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.

2 Kopeks, Russia, 1810

One (1) 2 kopek coin, pattern, Alexander IRussia, 1810Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Alexander I.Obverse Text: Б / М / АПЕКСАНДРБ І.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 2 kopek coin, pattern, Alexander I
Russia, 1810
Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Alexander I.
Obverse Text: Б / М / АПЕКСАНДРБ І. / ИМПЕРАТОРЪ / И / САМОДЕР / ВСЕРОС.
Reverse Image: Crowned, two-headed eagle with wings outstretched, holding an orb (right talon) and scepter (left talon).
Reverse Text: 1810 / ЦЕНА / ДВЕ / КОПЕИКИ
Description
This 2 kopek pattern coin was minted in Russia in 1810 during the reign of Alexander I. Alexander I reigned from 1801 until his death in 1825.
date made
1810
associated date
1810
ID Number
NU.NU83808
accession number
257688
catalog number
NU83808

1 Kopek, Peter II, Russia, 1730

One (1) kopek coin, Peter IIRussia, 1730Obverse Image: Crowned initials.Obverse Text: I / IReverse Image: St. George on horseback slaying the dragon.Reverse Text: КОПЕИКАPeter II ruled from 1727 to 1730. This coin depicts St. George on horseback as he slays the dragon below.
Description (Brief)
One (1) kopek coin, Peter II
Russia, 1730
Obverse Image: Crowned initials.
Obverse Text: I / I
Reverse Image: St. George on horseback slaying the dragon.
Reverse Text: КОПЕИКА
Description
Peter II ruled from 1727 to 1730. This coin depicts St. George on horseback as he slays the dragon below.
date made
1730
ruler
Peter II
ID Number
NU.NU62855
catalog number
NU62855
accession number
228217

1 Ruble, Russia, 1710

One (1) ruble coinRussia, 1710Obverse Image: Right facing bust of Peter the Great, wearing a laurel crown.Obverse Text: ЦРЬ / ПЕТР / Ћ / АЛЕѮІЕВ / ИЧ Ћ / В / Р / ПReverse Image: Double headed eagle with outspread wings, a crown between the two heads, holding an orb and scepter in
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin
Russia, 1710
Obverse Image: Right facing bust of Peter the Great, wearing a laurel crown.
Obverse Text: ЦРЬ / ПЕТР / Ћ / АЛЕѮІЕВ / ИЧ Ћ / В / Р / П
Reverse Image: Double headed eagle with outspread wings, a crown between the two heads, holding an orb and scepter in each claw.
Reverse Text: Рᴕ ЕЛОВИКЋ / 1710 / M / РО GIИ GKOI
Description
Before becoming Emperor of Russia in 1721, Peter I ruled as Tsar of Russia from 1682. This 1 ruble coin portrays him wearing a laurel crown.
date made
1710
ID Number
NU.NU61479
accession number
210914
catalog number
NU61479

3 Kopeks, Catherine I, Russia, 1727

One (1) 3 kopek coin, Catherine IRussia, 1727Obverse Image: Three (3) raised dots above text, border around.Obverse Text: ТРИКО / ПЕИКИ / 1727Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle grasping orb and scepter in talons. Border around.Reverse Text: N/A
Description (Brief)
One (1) 3 kopek coin, Catherine I
Russia, 1727
Obverse Image: Three (3) raised dots above text, border around.
Obverse Text: ТРИКО / ПЕИКИ / 1727
Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle grasping orb and scepter in talons. Border around.
Reverse Text: N/A
date made
1727
ruler
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62808
catalog number
NU62808
accession number
228217

1 Ruble, Pattern, Paul I, Russia, 1796

One (1) ruble coin, pattern, Paul IRussia, 1796Obverse Image: Portrait of Paul I facing right.Obverse Text: Б / M / ПABEAЂ/ I / IMП / ИCAMOД / BCEPOCC / C.L.F. / CПБ [Paul I the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia / C.L.F.
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin, pattern, Paul I
Russia, 1796
Obverse Image: Portrait of Paul I facing right.
Obverse Text: Б / M / ПABEAЂ/ I / IMП / ИCAMOД / BCEPOCC / C.L.F. / CПБ [Paul I the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia / C.L.F. / SPB]
Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure (Saint George), surrounded by four crowned П (P for Paul).
Reverse Text: MOHETA / РƔБЛЬ / 1796 / IOДA / [coin / ruble / 1796 / year]
Description
This pattern ruble was minted in Russia in 1796 under Paul I. Paul I was Emperor of Russia from 1769 until his assassination in March of 1801.
date made
1796
head of government
Paul I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.NU83551
catalog number
NU83551
accession number
257688

1 Kopek, Russia, 1726

One (1) kopek coinRussia, 1726Obverse Image: Double-headed eagle with wings outstretched, a crown between the two heads, a shield over its chest (all within a circle).Obverse Text: КОПЕИКА / 1726 / ЕКЛТЕРІ / БᴕРКReverse Image: N/AReverse Text: N/ASquare shaped copper plates like
Description (Brief)
One (1) kopek coin
Russia, 1726
Obverse Image: Double-headed eagle with wings outstretched, a crown between the two heads, a shield over its chest (all within a circle).
Obverse Text: КОПЕИКА / 1726 / ЕКЛТЕРІ / БᴕРК
Reverse Image: N/A
Reverse Text: N/A
Description
Square shaped copper plates like this one were issued in Russia from 1725 to 1727. They were a variety of sizes and contained enough copper to be of similar value to the silver coins.
date made
1726
ID Number
NU.NU62780
accession number
228217
catalog number
NU62780

1 Grosh, Russia, 1724

date made
1724
ID Number
NU.NU61616
catalog number
NU61616
accession number
210914

1 Grosh, Catherine I, Russia, 1727

One (1) grosh coin, Catherine IRussia, 1727Obverse Image: N/AObverse Text: [too worn to decipher]Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle.Reverse Text: N/A
Description (Brief)
One (1) grosh coin, Catherine I
Russia, 1727
Obverse Image: N/A
Obverse Text: [too worn to decipher]
Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle.
Reverse Text: N/A
date made
1727
Associated Name
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62809
catalog number
NU62809
accession number
228217

2 Rubles, Catherine I, Russia, 1726

One (1) 2 ruble coin, novodel, Catherine IRussia, 1726Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Catherine I.Obverse Text: ЕКАІЕРLНА / ІМПІЕРАТРІІІА / ІСАМОДЕРЖИЦА / RCБКОС [Catherine the Empress and Autocrat of all Russia]Reverse Image: Russian Empire coat-of-arms, a double-headed
Description (Brief)
One (1) 2 ruble coin, novodel, Catherine I
Russia, 1726
Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Catherine I.
Obverse Text: ЕКАІЕРLНА / ІМПІЕРАТРІІІА / ІСАМОДЕРЖИЦА / RCБКОС [Catherine the Empress and Autocrat of all Russia]
Reverse Image: Russian Empire coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle grasping an orb and scepter in its talons.
Reverse Text: 1726 / МОНЕТА / НОВА / ДВА / РУБЛИ / СП / I I / P [Two rubles / 1726 / new coin]
Description
This 2 ruble novodel was minted in 1726 during the reign of Catherine I who ruled as Empress of Russia from 1725 to her death in 1727.
date made
1726
head of government
Catherine I
ID Number
NU.NU62723
accession number
228217
catalog number
NU62723

50 Kopeks, Russia, 1895

One (1) 50 kopek coin, Nicholas IIRussia, 1895Obverse Image: Portrait of Nicholas II facing left.Obverse Text: Б.М.НИКОЛАЙ II ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 50 kopek coin, 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: 50 КОПѢЕКЪ 1895 Г.
Description
This coin worth 50 kopeks 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.
date made
1895
ruler
Nicholas II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.263.496
catalog number
68.263.496
accession number
281689

12 Rubles, Russia, 1840

One (1) 12 ruble coin, Nicholas IRussia, 1840Obverse Image: N/AObverse Text: 9 ЗОЛ . 68 ДОЛ . ЧИСТОЙ УРАЛЬСКОЙ ПЛАТИНЫ / 12 / РУБЛЕЙ / НА СЕРЕБРО / 1840. / С.П.Б. [12 RUBLES TO THE SILVER / 1840 SPB / 9 ZLOT.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 12 ruble coin, Nicholas I
Russia, 1840
Obverse Image: N/A
Obverse Text: 9 ЗОЛ . 68 ДОЛ . ЧИСТОЙ УРАЛЬСКОЙ ПЛАТИНЫ / 12 / РУБЛЕЙ / НА СЕРЕБРО / 1840. / С.П.Б. [12 RUBLES TO THE SILVER / 1840 SPB / 9 ZLOT. / 68 SHARES OF PURE URAL PLATINUM]
Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a two-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: N/A
Description
Minted in Russia in 1840, this coin worth 12 rubles 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.
date made
1840
ruler
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
issuing authority
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.242
catalog number
69.128.242
accession number
286473

25 Rubles, Pattern, Russia, 1896

One (1) 25 ruble coin, Nicholas IIRussia, 1896Obverse Image: Left-facing portrait of Nicholas II.Obverse Text: Б / M / NИКOЛАИ / II / ИМПЕРАТОРЪ / И / САМОДЕРКЕЦЪ / BCEPOCC.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 25 ruble coin, Nicholas II
Russia, 1896
Obverse Image: Left-facing portrait of Nicholas II.
Obverse Text: Б / M / NИКOЛАИ / II / ИМПЕРАТОРЪ / И / САМОДЕРКЕЦЪ / BCEPOCC. [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: 2 ½ ИМПSPIБЯБ / 25 РУбЛSЙ 30 ЯОТОМЪ / 1896 Г. [Imperial 2 ½ / 25 rubles in gold / 1896]
Description
This pattern 25 ruble coin was struck in Russia during the reign of Nicholas II who ruled from 1894-1917. The last Emperor of Russia, Nicholas II was assassinated with his family by the Bolsheviks on July 17, 1918.
date made
1896
head of government
Nicholas II Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.403
accession number
286473
catalog number
69.128.403

1 Ducat, Russia, 1701

One (1) ducat coinRussia, 1701Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Peter I (the Great) wearing a laurel crown.Obverse Text: СВИЧЪ / ЦРА ЛЕЧЪ [inscription worn off]Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle.Reverse Text: ВСЕАPUCCIИ / P Ж / CAMOД [inscription worn off]Before becoming Em
Description (Brief)
One (1) ducat coin
Russia, 1701
Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Peter I (the Great) wearing a laurel crown.
Obverse Text: СВИЧЪ / ЦРА ЛЕЧЪ [inscription worn off]
Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle.
Reverse Text: ВСЕАPUCCIИ / P Ж / CAMOД [inscription worn off]
Description
Before becoming Emperor of Russia in 1721, Peter I ruled as Tsar of Russia from 1682. This 1 ducat coin portrays him wearing a laurel crown.
date made
1701
associated date
1703
ID Number
NU.69.128.8
accession number
286473
catalog number
69.128.8

1 Ruble, Pattern, Nicholas I, Russia, 1845

One (1) ruble coin, patternRussia, 1845Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Emperor Nicholas I.Obverse Text: Б / M / NИКOЛАИ / I / ИМПЕРАТОРЪ / И / САМОДЕРКЕПЪ / BCEPOCC.
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin, pattern
Russia, 1845
Obverse Image: Right-facing portrait of Emperor Nicholas I.
Obverse Text: Б / M / NИКOЛАИ / I / ИМПЕРАТОРЪ / И / САМОДЕРКЕПЪ / BCEPOCC. [Nicholas I 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: ЧИСТАГО / CEPEБPA / 4 30ЛОТНИКА / 21 ДОЛЯ / 1845 [4 zlotn. / 21 shares of pure silver / 1845]
Description
Minted in Russia in 1845, this pattern 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.
date made
1845
head of government
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
issuing authority
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.68.263.202
accession number
281689
catalog number
68.263.202

10 Rubles, Russia, 1762

One (1) 10 ruble coin, Peter IIIRussia, 1762Obverse Image: Right-facing bust of Peter III.Obverse Text: ПЕТРБ / ІІІ / Б / М / ІМП / ІСАМОДЕРЖ / ВСЕРОС / СПБReverse Image: Four interlocking shields.Reverse Text: 1762 / ІМПРСКАЯ / РОССІИС / МОН / ЦЕНА / ДЕСЯТ / РҨБPeter III of Russ
Description (Brief)
One (1) 10 ruble coin, Peter III
Russia, 1762
Obverse Image: Right-facing bust of Peter III.
Obverse Text: ПЕТРБ / ІІІ / Б / М / ІМП / ІСАМОДЕРЖ / ВСЕРОС / СПБ
Reverse Image: Four interlocking shields.
Reverse Text: 1762 / ІМПРСКАЯ / РОССІИС / МОН / ЦЕНА / ДЕСЯТ / РҨБ
Description
Peter III of Russia ruled for only six months in 1762. This coin depicts his portrait on the obverse and the coats of arms of Moscow, Astrakhan, Kazan, and Siberia around the coat of arms of the Russian Empire on the reverse.
date made
1762
associated date
1762
head of government
Peter III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.69.128.43
accession number
286473
catalog number
69.128.43

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

1/2 Mark, Buchenwald, Germany, ca 1943

date made
ca 1943
ID Number
NU.77.22.05
catalog number
77.22.05
accession number
1977.1233
serial number
6246

500 Pesetas, Spain, 1927

date made
1927
ID Number
NU.66.26316
accession number
269139
catalog number
66.26316
serial number
1692760

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.
Description
In 1905, inspired by the high relief of ancient Greek coins, President Theodore Roosevelt asked eminent sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens to redesign American coinage. Saint-Gaudens died in 1907, but not before giving the nation what many consider to be the most artistic American coin ever made – the Saint-Gaudens double eagle.
date made
1907
maker
United States Mint
designer
Saint-Gaudens, Augustus
ID Number
NU.NU76757
accession number
252089
catalog number
NU76757

Food Coupon Booklet, United States, 1987

date made
1987
depicted (sitter)
Jefferson, Thomas
maker
American Bank Note Company
ID Number
2010.0019.011
catalog number
2010.0019.011
accession number
2010.0019
serial number
F04103512E

1 Ruble, Constantine, Russia, 1825

One (1) ruble coin, ConstantineRussia, 1825Obverse Image: Portrait of Constantine, facing right.Obverse Text: Б / М / КОНСТАНТІІНЂ / І / ИМІІ / И / САМ / ВСЕРОСС / 1825Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagle wearing a shield with a mounted figure (Sa
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin, Constantine
Russia, 1825
Obverse Image: Portrait of Constantine, facing right.
Obverse Text: Б / М / КОНСТАНТІІНЂ / І / ИМІІ / И / САМ / ВСЕРОСС / 1825
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. There is a wreath encircling the eagle.
Reverse Text: 4 / 30 ЛОТН / 21 ДОЛЯ / РУБЛЬ / CПБ / ҶИСТАГО / СЕРЕБРА
Description
The Constantine Ruble is one of the rarest Russian coins. It depicts Russian Grand Duke Constantine Pavlovich, who was expected to ascend to the throne in 1825. He never came to power, having relinquished his succession rights in 1823 due to his controversial marriage, and the coin never circulated.
date made
1825
associated date
1825
depicted
Constantine
ID Number
NU.68.263.68
accession number
281689
catalog number
68.263.68

"Do you accept credit cards?"

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

5 Kopeks, Elizabeth, Russia, 1757

One (1) 5 kopek coin, ElizabethRussia, 1757Obverse Image: Crowned imperial monogram of Elizabeth, surrounded by laurels.Obverse Text: 1757Reverse Image: Two intersecting anchors, scroll with text below.Reverse Text: ПЯТЬ / КОПѢЕКЪ
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 kopek coin, Elizabeth
Russia, 1757
Obverse Image: Crowned imperial monogram of Elizabeth, surrounded by laurels.
Obverse Text: 1757
Reverse Image: Two intersecting anchors, scroll with text below.
Reverse Text: ПЯТЬ / КОПѢЕКЪ
date made
1757
associated date
1757
head of government
Elizabeth
ID Number
NU.NU65213
accession number
240108
catalog number
NU65213

5 Kopeks, Russia, 1763

date made
1763
ID Number
NU.NU69982
accession number
245705
catalog number
NU69982

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.