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.

United States Coin Bracelet, United States, 20th Century

One (1) 18K gold and diamond braceletUnited States, n.d.List of Individual Coins: 5 Dollars, United States, 1905; 10 Dollars, United States, 1906; 20 Dollars, United States, 1898 surrounded by 33 diamonds set in platinum; 10 Dollars, United States, 1895; 5 Dollars, United States,
Description (Brief)
One (1) 18K gold and diamond bracelet
United States, n.d.
List of Individual Coins: 5 Dollars, United States, 1905; 10 Dollars, United States, 1906; 20 Dollars, United States, 1898 surrounded by 33 diamonds set in platinum; 10 Dollars, United States, 1895; 5 Dollars, United States, 1882
General Information: All of the coins are set in a shell motif frame mount.
date made
20th century
maker
Webb, David
ID Number
NU.84.25.02
catalog number
84.25.02
accession number
1984.0603

5 Ducats, Denmark, 1704

date made
1704
ID Number
NU.68.159.5136
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.5136

1/3 Stater, Lydia, Greece, 7th Century BCE

Date made
mid-7th century
date made
7th - 6th century BCE
ID Number
NU.73.114.003
accession number
312055
catalog number
73.114.003

Punchmarked Silver, India, 5th Century BCE

date made
5th century BCE
ID Number
1986.1009.07
accession number
1986.1009
catalog number
1986.1009.07

22 Livres, Martinique, 1802-09

date made
1809
ruler
Napoleon I
ID Number
NU.68.159.2141
catalog number
283645.4166
accession number
283645

Cowrie Shell

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
NU.70.80.11.06
accession number
288726
catalog number
70.80.11.06

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

Brasher Half Doubloon, United States, 1787

Produced by Ephraim Brasher in New York City. Obverse: Sun rising over mountains; BRASHER below. Reverse: Crude eagle within continuous wreath; EB countermark on eagle's wing.
Description
Produced by Ephraim Brasher in New York City. Obverse: Sun rising over mountains; BRASHER below. Reverse: Crude eagle within continuous wreath; EB countermark on eagle's wing. Its existence apparently unknown until the beginning of the twentieth century, this unique coin was struck with the same pair of dies used to create the Brasher Doubloon.
Ephraim Brasher was a goldsmith, and his EB countermark also appeared on foreign gold coins of the day. It proclaimed that he had tested or assayed them and stood behind them.
date made
1787
obverse designer
Ephraim Brasher
reverse designer
Ephraim Brasher
obverse engraver
Ephraim Brasher
reverse engraver
Ephraim Brasher
ID Number
NU.68.159.1111
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.1111

1 Quetzal, Guatemala, 2008

One (1) quetzal polymer noteGuatemala, 2008Obverse Image: José María Orellana, President of Guatemala during the Currency Reform that introduced the Quetzal as the official currency and a quetzal bird.Obverse Text: BANCO DE GUATEMALA / GUATEMALA CENTRO AMERICA / B04201253C / UN Q
Description (Brief)
One (1) quetzal polymer note
Guatemala, 2008
Obverse Image: José María Orellana, President of Guatemala during the Currency Reform that introduced the Quetzal as the official currency and a quetzal bird.
Obverse Text: BANCO DE GUATEMALA / GUATEMALA CENTRO AMERICA / B04201253C / UN QUETZAL / GERENTE GENERAL / PRESIDENTA / OBERTHUR TECHNOLOGIES / GENERAL JOSE MARIA ORELLANA . PRESIDENTE DE LA REPUBLICA, 1921-1926, EN CUYO / GOBIERNO FUE CREADA LA MONEDA QUETZAL / 1 / AUTHORIZACION 12 DE MARZO DE 2008
Reverse Image: Main building of the Central Bank of Guatemala, Placa de Leyden and Ara de Tikal.
Reverse Text: BANCO DE GUATEMALA / UN QUETZAL / PLACA DE LEYDEN / ARA DE TIKAL / 1
date made
2008
ID Number
2014.0193.026
accession number
2014.0193
catalog number
2014.0193.026
serial number
B04201253C

Shield, Akan Gold Weight, Ghana, 19th century

These brass weights were used by the Akan people of modern day Ghana and the Ivory Coast for measuring gold dust between the late thirteenth and early twentieth centuries. They were cast into geometric shapes and figures of animals and people.
Description
These brass weights were used by the Akan people of modern day Ghana and the Ivory Coast for measuring gold dust between the late thirteenth and early twentieth centuries. They were cast into geometric shapes and figures of animals and people. These weights set a standard for measuring gold dust and made it easier to use gold dust as currency. The weights’ varied forms reflect Akan culture as well as cultural interaction between West African, North African, and European traders over five centuries.
date made
19th century
ID Number
1985.0797.1
catalog number
1985.0797.1
accession number
1985.0797

Clam Shell Wampum, United States

date made
n.d.
ID Number
1979.1263.00623
accession number
1979.1263
catalog number
79.112.OC181A
collector/donor number
OC181A

10 Dollars, United States, 1795

One (1) 10 dollar coinUnited States, 1795Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a cap, facing right.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 10 dollar coin
United States, 1795
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a cap, facing right. 15 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1795
Reverse Image: Small eagle perched on a palm branch with wings outstretched, holding a wreath aloft in its beak.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
date made
1795
mint
United States Mint
obverse designer
Scot, Robert
obverse engraver
Scot, Robert
ID Number
NU.84.76.1
accession number
1984.1125
catalog number
84.76.1

4 Excellentes, Spain, 1474 - 1516

date made
1474 - 1516
period of administration
1474 - 1516
ID Number
NU.68.159.5711
catalog number
68.159.5711
accession number
283645

1 Tetradrachm, Athens, Greece, 454-404 BCE

date made
454 - 404 BCE
ID Number
2002.0007.0150
catalog number
2002.0007.0150
accession number
2002.0007

Nokia Mobile Phone, Kenya, 21st century

One (1) Nokia mobile phoneKenya, 21st century
Description (Brief)
One (1) Nokia mobile phone
Kenya, 21st century
date made
21st century
ID Number
2014.0198.13
accession number
2014.0198
catalog number
2014.0198.13

20 Shekels, Israel, 2008

One (1) 20 shekel polymer noteIsrael, 2008Obverse Image: Portrait of Moshe Sharett.Obverse Text: 20 / NEW SHEQALIM / BANK OF ISRAEL / 1301022978Reverse Image: Jewish volunteers in World War II; a watchtower, commemorating tower and stockade settlements.Reverse Text: 20 / 2008
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 shekel polymer note
Israel, 2008
Obverse Image: Portrait of Moshe Sharett.
Obverse Text: 20 / NEW SHEQALIM / BANK OF ISRAEL / 1301022978
Reverse Image: Jewish volunteers in World War II; a watchtower, commemorating tower and stockade settlements.
Reverse Text: 20 / 2008
date made
2008
ID Number
2014.0253.4
serial number
1301022978
accession number
2014.0253
catalog number
2014.0253.4

100 Dollars, Legal Tender Note, United States, 1862

One (1) 100 dollar noteUnited States, 1862Obverse Image: Eagle with wings spread.Obverse Text: ACT OF FEB. 25TH 1862. / PATENTED APRIL 23RD, 1860. / NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY / PATENTED 30 JUNE 1857.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 100 dollar note
United States, 1862
Obverse Image: Eagle with wings spread.
Obverse Text: ACT OF FEB. 25TH 1862. / PATENTED APRIL 23RD, 1860. / NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY / PATENTED 30 JUNE 1857. / 100 / WASHINGTON / MARCH 10TH 1862 / THE UNITED STATES PROMISE TO PAY TO BEARER ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS / REGISTER OF THE TREASURY / TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES / NUMBER 73149 / ABCO / PAYABLE AT THE TREASURY OF THE U. S. AT NEW YORK
Reverse Image: Geometric pattern.
Reverse Text: U. S. / 100 / C / TREASURY NOTE / THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE EXCEPT DUTIES ON IMPORTS AND INTEREST ON PUBLIC DEBT AND IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR U. S. SIX PER CENT TWENTY YEARS BONDS, REDEEMABLE AT THE PLEASURE OF THE UNITED STATES AFTER FIVE YEARS. / PATENTED APRIL 23RD 1860. / NATIONAL BANK NOTE COMPANY
Date made
1862
maker
National Bank Note Company
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.78.5.103
accession number
1978.0941
serial number
73149
catalog number
78.5.103

1 Pentadrachm, Egypt, 305 - 283 BCE

date made
305 - 283 BCE
period of administration
-0285 - -0246
head of government
Ptolemy II King of Egypt
ID Number
NU.68.159.5768
catalog number
68.159.5768
accession number
283645

Gold Earrings, Mexico, 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 these earrings.
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 these earrings. Incorporating coins into jewelry may be used to signify monetary wealth.
date made
20th century
ID Number
NU.273347.006
catalog number
67.95609
accession number
273347

Cowrie Shell, Asia, n.d.

One (1) small cowrie shell with two holes in topAsia, n.d.Small seashells have many characteristics that make them ideal monetary objects. They are durable, portable, and difficult to imitate.
Description (Brief)
One (1) small cowrie shell with two holes in top
Asia, n.d.
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
1986.0087.22
catalog number
1986.0087.22
accession number
1986.0087

1,000 Colones, Costa Rica, 2009

One (1) 1,000 colones polymer noteCosta Rica, 2009Obverse Image: Portrait of Braulio Carrillo Colina.Obverse Text: 1000 / ESTADO DE COSTA RICA / SERIE A / 1 MIL COLONES / COSTA RICA / ACUERDO NO 11 / 2 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2009Reverse Image: Guanacaste tree and white-tailed deer with
Description (Brief)
One (1) 1,000 colones polymer note
Costa Rica, 2009
Obverse Image: Portrait of Braulio Carrillo Colina.
Obverse Text: 1000 / ESTADO DE COSTA RICA / SERIE A / 1 MIL COLONES / COSTA RICA / ACUERDO NO 11 / 2 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2009
Reverse Image: Guanacaste tree and white-tailed deer with cactus plant.
Reverse Text: A020377383 / 1000 COLONES / BANCO CENTRAL DE COSTA RICA / BOSQUE SECO
date made
2009
ID Number
2014.0191.12
accession number
2014.0191
catalog number
2014.0191.12
serial number
A020377383

Apple iPhone

One (1) black Apple iPhoneUnited States, ca 21st century
Description (Brief)
One (1) black Apple iPhone
United States, ca 21st century
date made
ca 21st century
ID Number
2014.0197.1
accession number
2014.0197
catalog number
2014.0197.1

1 Sestertius, Rome, 54-68

One (1) sestertius coinRome, 54-68 ADObverse Image: Left-facing portrait of Emperor Nero wearing laurel crown.Obverse Text: NERO / CLAVD / CAESAR / AVG / GERTMTR PIMReverse Image: Seated Ceres with Annona (personification of grain).Reverse Text: ANNONA / AVGVSTI / CERES / SC
Description (Brief)
One (1) sestertius coin
Rome, 54-68 AD
Obverse Image: Left-facing portrait of Emperor Nero wearing laurel crown.
Obverse Text: NERO / CLAVD / CAESAR / AVG / GERTMTR PIM
Reverse Image: Seated Ceres with Annona (personification of grain).
Reverse Text: ANNONA / AVGVSTI / CERES / SC
date made
54 - 68
ID Number
2014.0016.027
catalog number
2014.0016.027
accession number
2014.0016
collector/donor number
202.032

10 Dollars, Australia, 1988

One (1) 10 dollar polymer noteAustralia, 1988Obverse Image: Elements of Aboriginal culture including an ancient rock painting, Morning Star Pole and an Aboriginal youth.Obverse Text: AUSTRALIA / 10 / AB09023515Reverse Image: The HMS Supply with a group of early British settlers a
Description (Brief)
One (1) 10 dollar polymer note
Australia, 1988
Obverse Image: Elements of Aboriginal culture including an ancient rock painting, Morning Star Pole and an Aboriginal youth.
Obverse Text: AUSTRALIA / 10 / AB09023515
Reverse Image: The HMS Supply with a group of early British settlers and the early British settlement at Sydney Cove.
Reverse Text: TEN DOLLARS / AUSTRALIA / 10 / SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY / GOVERNOR RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA / THIS AUSTRALIAN NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER THROUGHOUT AUSTRALIA AND ITS TERRITORIES
Description
More than thirty countries around the world have replaced some of their paper notes with plastic notes, called polymer notes. Polymer notes were first issued in Australia in 1988 and are believed to be more durable and harder to counterfeit than paper notes. These notes include new security features, such as clear lenses, that are difficult to imitate and cannot be achieved with paper notes.
date made
1988
ID Number
2014.0277.02
accession number
2014.0277
catalog number
2014.0277.02
serial number
AB09023515

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