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.

1 Ruble, Russia, 1762

Minted in Russia in 1762, this ruble depicts Peter III who ruled as Emperor of Russia for six months in 1762.
Description
Minted in Russia in 1762, this ruble depicts Peter III who ruled as Emperor of Russia for six months in 1762.
date made
1762
associated date
1762
head of government
Peter III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.NU69956
accession number
245705
catalog number
NU69956

1 Grivna, Peter I, Russia, 1704

One (1) grivna coin, Peter IRussia, 1704Obverse Image: Three (3) raised dots, border around text.Obverse Text: АѰД / ГРИКНd / БКReverse Image: Double-headed eagle with a crown on each head and wings outspread.Reverse Text: НКПdZPCКBefore becoming Emperor of Russia in 1721, Peter
Description (Brief)
One (1) grivna coin, Peter I
Russia, 1704
Obverse Image: Three (3) raised dots, border around text.
Obverse Text: АѰД / ГРИКНd / БК
Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle with a crown on each head and wings outspread.
Reverse Text: НКПdZPCК
Description
Before becoming Emperor of Russia in 1721, Peter I ruled as Tsar of Russia from 1682. This 1 grivna coin was equal to 10 kopeks or 1/10 ruble.
date made
1704
ruler
Peter I
ID Number
NU.NU61376
catalog number
NU61376
accession number
210914
collector/donor number
GM 490

1 1/2 Ruble, Russia, 1835

One (1) 1 1/2 ruble coin, "family ruble"Russia, 1835Obverse Image: Right facing portrait of Emperor Nicholas I.Obverse Text: 10 ZLOТ. 1835. / 1 ½ РЧБЛЯ / Р. П.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 1 1/2 ruble coin, "family ruble"
Russia, 1835
Obverse Image: Right facing portrait of Emperor Nicholas I.
Obverse Text: 10 ZLOТ. 1835. / 1 ½ РЧБЛЯ / Р. П. УТКИНЪ.
Reverse Image: Portrait of Nicholas I's wife, Charlotte of Prussia (center) surrounded by portraits of their seven children (Alexander, Maria, Olga, Constantine, Nikolas, Michael, Alexandra).
Reverse Text: Р. П. УТКИНЪ
Description
This coin, referred to as the "family ruble," features a portrait of Emperor Nicholas I on the obverse and smaller portraits of his wife, Charlotte of Prussia, and their seven children on the reverse.
date made
1835
associated date
1835
head of government
Nicholas I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.66.29200
accession number
270424
catalog number
66.29200

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

20 Dollars, Pattern, United States, 1879

This pattern came from the same impetus that led to the creation of the four-dollar gold coin, or Stella--a desire to give American coinage a greater competitiveness and convertibility in international markets. [reference no. Judd 1643]
Description
This pattern came from the same impetus that led to the creation of the four-dollar gold coin, or Stella--a desire to give American coinage a greater competitiveness and convertibility in international markets. [reference no. Judd 1643]
date made
1879
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
ID Number
1985.0441.2059
catalog number
1985.0441.2059
accession number
1985.0441

50 Cents, Pattern, United States, 1891

For this reverse, Barber portrayed a second eagle within a wreath, a design that was extremely cluttered. These two coins are the only known.
Description
For this reverse, Barber portrayed a second eagle within a wreath, a design that was extremely cluttered. These two coins are the only known.
date made
1891
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
ID Number
1985.0441.2086
catalog number
1985.0441.2086
accession number
1985.0441

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

25 Cents, Pattern, United States, 1792

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Head of Liberty facing right, hair bound, date below. Reverse: Eagle standing on globe, head turned back.
Description
United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Head of Liberty facing right, hair bound, date below. Reverse: Eagle standing on globe, head turned back. It is very likely that this was a pattern intended for consideration as a quarter dollar, although some have seen it as an idea for a half eagle. The latter is unlikely, but the size is about right for the ten-dollar piece, or eagle. Joseph Wright designed this pattern. Two specimens are known in copper including this one and two more in white metal.
[reference no. Judd 12]
date made
1792
obverse designer
Wright, Joseph
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
reverse designer
Wright, Joseph
ID Number
1991.0357.0121
accession number
1991.0357
catalog number
1991.0357.0121

1 Disme, Pattern, United States, 1792

United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Liberty head left, with unbound hair; date below. Reverse: Small eagle, DISME below. The term "disme" was the original choice of the name for a tenth of a dollar. It was probably pronounced "deem."Adam Eckfeldt created the obverse die.
Description
United States Mint, Philadelphia. Obverse: Liberty head left, with unbound hair; date below. Reverse: Small eagle, DISME below. The term "disme" was the original choice of the name for a tenth of a dollar. It was probably pronounced "deem."
Adam Eckfeldt created the obverse die. William Birch was likely responsible for the reverse die. Henry Voigt did the actual coining. This activity was taking place in a completed section of the new United States Mint. The workers were constructing the rest of the building!
This piece is one of a dozen of these patterns known.
[reference no. Judd 1792]
date made
1792
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
ID Number
1991.0357.0122
catalog number
1991.0357.0122
accession number
1991.0357

5 Dollars, United States, 1822

One (1) 5 dollar coinUnited States, 1822Obverse Image: A Capped Head Liberty facing left.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1822Reverse Image: Eagle with outstretched wings with 3 arrows and an olive branch in its talons.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 dollar coin
United States, 1822
Obverse Image: A Capped Head Liberty facing left.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1822
Reverse Image: Eagle with outstretched wings with 3 arrows and an olive branch in its talons. Scroll above the eagle's head.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / 5 D.
General Information: Although nearly 18,000 half eagles were struck in 1822, virtually all were melted down. As far as is known, only three specimens survive, two of them in the Smithsonian Institution.
date made
1822
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
designer
Reich, John
ID Number
NU.68.159.0190
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0190

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

5 Dollars, United States, 1797

One (1) 5 dollar coinUnited States, 1797Obverse Image: Capped bust of Liberty facing right.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1797Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle, clouds and stars above.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUMAlthough dated 1797, this coin was probably minted
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 dollar coin
United States, 1797
Obverse Image: Capped bust of Liberty facing right.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1797
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle, clouds and stars above.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM
Description
Although dated 1797, this coin was probably minted in the following year. Early United States coins do not always bear the year in which they were struck. The annual visit of yellow fever to Philadelphia, and to the U.S. Mint there, imparted a disjointed quality to our early numismatics.
What is definitely known is that Robert Scot was responsible for the designs. His new, bellicose eagle is a direct reflection of increased national tensions with the British and French. This particular coin is unique.
date made
1797
mint
U.S. Mint, Philadelphia
obverse designer
Scot, Robert
obverse engraver
Scot, Robert
ID Number
NU.68.159.0158
accession number
283645
catalog number
68.159.0158

1 Dirhem

This glass weight originates from the Fatimid period of Ancient Egypt, roughly the 10th to 12th centuries.
Description
This glass weight originates from the Fatimid period of Ancient Egypt, roughly the 10th to 12th centuries. Unlike machine-made coins today, each coin in ancient Egypt was minted by hand, making it a lot harder to ensure that coins met the weight protocol of a standardized currency. This glass weight could have helped a coinmaker check that they were making coins with accurate weight. It could have also served a seller check to make sure they were receiving the correct weight of metal for the amount of goods they sold.
To make this glass weight, the maker used an iron stamp on molten glass. Most stamps bear the name of a ruler, or else an official who commissioned the coins be made. When a new leader or official assumed command, the glass coin weights would be stamped with the new names.
date made
ca 10th - 12th century
period of administration
1021 - 1036
ID Number
NU.72.200.19
catalog number
72.200.19
accession number
304490

1 Dirhem

This piece of stamped glass was used to weigh Egyptian coins in the Fatimid Period (10th to 12th centuries).
Description
This piece of stamped glass was used to weigh Egyptian coins in the Fatimid Period (10th to 12th centuries). When ancient Egyptian coin makers made standardized coins, it was important that they make sure their products followed weight protocols, just like modern coin makers still do today. However, during the Fatimid period of ancient Egypt, metal coins were hand-minted, which made it harder to ensure that coins would weigh the accurate amount. Glass weights helped the makers check their work on prototypes. Sellers also used glass weights to check that they received the appropriate weight of metal for the amount of goods they sold.
To make these weights, the glass was stamped while molten, using an iron die. The text on the glass stamps usually bears the name of the ruler of the time or the official who ordered that the coins be made.
date made
ca 10th - 12th century
period of administration
0996 - 1021
ID Number
NU.72.200.15
catalog number
72.200.15
accession number
304490

1 Decadrachm, Syracuse, Sicily, Late 5th Century BCE

In the late 5th century in Syracuse, Greece, coin engraving was a master craft. This decadrachm was one of the largest denominations of silver coins minted in ancient Greece, which created more room for master engravers to display their artistic abilities.
Description
In the late 5th century in Syracuse, Greece, coin engraving was a master craft. This decadrachm was one of the largest denominations of silver coins minted in ancient Greece, which created more room for master engravers to display their artistic abilities. Engravers were very proud of the dies that they struck, and would often sign their coins just like artists sign their own works of art today. One such engraver during this time period, Kimon, is credited with designing this particular engraving. The reason that this specific coin is unsigned is unclear, though perhaps Kimon was dissatisfied with the end product, or the coin was struck by an apprentice closely copying the master engraver’s work.
The reverse of this decadrachm shows the head of the nymph Arethusa, daughter of Nereus, also known as “The Waterer.” In Greek mythology, Arethusa is said to have fled from her home in the mythical utopia of Arcadia through a below ground stream. In the myth, she emerges as a fresh water fountain on the Island of Ortygia in Syracuse, Sicily. Arethusa's head is surrounded by dolphins. The obverse of the coin shows a man driving a carriage of four horses. Above him, Nike, the goddess of victory, crowns him victor. One interpretation of this coin is that it commemorates a battle victory over Athens during the Peloponnesian War in 413 B.C.
date made
late 5th century BCE
engraver
Euainetos
ID Number
NU.77.32.02
accession number
1978.0601
catalog number
77.32.02

1 Pine Tree Shilling, United States, 1652

One (1) pine tree shilling coinMassachusetts, 1652Obverse Image: Pine tree.Obverse Text: MASATHVSETS / INReverse Image: N/AReverse Text: NEW ENGLAND / AN DOM / 1652 XIIAs early as 1650, the colony of Massachusetts Bay was a commercial success.
Description (Brief)
One (1) pine tree shilling coin
Massachusetts, 1652
Obverse Image: Pine tree.
Obverse Text: MASATHVSETS / IN
Reverse Image: N/A
Reverse Text: NEW ENGLAND / AN DOM / 1652 XII
Description
As early as 1650, the colony of Massachusetts Bay was a commercial success. But an inadequate supply of money put its future development in jeopardy. England was not inclined to send gold and silver coins to the colonies, for they were in short supply in the mother country.
Taking matters into their own hands, Boston authorities allowed two settlers, John Hull and Robert Sanderson, to set up a mint in the capital in 1652. The two were soon striking silver coinage-shillings, sixpences, and threepences. Nearly all of the new coins bore the same date: 1652.
This was the origin of America's most famous colonial coin, the pine tree shilling. The name comes from the tree found on the obverse. It may symbolize one of the Bay Colony's prime exports, pine trees for ships' masts. Massachusetts coinage not only circulated within that colony, but was generally accepted throughout the Northeast, becoming a monetary standard in its own right.
Why the 1652 date? Some believe that it was intended to commemorate the founding of the Massachusetts mint, which did occur in 1652. Others believe the choice was a reflection of larger political events. Coinage was a prerogative of the King. In theory, these colonists had no right to strike their own coins, no matter how great their need.
But in 1652, there was no king. King Charles had been beheaded three years previously, and England was a republic. The people in Massachusetts may have cleverly decided to put that date on their coinage so that they could deny any illegality when and if the monarchy were reestablished.
This "1652" shilling is likely to have been minted around 1670. In 1682, the Hull/Sanderson mint closed after closer royal scrutiny of the operation.
date on coin
1652
date made
1667 - 1674
maker
Massachusetts Bay Colony
ID Number
1982.0798.0009
catalog number
1982.0798.0009
accession number
1982.0798
catalog number
82.48.09

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.NU60420.001
accession number
222037
catalog number
NU60420.001

5 Cents, Modified Coin, United States, 1926

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

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

1 Dollar, United States, 1921

One (1) dollar coinUnited States, 1921Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty wearing a radiate crown.Obverse Text: LIBERTY / IN GOD WE TRUST / 1921Reverse Image: Perched eagle clutching an olive branch.Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / ONE DOLLAR / PEACEThis
Description (Brief)
One (1) dollar coin
United States, 1921
Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty wearing a radiate crown.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / IN GOD WE TRUST / 1921
Reverse Image: Perched eagle clutching an olive branch.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / ONE DOLLAR / PEACE
Description
This coin was struck by the United States Mint from 1921 to 1928, and again in 1934 and 1935. This coin was designed as a result of a competition to find designs that were emblematic of peace. The winning design was done by Anthony de Francisci and the reverse depicts a bald eagle clutching an olive branch, which is a symbol of peace. This was the last coin to be struck for circulation in silver.
date made
1921
ID Number
2010.0220.02
accession number
2010.0220
catalog number
2010.0220.02

Coin Tree Mold, China, 1862-1874

One (1) coin treeChina, 1862-1874The saying “money doesn’t grow on trees” clearly didn’t originate in China, because until the late 19th century, this actually was the case.
Description (Brief)
One (1) coin tree
China, 1862-1874
Description
The saying “money doesn’t grow on trees” clearly didn’t originate in China, because until the late 19th century, this actually was the case. Quite different from the method of striking coins popularized in Europe, Chinese coin makers would manufacture coins by pouring molten metal into master molds. When the metal cooled, the new coins were connected to a rod made from metal that had cooled in the middle of the cast, rather than in a coin mold. The result resembled branches stemming from the trunk of a tree, earning the name, “Coin Tree.” The cooled metal coins would then be carefully broken off from the metal rod and sanded down to create the finished products.
date made
1862 - 1874
ID Number
NU.79.112.CM00337
accession number
1979.1263
collector/donor number
CM00337
catalog number
79.112.CM00337

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

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