Married to Charlotte (Alexandra Fedorovna) of Prussia, Nicholas I ruled from 1825 to his death on March 2, 1855.
Description
Minted in Russia in 1836, this family one and one-half ruble was issued during the reign of Nicholas I. Married to Charlotte (Alexandra Fedorovna) of Prussia, Nicholas I ruled from 1825 to his death on March 2, 1855. He led the Russian army unsuccessfully in the Crimean War, but helped defeat the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War (1828-29). Under his rule, the Russian Empire spanned over 7.7 million square miles.
Obverse text: 1 ½ of ruble / 10 zlot. / 1836
Obverse image: Portrait of Nicholas I
Reverse text: No reverse inscription.
Reverse image: Portrait of Nicholas I
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1836
ruler
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.NU51548
catalog number
NU51548
accession number
161590

20 Dollars, United States, 1927

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1927Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1927
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1927 / S
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Description
Over three million double eagles poured out of the San Francisco branch mint in 1927. All but a dozen or so were eventually melted.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1927
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
ID Number
1985.0441.1524
catalog number
1985.0441.1524
accession number
1985.0441

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 / CC
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1883
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Carson City
ID Number
NU.71.316.365
accession number
297954
catalog number
71.316.365

20 Dollars, United States, 1880

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1880Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1880Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1880
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1880
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
1880
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.68.159.1002
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1002

20 Dollars, United States, 1884

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1884Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1884Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1884
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1884
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
1884
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.68.159.1008
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1008

15 Rubles, Pattern, Nicholas II, Russia, 1895

One (1) 15 ruble coin, pattern, Nicholas IIRussia, 1895Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicholas II facing left.Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 15 ruble coin, pattern, Nicholas II
Russia, 1895
Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicholas II facing left.
Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС. [Nicholas II the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia]
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: [Imperial / 15 Rubles / 1895]
Description
This pattern 15 ruble coin was struck in Russia in 1895, under Nicholas II who ruled from 1894 - 1917. Last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1895
head of government
Nicholas II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.394
accession number
286473
catalog number
69.128.394

20 Dollars, United States,1854

Mintage: 141,468The year 1854 was the first time that gold coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint. The 1854-S quarter eagle and half eagle are extremely rare. Most of the production for the year focused on double eagles.
Description (Brief)
Mintage: 141,468
The year 1854 was the first time that gold coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint. The 1854-S quarter eagle and half eagle are extremely rare. Most of the production for the year focused on double eagles. The issue was widely distributed and many of the coins seen today are rather heavily worn. A large group of 1854-S double eagles were found in the wreckage of the S.S. Yankee Blade. The treasure was undocumented, but it is believed that around 200 to 300 coins were discovered. Most of the coins were high-grade examples with surfaces that are lightly etched from exposure to seawater. A Proof example of the 1854-S double eagle resides in the Smithsonian Collection.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1854
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
1984.1046.0440
catalog number
1984.1046.0440
accession number
1984.1046

1 Ruble, Elizabeth, Russia, 1757

One (1) ruble coin, ElizabethRussia, 1757Obverse Image: Bust of Elizabeth facing right.Obverse Text: Б·М·ЕЛИСАВЕТЪ·I·IМП:IСАМОД:ВСЕРОС / СПБ [Elizabeth the Empress and Autocrat of all Russia / SPB]Reverse Image: Center the Russian Empire coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle wearin
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin, Elizabeth
Russia, 1757
Obverse Image: Bust of Elizabeth facing right.
Obverse Text: Б·М·ЕЛИСАВЕТЪ·I·IМП:IСАМОД:ВСЕРОС / СПБ [Elizabeth the Empress and Autocrat of all Russia / SPB]
Reverse Image: Center the Russian Empire 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: МОНЕТА РƔБЛЬ 1757 [Ruble / 1757 / coin]
Description
This ruble was minted in Russia in 1757 during the reign of Elizabeth Petrovna who ruled Russia from 1741 until her death in 1762.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1757
ruler
Elizabeth
ID Number
NU.NU65206.2
catalog number
NU65206.2
accession number
240108

5 Pounds, Proof, England, 1887

One (1) 5 pound coin, proofEngland, 1887Obverse Image: Left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria.Obverse Text: VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F: D: / J.E.B.Reverse Image: St. George slaying the dragon.Reverse Text: 1887 / B.P.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 pound coin, proof
England, 1887
Obverse Image: Left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria.
Obverse Text: VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F: D: / J.E.B.
Reverse Image: St. George slaying the dragon.
Reverse Text: 1887 / B.P.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1887
depicted (sitter)
Victoria Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India
ID Number
2008.0108.0026
accession number
2008.0108
catalog number
2008.0108.0026

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 / S
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1877
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.255927.0303
catalog number
NU*255927.0303
accession number
255927

2 Louis D'or, France, 1787

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1787
maker
Louis XVI King of France
ID Number
NU.68.159.2952
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.2952

20 Dollars, United States, 1905

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1905Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1905Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1905
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1905
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
1905
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.68.159.1043
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1043

10 Dengi, Russia, 1704

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1704
ruler
Peter I
ID Number
NU.NU61379.1
catalog number
NU61379.1
accession number
210914

20 Dollars, United States, 1907

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1907Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1907
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / MCMVII
Reverse Image: Eagle flying through rays of sun.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
General Information: High relief, St. Gaudens coin with wire edge.
Description
This design, inspired by the Ultra High Relief masterpiece of August Saint-Gaudens, was created by his assistant upon Saint-Gaudens's death in August, 1907. The original coin took at least nine blows to form the relief- this was completely impractical for a mass-produced coinage. Lowering the relief reduced the number of blows needed to create each coin to five. But the need to expediently pump coins into circulation won out over the attention to detail required to produce each high relief coin. This version enjoyed only a brief run, and only about eleven thousand were ever struck.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1907
mint
United States Mint
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
ID Number
NU.68.159.0377
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0377

20 Dollars, United States, 1925

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1925Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1925
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / S / 1925
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Edge: E PLURIBUS UNUM divided by stars.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1925
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
mint
U.S. Mint, San Francisco
ID Number
NU.68.159.0388
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0388

20 Dollars, United States, 1874

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited 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
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 / CC
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
designer
Longacre, James Barton
mint
U.S. Mint, Carson City
ID Number
NU.68.159.0987
catalog number
NU*283645.0551
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0987

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