National Numismatic Collection

The National Numismatic Collection is comprised of approximately 1.6 million objects and is thought to be the largest collection of money and transactional objects in the world. Its diverse holdings represent every inhabited continent and span more than three millennia.

The collection has grown from a few thousand objects in the mid-19th century to its present size through donations from public institutions and private collections.

The National Numismatic Collection is unrivaled in its holdings of American material. It is the U.S. monetary system's collection of record and includes the extraordinary collections of the U.S. Mint, Treasury, and Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

A small portion of the National Numismatic Collection is available here. The National Numismatic Collection is currently working to develop digitization initiatives in order to make the national collection more accessible to the public.

The individuals depicted on American coins are carefully selected, and their portraits are designed under the supervision of U.S. Mint officials. Once these coins enter circulation, however, they can be altered to feature alternative designs. U.S.
Description
The individuals depicted on American coins are carefully selected, and their portraits are designed under the supervision of U.S. Mint officials. Once these coins enter circulation, however, they can be altered to feature alternative designs. U.S. nickels have often been targeted for modification due to their size and the malleability of their metal. The artfully modified coins are often referred to as hobo nickels because they are inexpensive and portable.
date made
20th century
mint
United States Mint
ID Number
NU.NU60420.001
accession number
222037
catalog number
NU60420.001
One (1) oban coinJapan, 1480
Description (Brief)
One (1) oban coin
Japan, 1480
date made
1480
associated date
1480
head of government
Ashikaga Yoshimasa
ID Number
NU.18528.0013
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0013
date made
456 BCE
ID Number
1998.0329.0004
catalog number
1998.0329.0004
accession number
1998.0329
One (1) I Take the Responsibility hard times tokenUnited States, 1830sObverse Image: Military bust of Andrew Jackson in treasure chest, holding sword and money bag.Obverse Text: I TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITYReverse Image: Donkey with the letters "LLD" on its side.Reverse Text: THE CO
Description (Brief)
One (1) I Take the Responsibility hard times token
United States, 1830s
Obverse Image: Military bust of Andrew Jackson in treasure chest, holding sword and money bag.
Obverse Text: I TAKE THE RESPONSIBILITY
Reverse Image: Donkey with the letters "LLD" on its side.
Reverse Text: THE CONSTITUTION AS I UNDERSTAND IT / ROMAN FIRMNESS / VETO
date made
1830s
ID Number
NU.86.0492.27
accession number
1986.0492
catalog number
86.0492.27
One (1) dollar coinUnited States, 1979Obverse Image: Susan B. Anthony facing right. 13 stars around edge.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / IN GOD WE TRUST / 1979 / DReverse Image: Eagle, with a branch in its talons, landing on the moon. Earth in background.
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar coin
United States, 1979
Obverse Image: Susan B. Anthony facing right. 13 stars around edge.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / IN GOD WE TRUST / 1979 / D
Reverse Image: Eagle, with a branch in its talons, landing on the moon. Earth in background. 13 stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / ONE DOLLAR
Date made
1979
mint
U.S. Mint, Denver
maker
Gasparro, Frank
ID Number
1982.0799.0045
accession number
1982.0799
catalog number
82.47.45
The individuals depicted on American coins are carefully selected, and their portraits are designed under the supervision of U.S. Mint officials. Once these coins enter circulation, however, they can be altered to feature alternative designs. U.S.
Description
The individuals depicted on American coins are carefully selected, and their portraits are designed under the supervision of U.S. Mint officials. Once these coins enter circulation, however, they can be altered to feature alternative designs. U.S. nickels have often been targeted for modification due to their size and the malleability of their metal. The artfully modified coins are often referred to as hobo nickels because they are inexpensive and portable.
date made
20th century
mint
United States Mint
ID Number
NU.NU60420.003
accession number
222037
catalog number
NU60420.003
date made
1959
maker
Diner's Club International
ID Number
NU.72.66.79
catalog number
72.66.79
accession number
301409
One (1) oban coinJapan, 1573 - 1592General Information: Koshiu of Iorijo
Description (Brief)
One (1) oban coin
Japan, 1573 - 1592
General Information: Koshiu of Iorijo
date made
1573 - 1592
ID Number
NU.18528.0020
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0020
collector/donor number
3058
One (1) oban coin, KameyamaJapan, 1582
Description (Brief)
One (1) oban coin, Kameyama
Japan, 1582
date made
1582
associated date
1582
ID Number
NU.18528.0016
catalog number
18528.0016
accession number
18528
collector/donor number
93838
date made
n.d.
ID Number
NU.77.38.239
catalog number
1977.1211.239
accession number
1977.1211
One (1) 100 dollar noteUnited States, 2013Obverse Image: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin along with an inkwell and quil.Obverse Text: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE / UNITED STATES RESERVE SYSTEM / SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / FRANKLIN / ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS /
Description (Brief)
One (1) 100 dollar note
United States, 2013
Obverse Image: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin along with an inkwell and quil.
Obverse Text: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE / UNITED STATES RESERVE SYSTEM / SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / FRANKLIN / ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE / 100 / LB00002013A / SERIES 2009 A
Reverse Image: Independence Hall.
Reverse Text: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / IN GOD WE TRUST / INDEPENDENCE HALL / ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / 100
date made
2013
date on object
2009
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
2016.3104.1
catalog number
2016.3104.1
nonaccession number
2016.3104
serial number
LB00002013A
One (1) 2 oz. weightUnited States
Description (Brief)
One (1) 2 oz. weight
United States
date made
n.d.
ID Number
2014.0016.015
accession number
2014.0016
catalog number
2014.0016.015
One (1) oban coinJapan, 1586 - 1587
Description (Brief)
One (1) oban coin
Japan, 1586 - 1587
date made
1586 - 1587
ID Number
NU.18528.0019
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0019
One (1) 50 dollar noteUnited States, 1880Obverse Image: Bust of Benjamin Franklin at left. At right, Liberty dressed as Columbia.Obverse Text: UNITED STATES NOTE / ENGRAVED & PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING / ACT OF MARCH 3RD.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 50 dollar note
United States, 1880
Obverse Image: Bust of Benjamin Franklin at left. At right, Liberty dressed as Columbia.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES NOTE / ENGRAVED & PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING / ACT OF MARCH 3RD. 1863 / BENJAMIN FRANKLIN / A448570 / FIFTY DOLLARS / SERIES OF 1880. / THE UNITED STATES WILL PAY TO BEARER FIFTY DOLLARS / WASHINGTON, D.C. / THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER FOR FIFTY DOLLARS / 50
Reverse Image: Geometric designs.
Reverse Text: 50 / L / FIFTY / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. / 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 $5,000 FINE, OR 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT AT HARD LABOR OR BOTH. / BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING. / WASHINGTON, D.C. / SERIES OF 1880.
date made
1880
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.79.112.CM0061
accession number
1979.1263
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.CM0061
serial number
A448570
collector/donor number
CM0061
date made
1573 - 1592
ID Number
NU.18528.0023
accession number
18528
catalog number
18528.0023
collector/donor number
98867
Small seashells have many characteristics that make them ideal monetary objects. They are durable, portable, and difficult to imitate. One species of cowrie shell is known as the money shell because it was used so widely for this purpose.
Description
Small seashells have many characteristics that make them ideal monetary objects. They are durable, portable, and difficult to imitate. One species of cowrie shell is known as the money shell because it was used so widely for this purpose. Shells circulated as a medium of exchange in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and North America.
date made
n.d.
ID Number
1979.1263.00563
accession number
1979.1263
collector/donor number
OC157G
catalog number
79.112.OC157G
One (1) 50 dollar noteUnited States, 1882Obverse Image: Portrait of Silas Wright.Obverse Text: GOLD CERTIFICATE / 50 / THIS CERTIFIES THAT FIFTY DOLLARS OF GOLD COIN HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 50 dollar note
United States, 1882
Obverse Image: Portrait of Silas Wright.
Obverse Text: GOLD CERTIFICATE / 50 / THIS CERTIFIES THAT FIFTY DOLLARS OF GOLD COIN HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES. THAT SUM IS REPAYABLE IN GOLD COIN ON DEMAND ON THE PRESENTATION HEREOF AT THE OFFICE OF THE U.S. ASSISTANT TREASURER AT NEW YORK CITY. / WASHINGTON, SEPT. 1ST, 1882. / THESAUR AMER SEPTENT SIGIL / A96569 / A 2 / REGISTER OF THE TREASURY / ASST. TREASURER OF U.S. NEW YORK CITY / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / UNDER CHAP. 290, SEC. 12, OF THE ACT OF JULY 12TH 1882. / BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING / SILAS WRIGHT
Reverse Image: An eagle on a draped shield. Ornate decoration.
Reverse Text: FIFTY DOLLARS / UNITED STATES / GOLD CERTIFICATE / 50 / BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING
date made
1882
depicted
Wright, Silas
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.78.5.502
catalog number
78.5.502
accession number
1978.0941
serial number
A96569
date made
19th century
ID Number
1979.1263.01098
catalog number
1979.1263.01098
accession number
1979.1263
collector/donor number
OC3B
date made
20th century
ID Number
2002.0007.0625
accession number
2002.0007
catalog number
2002.0007.0625
One (1) 20 shilling coinKenya, 1998Obverse Image: Head of the President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi facing right surrounded by legend.Obverse Text: PRESIDENT DANIEL TOROITICH ARAP MOIReverse Image: Numerical denomination and Kenyan coat of arms.Reverse Text: REPUBLIC OF KENYA / 20
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 shilling coin
Kenya, 1998
Obverse Image: Head of the President Daniel Toroitich arap Moi facing right surrounded by legend.
Obverse Text: PRESIDENT DANIEL TOROITICH ARAP MOI
Reverse Image: Numerical denomination and Kenyan coat of arms.
Reverse Text: REPUBLIC OF KENYA / 20 / HARAMBEE / TWENTY SHILLINGS / 1998
date made
1998
ID Number
2014.0198.05
accession number
2014.0198
catalog number
2014.0198.05
One (1) cent coinUnited States, 1793Obverse Image: Right-facing Liberty. Three leaf sprig below Liberty.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1793Reverse Image: Wreath.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE CENT / 1/100
Description (Brief)
One (1) cent coin
United States, 1793
Obverse Image: Right-facing Liberty. Three leaf sprig below Liberty.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1793
Reverse Image: Wreath.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE CENT / 1/100
date made
1793
maker
U.S. Mint (unauthorized)
ID Number
1991.0357.0003
catalog number
1991.0357.0003
accession number
1991.0357
The individuals depicted on American coins are carefully selected, and their portraits are designed under the supervision of U.S. Mint officials. Once these coins enter circulation, however, they can be altered to feature alternative designs. U.S.
Description
The individuals depicted on American coins are carefully selected, and their portraits are designed under the supervision of U.S. Mint officials. Once these coins enter circulation, however, they can be altered to feature alternative designs. U.S. nickels have often been targeted for modification due to their size and the malleability of their metal. The artfully modified coins are often referred to as hobo nickels because they are inexpensive and portable.
date made
1926
mint
United States Mint
ID Number
NU.NU60420.002
accession number
222037
catalog number
NU60420.002
date made
1943
ID Number
NU.66.30262
catalog number
66.30262
accession number
270440
serial number
009132
The languages used on money convey a message about the community for which the currency is intended. One of the earliest bilingual coins is this Indo-Greek drachm from around 160 BCE, which features both Greek and an ancient South Asian script.
Description
The languages used on money convey a message about the community for which the currency is intended. One of the earliest bilingual coins is this Indo-Greek drachm from around 160 BCE, which features both Greek and an ancient South Asian script.
date made
160 - 150 BCE
ID Number
1987.0935.12
accession number
1987.0935
catalog number
1987.0935.12

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