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) 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) 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) 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
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) 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
One (1) 1/2 cent coinUnited States, 1794Obverse Image: Right-facing Liberty with cap over her shoulder.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1794Reverse Image: Wreath.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / HALF CENT / 1/200
Description (Brief)
One (1) 1/2 cent coin
United States, 1794
Obverse Image: Right-facing Liberty with cap over her shoulder.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1794
Reverse Image: Wreath.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / HALF CENT / 1/200
date made
1794
mint
United States Mint
designer
Scot, Robert
ID Number
1991.0357.0010
catalog number
1991.0357.0010
accession number
1991.0357
One (1) Benjamin Franklin 200th Anniversary of Birth medalUnited States, 1906Obverse Image: Bust of Franklin facing left, surrounded by a wreath.Obverse Text: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN / PRINTER / PHILOSOPHER / SCIENTIST / STATESMAN / DIPLOMATIST / 1706 / 1790Reverse Image: Allegorical s
Description (Brief)
One (1) Benjamin Franklin 200th Anniversary of Birth medal
United States, 1906
Obverse Image: Bust of Franklin facing left, surrounded by a wreath.
Obverse Text: BENJAMIN FRANKLIN / PRINTER / PHILOSOPHER / SCIENTIST / STATESMAN / DIPLOMATIST / 1706 / 1790
Reverse Image: Allegorical scene in a temple with a goddess, representing History, writing on a tablet. Three figures representing Literature, Science, and Philosophy stand at the base of her throne.
Reverse Text: STRVCK BY ACT OF THE CONGRESS OF THE VNITED STATES / TO COMMEMORATE THE TWO HVNDRETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN / M.C.M.V.I. / HISTORY / LITERATVRE / SCIENCE / PHILOSOPHY
date made
1906
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
issuing authority
Congress of the United States
manufacturer
Tiffany & Co.
ID Number
1993.0205.0080
catalog number
1993.0205.0080
accession number
1993.0205
date made
1959
maker
Diner's Club of America
ID Number
NU.72.66.42
catalog number
72.66.42
accession number
301409
serial number
2000
One (1) 100 dollar noteUnited States, 1950Obverse Image: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin.Obverse Text: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE / THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / B00000001A / 7 / SERIES OF 1950 / THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, AND IS REDEEMABLE IN LAWFUL MO
Description (Brief)
One (1) 100 dollar note
United States, 1950
Obverse Image: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
Obverse Text: FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE / THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / B00000001A / 7 / SERIES OF 1950 / THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, AND IS REDEEMABLE IN LAWFUL MONEY AT THE UNITED STATES TREASURY, OR AT ANY FEDERAL RESERVE BANK / FRANKLIN / WILL PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / 100 / WASHINGTON.D.C. / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY / THE FEDERAL RESERVE / BANK OF NEW YORK / NEW YORK / 2 / A9
Reverse Image: Independence Hall in Pennsylvania.
Reserve Text: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / 100 / INDEPENDENCE HALL
date made
1950
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.79.112.CM0337
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.CM0337
collector/donor number
CM0337
serial number
B00000001A
One (1) 5 oz. weightUnited States
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 oz. weight
United States
date made
n.d.
ID Number
2014.0016.014
accession number
2014.0016
catalog number
2014.0016.014
One (1) 10 dollar coinUnited States, 1907Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty wearing a feather headdress, 13 stars along top edge of coin.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1907Reverse Image: Eagle with wings folded standing on top of a bundle of arrows and branch.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES
Description (Brief)
One (1) 10 dollar coin
United States, 1907
Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty wearing a feather headdress, 13 stars along top edge of coin.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1907
Reverse Image: Eagle with wings folded standing on top of a bundle of arrows and branch.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / TEN DOLLARS
date made
1907
mint
United States Mint
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
ID Number
1979.1263.00805
catalog number
1979.1263.00805
accession number
1979.1263
collector/donor number
04994
date made
19th century
ID Number
1979.1263.01099
catalog number
1979.1263.01099
accession number
1979.1263
collector/donor number
OC3B
date made
1893
depicted (sitter)
Queen Lili'uokalani
ID Number
NU.68.159.5780
catalog number
68.159.5780
accession number
283645
date made
n.d.
ID Number
1979.1263.00501
catalog number
1979.1263.00501
accession number
1979.1263
collector/donor number
OC124
One (1) 5 dollar noteUnited States, 1864Obverse Image: At left, Christopher Columbus and men in sight of land. At right, an Indian Princess, representing America is being introduced to allegorical figures representing the Old World.Obverse Text: FIVE / NATIONAL CURRENCY.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 dollar note
United States, 1864
Obverse Image: At left, Christopher Columbus and men in sight of land. At right, an Indian Princess, representing America is being introduced to allegorical figures representing the Old World.
Obverse Text: FIVE / NATIONAL CURRENCY. / L130449 / 5 / THIS NOTE IS SECURED BY BONDS OF THE UNITED STATES, DEPOSITED WITH THE U.S. TREASURER AT WASHINGTON. / THE SECOND NATIONAL BANK OF WATKINS WILL PAY THE BEARER ON DEMAND FIVE DOLLARS / WATKINS, NEW YORK / JUNE 2D. 1864. / CONTINENTAL BANK NOTE CO. NEW YORK / ACT APPROVED FEB. 25. 1863 / 2637
Reverse Image: Scene of the Landing of Columbus.
Reverse Text: FIVE / 5 / NATIONAL CURRENCY / NEW YORK / EXCELSIOR / LANDING OF COLUMBUS 1492 / US / THIS NOTE IS RECEIVABLE AT PAR IN ALL PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES IN PAYMENT OF ALL TAXES AND EXCISES AND ALL OTHER DUES TO THE UNITED STATES EXCEPT DUTIES ON IMPORTS AND ALSO FOR ALL SALARIES AND OTHER DEBTS AND DEMANDS OWING BY THE UNITED STATES TO INDIVIDUALS CORPORATIONS & ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN THE UNITED STATES EXCEPT INTEREST ON PUBLIC DEBT / EVERY PERSON MAKING OR ENGRAVING OR AIDING TO MAKE OR ENGRAVE OR PASSING OR ATTEMPTING TO PASS ANY IMITATION OR ALTERATION OF THIS NOTE AND EVERY PERSON HAVING IN POSSESSION A PLATE OR IMPRESSION MADE IN IMITATION OF IT OR ANY PAPER MADE IN IMITATION OF THAT ON WHICH THIS NOTE IS PRINTED IS BY ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JUNE 3D. 1864 GUILTY OF FELONY AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OR IMPRISONMENT NOT EXCEEDING FIFTEEN YEARS OR BOTH.
General Information: National Bank Note. First charter period.
date made
1864
issuing bank
Second National Bank of Watkins
maker
Continental Bank Note Company
ID Number
NU.79.112.CM0132
nonaccession number
19791263
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.CM0132
serial number
L130449
collector/donor number
CM0132
date made
1953
maker
Diner's Club of America
ID Number
NU.72.66.8
catalog number
72.66.8
accession number
301409

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