Coins, Currency, and Medals

$100,000 U.S. Gold Certificate

The museum possesses one of the largest and most diverse numismatic collections in the world. Its diverse holdings represent every inhabited continent and span more than three millennia. The collection includes coins, paper money, medals, tokens, commodity and alternative currencies, coin dies, printing plates, scales and weights, financial documents and apparatuses, credit cards, and objects that reflect established and emerging digital monetary technologies worldwide.

Search term: *:* Set Name: Coins, Currency and Medals Online visual material: Yes Museum / Unit: NMAH Museum / Unit: NMAH-AF Museum / Unit: NMAHLC YT Museum / Unit: NMAH BL Museum / Unit: NMAH YT Museum / Unit: ACAH Set Name: The Value of Money Clear All

Bank of Americard, United States, 1977

date made
1977
maker
unknown
ID Number
NU.84.17.09
catalog number
84.17.09
accession number
1984.0606
serial number
270

20 Dollars, United States, 1849 (Utah-Mormon)

One (1) 20 dollar coinUnited States, 1849Obverse Image: Emblem of Mormon Priesthood: 3-pointed Phrygian Crown above all-seeing eye.Obverse Text: TO THE LORD HOLINESSReverse Image: Clasped hands.Reverse Text: G. S. L. C. P. G.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 20 dollar coin
United States, 1849
Obverse Image: Emblem of Mormon Priesthood: 3-pointed Phrygian Crown above all-seeing eye.
Obverse Text: TO THE LORD HOLINESS
Reverse Image: Clasped hands.
Reverse Text: G. S. L. C. P. G. / TWENTY DOLLARS / 1849
Description
Not all of the California gold was turned into coins in California. Some of it went north, where it was minted into currency by the Oregon Exchange Company. And some of it went east, to Utah Territory, carried home by Mormon miners who left the cities of Sacramento and San Francisco for Salt Lake City.
On Brigham Young's orders, a mint was set up to turn the California dust into Utah coins. One of the prime movers in the new venture was a British convert named John Mobourn Kay. Kay forged the die blanks, engraved the dies, and, for good measure, helped in the selection of their designs.
The first Mormon coins, eagles, appeared in December 1848-the very first American pioneer coins struck west of the Mississippi. Other denominations were soon added. All of them, including the double eagle on display, have radical design concepts unseen before or since. The coin on display was among the first double eagles ever struck and circulated in the United States. The obverses of these coins bore the emblem of the Mormon Priesthood, a three-pointed crown above an All-Seeing eye. The reverse displayed clasped hands, joined in friendship and solidarity, the badge of a new people stressing unity and welcoming newcomers. Few of these early Utah coins have survived. Most were melted down in the early 1850s. The Smithsonian coin is one of the finest known.
date made
1849
mint
Mormon Mint
ID Number
1985.0441.2218
catalog number
1985.0441.2218
accession number
1985.0441

80 Drachm, Egypt, 51 - 30 BCE

date made
51 - 30 BCE
ID Number
2008.0108.0037
collector/donor number
CM164
catalog number
1979.1263.CM164
accession number
1979.1263

1 Dollar, United States, 2000

date made
2000
designer
Goodacre, Glenna
ID Number
2008.0108.0034
accession number
2008.0108
catalog number
2008.0108.0034

Sears Credit Card, United States, mid 20th century

date made
mid 20th century
maker
unknown
ID Number
NU.69.235.58
catalog number
69.235.58
accession number
287686
serial number
0350

5 Dollars

Available for transcription
Crowdsourcing
Available for transcription
date made
1892
issuing authority
U.S. Department of the Treasury
manufacturer
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
NU.297219.045583
accession number
297219
catalog number
297219.045583

5 Dollars, Food Coupon, United States, 1971

date made
1971
maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
ID Number
2010.0019.106
accession number
2010.0019
catalog number
2010.0019.106
serial number
E17284068B

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

5 Pounds "Una and the Lion," Great Britain, 1839

date made
1839
head of government
Victoria Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India
ID Number
NU.68.159.5426
catalog number
68.159.5426
accession number
283645

Mastercharge Credit Card, United States, 1978

date made
1978
maker
MasterCard Worldwide
ID Number
NU.84.17.21
catalog number
84.17.21
accession number
1984.0606
serial number
843

Sample American Express Credit Card, United States, 1963

American Express was founded in 1850 in order to transport goods the U.S. Postal Service would not deliver. By the end of the Civil War, there were over nine hundred American Express offices in ten states.
Description
American Express was founded in 1850 in order to transport goods the U.S. Postal Service would not deliver. By the end of the Civil War, there were over nine hundred American Express offices in ten states. In the 1880s the company expanded into financial services with money orders, and in the 1890s they began offering Traveler’s Cheques. The financial services offered by the company eventually became its mainstay, and American Express offered its first charge card in 1958 in order to compete with Diners’ Club.
date made
1963
Associated Date
1963
maker
American Express Company
ID Number
NU.NU81082.1
catalog number
NU81082.1
accession number
252886
serial number
78 9

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

1 Denga, Peter I, Russia, 1710

One (1) denga coin, Peter IRussia, 1710Obverse Image: Decorative border.Obverse Text: РОС / ИСКАД / ДEНГА / 1710 / МДReverse Image: Double-headed eagle wearing crown, holding orb and scepter in claws.Reverse Text: N/ABefore becoming Emperor of Russia in 1721, Peter I ruled as Tsa
Description (Brief)
One (1) denga coin, Peter I
Russia, 1710
Obverse Image: Decorative border.
Obverse Text: РОС / ИСКАД / ДEНГА / 1710 / МД
Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle wearing crown, holding orb and scepter in claws.
Reverse Text: N/A
Description
Before becoming Emperor of Russia in 1721, Peter I ruled as Tsar of Russia from 1682. This denga coin was equal to 1/2 kopeck or 1/200 ruble.
date made
1710
ruler
Peter I
ID Number
NU.NU61492
catalog number
NU61492
accession number
210914

10 Kopeks, Pattern, Catherine II, Russia, 1796

One (1) 10 kopek coin, pattern, Catherine IIRussia, 1796Obverse Image: Crowned initals. Ten dots.Obverse Text: E IIReverse Image: N/AReverse Text: 10 / ДЕСЯТЬ / КОПЂЕКЬ / 1796
Description (Brief)
One (1) 10 kopek coin, pattern, Catherine II
Russia, 1796
Obverse Image: Crowned initals. Ten dots.
Obverse Text: E II
Reverse Image: N/A
Reverse Text: 10 / ДЕСЯТЬ / КОПЂЕКЬ / 1796
date made
1796
ruler
Catherine the Great
ID Number
NU.NU83528
catalog number
NU83528
accession number
257688
collector/donor number
GM 665

1 Denga, Catherine II, Russia, 1763

One (1) denga coin, Catherine IIRussia, 1763Obverse Image: Monogram within wreath.Obverse Text: ЕϨII / 1763Reverse Image: Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon below.Reverse Text: ДЕНГА / ПМMinted in Russia in 1763, this denga was issued under Catherine II, better known as
Description (Brief)
One (1) denga coin, Catherine II
Russia, 1763
Obverse Image: Monogram within wreath.
Obverse Text: ЕϨII / 1763
Reverse Image: Saint George on horseback slaying the dragon below.
Reverse Text: ДЕНГА / ПМ
Description
Minted in Russia in 1763, this denga was issued under Catherine II, better known as Catherine the Great. Born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst-Dornburg, she changed her name to Ekaterina (Catherine) upon marrying Peter III on August 21, 1745. She went on to become Russia's longest ruling female leader ascending the throne in 1762, after Peter III's death, and ruling until 1796.
date made
1763
ruler
Catherine the Great
ID Number
NU.NU69995
catalog number
NU69995
accession number
245705

1/2 Poltina, Catherine II, Russia, 1790

One (1) 1/2 poltina coin, Catherine IIRussia, 1790Obverse Image: Bust of Catherine II facing right.
Description (Brief)
One (1) 1/2 poltina coin, Catherine II
Russia, 1790
Obverse Image: Bust of Catherine II facing right. Counterstamp.
Obverse Text: БМЕКАТНРИНА / I I / IMП / ИОАМОДВСКРОСС / СПБ
Reverse Image: Double-headed eagle wearing a crown, wings outspread, holding orb and scepter in claws.
Reverse Text: 1790 / ПОАᴕПОЛТИННИКЬ / Я / A
date made
1790
counterstamp
1783
date made
1783
ruler
Catherine the Great
ID Number
NU.NU77761
catalog number
NU77761
accession number
252180
collector/donor number
GM 551

1 Ruble, Pattern, Alexander I, Russia, 1801

One (1) ruble coin, pattern, Alexander IRussia, 1801Obverse Image: Portrait of Alexander I.Obverse Text: Б / M / AЛЕKCAHДPБI / ИMП / ИCAMOД / BCEPOCC / CПБ [Alexander the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia / SPB]Reverse Image: Center the Russian coat-of-arms, a double-headed eagl
Description (Brief)
One (1) ruble coin, pattern, Alexander I
Russia, 1801
Obverse Image: Portrait of Alexander I.
Obverse Text: Б / M / AЛЕKCAHДPБI / ИMП / ИCAMOД / BCEPOCC / CПБ [Alexander the Emperor and Autocrat of all Russia / SPB]
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: 1801 / MOHETA / РУБЛЬ [1801 / ruble coin]
Description
This pattern ruble was minted in Russia in 1801 during the reign of Alexander I. Alexander I reigned from 1801 until his death in 1825. He ruled during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) during which time Russia acquired Finland and part of Poland.
date made
1801
head of government
Alexander I Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.NU83663.3
catalog number
NU83663.3
accession number
257688

5 Kopeks, Peter III, Russia, 1762

One (1) 5 kopek coin, Peter IIIRussia, 1762Obverse Image: Crowned inital in center, decorative border around.Obverse Text: P / 3Reverse Image: Crown over text.Reverse Text: ПЯТЬ / КОПЂЕКЪ / 1762
Description (Brief)
One (1) 5 kopek coin, Peter III
Russia, 1762
Obverse Image: Crowned inital in center, decorative border around.
Obverse Text: P / 3
Reverse Image: Crown over text.
Reverse Text: ПЯТЬ / КОПЂЕКЪ / 1762
date made
1762
ruler
Peter III Emperor of Russia
ID Number
NU.NU69963
catalog number
NU69963
accession number
245705

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

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 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

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.