National Numismatic Collection

Brasher Half Doubloon, United States, 1787

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.

Place: United States

Scale, United States, 19th century

One (1) scaleUnited States, 19th century
Description (Brief)
One (1) scale
United States, 19th century
date made
19th century
ID Number
2001.0009.0354
accession number
2001.0009
catalog number
2001.0009.0354

50 Dollars

Kellogg & Co. was one of the last private coiners to appear in San Francisco, but its double eagles were well made and well engraved.
Description
Kellogg & Co. was one of the last private coiners to appear in San Francisco, but its double eagles were well made and well engraved. One of those responsible for the artwork was Ferdinand Gruner, another Central European emigre who may have also been responsible for some of the fractional gold coinage of the decade of the 1850s.
Kellogg & Co. was an offshoot of a larger firm, Moffat & Co. John Glover Kellogg had served as Moffat's cashier, while the other principal, G. F. Richter, had been its assayer.
Perhaps emboldened by public acceptance of their twenty-dollar coins, Kellogg & Co. put plans into motion to produce a fifty-dollar piece. Eleven coins, all proofs, survive to bear testimony to this idea. But no business strikes resulted, even though a competitor, Wass, Molitor & Co., did succeed in circulating such pieces during that same year.
date made
1855
mint
Kellogg and Company
ID Number
NU.68.159.1149
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1149

2 oz. Weight, United States

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

Illustrious Predecessor, Hard Times Token, United States, 1837

One (1) Illustrious Predecessor hard times tokenUnited States, 1837Obverse Image: Running donkey.Obverse Text: I FOLLOW IN THE / STEPS / OF MY / ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSORReverse Image: Turtle carrying a safe on its back.Reverse Text: EXECUTIVE / FINANCIERING / SUB TREASURY / 1837 /
Description (Brief)
One (1) Illustrious Predecessor hard times token
United States, 1837
Obverse Image: Running donkey.
Obverse Text: I FOLLOW IN THE / STEPS / OF MY / ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR
Reverse Image: Turtle carrying a safe on its back.
Reverse Text: EXECUTIVE / FINANCIERING / SUB TREASURY / 1837 / FISCAL AGENT
Description
During the 1830s and the early 1840s, the U.S. faced economic decline and a shortage of coins. Copper tokens, called hard-times tokens, were issued privately and used as money. Some contain satirical images, such as a tortoise carrying a safe with the word “Treasury” on it.
date made
1837
associated date
1837
ID Number
NU.71.321.1
catalog number
71.321.1
accession number
297935

20 Dala, Hawaii, 1893

date made
1893
depicted (sitter)
Queen Lili'uokalani
ID Number
NU.68.159.5780
catalog number
68.159.5780
accession number
283645

Modified Coin Bracelet, 20th century

date made
20th century
ID Number
2002.0007.0625
accession number
2002.0007
catalog number
2002.0007.0625

United States Coin Necklace, United States, 20th Century

Gold and silver have been used for both coinage and jewelry for more than 2,500 years. Coins intended for circulation as money have also been paired with precious gemstones and other metals to make jewelry, such as this necklace.
Description
Gold and silver have been used for both coinage and jewelry for more than 2,500 years. Coins intended for circulation as money have also been paired with precious gemstones and other metals to make jewelry, such as this necklace. Incorporating coins into jewelry may be used to signify monetary wealth.
date made
ca 1914
maker
Webb, David
ID Number
NU.84.25.01
catalog number
84.25.01
accession number
1984.0603

1 Dollar, John Quincy Adams, United States, 2008

One (1) dollar coin, John Quincy AdamsUnited States, 2008Obverse Image: Front facing portrait of John Quincy Adams.Obverse Text: JOHN QUINCY ADAMS / 6TH PRESIDENT / 1825-1829Reverse Image: Statue of Liberty.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / $1 / E PLURIBUS UNUM / IN GOD WE
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar coin, John Quincy Adams
United States, 2008
Obverse Image: Front facing portrait of John Quincy Adams.
Obverse Text: JOHN QUINCY ADAMS / 6TH PRESIDENT / 1825-1829
Reverse Image: Statue of Liberty.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / $1 / E PLURIBUS UNUM / IN GOD WE TRUST / 2008 / D
date made
2008
maker
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
2013.0157.033
catalog number
2013.0157.033
accession number
2013.0157

1 Dollar, James Monroe, United States, 2008

One (1) dollar coin, James MonroeUnited States, 2008Obverse Image: Front facing portrait of James Monroe.Obverse Text: JAMES MONROE / 5TH PRESIDENT / 1817-1825Reverse Image: Statue of Liberty.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / $1 / E PLURIBUS UNUM / IN GOD WE TRUST / 2008 /
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar coin, James Monroe
United States, 2008
Obverse Image: Front facing portrait of James Monroe.
Obverse Text: JAMES MONROE / 5TH PRESIDENT / 1817-1825
Reverse Image: Statue of Liberty.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / $1 / E PLURIBUS UNUM / IN GOD WE TRUST / 2008 / D
date made
2008
maker
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
2013.0157.032
accession number
2013.0157
catalog number
2013.0157.032

50 Cents, United States, 1891

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped head of Liberty facing right; stars around and date below. Reverse: Heraldic eagle, stars and clouds above, denomination below. This is one of a series of pattern half dollars by Charles E. Barber.
Description
United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Capped head of Liberty facing right; stars around and date below. Reverse: Heraldic eagle, stars and clouds above, denomination below. This is one of a series of pattern half dollars by Charles E. Barber. The obverse design is essentially identical with the format adopted for coinage in 1892. The reverse is different, and the clouds above the eagle never appeared on circulating coinage. This pattern is unique.
date made
1891
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
ID Number
1985.0441.2080
catalog number
1985.0441.2080
accession number
1985.0441

5 Cents, Modified Coin, United States, 20th century

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

Diners Club of Mexico Eastern Section Credit Card, United States, 1959

date made
1959
maker
Diner's Club International
ID Number
NU.72.66.79
catalog number
72.66.79
accession number
301409

1 Cent, New Jersey, Colonial America, 1786

One (1) New Jersey copper coinUnited States, 1786Obverse Image: Horse head above plow.Obverse Text: NOVA CAESAREA / 1786Reverse Image: Shield.Reverse Text: E PLURIBUS UNUMDuring the Revolutionary Period, American money often contained messages about unity.
Description (Brief)
One (1) New Jersey copper coin
United States, 1786
Obverse Image: Horse head above plow.
Obverse Text: NOVA CAESAREA / 1786
Reverse Image: Shield.
Reverse Text: E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
During the Revolutionary Period, American money often contained messages about unity. In the 1780s the new national motto, “E Pluribus Unum”—or “out of many, one”—began to appear on American coins.
date made
1786
ID Number
NU.22243.0098
accession number
22243
catalog number
4985

1 Cent, United States, 1793

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

"Do you accept credit cards?"

date made
n.d.
ID Number
NU.75.55.48
accession number
320774
catalog number
75.55.48

Aero Club of America medal, United States, 1908

One (1) Aero Club of America medalUnited States, 1908Obverse Image: Left facing busts of Wilbur and Orville Wright.Obverse Text: AERO CLVB OF AMERICA / W. WRIGHT / SEP 21 1908 / LE MANS / FRANCE / O. WRIGHT / SEP 9 1908 / FORT MYER VA / V.S.A. / V.D.
Description (Brief)
One (1) Aero Club of America medal
United States, 1908
Obverse Image: Left facing busts of Wilbur and Orville Wright.
Obverse Text: AERO CLVB OF AMERICA / W. WRIGHT / SEP 21 1908 / LE MANS / FRANCE / O. WRIGHT / SEP 9 1908 / FORT MYER VA / V.S.A. / V.D. BRENNER SC
Reverse Image: Airplane. Logo of the Aero Club of America.
Reverse Text: 1905
date made
1908
designer
Brenner, Victor David
ID Number
1979.1129.07
catalog number
1979.1129.07
accession number
1979.1129

Illustrious Predecessor, Hard Times Token, United States, 1937

One (1) Illustrious Predecessor hard times tokenUnited States, 1837Obverse Image: Running donkey.Obverse Text: I FOLLOW IN THE / STEPS / OF MY / ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSORReverse Image: Turtle carrying a safe on its back.Reverse Text: EXECUTIVE / EXPERIMENT / SUB TREASURY / 1837 / F
Description (Brief)
One (1) Illustrious Predecessor hard times token
United States, 1837
Obverse Image: Running donkey.
Obverse Text: I FOLLOW IN THE / STEPS / OF MY / ILLUSTRIOUS PREDECESSOR
Reverse Image: Turtle carrying a safe on its back.
Reverse Text: EXECUTIVE / EXPERIMENT / SUB TREASURY / 1837 / FISCAL AGENT
date made
1837
associated date
1837
ID Number
2001.0009.0640
catalog number
2001.0009.0640
accession number
2001.0009

1 Dollar, Andrew Jackson, United States, 2008

One (1) dollar coin, Andrew JacksonUnited States, 2008Obverse Image: Front facing portrait of Andrew Jackson.Obverse Text: ANDREW JACKSON / 7TH PRESIDENT / 1829 -1837Reverse Image: Statue of Liberty.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / $1 / E PLURIBUS UNUM / IN GOD WE TRUST /
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar coin, Andrew Jackson
United States, 2008
Obverse Image: Front facing portrait of Andrew Jackson.
Obverse Text: ANDREW JACKSON / 7TH PRESIDENT / 1829 -1837
Reverse Image: Statue of Liberty.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / $1 / E PLURIBUS UNUM / IN GOD WE TRUST / 2008 / D
date made
2008
maker
U.S. Mint, Denver
ID Number
2013.0157.034
catalog number
2013.0157.034
accession number
2013.0157

20 Dollars, Pattern, United States, 1860

One (1) 20 dollar coin, patternUnited States, 1860Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1860Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin, pattern
United States, 1860
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1860
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. / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
Designs as used on earlier double eagles, but with tall letters for legends on reverse. This unique pattern combined the normal obverse by James B. Longacre with an experimental reverse by Anthony C. Paquet. Paquet's innovation was to recast the letters in the reverse legend. Those letters had been block capitals on all earlier double eagles. Paquet introduced a new, more vertical format for the letters.
A few thousand coins with the Paquet reverse were minted in San Francisco at the beginning of 1861 (and a handful more at Philadelphia that same year). However, Paquet's innovation did not find favor at that time. [reference no. Judd 272a]
date made
1860
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
designer
Longacre, James Barton
Paquet, Anthony C.
ID Number
1985.0441.1927
catalog number
1985.0441.1927
accession number
1985.0441

100 Dollars, Federal Reserve Note, United States, 2013

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

1 Connecticut Copper, 1788

date made
1788
ID Number
1985.0491.0002
catalog number
1985.0491.0002
accession number
1985.0491

1 Dollar, Silver Certificate, United States, 1891

One (1) dollar noteUnited States, 1891Obverse Image: Portrait of Martha Washington at left.Obverse Text: 1 / ONE / SILVER CERTIFICATE / ENGRAVED AND PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING.
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar note
United States, 1891
Obverse Image: Portrait of Martha Washington at left.
Obverse Text: 1 / ONE / SILVER CERTIFICATE / ENGRAVED AND PRINTED AT THE BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING. / THIS CERTIFIES THAT THERE HAS BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES ONE SILVER DOLLAR PAYABLE TO BEARER ON DEMAND. / WASHINGTON, D.C. / E50087787 / 109 C / ACT OF AUGUST 4, 1886. / SERIES 1891.
Reverse Image: Ornate design.
Reverse Text: 1 / ONE / UNITED STATES SILVER CERTIFICATE / ONE DOLLAR / THIS CERTIFICATE IS RECEIVABLE FOR CUSTOMS, TAXES AND ALL PUBLIC DUES, AND WHEN SO RECEIVED MAY BE REISSUED. / BUREAU, ENGRAVING & PRINTING.
date made
1891
depicted
Washington, Martha
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.78.5.552
catalog number
78.5.552
accession number
1978.0941
serial number
E50087787

4 Dollars, Pattern, United States, 1879

One (1) 4 dollar coin, patternUnited States, 1879Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty with coiled hair.Obverse Text: 6 / G. / .3 / S / .7 / C / 7 / GRAMS / 1879 / LIBERTYReverse Image: Star.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / DEO EST GLORIA / FOUR DOL.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 4 dollar coin, pattern
United States, 1879
Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty with coiled hair.
Obverse Text: 6 / G. / .3 / S / .7 / C / 7 / GRAMS / 1879 / LIBERTY
Reverse Image: Star.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / DEO EST GLORIA / FOUR DOL. / ONE STELLA / 400 CENTS
Description
Apparently Lady Liberty’s name is Stella, and she likes to wear her hair two different ways. At least, that is according to two prominent coin engravers of the U.S. Mint during the late 19th century Philadelphia, Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan.
This four dollar gold coin was minted in 1879 as part of a commission from the U.S. Mint to create a coin with a value comparable to European markets. The coin got its name “Stella,” the Latin word for “Star,” due to the star design on its reverse. Charles E. Barber, chief engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time, designed one version of the Stella coin depicting Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and a single star on the reverse, which is referred to today as “The Flowing Hair Type.” George T. Morgan, another U.S. Mint employee under Barber designed his own version of Stella, which is the one displayed here. Lady Liberty’s hair is worn coiled, a more reserved depiction of the American symbol of Liberty. Morgan’s version is referred to as “The Coiled Hair Type.”
However, the idea of an American international currency was never implemented. Congress rejected the concept, and therefore the coins were only minted for two years. The Stella remains the only four dollar U.S. coin ever minted. Newspapers of the era printed rumors that some Congressmen fashioned the Stellas into necklaces to give to their mistresses and Madams. Some surviving coins do show evidence of having been made into jewelry. Regardless of what happened to the Stellas after minting ceased, many numismatists consider the gold Stellas one of the most famous and popular American denominations. They are also quite rare, as there were only roughly 425 Flowing Hair Type Stellas and 20 Coiled Hair Types ever minted.
date made
1879
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
designer
Morgan, George T.
ID Number
NU.68.159.0149
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0149

50 Dollars, Legal Tender Note, United States, 1880

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

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